Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained international recognition for his music, particularly in the Afrobeats genre.
He’s known for hits like “Ojuelegba,” “Fever,” and “Essence.”
Early life
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family and began singing at a young age. His musical talent was evident early on, and he joined a local church choir.
Career
Wizkid’s career took off in the early 2000s when he signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). He gained prominence with his debut single “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010, which became a hit in Nigeria. His debut album, “Superstar,” released in 2011, solidified his status as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
Since then, Wizkid has released several successful albums, including “Ayo” (2014) and “Sounds from the Other Side” (2017).
Wizkid’s international recognition skyrocketed after his collaboration with Drake on the hit single “One Dance” in 2016. The song topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, making Wizkid the first Nigerian artist to achieve this feat. This collaboration introduced him to a broader audience and solidified his status as a global music star.
Following “One Dance,” Wizkid continued to gain international acclaim with collaborations with other international artists such as Chris Brown, Major Lazer, and Beyoncé. His solo hits like “Come Closer” featuring Drake and “Soco” further propelled his status on the global stage.
Wizkid’s influence extends beyond his music; he’s become a cultural icon, representing the vibrant sound of Afrobeats to audiences worldwide. His success has opened doors for other Nigerian and African artists to gain recognition on the global music scene.
Personal life
Wizkid tends to keep his personal life relatively private, but some details are known. He has three sons from different relationships. His first son, Boluwatife, was born in 2011, his second son, Ayodeji Jr., was born in 2016, and his third son, Zion, was born in 2017.
Wizkid’s relationships have been subject to media speculation, but he generally keeps details about his romantic life out of the public eye. He’s known for his close relationship with his family, and he often shares moments with his children on social media.
Influence
Wizkid’s influence extends far beyond his music. He’s played a pivotal role in popularizing Afrobeats music globally, helping to bring African sounds to the forefront of the international music scene. His unique blend of Afro-pop, dancehall, and R&B has inspired countless artists both within Africa and around the world.
Moreover, Wizkid’s success has opened doors for other Nigerian and African artists to gain recognition on the global stage. He’s paved the way for a new generation of African musicians to showcase their talents and stories to the world.
Wizkid’s impact also extends to fashion and culture. He’s known for his distinct style and has become a fashion icon, influencing trends both in Nigeria and beyond. His collaborations with international brands and designers have further solidified his influence in the fashion world.
Overall, Wizkid’s influence spans music, fashion, culture, and beyond, making him one of the most significant and influential figures in contemporary African entertainment.
Friendly rivalry with Davido
The rivalry between Wizkid and Davido is well-known in the Nigerian music industry. It’s often seen as a friendly competition between two of the country’s biggest music stars rather than a bitter feud. Both artists have achieved immense success in their own right, and their rivalry has fueled healthy competition that has pushed them to excel further in their careers.
The rivalry between Wizkid and Davido has been largely fueled by their fans, who often debate over who is the better artist or who has achieved greater success. This rivalry has led to some friendly banter between the artists themselves and occasional subtle jabs in their music and social media posts.
Despite the rivalry, Wizkid and Davido have collaborated on music projects in the past, demonstrating mutual respect for each other’s talents. Ultimately, their rivalry has contributed to the growth and dynamism of the Nigerian music industry, with both artists playing significant roles in its evolution and global recognition.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 30 million dollars