September 17 marks ten years since Wizkid announced and released his blockbuster track “Ojuelegba,” as well as his sophomore album “Ayo.”
“Ojuelegba” reflects Wizkid’s personal journey: The lyrics narrate a story of struggle and perseverance. Wizkid reflects on his early days in the Ojuelegba neighborhood of Lagos, where he faced challenges while pursuing his music dreams. It serves as a testament to his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom.
The album “Ayo,” created under his former label Empire Mates Entertainment, became a watershed moment in Wizkid’s career, serving as a springboard for the next phase of his life and music. The album, containing 19 tracks filled with hits, is widely regarded as one of the best albums in Nigerian music history and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many people today.
“Ojuelegba” played a vital role in the Afrobeats to the World movement, as the remix featuring Skepta and Drake elevated the song to new heights and paved the way for the genre’s international expansion. Since then, Afrobeats artists have scored numerous international hits, both with and without the influence of foreign acts.
Few albums have had as many hits as “Ayo.” Many consider the album a watershed moment in the genre’s history and growth. Fans and music lovers took to social media to celebrate the album’s tenth anniversary, with streaming giant Spotify launching a campaign to commemorate the occasion.
The album received the Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album of the Year and remained at number one on iTunes for a long time. The record would significantly impact the global exporting of Nigerian mainstream pop music, leading to Wizkid’s feature on Drake’s global mega-hit “One Dance” a year later. This partnership provided Wizkid and Afrobeats with international exposure, setting the genre up for global success.
Apart from “Ojuelegba,” other prominent albums by Wizkid include:
- Superstar (2011): His debut album launched him into stardom, featuring hits like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Tease Me/Bad Guys.”
- Made in Lagos (2020): This album brought him immense global recognition with the hit song “Essence” featuring Tems.
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017): Showcased his versatility with a blend of Afrobeats, Caribbean, and other global sounds.
In honor of its tenth anniversary, music streaming platform Spotify shared a video praising the song “Ojuelegba,” igniting a significant amount of nostalgia among netizens.
