Early Life and Background

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a middle-class household as the youngest child of a large family with twelve sisters. His father practiced Islam, while his mother was a Christian, offering him a diverse upbringing.

Wizkid developed a passion for music early in life, singing in his local church choir and forming a gospel music group called The Glorious Five with his friends. The group released an album before disbanding. As a teenager, he drew inspiration from legendary artists like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley, which helped shape his style.

He attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later briefly studied at Lagos State University (LASU) and Lead City University, both of which he left to focus on his music career.

Early Music Career (2009-2010)

Wizkid’s music career began professionally in 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), co-founded by Nigerian music executive Banky W. Under EME, Wizkid worked on his debut album, Superstar.

His breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of the single “Holla at Your Boy”, which became a massive hit across Nigeria. The song earned him multiple awards and nominations, including the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. Other singles from Superstar included “Tease Me/Bad Guys” and “Don’t Dull”, further solidifying his position as a rising star in Africa.

Rise to Prominence (2011-2015)

Between 2011 and 2015, Wizkid grew into one of Africa’s most influential artists. He released hit singles such as:

• “Love My Baby”
• “Pakurumo”
• “Ojuelegba”

The release of his sophomore album, Ayo (2014), marked a significant milestone in his career. The album included the smash hit “Ojuelegba”, which told the story of his struggles growing up in Lagos. The song gained international attention, earning a remix featuring Drake and Skepta in 2015.

During this period, Wizkid began collaborating with international artists like Akon, Tyga, and Chris Brown, increasing his visibility beyond Africa.

International Breakthrough (2016-2018)

Wizkid achieved global fame in 2016 when he collaborated with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance”. The song became a global hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining there for ten non-consecutive weeks. “One Dance” became one of the most-streamed songs in history, solidifying Wizkid’s position as an international star.

In 2017, he signed a record deal with RCA Records and Sony Music. That same year, he released his third studio album, Sounds from the Other Side, which blended Afrobeats with international sounds. The album featured collaborations with artists like Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Major Lazer, with notable tracks like “Come Closer” featuring Drake.

Dominating the Global Stage (2019-2022)

Wizkid’s fourth studio album, Made in Lagos, released in October 2020, was a landmark moment in his career. The album received widespread acclaim and was streamed over 1 billion times across platforms.

The standout track “Essence”, featuring Tems, became a global sensation, earning a remix with Justin Bieber in 2021. “Essence” was the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at #9, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance.

In 2022, Wizkid followed up with his fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego, which featured collaborations with artists like Skepta, Ayra Starr, and Don Toliver, further showcasing his evolving sound.

Awards and Achievements

Wizkid is one of the most awarded artists in Africa, having won over 80 awards from more than 230 nominations, including:

• Grammy Award for Best Music Video (2021) for Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”
• BET Awards for Best International Act (2012, 2017)
• MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act (2016)
• NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration (“Brown Skin Girl”)
• MOBO Awards for Best International Act (2021)
• Multiple Headies Awards, including Next Rated (2011)

Personal Life

Wizkid has three children from different relationships. He has often kept his personal life private but occasionally shares glimpses of his family on social media. Despite the controversies surrounding his relationships, he remains devoted to his children.

Discography

Studio Albums:

1. Superstar (2011)
2. Ayo (2014)
3. Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
4. Made in Lagos (2020)
5. More Love, Less Ego (2022)

Notable Singles:

• “Holla at Your Boy”
• “Ojuelegba”
• “Come Closer” (ft. Drake)
• “Essence” (ft. Tems)
• “Fever”
• “Joro”

Legacy and Influence

Wizkid is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Afrobeats, playing a central role in popularizing the genre on a global scale. He has influenced a new generation of African artists and continues to inspire millions worldwide with his music and cultural impact.

Wizkid’s ability to merge traditional African sounds with contemporary pop and R&B has made him a global ambassador for African music, earning him the nickname “Starboy” and securing his place as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.