Wizkid at 34: 10 things to know about Nigeria’s music star
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has become a global icon in the music industry, particularly in the Afrobeats genre. As he celebrates his 34th birthday today, July 16, we take a closer look at his life.
From his humble beginnings in Surulere, Lagos, to topping international charts and winning prestigious awards, Wizkid’s influence extends far beyond music. Here are ten key things you should know about Nigeria’s music star.
1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, Wizkid started his musical journey at the age of 11 with a group called The Glorious Five. Initially, he went by the stage name “Lil Prinz” before adopting “Wizkid.”
2. Breakthrough Single: His career took off in 2010 with the hit single “Holla at Your Boy,” part of his debut album, *Superstar*. This song brought him significant recognition under Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label.
3. International Fame with Drake: Wizkid gained global attention in 2016 with his feature on Drake’s hit “One Dance,” which topped charts in 15 countries and broke numerous streaming records.
4. Grammy Award: He won a Grammy for Best Music Video for his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” from The Lion King: The Gift album.
5. Billboard Records: Wizkid is the first African artist to receive seven Billboard nominations and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Music Awards. His feature on “One Dance” earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records for the most-streamed song on Spotify at the time.
READ ALSO
Hardship: Apostle Emeka Nkwuda’s open letter to President Tinubu
US election: Five things to know about Trump’s assassination attempt
6. Influence in Afrobeats: Credited with helping to popularize Afrobeats internationally, Wizkid founded his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has signed several successful artists.
7. Fashion Icon: Known for his unique style, Wizkid has modeled for Dolce & Gabbana and partnered with Nike for an exclusive Starboy jersey. He has also collaborated with Louis Vuitton. He blends modern streetwear with traditional Nigerian fashion.
8. Recent Projects: Ahead of his collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Wizkid announced his upcoming album, Morayo, which is a tribute to his mother. His fourth studio album, Made in Lagos, broke several streaming records and received critical acclaim. The single “Essence” from the album became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
9. Official Recognition: October 6th is officially recognized as “Wizkid Day” in Minnesota, USA, honoring his cultural impact and contributions to music.
10. Global Influence and Legacy: Beyond his musical achievements, Wizkid is known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in education and healthcare in Nigeria. He continues to influence many younger artists in the Afrobeats genre and maintains a massive global fan base, often referred to as “Wizkid FC.”