Synopsis
Meet Wizkid, an A-list Nigerian music sensation who crawled his way from humble beginnings to global stardom. What’s even more intriguing about him is that he holds the record as the first Afrobeat artist to feature on the famous billboard charts—hitting the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016.
But amidst all the accolades and achievements, one might wonder: Will Wizkid’s pioneering success pave the way for even greater heights in the Afrobeat revolution, or has he already reached the pinnacle of his musical journey?
Introduction
In the complex pattern of global music, few stars shine as brightly and diversely as Wizkid, the Nigerian “music god” who has become a torchbearer for Afrobeat on the world stage. His rise to stardom goes as far back as the time he released his debut album, “Superstar,” in 2011.
As you journey through this article, you get to uncover so many facts about this incredible Nigerian personality, discovering some of his greatest deeds, challenges, uniqueness, lessons, and many more.
1. Who Is Wizkid?
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in the heart of Lagos, where the city’s rhythm seemed to seep into his very being, molding him into the musical genius he is today.
Born to Oluwanishola and Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun, Wizkid has indeed proven that children are meant to be better than their parents. You can tell that Wizkid’s parents never saw this coming—they might not have predicted their son would become a global sensation, but destiny had other plans for the young man. His upbringing in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings, where his mother was a Pentecostal Christian and his father practiced Islam, provided a mixed cultural and religious background.
Wizkid’s early education took place at Ijebu Ode Grammar School, but his passion for music started to blossom during his formative years. Despite facing educational challenges, including dropping out of Lagos State University (LASU), and later Lead City University, Wizkid’s passion for music remains unwavering. Even as a teenager, Wizkid formed a group called “The Glorious Five” with friends from his church, bearing the stage name Lil Prinz. Together with his friends, they released an album before disbanding.
His passion for music outweighed his educational pursuit, and he was massively influenced by sounds from music legends such as King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. Like a mason, laying bricks upon bricks, Wizkid’s music foundation—rooted in these past legends—gave rise to his unique musical style, a combination of Afrobeat, reggae, and contemporary pop.
In a revealing radio interview with Tim Westwood in 2012, Wizkid shared insights into his family dynamics, mentioning that his father had three wives—a common African cultural practice (polygamy).
When is Wizkid getting married? This is the question on most of his fans’ lips—probably even yours as well. While Wizkid is yet to get married, his relationships are like chart-topping hits…brief, intense, and leaving fans speculating about the next romantic move.
It is reported that Wizkid had a romantic his long-time girlfriend, Oluwanishola Ogudu, in 2012, and the union brought forth a son named Boluwatife. Maybe, Wizkid and Boluwatife may eventually get married…just maybe. But for now, there are no official proofs to him being married. His marital status has been a subject of public scrutiny and speculation.
You can say that Wizkid’s journey is proof of resilience, talent, and a deep love for music.
2. What Makes Wizkid So Special?
Wizkid, also known as Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is considered special and stands out, particularly in the music industry for several reasons. He’s got a lot of feathers in his cap.
First off, Wizkid stands out for his global recognition. He’s not your “regular Nigerian”, he’s an A-list Nigerian citizen. Wizkid’s global recognition is not just a father in his cap; it’s practically a peacock’s tail of musical triumph—if you wish. His partnership with some “Great” American musicians such as Drake and Beyonce turned the global stage into his playground. If the music industry had a United Nations, Wizkid would probably be the Secretary-General of Sound, uniting nations through beats and rhythms. He’s done quite well for himself over the years.
Another distinguishing factor of this great music god is his awards and achievements. Wizkid’s feats aren’t just applause; they are glittering proof that his trophy shelf must be structurally engineered to withstand the weight of his musical greatness. In fact, Wizkid has practically turned award ceremonies into his personal victory parades.
Even when he won the Grammy Award for contributing to Beyonce’s “The Lion King: The Gift”, it was not just a feather in his cap; it was the entire bird kingdom doing a standing ovation. It’s rumored that even his shadow has won a few “Best Supporting Silhouette” awards…(Hushhhhh, don’t tell anyone about this; it’s just a rumor).
Wizkid also stands out for being among the handful of Nigerian musicians to have ever won the prestigious Grammy Award. If you’re familiar with the Grammy Award, you’d agree that the Grammy is so prestigious that even the Queen of England would love to borrow it for her tea parties. Wizkid isn’t just among the few Nigerians to bag the award; he’s in a league so exclusive that even Abibu Oluwa (God of music) sends him congratulatory messages. So, yes…that makes Wizkid special.
So, what makes Wizkid stand out? It is a recognition of his unique musical talent, a result of his innovative approach to sound, and being part of a prestigious club of Grammy award winners.
