Wizkid, also known as Big Wiz (born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990), is a highly decorated Nigerian musician, lyricist, rapper, and entrepreneur. He is a musical icon, famously recognized as Wizkid or Starboy.
Wizkid’s Early Years
Wizkid, whose actual name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, entered the world on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He emerged from an interfaith family, with his father embracing Islam and his mother adhering to Christianity. Wizkid was raised in a polygamous environment within the Ojuelegba area of Surulere, Lagos. He is the sole male child among his twelve sisters.
From an early age, Wizkid displayed a passion for music, attending church alongside his mother and engaging in choir activities. At the age of eleven, he co-established a musical group called Glorious Five, releasing an album before they parted ways to pursue individual careers.
His formative musical inspirations comprised icons such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and King Sunny Ade. He began frequenting recording studios and met the illustrious Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel, who guided him in perfecting his sound.
Wizkid’s Academic Journey
Wizkid was raised in a relatively affluent family and attended prestigious private institutions in Surulere for his primary and secondary schooling. He secured admission to Lagos State University but withdrew in 2009. Later, he enrolled at Lead City University in Ibadan but left after two academic sessions to concentrate on his music pursuits.
Wizkid’s Musical Journey
In 2009, Wizkid entered into a recording contract with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), led by Banky W. That same year, he co-wrote the track “Omoge You Too Much” from Banky W’s album “The W Experience.” His inaugural single “Holla At Your Boy” debuted on January 2, 2010, and quickly became a sensation. It earned him the Next Rated Artist accolade at The Headies in 2011.
His first album, “Superstar,” was launched on June 12, 2011, presenting a blend of Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and Reggae styles. It received widespread praise and clinched the Best Album of the Year award at the 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
He kept rolling out successful singles and albums, including “Ayo” in 2014 and “Sounds From The Other Side” in 2017. In 2016, he garnered international attention when he featured on Drake’s chart-topping hit “One Dance,” which claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
After departing from EME, Wizkid established his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, signing artists such as Legendury Beatz and Maleek Berry. He also inked a record deal with RCA Records in 2017.
Wizkid’s global collaborations encompass work with artists like Drake, Chris Brown, Tyga, and Beyoncé. His album “Made In Lagos,” released in 2020, attained worldwide acclaim, with tracks such as “Essence” topping various music charts.
Wizkid’s Personal Affairs
Wizkid is recognized for his distinctive fashion sense and iconic presence in the music scene. He is a father to three sons: Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun Jr., and Zion Ayo-Balogun, from different relationships. He is rumored to be involved with Jada Pollock, his manager.
Wizkid’s Wealth
Wizkid ranks among Africa’s richest musicians, with an estimated fortune of $50 million. His revenue streams include music royalties, live performances, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Social Media Profiles
Wizkid boasts a significant following across social media platforms:
Instagram: @wizkidayo (over 13.1 million followers)
Twitter: @wizkidayo
Global Acclaim
Wizkid’s formal global recognition materialized in 2016 when he collaborated with Drake on “One Dance,” a chart-topping track in numerous nations, including the United States, for which he is acknowledged as a writer. He later featured Drake in the song Come Closer.
EPS & Albums
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- Made In Lagos (2020)
- Empire Mates State of Mind (with EME) (2012)
- Soundman Vol. 1 (2019)
- Discography
- Made In Lagos
- Made In Lagos Deluxe
- Sounds From The Other Side
- Ayo
- Superstar
- Soundman Vol. 1
- More Love, Less Ego
