Facts About Wizkid: The Starboy of Afrobeats

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is one of the biggest names in Afrobeats. With a career spanning over a decade, he has influenced the global music scene, collaborated with international superstars, and broken numerous records. Here are some key facts about the Nigerian music icon.

1. Early Life and Musical Start

Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He started his musical journey in church and was part of a gospel group called Glorious Five before pursuing a solo career in Afrobeats.

2. Breakthrough with ‘Holla at Your Boy’

In 2010, Wizkid rose to fame with his hit single Holla at Your Boy, from his debut album Superstar. The song made him a household name in Nigeria and kick-started his successful career.

3. First African Artist to Sell Out the O2 Arena

Wizkid made history by becoming the first African artist to sell out the O2 Arena in London, a feat he has repeated multiple times. This solidified his status as a global music force.

4. Collaboration with Drake on ‘One Dance’

In 2016, Wizkid featured on One Dance by Drake, which became a worldwide hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks. The song introduced him to a larger international audience.

5. First Nigerian to Win a Grammy Award

Wizkid won a Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Music Video with Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, making him one of the first Nigerian artists to receive the prestigious award.

6. Record-Breaking Albums

Wizkid has released multiple successful albums, including:

  • Superstar (2011)

  • Ayo (2014)

  • Sounds from the Other Side (2017)

  • Made in Lagos (2020), featuring the global hit Essence

  • More Love, Less Ego (2022)

7. Global Influence and Collaborations

Wizkid has worked with major international artists, such as

  • Drake (One Dance, Come Closer)

  • Beyoncé (Brown Skin Girl)

  • Chris Brown (African Bad Gyal)

  • Skepta (Energy)

  • Justin Bieber (Essence Remix)

8. Fashion and Lifestyle Icon

Apart from music, Wizkid is known for his impeccable style. He has collaborated with top brands like Puma and Dolce & Gabbana, becoming a fashion icon in the Afrobeats scene.

9. Father of Three

Wizkid is a proud father of three boys, whom he occasionally shares glimpses of on social media. He maintains a private personal life but often expresses love for his children in his music.

10. One of Africa’s Most Streamed Artists

With billions of streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, Wizkid is one of the most streamed African artists globally. His hit Essence, featuring Tems, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Conclusion

Wizkid’s influence in Afrobeats and global music continues to grow. From his humble beginnings in Lagos to selling out stadiums worldwide, he remains a trailblazer, pushing African music to new heights. His legacy as one of the greatest Afrobeats artists of all time is already firmly established.

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