Wizkid

Full Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
● Stage Name: Wizkid (formerly known as Lil Prinz)
● Born: July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
● Genre: Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, and Dancehall
● Label: Starboy Entertainment (his label)
● Nickname: Big Wiz, Starboy

Early Life and Career
● Wizkid grew up in a polygamous family with 12 siblings. His love for music began at a young age, and he formed a group called Glorious Five with his church friends at 11.
● He gained early recognition in 2010 with his debut single “Holla at Your Boy”, which was part of his debut album, “Superstar” (2011). The album also featured hits like “Tease Me”, “Don’t Dull”, and “Pakurumo”, establishing him as a rising star in Nigeria.

Breakthrough and Rise to Global Fame
● Wizkid’s international breakthrough came in 2016 when he collaborated with Drake on the global hit “One Dance”, which topped charts in over 15 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100.
● In 2017, he released his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side”, which featured collaborations with international artists like Drake, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Major Lazer.
● His 2020 album, “Made in Lagos”, received critical acclaim and global success. It included hits like “Essence” (featuring Tems), “Ginger” (featuring Burna Boy), and “No Stress”.
● “Essence” became a global phenomenon, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Wizkid his first Grammy nomination.
● He recently released a new album titled “Morayo” in
Musical Style and Influence
● Wizkid’s music blends Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, and dancehall, creating a unique sound that appeals to both African and global audiences.
● He is heavily influenced by Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Bob Marley.
● His lyrics often explore themes of love, success, and African pride.

Major Achievements
● Grammy Awards:
○ Winner: Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” (with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, and Saint Jhn, 2021)
○ Nominee: Best Global Music Performance for “Essence” (2022)
● MTV Europe Music Awards: Best African Act (2016)
● BET Awards: Best International Act (2012, 2017)
● MOBO Awards: Best African Act (2011, 2016)
● Headlined Major Festivals: Coachella (2022), Afro Nation, and more.
● Streaming Records: Wizkid is one of the most streamed African artists globally, with billions of streams across platforms.

Notable Songs
● “Holla at Your Boy” (2010)
● “Ojuelegba” (2014)
● “Come Closer” (feat. Drake, 2017)
● “Fever” (2018)
● “Joro” (2019)
● “Essence” (feat. Tems, 2020)
● “Ginger” (feat. Burna Boy, 2020)
● “Mood” (feat. Buju, 2021)
● “Bad To Me” (2022)
● “Kese” (2025)

Global Impact
● Wizkid has played a pivotal role in popularizing Afrobeats on the global stage.
● He has collaborated with international artists like Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Skepta, and Justin Bieber.
● His performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London (2018) made him the first Afrobeats artist to headline the venue.

Starboy Entertainment
● In 2013, Wizkid founded his record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has signed and nurtured talents like Terri, L.A.X, and DJ Tunez.
● The label has become a powerhouse in the Afrobeats industry, contributing to the growth of African music globally.

Activism and Philanthropy
● Wizkid is known for his philanthropic efforts, including donations to schools and orphanages in Nigeria.
● He has also supported causes like education and healthcare in Africa.

Controversies
● Wizkid has been involved in several controversies, including public feuds with other artists like Davido, Burnaboy, and Mr Eazi.
● He has also faced criticism for his outspoken nature and comments on social media.

Personal Life
● Wizkid has three sons: Boluwatife, Ayo Jr., and Zion.
● He is known for keeping his personal life private, though he occasionally shares glimpses of his family on social media.

Recent Updates (2023)
● Wizkid released his fifth studio album, “More Love, Less Ego”, in November 2022. The album features collaborations with Skepta, Ayra Starr, and Naira Marley.
● He continues to tour globally, selling out arenas and headlining major festivals.
● In 2023, he became the first African artist to headline the Royal Albert Hall for the second time.

Legacy
● Wizkid is widely regarded as one of the most influential African artists of his generation.
● He has redefined Afrobeats and brought African music to the forefront of the global music industry.
● His success has inspired a new wave of African artists to aim for international recognition.