Grass to Grace series(37): Wizkid’s rise from the slums of Ojuelegba to World-Class Star

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is one of the most sensational voices in both the African and Nigerian music industries. As a leading voice in the Afrobeats movement, Wizkid’s music is a blend of Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and other genres. He has mastered the art of combining different musical elements to create soul-arresting beats.

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Early Life

Born on July 16, 1990, he was raised in a polygamous and interfaith household in Ojuelegba, a suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. His mother was Christian while his father was Muslim.

The African Starboy attended primary and secondary school but did not graduate from university. Wizkid, the international star is  “a school dropout,” but that didn’t deter him to move from nothing to something. He grew up in Lagos, one of the city’s most vibrant areas, but wasn’t privileged to be born with a silver spoon. Life was indeed tough for him.

Music Career

Wizkid began his musical career early, drawing inspiration from legends like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. He started recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with a group he formed with friends from church, called the Glorious Five. Wizkid frequented OJB’s Point Beat Studios in Surulere, where many major artists recorded their songs. At the studio, he connected with musicians like 2Baba (formerly 2 Face Idibia) and Sound Sultan. He cited Naeto C as an early mentor when he was 15. Eventually, Jezreel, a record producer at the studio, prevented him from recording for a year. Wizkid spent that time waiting outside the studio, hoping for a chance, which finally arrived. He seized the opportunity and proved his talent.

In 2009, shortly after dropping his initial stage name, Lil Prinz, which he used until 2006, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment. He co-wrote “Omoge You Too Much,” from Banky W’s album The W Experience, and worked with various artists, including M.I., while honing his craft.

Rise to Stardom

His rise to stardom stemmed from a deep desire for success. Like many others, he faced challenges on his journey. Success did not come easily; it required relentless effort and determination.

Wizkid began recording his debut album, Superstar, in 2009. The lead single, “Holla at Your Boy,” was released in 2010 and earned him a nomination for Best Pop Single and the Next Rated Award at The Headies in 2011. This marked the beginning of his rise to stardom, leading to numerous awards, nominations, and recognition.

Awards and Recognition

Wizkid is the first African musician to receive seven Billboard nominations, the youngest African to earn a Grammy nomination, and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Music Awards. The Billboard Music Awards is an annual awards show that recognises top-performing artists based on sales, radio airplay, streaming, and social interactions.

In 2012, Wizkid toured London and performed at the HMV Apollo. Between 2012 and 2014, he recorded his second studio album, Ayo. In February 2014, he became the first Nigerian musician to reach over one million followers on X (formerly Twitter). In 2018, he became the first Afrobeat artist featured in the Guinness World Records for his contribution to the song “One Dance.” His single “Soco” became his first Afrobeat track to receive a Gold certification in Canada in mid-2019. Wizkid has also collaborated with numerous American artists, including Drake and Beyoncé.

Starboy the great

Despite the challenges he faced growing up in an interfaith and polygamous household, along with the early struggles as a child musician, he remained committed to his dreams. Wizkid maintained focus and dedication to his passion and hard work. Even after achieving great success, he continues doing what brought him to the top. With a total of 107 nominations, he has won many awards and is regarded as a national treasure in Nigeria.

Discography

Holla at Your Boy (2010)
Ayo (2014)

Sounds from the Other Side (2017)

Made in Lagos (2020)

More Love, Less Ego (2022)

Morayo (2024)