Wizkid, popularly known as Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become one of Africa’s most well-known musical stars. Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, and his rise from local talent to international fame is nothing short of incredible. Let’s look at Wizkid Net Worth, early years, career highlights, personal life, awards and achievements.
Wizkid Net Worth
| Nickname: | Wizkid |
| Real Name: | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Net Worth: | $63 million |
| Birthplace: | Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Weight: | 60 kg |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Spouse: | None |
| Children: | Boluwatife Ayodeji, Ayodeji Ibrahim, Zion Ayo, AJ Balogun |
| Girlfriend: | Jada Pollock |
| Date of Birth: | July 16, 1990 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 1.63 m |
| Profession: | Singer, Song writer |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Source of Wealth: | Music |
| Education: | Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Lagos State University, Lead City University |
| Father: | Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun |
| Mother: | Jane Dolapo (Deceased) |
| Brother: | None |
| Sister: | 12 |
Early years
Wizkid was born July 16, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. His love in music began when he founded the Glorious Five with several buddies while attending church. He later met OJB Jezreel, a well-known Nigerian producer who offered him the opportunity to record at his studio. This marked the beginning of Wizkid’s professional musical career. He started singing at the tender age of eleven under the stage name Lil Prinz and formed a group called Glorious Five and at the age of fifteen, he changed his name from Lil Prinz to Wizkid.
Career
Dropping out of university, he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) and adopted the name “WizKid.” He began working on his first studio album, “Superstar,” in 2009. It was a thrilling period for him as he channeled his creativity into this endeavor. The album’s first single, “Holla at Your Boy,” was released on January 2, 2010, marking an important milestone in his career. This song not only received a nomination for Best Pop Single, but it also earned Wizkid the coveted Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. As a bonus, he also received a 2012 Hyundai Sonata as part of the prize ceremony. The music video for “Holla at Your Boy” also received praise and was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.
Following the success of his debut single, Wizkid dropped “Tease Me/Bad Guys” as the album’s second single on April 2, 2010. This was originally a freestyle rap that demonstrated his natural talent and adaptability. Later same year, on December 6, 2010, he released the album’s third single, “Don’t Dull,” which strengthened his reputation in the music industry.
Finally, on June 12, 2011, Wizkid joyfully released his debut album, “Superstar,” on Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label. This album had a mix of English and Yoruba, with Afrobeat, R&B, dancehall, and reggae influences. Collaborations with musicians such as Banky W., Skales, D’Prince, and Wande Coal enhanced the project’s richness and diversity.
2012-2014
To mark the release of “Superstar,” Wizkid organized a stunning party at the Eko Hotel and Suites’ Expo Hall, where he performed among other well-known artists. The album gained critical acclaim and honors, including Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and nominations at The Headies 2012.
Between 2012 and 2014, Wizkid worked on his second studio album, initially titled “Chosen” but eventually renamed “Ayo.” This album had collaborations with industry legends including as Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon, and Wale. Despite the delays, “Ayo” was officially released on September 6, 2014, demonstrating Wizkid’s development and musical maturity.
Notably, the lead song from “Ayo,” “Jaiye Jaiye” with Femi Kuti, demonstrated Wizkid’s expanding style beyond typical love themes. He played at major events like as Felabration 2013 and the Guinness Colorful World of More concert, broadening his international exposure. Wizkid’s social media presence increased in February 2014, when he became the first Nigerian musician to reach one million Twitter followers.
2015-2016
Wizkid made a huge stride forward in his music career in 2015 by releasing the music video for “Ojuelegba,” a song that spoke to his early troubles in the industry. The song received even more attention after Drake and Skepta worked on an official remix, which premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015, catapulting Wizkid into the international spotlight.
During a visit to London in October 2014, Wizkid excitedly announced plans for his impending third studio album, teasing “African Bad Gyal” as the lead single, which features Chris Brown. The anticipation intensified when Wizkid and Chris Brown performed the song together at Brown’s concert in Durban, South Africa, in April 2015. That same year, Wizkid released “Expensive Shit,” which showcased his distinctive blend of Afrobeats with light guitars, saxophone lines, and acoustic percussion, teasing the direction of the future album. He also confirmed a collaboration with Angélique Kidjo, which adds to the album’s hype.
Wizkid’s career took off in April 2016 when he was featured on Drake’s megahit “One Dance,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 list for ten consecutive weeks, cementing Wizkid’s status as a worldwide star. Wizkid continued his musical journey by releasing the energetic promotional track “Like This” in June 2016 and joining Chris Brown on his “One Hell of a Nite” world tour, which increased his global appeal.
2017-present
In March 2017, Wizkid signed a record deal with RCA Records, and his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side,” was released on July 14, 2017. This album combined Caribbean inspirations with Afrobeat, EDM, R&B, and house genres, and included collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Drake, Major Lazer, and Chris Brown.
Wizkid’s career continued to surge, with major successes such as his participation in the Guinness World Records for “One Dance” and a gold certification in Canada for his single “Soco.” His work with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” brought him great recognition and his first Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
Wizkid continued to be a musical force in 2020 and beyond, releasing hits and collaborating with foreign musicians. Despite delays caused by protests in Nigeria, his album “Made in Lagos” received critical acclaim upon release, with the track “Essence” featuring Tems becoming a global success and getting many Grammy nominations.
Wizkid garnered several Grammy nominations and a Soul Train Award for “Essence” in November 2021. His journey reached new heights with the publication of his fifth studio album, “More Love, Less Ego,” in November 2022, and his historic headline performance at the Rolling Loud Toronto hip-hop festival certified his status as the first African artist to attain this milestone.
Wizkid released an extended play titled S2 in December 2023, in continuation of his first EP “Soundman Vol 1.”
His discography includes 5 studio albums: “Superstar (2011),” “Ayo (2014),” “Sounds from the Other Side (2017),” “Made in Lagos (2020),” and “More Love, Less Ego (2022)” with 2 EPs “Soundman Vol 1” and “Soundman Vol 2.”
Personal Life
Wizkid is a father of 4 children. He is currently in a relationship with his manager and also the mother of his two kids Jada Pollock. He lost his mother in London on August 18, 2023.
Awards and Achievements
Wizkid’s talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has won four BET Awards, two MTV Europe Music Awards, three MOBO Awards, one Apple Music Awards and 19 Headies (Nigeria’s premier music awards).
Frequently Asked Questions About Wizkid
1. What is Wizkid’s real name?
His real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
2. When was Wizkid born?
He was born on July 16, 1990.
3. Where is Wizkid from?
He is from Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
4. When did Wizkid start his music career?
He started his music career officially in 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) record label.
5. What was Wizkid’s breakthrough song?
His breakthrough song was “Holla at Your Boy,” released in 2010 as part of his debut album “Superstar.”
6. How many albums has Wizkid released?
He has released five studio albums.
7. How many siblings does Wizkid have?
He has 12 sisters and is the only son.
8. What is Wizkid’s net worth?
Wizkid’s net worth is around $63 million.
9. Is Wizkid married?
He is not currently married.
10. How many children does Wizkid have?
He has four children from different relationships.
11. What is Wizkid’s genre of music?
His music blends Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and pop influences.
12. Has Wizkid won any international awards?
Yes, He has won several international awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act.
Conclusion
Wizkid’s influence in the music industry stretches far beyond Nigeria, motivating a new generation of African singers to dream big and reach for the stars.
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