Wizkid's Biography
Who is Wizkid?
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is one of Nigeria's most successful and internationally recognized artists. Born on July 16, 1990, in Lagos State, Nigeria, Wizkid has become a leading figure in the Afrobeat genre, blending R&B, reggae, and pop into his distinct sound. His journey from local stardom to global prominence is marked by significant milestones, from his early music days to groundbreaking international collaborations.
Early Beginnings
Wizkid's love for music began at the age of 11, when he formed a group with friends from his church called Glorious Five. Together, they recorded an album in 2001, which sold 10,000 copies. At that time, he was known as Lil Prinz, a name he would later change in 2006 to Wizkid as he pursued a more serious music career. By 15, he was writing songs and receiving guidance from Nigerian pop stars like Naeto C. His first significant recording experience came under the mentorship of the legendary producer OJB Jezreel, who helped hone his sound.
Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom
Wizkid first broke into the Nigerian music scene in 2010 with the release of his hit single, Holla at Your Boy, which appeared on his debut album Superstar (2011). The album was released under Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), led by Banky W, and it quickly gained critical and public acclaim across Africa. His blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and dancehall made him a household name, catapulting him to stardom in Nigeria and establishing him as a force in African music.
His sophomore album, Ayo (2014), solidified his position as one of Nigeria's leading artists. The hit song Ojuelegba, which detailed his humble beginnings in Lagos, became a cultural anthem. A remix featuring Canadian rapper Drake and British rapper Skepta further propelled Wizkid into the global spotlight.
Leaving EME
In 2013, Wizkid removed EME/Konvict as his label contact on Twitter and replaced it with Tinie Tempah’s disturbing London management, sparking rumors that he had left EME. In 2014, his sophomore album Ayo (Joy) was released and that was his last album on EME.
After leaving EME, Wizkid gained a lot of success as Drake and Skepta unexpectedly jumped on an unreleased remix of Ojuelegba. A year later in 2016 Wizkid got featured on Drake’s One Dance, a song that became the most streamed song in 2016 on Spotify.
Starboy Label and other Business Deals
Late in 2014 after exiting EME, Wizkid established his own label Starboy Records and the first song released was Caro featuring Wizkid and L.A.X who was the first signed artist on Starboy. Caro was recorded and shot in the United Kingdom. Wizkid subsequently signed Terri to Starboy in 2018.
Wizkid has partnered with Nike, Puma and endorsed many other brands and has been able to increase his net worth via his label, endorsements and world tours. In 2018, Ayodeji Balogun joined stars like P.Diddy and Cassper Nyovest to become a brand ambassador for the spirit brand, Ciroc.
International Breakthrough and Global Success
Wizkid’s major international breakthrough came in 2016 when he collaborated with Drake on the global hit One Dance. The song reached number one in 15 countries, including the U.S., and opened doors for Wizkid on the international stage. This success led to a multi-album deal with RCA Records and Sony Music, which released his third studio album, Sounds from the Other Side (2017). With a Caribbean influence, the album featured collaborations with global stars like Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Drake.
The following years saw Wizkid collaborate on some of the biggest projects in music, including his contribution to Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift album on the track Brown Skin Girl, which earned widespread acclaim. His fourth album, Made in Lagos (2020), is considered one of his best works to date, featuring hit singles like Essence with Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was later remixed with Justin Bieber and earned a Grammy nomination, further cementing Wizkid’s position as a global music icon.
Recent Projects and Legacy
Wizkid followed the success of Made in Lagos with his fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego (2022), continuing his trend of releasing critically acclaimed projects. The album featured collaborations with artists like Skepta, Ayra Starr, and Shenseea, blending his signature Afrobeat sound with pop and Caribbean influences. Produced primarily by his frequent collaborator P2J, the album gained chart success in Europe and the U.S., hitting number 59 on the Billboard 200.
Over the years, Wizkid has made history as the youngest African artist to be nominated for a Grammy, the first Nigerian artist to win three Billboard awards, and the first African artist to sell out London’s Royal Albert Hall. His contributions to Afrobeat and Nigerian music have been recognised globally, making him a leading figure in pushing African music to the international stage.
Wizkid's Influence Beyond Music
Wizkid’s influence transcends music; he’s also known for his fashion style, blending streetwear with traditional Nigerian attire. In 2015, he revealed to Vogue magazine that Pharrell Williams was one of his fashion inspirations. His star power has even led to political recognition; in Minnesota, USA, Governor Mark Brandt Dayton named a day in his honor. Also, he has an ever-loyal fanbase titled Wizkid FC.
Wizkid Feud with Davido
A feud occurred between Wizkid and Davido’s DMW in 2017 in Dubai in the parking lot of the venue of One Africa Music Fest. There have also been several subliminal tweets from Wizkid towards Davido and vice versa. It appears their feud has currently been resolved as the two artist were seen performing together on same stage at a #WizkidConcert
Wizkid's Unforgettable Hits
Some of Wizkid's most iconic songs that have dominated charts and playlists globally:
- 'Ojuelegba' of Ayo Album
- 'Essence' featuring Tems off Made in Lagos Album
Collaborations and Legacy of Wizkid
Wizkid has collaborated with renowned artists and his lasting impact on the music industry is beyond brilliant. From 2baba, to Tems, Beyonce, Burna boy, and Drake, Reminisce
Global Recognition and Awards
Wizkid's achievements on the international stage cannot be overlooked, from awards to accolades, Grammy Awards and Beyond. Here are some of Wizkid's global triumphs:
Performances and Shows
Ayo has performed in different places and events across the world. Here are some of them:
From his humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming one of the most recognised African artists worldwide, Wizkid's career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and ability to transcend cultural boundaries. His influence continues to grow, and his music remains a beacon of African pride on the global stage.
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