Biography
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in a large interfaith household with twelve siblings, Wizkid was exposed to a rich musical environment, drawing inspiration from legends like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and King Sunny Ade. He began singing at the age of 11, initially performing under the stage name 'Li’l Prince' and later forming a group called the Glorious Five with church friends. Despite initial resistance from his family, Wizkid’s passion for music led him to pursue his craft relentlessly, eventually signing with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. His debut album, 'Superstar' (2011), marked his breakthrough, featuring hits like 'Holla at Your Boy' and earning him the Headies’ 'Next Rated Award.'
Wizkid’s musical style blends afrobeats, afrobeat, afropop, azonto, afroswing, afro R&B, and afropiano, making him a defining figure in the global rise of African pop music. His collaborations with international stars such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Major Lazer have brought afrobeats to mainstream audiences worldwide. Albums like 'Made in Lagos' and singles such as 'Essence' and 'Brown Skin Girl' have cemented his legacy as a pioneer of contemporary African music, earning him multiple awards and accolades, including a Grammy for Best Music Video.
Wizkid’s journey from a determined teenager sleeping outside recording studios to a global superstar reflects his perseverance and talent. He is recognized as the first African musician to score seven Billboard nominations, the youngest African to receive a Grammy nomination, and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Music Awards. His influence extends beyond music, shaping the sound and direction of a new generation of African artists.
Fun Facts
- Wizkid changed his stage name from 'Li’l Prince' to 'Wizkid' in 2006.
- He slept outside recording studios in Surulere for a long time to get noticed and eventually got his break after persistent effort.
- Wizkid is the first African musician to score seven Billboard nominations and the youngest African to receive a Grammy nomination.
- He grew up in a household with twelve siblings and his father had three wives.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- OJB Jezreel - Producer who helped Wizkid at the beginning of his music career (Early recordings and debut album) [2001–2011]
- Banky W - Signed Wizkid to Empire Mates Entertainment and mentored him early in his career (Superstar (2011)) [2009–2011]
- 2 Face Idibia - Early mentor and inspiration, Wizkid hung around him and other legends to learn (General mentorship and guidance) [2000s]
- Sound Sultan - Early mentor and inspiration, Wizkid cited him as a source of inspiration (General mentorship and guidance) [2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Drake - Featured on the global hit 'One Dance' (One Dance) [2016]
- Beyoncé - Collaborated on 'Brown Skin Girl' and other tracks (Brown Skin Girl) [2019–2020]
- Major Lazer - Collaborated on 'Ojuelegba Remix' (Ojuelegba Remix) [2015]
- Naeto C - Early collaborator and mentor (General collaborations and mentorship) [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Burna Boy - Cited Wizkid as an influence in the rise of afrobeats (General influence on afrobeats movement) [2010s–present]
- Davido - Cited Wizkid as an influence in the Nigerian music scene (General influence on afrobeats movement) [2010s–present]
- Tems - Collaborated with Wizkid and cited him as an influence (Essence) [2020–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Olamidé | 2025-06-18 | Album |
| Morayo | 2024-11-22 | Album |
| Peace Is The Mission : Extended | 2015-11-27 | Album |
| Made In Lagos | 2020-10-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- One Dance (Views)
- Essence (feat. Tems) (Made In Lagos)
- MMS (Lungu Boy)
- Billionaires Club (Olamidé)
- Kese (Dance) (Morayo)
- Bad Girl (feat. Asake) (Morayo)
- Piece of My Heart (feat. Brent Faiyaz) (Morayo)
- Slow (feat. Anaïs Cardot) (Morayo)
- Lighter
- Après Minuit (feat. Tiakola) (Morayo)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
wizkid has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 17:39 | getting paidfrom protect sarz at all costs | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Dec 27, 2025 | 17:56 | nights in the sunfrom the fall that saved us | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Dec 27, 2025 | 17:20 | one conditionfrom one condition | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Nov 29, 2025 | 17:31 | money constantfrom south gidi | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Nov 23, 2025 | 21:49 | blessedfrom made in lagos | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | 17:45 | kese (dance)from morayo | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | 17:55 | money constantfrom south gidi | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | 16:34 | getting paidfrom protect sarz at all costs | World Journeyw/ Logan | |
| Oct 13, 2025 | 23:38 | Sponono | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |