| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Stage Name | Wizkid (aka Starboy) |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Music Genre | Afrobeats, Dancehall, Reggae, R&B, Hip Hop |
| Debut Hit | Holla at Your Boy (2010) |
| Top Albums | Superstar, Ayo, Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego |
| Major Awards | Grammy, BET, MOBO, Headies, Billboard |
| Estimated Net Worth | Over $30 million |
| Social Media Handles | Instagram/Twitter: @wizkidayo |
1. Full Name and Stage Name
Wizkid’s birth name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, and he is popularly known by his stage name Wizkid. Over the years, he has also gone by several aliases including Lil Prinz (during his early music career), Wizzy, Starboy, Big Wiz, and Baba Nla, which have become affectionate nicknames used by fans and the media.
2. Early Life and Background
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Ojuelegba, a densely populated neighborhood in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He was raised in a large, interfaith, polygamous household as the only male child among twelve female siblings.
His father was a practicing Muslim, while his mother was a Christian, giving him a diverse religious and cultural upbringing. From a young age, he was exposed to various musical influences, including Afrobeat legends like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and King Sunny Ade, which inspired his early interest in music.
3. Education
Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School in Ogun State for his primary and secondary education. He later gained admission into Lagos State University (LASU) in 2009, but dropped out to focus on his growing interest in music.
Seeking to continue his studies while pursuing music, he enrolled at Lead City University in Ibadan. Eventually, he left after completing two academic sessions to dedicate himself fully to his music career.
4. Career Beginnings
Wizkid’s music career began at the age of 11, when he started singing in his church choir and formed a group called Glorious Five with his church friends. They managed to release a 7-track album before disbanding.
During his teenage years, he spent time at the music studio of veteran Nigerian producer OJB Jezreel, where he learned the ropes of music production and watched prominent artists like 2Face Idibia and Sound Sultan record their songs.
He received mentorship and guidance from several industry professionals, including rapper Naeto C, who played a supportive role in his early development. In 2009, Wizkid’s talent caught the attention of Banky W, who signed him to Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), marking the beginning of his professional music career.
5. Rise to Fame / Breakthrough Moment
Wizkid rose to national prominence with the release of his debut studio album Superstar in 2011, under the E.M.E. label. The album’s lead single, “Holla at Your Boy,” was a massive hit and quickly became an anthem among Nigerian youths, earning him wide recognition. Other popular tracks from the album included “Tease Me/Bad Guys” and “Don’t Dull,” which solidified his place in the Nigerian music industry.
His follow-up album, Ayo, released in 2014, featured the global hit “Ojuelegba,” a song that resonated with audiences for its lyrical depth and storytelling. The remix of “Ojuelegba” by Drake and Skepta brought Wizkid further international acclaim.
In 2016, he collaborated with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and other international charts, cementing Wizkid’s status as a global music sensation.
6. Major Achievements and Awards
Wizkid is one of the most awarded African artists in history. He gained global recognition in 2021 when he won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl.” He has also received numerous international accolades, including multiple BET Awards, MOBO Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and a Billboard Music Award.
Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist to achieve over one billion streams on Spotify and became the most-streamed Nigerian artist globally. His song “One Dance” with Drake broke multiple records, including being one of the most-streamed songs of all time.
Additionally, his album Made in Lagos and the hit single “Essence” featuring Tems received Grammy nominations, with “Essence” becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Wizkid also became the first African artist to headline and sell out the O2 Arena in London multiple times, further solidifying his influence on the global music scene.
7. Style and Personality
Wizkid’s style is a blend of Afrocentric cool and global streetwear fashion. He is known for his love of luxurious but understated designer clothing, often seen in labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana, mixed with Nigerian traditional wear.
He frequently showcases custom-made agbadas and stylish native attires, highlighting his cultural roots. Personality-wise, Wizkid is calm, reserved, and media-shy, often avoiding controversies and letting his music speak for him.
He comes across as laid-back but confident, with a strong presence that reflects his experience and dominance in the music industry. Though he keeps a low profile off stage, fans describe him as humble, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his Lagos upbringing.
8. Personal Life
Wizkid’s personal life has attracted public interest, especially concerning his role as a father. He has four sons from different women. His first son, Boluwatife, was born in 2011.
His second son, Ayodeji Jr., and third and fourth sons, Zion and another baby born recently, are from different relationships. Despite the media attention, Wizkid tries to keep his family affairs private, though he occasionally shares moments with his children on social media.
His current partner, Jada Pollock, is also his manager and the mother of two of his sons. Wizkid is known to value his family and has spoken fondly about the impact fatherhood has had on his life and career.
9. Philanthropy and Social Impact
Wizkid is involved in several philanthropic efforts, although he often keeps his donations and charitable activities away from the public eye. He has reportedly paid tuition fees for students, supported orphanages, and made donations to communities in need.
