Many of us have never had the pleasure of meeting Wizkid face-to-face, but those that have met and worked with him have described him as ‘a hardworking artist’, ‘charming young man’ and ‘one of the most talented artistes ever out of Africa’.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (aka Wizkid) officially began his career when he signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009. His debut album Superstar released in 2011 was met with much love and critical acclaim across Africa. His second album Ayo, leading with the single ‘Ojuelegba’ – a mid-tempo track about his roots in Lagos – made Rolling Stones’ 15 great albums you didn’t hear in 2014. It was also the start of his launch into an international career with Nigerian-British rapper, Skepta appearing on the remix.
Barely a year after his debut, he won the ‘Next Rated’ award at the 2011 Headies. A collaboration with Drake on the 2016 summer anthem ‘One Dance’ earned Wizkid a staggering seven nominations at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, which he won three. He also won the ‘Song of the Year’ award for his hit song ‘Fever’ at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is the only Nigerian to have won the BET ‘International Act’ award twice and has been nominated for the MTV European Music Award five times.
Shortly after leaving the E.M.E in 2014, he established Starboy Records (now Starboy Entertainment Worldwide) which he signed various acts like L.A.X, Mr. Eazi, Efya, and R2bees. He played a role in helping Mr. Eazi become popular in Nigeria.
A lot has changed in the ten years of his music career. He went from being the fresh-faced enthusiastic boy who sang ‘Holla At Your Boy’ to the global music icon who has worked with Grammy award-winning artistes Beyonce and Drake to create songs that became anthems. His affinity for creating melodious hooks has earned him the unswerving loyalty of many fans, who are officially known as ‘Wizkid FC’.
His next album, Soundman Vol 2, which he has teasingly withheld – pulling a classic Rihanna, has not distanced him from his fans but only served to strengthen the bond.
Wizkid has cemented himself as a force in Nigerian music to be reckoned with and he is also NET Honours Class of 2020 Most Searched Musician. Well done, Starboy.
