Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a global music sensation known for his contributions to Afrobeats and his numerous accolades.
As he celebrates his 34th birthday today, July 16, here are thirty-three things you should know about the iconic Nigerian singer:
Early Life and Career Beginnings
- Birth and Early Life: Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Musical Roots: He started his musical journey at the age of 11 with a group called The Glorious Five, which he formed with friends from his church.
- Stage Name: He initially went by the stage name “Lil Prinz” before adopting “Wizkid.”
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
- Breakthrough Single: His breakthrough came with the hit single “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010, which was part of his debut album, Superstar.
- Record Label: Wizkid was signed to Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) where he gained significant recognition.
International Success and Collaborations
- Global Hit with Drake: Wizkid gained international fame with his feature on Drake’s 2016 hit “One Dance,” which topped the charts in 15 countries and broke numerous streaming records.
- Beyoncé Collaboration: He won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his work on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” from the Lion King: The Gift album.
- International Collaborations: Wizkid has collaborated with several international artists, including Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Skepta.
Achievements and Awards
- Billboard Records: Wizkid is the first African artist to receive seven Billboard nominations and the first Nigerian to win three Billboard Music Awards.
- Guinness World Record: His collaboration on “One Dance” earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records for the most-streamed song on Spotify at the time.
- BET Awards: He has won multiple BET Awards, including Best International Act.
Influence and Impact
- Influence in Afrobeats: Wizkid is credited with helping to popularize Afrobeats internationally.
- Starboy Entertainment: He founded his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has signed several successful artists.
- Fashion Icon: Wizkid has modeled for Dolce & Gabbana and partnered with Nike for an exclusive Starboy jersey.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
- Personal Style: Known for his unique style, Wizkid blends modern streetwear with traditional Nigerian fashion.
- Philanthropy: He has used proceeds from his fashion collaborations to fund educational projects in Africa.
Recent Projects and Milestones
- Recent Album: His fourth studio album, Made in Lagos, broke several streaming records and received critical acclaim.
- Chart Success: The album’s single “Essence” became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Award Wins: “Essence” won the award for Best Collaboration at the BET Awards.
Legacy and Celebrations
- Official Recognition: October 6th is officially recognized as “Wizkid Day” in Minnesota, USA.
- Cultural Influence: He has been named one of the most influential Africans by several media outlets.
- Grammy Nomination: His album Made in Lagos was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the Grammy Awards.
- Billboard 200: Made in Lagos debuted at number 80 on the Billboard 200, making him the first Nigerian artist to achieve this feat.
- Essence Remix: The remix of “Essence” featuring Justin Bieber received global acclaim and further boosted his international profile.
Additional Facts
- Musical Evolution: Wizkid’s music has evolved from dancehall and reggae to a more refined Afrobeats sound.
- Lyrical Themes: His lyrics often explore themes of love, success, and resilience.
- Live Performances: He is known for his energetic and captivating live performances.
- Fan Base: Wizkid boasts a massive global fan base, often referred to as “Wizkid FC.”
- Social Media Presence: He is highly active on social media, where he shares updates with millions of followers.
- Business Ventures: Beyond music, Wizkid has ventured into several business endeavors, including a line of merchandise.
- Awards Total: He has received over 80 awards from more than 200 nominations.
- Influence on Peers: Wizkid has influenced many younger artists in the Afrobeats genre.
- Global Tours: He has headlined multiple international tours, performing to sold-out audiences worldwide.
- Future Projects: Wizkid continues to work on new music and collaborations, promising more hits for his fans.
Wizkid’s journey from a young boy in Lagos to a global music icon is nothing short of inspiring. As he turns 34, his influence and contributions to music and culture continue to grow, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest African artists of all time.