Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid,[2] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene,[3] he is regarded as one of the most commercially successful and most influential African recording artists of the 21st Century.[4][5][6]
He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five (5), a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He later rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".
In September 2014, he released the self-titled second studio album, Ayo. The album was supported by six singles, including the song "Jaiye Jaiye". Wizkid left E.M.E. after his contract expired. In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the hit single "One Dance", which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 14 additional countries. The song broke multiple records, making Wizkid the first afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.[7] In March 2017, he signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records and released his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side, later that year. The album was supported by five singles, including "Come Closer" featuring Drake.
Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on 16 July 1990, in Surulere, Lagos.[13] He grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings. His mother is a Pentecostal Christian and his father practices Islam.[14] Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School.[15][14] He grew up listening to King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.[16] In a radio interview with Tim Westwood in 2012, he said that "his father has three wives".[17] In another interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid said he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends.[18] They managed to release an album prior to disbanding. Wizkid went by the stage name Lil Prinz until 2006.[19] He later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year.[18] While visiting OJB's Point Beat Studios frequently, he watched 2 Face Idibia record songs for his Grass 2 Grace album. He was also present during the recording sessions for Sound Sultan's debut album Jagbajantis.[20][18] He cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him when he was 15 years old. Wizkid inked a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. He co-wrote "Omoge You Too Much", a song from Banky W.'s The W Experience album.[18][20] He also worked with Naeto C, Ikechukwu and M.I while developing his craft.[21] In mid-2009, he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU). He later attended Lead City University, but dropped out after completing two sessions.[20]
2010–2011: Superstar
Wizkid began recording his debut studio album Superstar in 2009.[20] He released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single on 2 January 2010.[22] The song was nominated for Best Pop Single, and earned him the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a 2012 Hyundai Sonata courtesy of the organizers.[23] Its music video was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.[24]
Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4 June 2012.[30] He worked with Banky W., Skales, Shaydee and Niyola to record E.M.E's compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind (2012).[31] Following the album's release, E.M.E acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off in July and ended in September 2012. EME acts performed in several cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.[32][33] On 12 November 2012, Wizkid performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar and Angel.[34]
Between 2012 and 2014, Wizkid recorded his second studio album Ayo. It features guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon and Wale. The album's production was handled by Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz. It was initially titled Chosen.[citation needed] According to MTV Base, the album suffered from a pushed-back release date.[35] It was reported earlier that the album would feature Don Jazzy, Efya and Olamide.[36] On 6 September 2014, Wizkid revealed the album's cover art and track listing. Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid had plans to release a mixtape in April 2013.[37] In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing Headquarters in London, he said the mixtape would be released in April. He also said it would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah.[38] Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on 12 June 2013.[39] In an interview with HipTV, Banky W revealed the album's title and commented on the album's delay. He also gave an estimated time frame for the album's release.[40]
On 2 May 2013, Wizkid released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye". It features Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity he collaborated with Femi Kuti to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars, and materialistic things.[41] On 17 October 2013, he performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to Fela Kuti.[42] The Del B-produced "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on 26 October 2013.[43] The song's music video directed and shot in South Africa by Sesan.[44] On 2 November 2013, Wizkid performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno. The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre in the Eko Hotels and Suites.[45] On 23 November 2013, he performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert in Accra, Ghana.[46]
In February 2014, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter.[47][48] In July 2014, Wizkid visited The Beat 99.9 FM studio in Lagos and told Toolz he had collaborated with Barbadian singer Rihanna.[49][50] Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows on Tinie Tempah's UK tour in 2014.[51]
2015–2018: Sounds from the Other Side and the international success with "One Dance"
Wizkid was involved in the writing and production of Drake's "One Dance".
On 5 January 2015, Wizkid released the music video for "Ojuelegba", a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career.[52] The song's official remix features vocals from Drake and Skepta; it premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015.[53] Wizkid first announced that he was working on a new album during a visit to London in October 2014. He revealed "African Bad Gyal" as his collaborative single with Chris Brown and said it would be the lead single from his third studio album.[54] In April 2015, both Wizkid and Chris Brown performed "African Bad Gyal" at Brown's concert in Durban, South Africa.[55] Wizkid released "Expensive Shit", an Afrobeats song built on light guitars, saxophone lines and acoustic percussion in May 2015; the song was reported as being a likely inclusion on the album.[56] In July 2015, Wizkid announced on Twitter that Angélique Kidjo would be featured on the album.[57] In September 2015, he said he was dropping his EP and postponing the release of his third studio album. He made this announcement on Instagram shortly after the conclusion of 2Face Idibia's Fortified tribute concert.[58]
On 5 April 2016, Wizkid became Nigeria's first artist to be listed on BillboardsTwitter Last 24 hours chart, following his guest feature on Drake's Afrobeats-infused "One Dance" single, which charted at number 21.[59][60] On 12 May 2016, the song reached number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it kept for 10 non-consecutive weeks.[61] "One Dance" went on to become an international smash hit, topping charts in 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany. The single became Wizkid's first number-one single as a featured artist in these territories.
