Biography

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is a global music icon and one of the most influential artists to emerge from Africa. With a sound that fuses Afrobeat, reggae, R&B, and pop, Wizkid has become a household name not just in Nigeria but across the world—symbolizing the international rise of Afrobeats.

Born and raised in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid began his musical journey at a young age, performing in his church choir and releasing music under the moniker "Lil Prinz." His breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of Holla at Your Boy, the hit single that introduced his smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and boyish charm to a nationwide audience. That same year, he released his debut album, Superstar, which solidified his position as a generational talent.

Wizkid’s influence only grew with the release of his sophomore album Ayo (2014), and the global success of the Drake-assisted One Dance in 2016 marked a turning point—becoming the first Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. He followed this success with Sounds from the Other Side, a genre-blending project that showcased his crossover appeal.

In 2020, Wizkid released Made in Lagos, an album hailed as a masterpiece of modern Afrobeats. Its standout track, Essence, featuring Tems, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. The album itself became one of the most streamed African albums of all time.

Beyond music, Wizkid is admired for his quiet charisma, fashion influence, and cultural pride. He has headlined global stages from the O2 Arena in London to major U.S. and African festivals, while maintaining a distinctly African identity in his sound and aesthetic.

Often referred to as "Starboy," Wizkid remains a pioneer—shaping the global perception of African music and inspiring a new generation of artists to dream without borders.

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