Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is one of the most influential and successful Afrobeats artists in the world. He is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer widely celebrated for pioneering the global recognition of Afrobeats. Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria, Wizkid has become an international superstar whose music has broken boundaries across Africa, Europe, America, and beyond.
Early Life and Background
Wizkid was born into a polygamous family in Surulere, Lagos. His father, Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun, is a Muslim, while his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, was a Christian. Growing up in a religious household influenced his musical journey, as he began singing in his local church choir at a very young age.
Initially known as Lil Prinz, Wizkid formed a music group with his friends, the “Glorious Five,” and recorded a few tracks. His passion for music grew stronger as he drew inspiration from legends like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Bob Marley, as well as American stars such as Usher and R. Kelly.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Education
Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School before furthering his education at Lagos State University (LASU). However, due to his rising interest in music, he dropped out of LASU and later attempted to continue at Lead City University, but he eventually left to focus fully on his music career.
Music Career Journey
Wizkid’s official breakthrough came in 2009 when he signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), owned by Nigerian artist Banky W.
In 2010, Wizkid released his debut single “Holla at Your Boy”, which instantly became a hit and gained him massive recognition in Nigeria. The single was part of his debut studio album “Superstar” (2011), which also featured other popular tracks such as Don’t Dull and Pakurumo. The album earned him several awards, including the Next Rated Award at The Headies in 2011.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Rise to International Fame
Wizkid’s international recognition grew after collaborating with international acts. In 2016, he gained global attention when he worked with Drake on the chart-topping hit “One Dance”, which reached number one in over 15 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
He went on to release his critically acclaimed project “Sounds from the Other Side” (2017), featuring collaborations with top American artists such as Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Major Lazer. This album further cemented his status as a global Afrobeats ambassador.
In 2020, Wizkid released his fourth studio album, “Made in Lagos”, which became one of the most successful African albums globally. The album featured the Grammy-nominated track “Essence” featuring Tems, which was later remixed with Justin Bieber, becoming a worldwide sensation and earning a spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Awards and Achievements
Wizkid has won numerous awards both locally and internationally. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Grammy Award for Best Music Video (with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl, 2021).
- Multiple BET Awards for Best International Act.
- MTV Europe Music Awards, MOBO Awards, and Headies Awards.
- Recognized by Billboard and featured on several international charts.
Wizkid was also the first Nigerian artist to sell out the O2 Arena in London multiple times, proving his dominance as a global Afrobeats superstar.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Personal Life
Wizkid is a father of four children, born to different mothers. While he tends to keep his personal life private, he often shares moments with his children on social media. He is also known for his fashion sense, lifestyle, and influence on pop culture.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Wizkid’s net worth is estimated at over $30 million, making him one of the richest musicians in Africa. His income streams include music sales, live performances, endorsements, and business ventures.
Legacy and Influence
Wizkid is more than just a musician—he is a cultural icon who has helped shape the Afrobeats sound into a global movement. With his consistency, unique sound, and collaborations with international stars, Wizkid continues to be a trailblazer for African music on the world stage.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wizkid
1. What is Wizkid’s real name?
Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
2. When was Wizkid born?
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
3. How did Wizkid become famous?
Wizkid became famous after releasing his hit single “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010 under Banky W’s E.M.E record label.
4. What was Wizkid’s first album?
Wizkid’s debut album is “Superstar” (2011), which contained hit tracks like Pakurumo, Don’t Dull, and Holla at Your Boy.
5. Which song made Wizkid internationally recognized?
His collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” (2016) gave him worldwide recognition, topping charts in several countries.
6. Does Wizkid have a Grammy Award?
Yes, Wizkid won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl in 2021.
7. What is Wizkid’s most successful song?
Wizkid’s song “Essence” featuring Tems (2020) is regarded as his most successful single globally, breaking records and gaining Grammy recognition.
8. How many children does Wizkid have?
Wizkid has four children with different mothers.
9. What is Wizkid’s net worth in 2025?
Wizkid’s estimated net worth in 2025 is over $30 million, making him one of Africa’s richest artists.
10. Is Wizkid signed to any record label?
Wizkid is currently signed under his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, which he founded in 2013.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Wizkid Discography: Albums, EPs, Hit Singles, and Collaborations
Wizkid’s music journey spans over a decade, and he has released multiple studio albums, EPs, and singles that shaped the Afrobeats sound globally. Below is a detailed breakdown of Wizkid’s discography:
Studio Albums
1.
Superstar (2011)
Wizkid’s debut studio album under Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) established him as one of Nigeria’s brightest young stars.
- Popular songs: Holla at Your Boy, Pakurumo, Tease Me, Don’t Dull.
- Awards: The album won him the Next Rated Award at The Headies (2011).
2.
Ayo (2014)
His sophomore album, also called Joy, showed his growth as an artist. Released under Starboy Entertainment and E.M.E.
- Popular songs: Ojuelegba, Jaiye Jaiye (featuring Femi Kuti), Bombay, In My Bed.
- Ojuelegba became a global anthem and caught the attention of Drake and Skepta, who later remixed it.
3.
Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
Wizkid’s first international album, blending Afrobeats with Caribbean, R&B, and pop influences.
- Popular songs: Come Closer (featuring Drake), Daddy Yo, Naughty Ride (featuring Major Lazer), African Bad Gyal (featuring Chris Brown).
- It was released under RCA Records and became his stepping stone into the U.S. market.
4.
