Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is more than just a Nigerian music sensation; he is a global phenomenon whose influence has reshaped Afrobeats and elevated African music to the world stage.
From his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to headlining sold-out stadiums worldwide, Wizkid’s journey is the story of talent, perseverance, and cultural impact.
Early life and beginnings
Born on July 16, 1990, in Lagos, Wizkid grew up in a large family with three wives and twelve sisters. Music became his refuge early on, as he sang in church and honed his skills under the stage name Lil Prinz.
Influenced by African legends like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, as well as global icons like Bob Marley, Wizkid developed a unique sound that blended African rhythms with contemporary styles.
His professional breakthrough came in 2009 when he joined Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), owned by Banky W.
His debut single, “Holla at Your Boy” (2010), was an instant hit, making him a household name in Nigeria. His first album, Superstar (2011), solidified his position as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
From Local Star to Global Sensation
After leaving E.M.E. in 2013, Wizkid launched his own label, Starboy Entertainment, signalling his ambition to reach beyond Nigeria.
His 2014 album Ayo included the critically acclaimed single “Ojuelegba,” which caught the attention of international artists Drake and Skepta. Their remix helped introduce Wizkid to audiences worldwide, marking the beginning of his global ascent.
His first major international breakthrough came through his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” (2016), a record-breaking hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks and became one of the most-streamed songs in Spotify history.
This cemented Wizkid’s status as a global star and opened doors for collaborations with other international icons, including Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign.
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Landmark albums and chart-topping hits
Wizkid has released multiple albums that shaped his legendary career:
- Superstar (2011) – Established him in Nigeria.
- Ayo (2014) – Featured “Ojuelegba,” his first global hit.
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017) – His first international crossover album.
- Made in Lagos (2020) – Widely regarded as his magnum opus, featuring the global hit “Essence” with Tems, the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.
- More Love, Less Ego (2022) – Continued his Afrofusion evolution, blending soul, R&B, and Afrobeat seamlessly.
- Morayo (2024) – His recent studio album that pays tribute to his late Mother.
Awards, Achievements, and Records
Wizkid’s career is defined by groundbreaking achievements:
- Grammy Award Winner for Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” (2021).
- Multiple BET, MOBO, MTV EMA, and Headies awards.
- First Nigerian artist to headline and sell out O2 Arena in London, as well as major venues like Madison Square Garden and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Collaborations with global superstars have helped Afrobeats penetrate mainstream Western music.
Career-Breaking Records by Wizkid
- First Nigerian Artist on Billboard Hot 100 (Top 10)
- Wizkid made history with One Dance alongside Drake in 2016, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks.
- First Nigerian Artist to Win a Grammy as Lead Artist
- His song Brown Skin Girl with Beyoncé (2021) won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video, making him the first Nigerian lead artist to win.
- Most Streamed Afrobeats Album Globally
- Made in Lagos has surpassed 1 billion streams across platforms, becoming one of the most-streamed African albums ever.
- Longest-Charting Nigerian Album on Billboard World Albums Chart
- Made in Lagos spent over 100 weeks on Billboard World Albums, a record for any Nigerian album.
- First African to Sell Out London’s O2 Arena (Multiple Times)
- Wizkid has sold out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London multiple times, often in minutes (once in 12 minutes).
- First Nigerian to Earn RIAA Gold & Platinum Certifications
- Songs like Come Closer (ft. Drake), Essence (ft. Tems), and One Dance have received Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum plaques in the U.S.
- Essence – First Afrobeats Song to Chart on Billboard Hot 100
- Essence (2021) became the first Nigerian song to break into the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and later reached the Top 10 after Justin Bieber jumped on the remix.
- First African Headliner at Major Global Festivals
- Wizkid became the first African artist to headline Rolling Loud, Wireless Festival, and Broccoli City Festival in the U.S.
- Youngest African Artist Signed to an International Label
- In 2016, he signed with RCA/Sony at age 26, opening the doors for Afrobeats stars globally.
- Guinness World Record Holder
- Wizkid holds a Guinness World Record for being the artist with the most-streamed song on Spotify in one year (2016), thanks to One Dance.
- Most Awarded African Artist Internationally
- With over 100 awards worldwide, Wizkid is among the most awarded African musicians ever.
- First Nigerian Artist to Perform at the Royal Albert Hall
- In 2017, Wizkid sold out the Royal Albert Hall in London, cementing his UK dominance.
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Cultural influence and legacy
Wizkid’s influence extends beyond music. He has become a style icon, known for blending African street fashion with global luxury brands.
Through Starboy Entertainment, he has nurtured new talent and inspired a generation of African artists to aim for global success. His music reflects African culture while appealing to international audiences, making him both a cultural ambassador and a trailblazer.
Why Wizkid is a legend
Wizkid is a legend because he broke barriers for African artists, redefined Afrobeats on a global scale, and maintained relevance for over a decade.
His ability to consistently deliver chart-topping music, sell out international arenas, and influence culture worldwide is unmatched. More than just a star, Wizkid represents the power, creativity, and resilience of African music on the world stage.
