The gradual progression of an “ordinary” Yoruba boy residing somewhere in Lagos State from the bottom to the top presents itself as a true life story with remarkable lessons to be learned. This is the story of Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, who was never catapulted into stardom but rather found himself learning the ropes and building himself both a personality and a brand that could stand the test of time as he slowly but steadily transitioned from being just Ayo to Wizkid and, very significantly, now a global brand.
Wizkid came into the limelight, gaining an enormous level of popularity way back in 2011 with one of his early releases, “Holla at Your Boy,” which doubled as the lead single for his debut studio album, “Superstar.” These releases were made under Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the record label under which the singer was signed at the time. Both releases gained enormous commercial success and contributed immensely to Wizkid’s ability to penetrate and win the hearts of a myriad of music lovers across borders, thereby positioning him as one of the next big things in the industry at the time.
Before the release of his first project under a record label in 2011 and his signing of a record deal with the EME record label in 2009, the highly talented singer was a member of the Glorious Five (5) music group, which he and a couple of his church friends had formed. The group had reportedly released a collaborative album, which perhaps proved to Banky W that the “lad” had some prospects, especially with the discovery that he started recording music at the very tender age of 11. The question would be: What was his childhood like if, at eleven, he was already chasing a career?
Well, this probably explains why Wizkid has been able to achieve immense success in his chosen field and how he has been able to stay relevant in the music industry for over a decade. Specifically, the global artist has remained active for an unimaginable period of thirteen years, yet it doesn’t look like he will be falling off any time soon. He is often regarded as one of the most commercially successful and influential African recording artists of the 21st century, alongside some of his contemporaries and “rivals,” including David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as well as Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, otherwise known as Burna Boy. The trio has been credited with promoting the Afrobeat genre of music to the apex level, where it is currently receiving global acceptance. This is what they have been able to achieve with their unique qualities and distinct approaches to creating good music.
Wizkid, since the beginning of his musical career, has achieved monumental successes, breaking records and solidifying his name in the global music industry. He first gained international recognition in 2016 following his collaboration with Drake on the hit single “One Dance,” which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 14 additional countries.
33-year-old Ayo was born on July 16, 1990, in a polygamous home in Surulere, Lagos State, where he grew up amongst his twelve sisters and his father’s three wives, which include his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, who sadly passed away on August 23, 2023. She was a Pentecostal Christian, while Wizkid’s father practiced Islam. Starboy Wiz, as he is otherwise called, attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and, in 2009, dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU), where he was to acquire a university education. He later attended Lead City University but also dropped out after completing two sessions.
Through the years, the Grammy award-winning artist, otherwise known as Starboy, has collaborated with several local and international artists, including the late Sound Sultan, Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Sarz, and Maleek Berry, amongst others in the local scene. In the international scene, he has worked with global music icons such as Drake, Chris Brown, Beyonce, Tyga, Akon, Justin Bieber, Normani, Cavin Harris, and many others.
Wizkid’s achievements as a musical icon primarily domiciled in the Afrobeat genre present a typical “grass to grace” scenario given that he comes from a not-so-well-to-do polygamous background. His story, if critically explored, would undoubtedly be more inspiring for young folks who already consider him a role model and those who would in the future.
He is credited with being the first Afrobeat artist to appear on the Guinness World Records. He also has, to his credit, five studio albums, two EPs, fifty-three singles (including thirty-nine as a featured artist), forty-four promotional singles, sixteen guest appearances, six cameo appearances, and thirty-five music videos.
He is often regarded as the most rewarded Nigerian artist, with a whopping 65 award wins out of 223 nominations. In an interview, the living legend said he was influenced by the likes of older music icons such as Bob Marley, Sunny Ade, and Fela Kuti, among others, who he listened to while growing up as a child.
Wizkid is signed to RCA Records, an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. He is also a member and founder of Starboy Records, or Starboy Entertainment Record Label, which he founded in 2013 after failing to renew his contract with Banky Ws EME when it reportedly expired. Starboy Entertainment houses popular Nigerian singers such as Terri and L.A.X and music producers such as DJ Tunez, Legendary Beatz, and Maleek Berry.
He is equally a force to reckon with in the Nigerian and global music scene, having laid a mark that will live to be told by generations yet unborn. He is loved by many and backed by his ardent supporters under the aegis of the Wizkid FC, which has more than a battalion of armies, especially in cyberspace. These persons are often ready to talk sense into any individual who dears to speak ill of Starboy or his music brand, and they are always in fights with Davido’s fanbase, known as the 30BG gang.
