Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Wizkid was born and raised in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, where his passion for music began at a young age. Raised in a religious household, he started his musical journey singing in church and eventually recorded his first song at the age of 11 with Nigerian music legend OJB Jezreel. In 2009, he was signed to Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), and in 2010, Wizkid’s breakout hit Holla at Your Boy established him as a rising star in Nigeria’s music scene.
Career Breakthrough and Albums
Over the years, Wizkid has released five studio albums, each showcasing his evolution as an artist:
Superstar (2011): Wizkid’s debut album was a major success in Nigeria, featuring hits like Pakurumo, Tease Me, and Don’t Dull.
Ayo (2014): His second album expanded his fame across Africa, featuring tracks like Ojuelegba and Jaiye Jaiye, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
Sounds from the Other Side (2017): This album marked Wizkid’s first major push into the international market, featuring collaborations with Drake, Chris Brown, and Major Lazer. Come Closer, a collaboration with Drake, was a highlight.
Made in Lagos (2020): Arguably his most successful album to date, Made in Lagos includes Essence featuring Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification in the U.S.
More Love, Less Ego (2022): Following the success of Made in Lagos, this album further cemented Wizkid’s global influence with collaborations from artists like Ayra Starr and Skillibeng.
Awards and Recognitions
Wizkid’s impact on global music is reflected in his numerous awards and accolades:
BET Awards:
- Best International Act (Africa) (2012)
- Best International Act (2020)
MOBO Awards:
- Best African Act (2011, 2016)
- Best International Act (2021)
Grammy Awards:
- Best Music Video (2021) for his collaboration on Beyoncé's Brown Skin Girl
The Headies (Nigeria):
- Various awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year
MTV Europe Music Awards:
- Best African Act (2016)
- Worldwide Act (2016)
Soul Train Awards:
- Best Collaboration (2021) for Essence (ft. Tems)
Billboard Music Awards:
- Top R&B Song Nominee for Essence (2022)
iHeartRadio Music Awards:
- Best Hip-Hop Collaboration (2022) for Essence remix featuring Justin Bieber and Tems
Wizkid has received multiple nominations and wins at other award platforms such as the AFRIMA Awards, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and Future Awards, underscoring his vast appeal and industry impact.
Family Life and Children
As of 2024, Wizkid is the father of four sons from three relationships:
Boluwatife Balogun: His first son, born in 2011 with Shola Ogudu, lives with his mother in Lagos. Wizkid shares moments with Boluwatife publicly, though their relationship has had its challenges.
Ayodeji Jr.: Born in 2016 to Binta Diallo, a Guinean-American model. Wizkid’s relationship with Ayodeji Jr.’s mother has faced public scrutiny, though Wizkid now maintains a relationship with his son.
Zion Balogun: Zion, born in 2017, is his third son with his manager and partner, Jada Pollock. The two share a close relationship, and Zion frequently accompanies Wizkid on tours.
Fourth Son: In 2023, Wizkid and Jada welcomed their second child together, Wizkid’s fourth son. Though they keep their family life relatively private, Wizkid is known to spend significant time with Jada and their children.
Publicized Feuds and Controversies
Davido: Wizkid’s rivalry with fellow Nigerian star Davido has been a central topic in the Nigerian music scene for over a decade. Though initially fueled by social media jabs and fan comparisons, they have occasionally shown support for each other and are reportedly on better terms as of 2024.
Tiwa Savage: The relationship between Wizkid and Tiwa Savage sparked media speculation in 2018, with fans suspecting a romantic relationship. Neither confirmed the rumors, but they maintained a professional relationship and worked on successful collaborations like Malo.
Burna Boy: Known for their individual success in Afrobeats, Wizkid and Burna Boy have a complex dynamic. While they collaborated on Ginger from Made in Lagos, competitive undertones often surface, with both subtly vying for the title of Afrobeats’ biggest star.
Lifestyle and Endorsements
Wizkid is known for his luxurious lifestyle, featuring designer fashion, luxury cars, and a penchant for high-end watches. His influence extends to brand endorsements, with partnerships including:
- Pepsi: Wizkid signed a major endorsement deal with Pepsi in 2012, solidifying his status as an international star.
- Nike: Partnered with Nike for the official Nigerian Super Eagles jersey release in 2018.
- CÎROC: Signed a deal with the premium vodka brand, reflecting his high-end lifestyle.
- Puma and UBA: As of recent years, Wizkid has also worked with brands like Puma and United Bank for Africa, further expanding his brand beyond music.
Philanthropy
Wizkid has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, often supporting initiatives in Nigeria to empower youth and improve living conditions in underserved communities. Though he keeps his charitable actions relatively private, Wizkid has contributed to scholarship programs, healthcare funding, and youth development projects.
Legacy
Wizkid's contributions to Afrobeats are unparalleled, and his influence has made African music a mainstay in global pop culture. His resilience, adaptability, and commitment to his craft continue to inspire aspiring artists in Africa and beyond. Today, he stands as a pioneer and ambassador for Afrobeats, with a legacy that’s firmly etched into music history.
Wizkid’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and artistry that transcends boundaries. For the latest updates on Wizkid’s projects, family life, and more, follow his official social media and streaming profiles.
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