Wizkid: The Starboy Who Took Afrobeats to the World
Wizkid is one of the most successful and influential African artists of his generation. Known for his smooth vocals, global collaborations, and consistent hit records, he has played a central role in taking Afrobeats to international mainstream audiences.
Early Life and Background
Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family and was raised in a religious household. From a young age, he showed interest in music and began recording songs as a teenager.
He formed a small music group with friends in his early years before catching the attention of Nigerian music executive Banky W, who later signed him to Empire Mates Entertainment.
Breakthrough and Early Success
Wizkid rose to fame in 2010 with the release of his hit single Holla at Your Boy from his debut album Superstar. The album became a major success in Nigeria and established him as one of the leading young artists in the country.
He quickly followed up with more hit songs, building a strong fan base across Africa.
International Breakthrough
Wizkid’s global recognition grew significantly after collaborating with Canadian superstar Drake on the 2016 hit song One Dance. The track topped charts worldwide and introduced Wizkid to a massive international audience.
In 2017, he released Sounds from the Other Side, featuring international collaborations. However, his 2020 album Made in Lagos became a defining project in his career. The album included the global hit Essence featuring Tems, which became one of the biggest Afrobeats songs in history.
Awards and Achievements
Wizkid has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, MOBO Awards, and a Grammy Award for his contribution to the global music scene. He has performed at major international venues and festivals, solidifying his position as a global Afrobeats ambassador.
Music Style and Influence
Wizkid is known for his laid back style, melodic delivery, and fusion of Afrobeats, R and B, and pop. His music often focuses on love, lifestyle, and celebration while maintaining African rhythm and identity.
His influence has inspired many young artists across Africa and beyond.
Personal Life
Wizkid is known for maintaining a relatively private lifestyle compared to many celebrities. He is a father and often emphasizes family in his interviews.
Legacy
Wizkid’s journey from Surulere to global stardom represents the rise of African music on the world stage. He remains one of the key figures driving Afrobeats into international charts and conversations.
Categorii
Citeste mai mult
Long before matches were invented, making fire was slow and stressful. People created fire by striking two flint stones together to produce sparks or by rubbing a hard stick against a softer one until heat from friction caused the wood to smoulder. Later, they used a tinder box filled with flint, steel, and dry materials like linen or silk to catch sparks. Even then, starting a fire could take...
A detailed investigation has uncovered a sprawling network of 20 Nigerian nationals and three foreign associates believed to be involved in financing Boko Haram through complex financial operations, cash movements, and cross-border transfers. The network includes businessmen, bureau-de-change operators, public officials, and international partners with direct or indirect links to convicted...
Fresh details have emerged on the circumstances that led to the resignation of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Ganduje stepped down following ongoing political moves involving President Bola Tinubu and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The development, insiders say, is tied to a reported...
Supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday trooped to the National Assembly to celebrate the reopening of her office, which had remained sealed for six months following her suspension. The group had earlier accompanied the Kogi Central Senator from the FCT High Court, where she appeared in a defamation case filed against her by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President...
I was nineteen when my life changed in a way I never imagined and never wished for. At that age, I had dreams that felt simple and bright finishing school, building a career, laughing freely with friends, and believing the world was mostly kind. But one dark moment shattered that innocence. I was raped, and with that violence came a silence I carried alone for months. I was afraid to speak,...