3. What Does Wizkid Care About?
Wizkid cares about so many things—beyond music. Let’s consider some of the obvious things Wizkid has a deep connection with.
One obvious thing Wizkid cares about is music. To Wizkid, music is life. One of his quotes explains how deep music is to Wizkid…“music everything to me, and I’m most grateful that it’s all working out,” he says.
The truth is that Wizkid’s relationship with music isn’t a casual fling; it’s a full-blown love affair that has other genres sending jealous notes. For Wizkid, music doesn’t just note on a staff…naaaa, it isn’t. It is rather an atmosphere where he splashes emotions with the brush of beats. You can even dare to say that music, to Wizkid, is like oxygen; you can’t do without it.
He also cares so much about his fanbase. His appreciation for his fans isn’t just a casual nod, he understands that his supporters aren’t just listeners; they are the architects of his musical empire. And so, he occasionally thanks them for supporting his music career all through the years. You can see his deep sense of connection with his fanbase through the giveaway he does from time to time.
Wizkid also has a heart for his roots. His commitment to African representation through music isn’t just a casual nod to his roots; it’s a flamboyant carnival of cultural celebration. If you observe, you’ll see that most of the songs he wrote are in his local language—Yoruba. Note that most of his songs (such as Ojuelegba, Joro, Soco, Pakurumo, Manya, Ayo, Baba Nla, among others), were written and titled in his language. He doesn’t just promote Nigerian talent; he promotes African talent, too, turning it into a spectacle that leaves global audiences in awe. He turns it into an auditory feast with the flavors of Afrobeat, reggae, and every genre in between.
4. What Are Wizkid’s Greatest Deeds?
Wizkid, or Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, as natively known, has accomplished numerous significant feats throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most influential and successful musicians.
One of Wizkid’s greatest deeds includes winning the prestigious Grammy Award after collaborating with renowned international artists like Drake and Beyonce. Collaborating with the likes of Drake and Beyonce wasn’t just a career milestone; it was like Wizkid RSVPed to the VIP section of the global music party. This award made him one of the few Nigerians to receive this prestigious honor. It was like the African music gods held a meeting in his favor. Who knows?
Wizkid also remarkable for landing some of the highly-sought-after endorsement deals with renowned companies. For instance, in 2012, he inked a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi, a deal that resonated far beyond the tunes of his melodies. The Pepsi deal was reportedly valued at a staggering $350,000. In May 2013, Wizkid added another chapter to his endorsement record by signing a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria, demonstrating that his appeal wasn’t confined to the music industry alone.
Another amazing feat about Wizkid is the fact that he became the first African artist to amass one million followers on Twitter. You can tell that his influence transcends borders, both musically and digitally. Being the first African to hit 1 million followers on Twitter wasn’t just a numerical feat; it was a digital coronation, with Wizkid sitting on the throne of Twitter influence, ruling the social media kingdom with a scepter of hashtags and a crown of trending topics.
5. What Has Wizkid Faced as Challenges?
Looking at Wizkid’s present life, you would think that the glossy life he leads today was given to him on a platter of gold. Not really! He’s also had his share of life’s challenges. For instance, during the early stage of his career, Wizkid experienced financial challenges that almost crippled his life’s pursuit. Mind you, starting a music career in such a complex and competitive music industry requires a lot of funding.
A lot! From music recording fees to promotion…and so on. Being a young artist breaking into the industry, he had to find his way through the complexities of funding his music and managing his expenses.
Another challenge Wizkid faced was in the area of his education. He had a couple of education disruptions in the past. Records have it that he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU) and later attended Lead City University which also wasn’t successful. While most people believe it was due to insufficient educational funds, others think it was due to his pursuit of music. But one thing is clear…he found it challenging to balance between music and academics.
Wizkid also, as part of the challenges he faced, had to deal with media scrutiny. With fame comes media scrutiny, and Wizkid has had to contend with various rumors, speculations, controversies, and gossip throughout his career. The most prominent of all the gossips he faced was the saga with his baby mamas. To clear his name, Wizkid had to honor several TV interviews. Managing public perception and addressing media narratives became part of the challenges he faced.
Finally, it is worth noting that Wizkid faced initial rejections. This is common to most up-and-coming musicians. Before gaining recognition, he had to overcome doubts, initial rejections, and skepticism from the likes of OJB Jezreel, preventing him from recording for a year. With his resilience, he was able to prove that his unique sound and style could resonate with a broad audience.
6. What Keeps Wizkid Motivated?
Finding something that keeps you going in life despite the challenges that life throws at you is very crucial. With Wizkid, some factors fuel his actions.