Wizkid released the promotional single "Like This" on 5 June. The song premiered on Drake's OVO Sound Radio the same month.[citation needed] It was produced by Amsterdam-based Ghanaian producer DJ Henry X.[62]Pitchfork writer Sheldon Pearce said the song is a "frolicking, summery jam that revels in all the work he [Wizkid]'s put in."[63] In May 2015, Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his "One Hell of a Nite" world tour.[64][65]
On 6 December 2019, Wizkid's label Starboy Entertainment released the EP Soundman Vol. 1, centering mainly on Wizkid, and containing features from Chronixx, and a variety of other artists.[81]
During 2020, Wizkid featured on various singles, including "Escape" by Akon, "Gbese 2.0" with DJ Tunes and Spax, "Eve Bounce" by Yung L, and "Consider II" with Walshy Fire. He also released a collaboration with American singer, H.E.R., titled "Smile". On 17 September, Wizkid released the single "No Stress", and announced that he would be releasing his fourth album, Made in Lagos, on 15 October 2020.[80] The album launch was later postponed due to the Nigerian End SARS protests nationwide, until 30 October 2020. Essence", a single from the album, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100.[11]
On 13 August 2021, he released a remix of "Essence", featuring Canadian singer Justin Bieber.[83] The song became the highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 by an African act, peaking at No. 11 on October 4, 2021.[84][85]
In November 2021, at the 64th Annual Grammy Award, his album, Made in Lagos and his song "Essence" earned him two Grammy nominations.[86] In the same month, he also received four Soul Train Awards nominations, winning one for "Essence" for Best collaboration.[87]
On the first anniversary of Made in Lagos, Wizkid announced his fifth album More Love, Less Ego, originally set for release on the last day of the Made in Lagos tour, January 22, 2022.[88]In September 2022, Wizkid headlined the Rolling Loud Toronto hip-hop festival, becoming the first African artist in history to achieve this feat.[89][90] His fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego was released on 11 November 2022.[12]
Endorsements
In 2012, Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth US$350,000.[91] He travelled to Beirut, Lebanon, with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.[92][93] On 28 May 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid had signed a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria. The newspaper also reported that Wizkid's Pepsi contract was renewed for two more years.[94][95] In November 2013, Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.[96][97] In June 2015, Pulse Nigeria reported that Wizkid had left MTN and signed a ₦128 million deal with GLO.[98] He is the first African artist to reach one million followers on Twitter.[99]
Record label and contract
Empire Mates Entertainment
In February 2013, Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account.[100][101] He also moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.[101] Prior to Wizkid's subliminal tweets, Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss. Furthermore, it was reported that troubles within E.M.E began as early as the E.M.E All Stars concert in 2012.[101] It was also reported that money was at the centre of the controversy.[101] On 30 April 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E had reunited after contract negotiations.[102] Wizkid departed E.M.E following the release of his second studio album and the expiration of his five-year contract.[103] In a video interview with Capital Xtra in October 2019, Wizkid said he left E.M.E without any money.[104]
Starboy Entertainment
The logo of Wizkid's
Starboy Entertainment imprint
In 2017, Billboard reported that Wizkid signed a multi-album worldwide record deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.[118]
Personal life
Wizkid has four children with three different women.[119][120] The children were born in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2022.[121] His mother died in London on August 18, 2023.[122]
Fatherhood controversy
In August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that the singer fathered his first child at the age of 21. After a thorough investigation, the newspaper concluded Wizkid impregnated then-undergraduate student Sola Ogudugu.[123] When the story broke, close friends and associates of Wizkid did not confirm it because DNA results were pending at the time.[123] Wizkid broke his silence on the story during several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, he denied having a child.[123] In another interview conducted in Ogudu-GRA, Lagos, he said he really did not want to find himself in that peculiar situation.[123] In December 2012, Wizkid denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, he uploaded a picture of himself and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, to his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the 2011 report published by Nigerian Entertainment Today.[124]
In an interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine in February 2015, Wizkid said he wears a mixture of streetwear and traditional Nigerian clothes. He cited Pharrell Williams as one of his fashion style icons. Moreover, he revealed plans to establish a clothing line following the release of Sounds from the Other Side.[131]
Legacy
Wizkid's work is credited for popularizing Afrobeats worldwide in the late 2010s and early 2020s.[132] Morgan Enos of The Recording Academy praised his 2020 album Made in Lagos as a “potent mix of Afrobeats and R&B", stating that it ”further accelerated the already-unstoppable surge of Nigerian music throughout the world”.[133]NotJustOk opined "The ‘afrobeats to the world’ movement is one that has progressed from being a trek, to a trot and now presently, a swift race, with baton tightly clenched by several star players whose sounds have sliced through the airwaves to reach international heights and by so doing, level the once seemingly unsurmountable playing field. One of such acts is Wizkid".[134]Critics noted that Wizkid has introduced Afrobeats to a wider audience, paving the way for other African artists to reach international success.[135]
In 2021 Billboard stated that Wizkid "is the first African artist to truly make a major pop breakthrough in the United States and seems best poised to do so globally, too”.[136]Eromo Egbejule of The Guardian Nigeria mentioned Wizkid as an inspiration for a generation of African artists, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mr Eazi, Maleek Berry, Tekno and Burna Boy.[137]
Wizkid in 2020
Poppie Platt of The Daily Telegraph said "The Afrobeats pioneer’s fusion of traditional rhythms, slick R&B production and a smattering of pop-ready lyrics, sung in a mix of Yoruba and English, have helped to commercialise the genre across the West, making it one of the industry’s most profitable – and brilliant – imports. ".[138] Nicole Vassell of The Independent deemed Wizkid "king of Afrobeats", by asserting that he's "undeniably one of the reasons for the genre’s mainstream appeal".[139] Joe Coscarelli of The New York Times credited his collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown and Major Lazer for cementing him as a “lasting international pop cultural ambassador”.[140]
^Wizkid began his singing career when he was 11 years old, in 2001. He recorded his first song with OJB Jezreel and also recorded a 7-track album under the stage name Lil Prinz.[1]
^Odukoya, Lanre (9 February 2013). "The Kid Takes a Walk". thisdaylive.com. This Day. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
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