Wizkid or Big Wiz (born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990) is a multi-award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper, and businessman. He is a music superstar better known as Wizkid or Starboy.
Wizkid Early Life
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He was born into an interfaith household, with his father practising Islam and his mother following the Christian faith. Wizkid grew up in a polygamous family in the Ojuelegba district of Surulere, Lagos. He is the only son among his twelve siblings, all female.
From a young age, Wizkid was interested in music and started attending church with his mother and participating in the choir. He co-founded a music group called Glorious Five at eleven, releasing an album with the group before they disbanded to pursue solo careers.
His early musical influences included legends like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and King Sunny Ade. He began visiting recording studios and crossed paths with renowned Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel, who acted as a mentor and advised him to refine his sound.
Wizkid’s Education
Wizkid came from a financially comfortable family and attended top private schools in Surulere for his primary and secondary education. He gained admission to Lagos State University but dropped out in 2009. He later enrolled at Lead City University in Ibadan but left after completing two academic sessions to focus on his music career.
Wizkid’s Music Career
In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), owned by Banky W. He co-wrote the single “Omoge You Too Much” on Banky W’s album “The W Experience” that same year. His debut single “Holla At Your Boy” was released on January 2, 2010, and became an instant hit. It earned him the Next Rated Artist award at The Headies in 2011.
Wizkid’s debut album, “Superstar,” was released on June 12, 2011, featuring a fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and Reggae sounds. It garnered critical acclaim and won Best Album Of The Year at the 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
He continued to release successful singles and albums, including “Ayo” in 2014 and “Sounds From The Other Side” in 2017. In 2016, he gained international recognition when he was featured on Drake’s hit single “One Dance,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
After leaving EME, Wizkid founded his record label, Starboy Entertainment, and signed artists like Legendury Beatz and Maleek Berry. He also signed a record deal with RCA Records in 2017.
Wizkid’s international collaborations include working with artists like Drake, Chris Brown, Tyga, and Beyoncé. His album “Made In Lagos” was released in 2020 and achieved international success, with songs like “Essence” topping music charts.
Wizkid’s Personal Life
Wizkid is known for his fashion style and iconic status in the music industry. He is a father of three sons: Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun Jr., and Zion Ayo-Balogun, from different relationships. He is rumoured to be in a relationship with Jada Pollock, his manager.
Wizkid Net Worth
Wizkid is one of the wealthiest musicians in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $50 million. He earns income from music royalties, performances, endorsements, and business ventures.
Social Media Handles
Wizkid has a massive following on social media:
Instagram: @wizkidayo (over 13.1 million followers)
Twitter: @wizkidayo
International Recognition
Wizkid’s official international recognition came in 2016 when Drake collaborated with him on “One Dance,” a chart-topping single in several countries including the United States, for which he is credited to be the writer. He also went ahead to feature Drake in 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