First off, Wizkid always stays motivated due to his desire for global impact. Even as a big star in the game of music, Wizkid still feels he’s got a lot more to achieve. And this desire keeps him motivated and aflame for the course. In an interview, Wizkid says, “I always dream of making it big.” This is coming from someone who’s already a big name. Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/wizkid-quotes.
Also, the joy of creating, experimenting with sounds, and connecting with his audience through music fuels his continuous commitment to the craft. You can see that from his desire to make a significant impact globally, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat and introducing African music to a wider audience, serving as a driving force.
Similar to what has been said before, Wizkid stays motivated due to his connection with his fanbase. With millions of followers on Instagram and Twitter, Wizkid works his ass out to ensure he feeds his fans with good music, knowing fully well that he exists as a brand to make his listeners happy. The positive reception of his music, the impact it has on people’s lives, and the connection he shares with his fans globally contribute to his motivation.
His desire to work with those he admires, keeps him motivated to achieve that dream. In one of his quotes (as presented by Brainy Quotes), he said, “I’m getting in the studio with everybody I’ve always wanted to work with. That’s the amazing thing.” No wonder, he’s stepped out of the Nigerian borders to do collaborations with big American musicians such as Drake and Beyonce.
7. Why Is Wizkid Such a Role Model?
Wizkid has—over the years—become a role model for many, especially those pursuing a music career. Check out some of the factors that contribute to his influential status…
Wizkid is a role model for his musical excellence. The truth is that Wizkid’s musical prowess is incredible. As a role model, he showcases how dedicated to craft and a passion for music can lead to significant success. Many up-and-coming musicians look up to him for inspiration. His consistent ability to produce chart-topping hits and shape the Afrobeat genre has garnered admiration.
Also, Wizkid is a role model to those who truly appreciate their culture, and want to uphold it. Wizkid proudly represents Nigerian and African culture. As earlier stated in this article, he demonstrates this particular trait through the lyrics of his music. As a role model, he emphasizes the importance of embracing your cultural identity while steering the global entertainment scenery.
Wizkid is a role model to those who are on the verge of giving up on their dreams and aspirations. Wizkid’s journey from facing financial struggles to international stardom underscores resilience and determination. For Wizzy, as he’s popular now, setbacks can be stepping stones to success, and motivate others to persevere in the face of challenges.
Further, Wizzy is a source of motivational style and fashion influence. Wizkid’s distinctive style and fashion influence have made him a trendsetter. As a role model, he inspires self-expression and creativity in his style, showcasing that individuality is a powerful form of motivation. Most young Nigerians often imitate his dress style.
Finally, Wizkid is a role model for those who seek to stay wealthy. Considering the amount of wealth, he’s amassed over the years through music, Wizkid still believes nothing lasts forever. So, to protect himself from rainy days, he forayed into fashion and other business ventures. This diversification serves as a model for artists looking to build sustainable careers.
8. What Is Wizkid Currently Working On?
In a fast-paced world of music where fans worldwide find themselves in a perpetual state of eager anticipation, asking the common question, “What is Wizkid currently working on?
On Friday, December 22, 2023, Star Boy released the track list of the new album titled Soundman 2 (S2). Currently, Wizkid is working on the music video for some of the songs in his album. This is to help in promoting the song and increase visibility and engagement. One of the music videos is IDK where he features Zlatan. currently, he working hard to ensure that a lot of people get to listen to his new release.
In view of the current album that was released late last year, there are plans to go on a tour, to promote the music. While the prospect of hitting the road to promote the music might seem like a musical laden with preparation, sacrifice, and more, it is without doubt, a venture promising adventure.
9. What Could Slow Wizkid Down?
One could be tempted to say that Wizkid is unstoppable, but then thinking about the fact that all humans are vulnerable beings, you’d accept the possibility.
One of the things that could slow Wizkid down is the loss of loved ones. This is demonstrated when he lost his mom sometime in August 2023. While he was in Europe doing a tour for his album, “More Love Less Ego,” he received the shocking news about his mom’s demise which left him devastated. In one of his Instagram posts, shortly after losing his mom, he lamented that life has been meaningless due to the absence of his mother. In his words, “Made idk days after I lost my mum. Life’s been meaningless! But we dey. Sometimes you got to let everything go…Work with God.”
Another thing that could potentially slow Wizkid down is health. Considering how demanding his line of career is, Wizkid’s health is indeed crucial for his high-energy performances. For instance, if he’s not in good health condition, going for shows, and tours would be impossible.
Just imagine Wizkid on a stage, suddenly confined to a chair, trying to groove but looking more like a penguin in a dance battle. It would be a scene straight out of a tragicomedy, with the audience wondering if they accidentally stumbled into Wizkid’s unplanned sit-down performance.
