Real Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Stage Name: Wizkid (a.k.a. Starboy)
Born: July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Wizkid grew up in a polygamous household in Surulere, where life was far from glamorous. As the only son among several siblings, he was raised by a Christian mother and a Muslim father — a balance that later reflected in his diverse and soulful music style. At just 11 years old, Wizkid formed a music group called Glorious Five with friends from church. They even released an album, but the dream was still a long shot.
Breakthrough with Banky W and E.M.E
Wizkid’s talent caught the attention of Nigerian R&B singer Banky W, who signed him to the Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) label in 2009. Under E.M.E, Wizkid began crafting his sound — a smooth blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop.
His debut single “Holla at Your Boy” (2010) was a game changer. The song exploded across Nigeria and made Wizkid a teenage heartthrob almost overnight. It was followed by hits like “Tease Me/Bad Guys” and “Don’t Dull.”
Superstar Era (2011)
In 2011, Wizkid dropped his debut album titled “Superstar.” The album was a commercial success and featured songs that became street anthems. He wasn’t just a pop star — he was a cultural movement. Ojuelegba, the area he grew up in, became globally recognized thanks to his hit song of the same name in 2014.
The Starboy Evolution and Global Expansion
In 2013, Wizkid founded his own label, Starboy Entertainment, a bold move showing he was ready to take full control of his career. By then, he was already working with international acts like Akon, Tyga, and Wale.
But the real global breakthrough came in 2016, when he featured on Drake’s “One Dance”, which became a #1 hit in over 15 countries, including the US and UK. That same year, Wizkid released “Daddy Yo”, another Afropop banger that charted globally.
Sounds From the Other Side (2017)
Wizkid released “Sounds from the Other Side”, an international project that fused Afrobeat with Caribbean and Western pop influences. Featuring Drake, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla $ign, the album positioned Wizkid as the face of the Afrobeats-to-the-world movement.
Made in Lagos (2020) – A Classic Era
His 2020 album “Made in Lagos” took everything to a new level. Songs like “Essence” ft. Tems became global sensations. “Essence” was the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and later got a remix featuring Justin Bieber.
The album was soulful, mature, and timeless — showcasing Wizkid’s growth as an artist. It earned him Grammy nominations and solidified his place among music’s elite.
More Love, Less Ego (2022)
In 2022, Wizkid released “More Love, Less Ego”, a smooth, introspective project that embraced love, emotional intelligence, and self-reflection. The project continued to push Afrobeats beyond borders, cementing his status as one of Africa’s greatest music exports.
Wizkid’s Legacy
Wizkid isn’t just a Nigerian artist; he’s a global icon who helped pave the way for artists like Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, and Tems to thrive on the world stage. From Ojuelegba to O2 Arena, Wizkid has shown that with talent, consistency, and vision, the sky is not the limit — it’s just the beginning.