Made in Lagos (2020)
This album became Wizkid’s most successful project to date, earning him global recognition.
- Popular songs: Essence (featuring Tems), Smile (featuring H.E.R.), Ginger (featuring Burna Boy), No Stress.
- Essence was later remixed with Justin Bieber and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
5.
More Love, Less Ego (2022)
This album continued Wizkid’s global dominance with a smooth blend of Afrobeats, amapiano, and R&B.
- Popular songs: Money & Love, 2 Sugar (featuring Ayra Starr), Bad to Me.
- The album was praised for its maturity and global Afrobeats sound.
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Soundman Vol. 1 (2019) – Released under Starboy Entertainment, featuring collaborations with Blaq Jerzee, Chronixx, DJ Tunez, and Kel-P.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Notable Singles and Features
Wizkid has an impressive catalog of singles and collaborations, many of which are international hits. Some of the most popular include:
- One Dance – Drake featuring Wizkid & Kyla (2016)
- Brown Skin Girl – Beyoncé, Wizkid, Blue Ivy & Saint Jhn (2019)
- Soco – Starboy Entertainment featuring Wizkid, Terri, Spotless & Ceeza Milli (2018)
- Joro – Wizkid (2019)
- Call Me Everyday – Chris Brown featuring Wizkid (2022)
Wizkid’s International Collaborations
Wizkid is known for collaborating with global superstars, expanding Afrobeats to the world. Some of his most notable collaborations include:
- Drake – One Dance, Come Closer.
- Beyoncé – Brown Skin Girl.
- Justin Bieber – Essence Remix.
- Chris Brown – African Bad Gyal, Call Me Everyday.
- Skepta – Ojuelegba Remix, Energy (Stay Far Away).
- Tems – Essence.
Wizkid’s Influence in Afrobeats
Wizkid’s discography shows how he has grown from a Nigerian superstar into a global Afrobeats pioneer. His music continues to inspire new-generation artists while opening doors for African sounds on the world stage.
Wizkid Biography: Life, Music Career, and Achievements
Wizkid Career Timeline: Year-by-Year Highlights
2001 – 2009: Early Beginnings
- Wizkid began his music career as a teenager under the stage name Lil Prinz.
- He formed a group called Glorious Five with his church friends and recorded a few songs.
- In 2009, he caught the attention of Banky W and signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), setting the stage for his rise.
2010: Breakthrough Year
- Released his first official single, “Holla at Your Boy”, which became a massive hit in Nigeria.
- The single won him the Next Rated Award at The Headies 2011.
- Gained nationwide recognition as Nigeria’s new Afrobeats sensation.
2011: Superstar Album
- Dropped his debut album “Superstar”, featuring hit tracks like Tease Me, Don’t Dull, and Pakurumo.
- The album cemented Wizkid as one of the fastest-rising stars in Africa.
2012: National Fame & Recognition
- Continued his dominance with multiple award wins in Nigeria.
- Featured on tracks with top Nigerian artists, growing his reputation as a hitmaker.
2013: Starboy Entertainment
- Launched his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, after leaving E.M.E.
- Signed artists such as Maleek Berry, L.A.X, and later Terri.
2014: Second Album – Ayo
- Released “Ayo” (Joy), his second studio album.
- Hit single “Ojuelegba” became an anthem in Nigeria and abroad.
- The song later attracted remixes by Drake and Skepta, giving him international visibility.
2015: International Breakthrough
- Performed with Chris Brown during his world tour.
- Built strong industry connections in the U.S. and U.K. music scenes.
2016: Drake Collaboration
- Featured on Drake’s “One Dance”, which became a global number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song topped charts in over 15 countries, officially making Wizkid a global superstar.
2017: Sounds from the Other Side
- Released his third album, “Sounds from the Other Side”, under RCA Records.
- Featured international stars like Chris Brown, Major Lazer, and Ty Dolla Sign.
- The album expanded Afrobeats into international markets.
2018: Soco & Starboy Movement
- Released the hit single “Soco” featuring Starboy artists Terri, Spotless, and Ceeza Milli.
- The track became a viral anthem across Africa and diaspora communities.
2019: Soundman Vol. 1 (EP)
- Dropped his first EP, Soundman Vol. 1, which showcased collaborations with producers like Blaq Jerzee and Kel-P.
2020: Made in Lagos Era
- Released “Made in Lagos”, his fourth studio album.
- The track “Essence” featuring Tems became a global hit.
- Essence made history as the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
2021: Grammy Recognition
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl.
- Released the Essence remix featuring Justin Bieber, which reached even wider audiences.
- Sold out multiple shows at the O2 Arena in London.
2022: More Love, Less Ego
- Released his fifth album, “More Love, Less Ego”, with songs like Bad to Me, Money & Love, and 2 Sugar (featuring Ayra Starr).
- The album strengthened his global appeal and dominance in Afrobeats.
2023 – Present: Afrobeats Global Icon
- Continued international tours, selling out stadiums across Europe, America, and Africa.
- Collaborated with global stars like Chris Brown, Burna Boy, Skepta, and Tems.
- As of 2025, Wizkid remains one of the most successful and richest African musicians, with a net worth exceeding $30 million.
Wizkid’s Career Legacy
From his humble beginnings in Surulere to becoming a Grammy-winning, Billboard-charting artist, Wizkid has transformed Afrobeats into a worldwide phenomenon. His career timeline shows consistent growth, international influence, and undeniable star power.
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