Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, was born in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in the bustling neighborhood of Surulere, Wizkid was exposed to the vibrant music scene that would later shape his unique sound and influence the evolution of Afrobeats globally. He has since grown into one of Africa’s biggest music exports, taking a sound that was once locally celebrated and turning it into a global phenomenon.
Wizkid's musical journey began at a young age when he formed a music group called "19 Boyz" with some friends. He was known as Lil Prinz in his earlier days. He grew up in the neighborhood of Surulere, known for its vibrant energy and eclectic mix of cultural influences. Raised in a religious household, music was a natural part of his upbringing, but he was primarily exposed to gospel music. He would later cite artists like King Sunny Ade and Fela Kuti as key influences that shaped his sound.
After signing with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) record label in 2009, he released his debut album, Superstar, in 2011. But before that, his debut single, Holla at Your Boy, was a big moment in Nigerian music. His Superstar album featured Holla at Your Boy and other hit singles like Tease Me and Love My Baby, which became anthems in the Nigerian music scene and earned Wizkid the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011.
Wizkid's breakthrough on the international stage came through collaborations with artists like Drake, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign. This was after the release of Ojuelegba, a heartfelt ode to his roots and struggles in Lagos. The song resonated beyond Africa, catching the attention of those stars. When Drake hopped on the remix of Ojuelegba, it marked the beginning of Wizkid’s crossover into mainstream global music.
The release of One Dance in 2016, a collaboration with Drake, catapulted Wizkid into a different stratosphere. The track topped charts worldwide and became one of the most-streamed songs on Spotify, earning Wizkid international acclaim. More collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé (Brown Skin Girl), Chris Brown, and Major Lazer followed, further cementing his status as a global icon.
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In 2017, he released his critically acclaimed album Sounds from the Other Side, which featured chart-topping singles such as Daddy Yo and Come Closer.
In 2020, Wizkid dropped Made in Lagos, an album that not only showcased his maturity as an artist but also pushed Afrobeats deeper into global consciousness. Songs like Essence featuring Tems became anthems, transcending cultural and geographic boundaries. Essence was particularly significant, it became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and was dubbed the "song of the summer" in 2021 by fans and critics alike.
Wizkid's contributions to the evolution of Afrobeats are undeniable. His contribution to Afrobeats has earned him numerous awards, including a Grammy for his feature on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. He’s broken several records, becoming the first African artist to sell out London’s O2 Arena multiple times and performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.
Wizkid's enduring legacy and impact on the music industry have solidified his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation. It has not only elevated the profile of Nigerian music but has also showcased the richness and diversity of African culture to the world
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