Wizkid

Wizkid, the Nigerian music star, gained global fame with his unique blend of Afrobeats, R’n’B, and dancehall. Collaborations with Drake, Beyonce, and Chris Brown solidified his status as an international music sensation.

World Music Singer

July 16, 1990

Cancer

34

Surulere, Nigeria

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a renowned Afrobeats artist who has made a significant impact on the global music scene. Growing up in a large family with 12 siblings, Wizkid developed a passion for music at a young age, influenced by his father’s love for reggae music. He attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later Lagos State University but dropped out to pursue his music career.

Wizkid began recording music at the age of 11 under the pseudonym “Lil Prinz.” In 2009, he signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) and released his debut studio album, “Superstar,” in 2011. The album featured the hit single “Holla at Your Boy,” which helped establish his presence in the music industry. Wizkid gained international recognition with the release of his second studio album, “Ayo,” in 2014. The album featured the global hit single “Ojuelegba,” which became an anthem across Africa and beyond.

Wizkid’s music is a unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with influences from traditional Nigerian sounds. He is known for his smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and infectious dance rhythms. Wizkid has been credited with popularizing Afrobeats on a global scale and inspiring a new generation of African artists. His collaborations with international artists such as Drake, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign have further solidified his global appeal.

Throughout his career, Wizkid has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and MOBO Awards. In 2016, he became the first African artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl.” Wizkid has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Drake, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z.

Despite his fame, Wizkid is known for his private nature and rarely discusses his personal life publicly. He has three sons from previous relationships and is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes such as education and healthcare initiatives in Africa.

Wizkid is also a fashion icon known for his stylish sense of dress. He founded his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, in 2013. In 2018, he became the first African artist to sell out London’s Royal Albert Hall. In 2022, Wizkid released his fifth studio album, “More Love, Less Ego,” which debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, making him the first Nigerian artist to achieve this feat.

Wizkid continues to be a dominant force in the music industry, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and inspiring millions of fans worldwide. With chart-topping hits like “One Dance,” “Essence,” and “Ojuelegba,” Wizkid has solidified his status as a global music sensation.