Another thing that could slow Wizkid down is the global pandemic. For instance, when COVID-19 broke out, there were massive limitations on how people travel, especially with planes. During this period, most musicians could not go for shows and tours. With such incidents, Wizkid may not go out on his regular concerts and tours if he’s to be in the station.
10. What Can You Learn From Wizkid?
Learning never ends…that’s part of human existence. With Wizkid, there’s a lot to learn from his life. You can learn the following lessons:
Be resilient and relentless in chasing your dreams. You can see this demonstrated by Wizkid during his formative years in his music career. For instance, he was prevented by OJB Jezreel (a Nigerian record producer) from recording for a year. This was enough to give up on one’s dreams, but Wizkid kept pressing on in pursuit of his dream.
He kept on visiting the studio from time to time where he was opportune to watch some of the “Big Names” in the Nigerian music industry, as they recorded their songs. To be more precise, Wizkid watched 2 Face Idibia record his studio album titled Grass 2 Grace. Even when Sound Sultan recorded his debut album called “Jagbaiantis,” Wizkid was there watching and learning. No wonder he turned out to be a big name in the industry, judging from the wealth of knowledge he had accumulated over time.
Also, learn to never forget your roots. Wizkid—despite being a big name–still identifies with his culture through his music. As earlier mentioned in this article, most of Wizkid’s songs were written in his local dialect—Yoruba. Wizkid takes pride in presenting his African heritage on the global stage. No wonder his cultural authenticity resonates with his audiences and reinforces the power of staying true to one’s roots while pursuing international recognition.
Another lesson to learn from Wizkid is identifying your limitations and overcoming them. For Wizkid, working with established artists is a gateway to a wider audience. Before he collaborated with Drake and Beyonce, Wizkid’s influence was predominant in Africa. Learning from experienced individuals and fostering professional relationships contributed to his personal and artistic growth…earning him the prestigious Grammy Award.
Learn also that there’s room for growth and evolution as an individual and as a brand–in whatever career path you’ve chosen. Wizkid’s evolution as an artist, from his early days as Lil Prinz to becoming a global sensation, emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and reinvention. As an individual, you shouldn’t be stuck with the “status quo” and limit yourself. You must understand that growth is part of everyday life, and change is constant.
More so, be resilient in the face of setbacks. Recall that Wizkid dropped out of university due to some life’s challenges. This underscores the importance of resilience to your dreams and aspirations. Life may have stopped Wizkid from completing his university education, but it never stopped him from living out his passion. As an individual, you must learn to overcome setbacks and persevere through difficulties, knowing that it is essential for achieving your long-term goals.
Pro Tips
In this section, you’ll discover different tips you can apply as an individual to attain your desired height in life.
Firstly, as you pursue your passion or career path, allow yourself the opportunity to evolve with the times. Wizkid’s ability to adapt and evolve his sound has kept him relevant. This is why you must stay open to experimentation, embrace change, and evolve with the ever-changing music industry.
In your respective career or business choice, make sure you brand yourself. Wizkid’s “Starboy” brand is iconic. Develop a strong personal brand that resonates with your audience, making you easily recognizable and memorable.
While it is good to serve people, keep your personal life and space private, and share only what you’re comfortable with, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Embrace and celebrate your cultural background; it adds depth and authenticity to your art. You can see that demonstrated by Wizkid.
In whatever you do, make sure you diversify your portfolio. Beyond music, Wizkid has ventured into fashion and business. You should explore diverse interests and opportunities to build a well-rounded and sustainable career.
To learn more about Wizkid’s philosophy of life and tips, connect with him on Instagram, do check out his interviews on TV, and reputable magazines. Also, stay updated with news about his latest releases and projects.
Summary
In this article, you’ve seen that Wizkid is an incredible Nigerian musician and how he moved from a lowlife school dropout to a global celebrity.
His journey to stardom involved a metamorphic name change from Lil Prinz to Wizkid, after a cosmic encounter with OJB Jezreel, and surviving the trials of multiple album disbands.
When Wizkid talks about overcoming limitations, it’s not your casual pep talk; it’s the reality of what he’s been through. As you saw earlier in this article his influence wasn’t confined to Africa; it was a global soundwave, reaching the ears of beings of distant continents.
Just to reinstate, Wizkid has won one of the most prestigious awards—the Grammy Award—as one of the few individuals in Nigeria to have ever won that prize.
In essence, Wizkid isn’t just a musician; he’s the pulsar of Afrobeat, a maestro whose beats transcend earthly boundaries.