During the End SARS movement against police brutality in Nigeria, Wizkid was vocal in supporting young Nigerians, using his platform to call for government reform and accountability.
He has consistently used his global influence to celebrate African culture and talent, becoming a role model for aspiring artists across the continent. His success has contributed significantly to the global rise of Afrobeat and the promotion of African identity on the world stage.
10. Controversies and Public Criticism
Over the years, Wizkid has faced his share of controversies, though he tends to avoid scandal compared to many of his peers. One of the most talked-about was his rivalry with fellow Nigerian artist Davido, which lasted for years but has since cooled down, with both artists showing mutual respect in recent times.
He has also been criticized for being elusive, missing scheduled interviews and public events, which some interpret as arrogance. Additionally, his relationships with the mothers of his children have occasionally made headlines, especially concerning custody and communication issues.
Nonetheless, Wizkid has managed to maintain a relatively clean public image and continues to command respect within and outside the music industry.
- Net Worth and Lifestyle
Wizkid’s net worth is estimated to be between $30 million and $40 million, making him one of the richest musicians in Africa. His wealth comes from multiple sources including music sales, international collaborations, brand endorsements, concert tours, and personal business ventures.
He has had endorsement deals with top brands such as Pepsi, MTN, Glo, UBA, and Puma. He also launched his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, which manages artists and producers.
Wizkid lives a luxurious lifestyle, often seen wearing designer outfits and traveling in private jets. He owns a fleet of exotic cars, including a Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Panamera, Bentley Continental, and Mercedes Benz G63.
He has properties in Lagos, London, and other parts of the world. Despite his flashy lifestyle, he is known to be modest in his public demeanor and keeps much of his wealth and personal indulgences private.
12. Recent Activities / Current Projects
In recent years, Wizkid has focused on expanding his global music footprint. His critically acclaimed album Made in Lagos, released in 2020, featured international stars like H.E.R., Damian Marley, and Burna Boy.
The album’s hit single, Essence featuring Tems, became a global anthem, earning chart success in the US and becoming the first Nigerian song to be certified platinum in the country.
Following that, he released More Love, Less Ego in 2022, which further emphasized his smooth Afrobeat style and featured artists like Don Toliver, Skepta, and Ayra Starr. He has also embarked on several international tours, performing in sold-out venues across the UK, US, Europe, and Africa.
Wizkid is currently working on new music and has hinted at collaborations with global artists while continuing to develop talents under his Starboy label.
13. Influence and Legacy
Wizkid is widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern Afrobeat movement and one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports. He helped bring African music to the global stage, opening doors for a new generation of Nigerian artists. His sound—a blend of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and R&B—has inspired countless emerging musicians both in Africa and abroad.
He was among the first African artists to collaborate consistently with international acts such as Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber. Through these efforts, he has helped shape the perception of African music in mainstream global media.
Wizkid’s legacy also lies in his ability to merge traditional African themes with international appeal, showing that Nigerian artists can succeed on the world stage without compromising their identity.
14. Social Media and Online Presence
Wizkid maintains a massive online presence with millions of followers across platforms. On Instagram, he has over 17 million followers, while on Twitter (now X), he commands a similarly strong following. He uses his social media accounts primarily for promoting his music, concerts, and occasionally for engaging with fans. However, he is known for being selective in his posts and often disappears for periods before returning with major announcements or releases.
His online interactions are usually minimal but impactful, and his fans—known as Wizkid FC—are one of the most loyal and vocal fanbases in Africa, frequently trending hashtags and defending his name on digital platforms.
15. Quotes and Personal Statements
Wizkid is known for keeping his words few but impactful. Some of his memorable quotes include:
- “I don’t believe in awards; I believe in impact.”
- “Music is spiritual to me. I don’t just do it for the money or the fame.”
- “I’m trying to show the world that Africa is not just what they see on TV.”
These statements reflect his focus on legacy, passion, and representation, not just commercial success.
16. Interesting Facts
- Wizkid recorded his first song at age 11.
- He used to go by the name Lil Prinz before becoming Wizkid.
- He once revealed that Naeto C was one of the first artists to financially support him in the studio.
- Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.
- His song “Essence” became the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
- He sold out the O2 Arena in London in 12 minutes, making him one of the fastest-selling African artists at the venue.
Conclusion
Wizkid’s journey from a young boy in Ojuelegba to a global Afrobeat icon is a story of talent, perseverance, and innovation. He has become not just a music star but a symbol of African excellence, bridging cultures through his unique sound and global influence.
His contributions to the music industry have not only shaped the future of Afrobeat but have also set a new standard for what it means to be a truly global artist from Africa.
