Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian singer and songwriter. He gained major recognition in 2009 after signing with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). His breakthrough came in 2011 with his debut album Superstar, which featured hit singles like "Holla at Your Boy," "Tease Me/Bad Guys," and "Don't Dull." These songs helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s leading music stars.
Wizkid’s influence has only grown over the years. He holds the record as the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify, with billions of streams. His career also saw significant milestones, such as signing a US$350,000 endorsement deal with Pepsi in 2012, which further solidified his presence in both music and brand partnerships.
In 2017, Wizkid expanded his reach globally by signing with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. He quickly gained international acclaim, particularly with his contribution to Drake's global hit “One Dance,” which earned him a Guinness World Record and an ASCAP plaque. This success marked the beginning of his dominance on the global stage.
Wizkid’s achievements extend beyond music. He has earned numerous awards, including three BET Awards, three Soul Train Awards, and six MOBO Awards. In 2021, he won his first Grammy for Best Music Video with Beyoncé for "Brown Skin Girl." He was also nominated for his album Made in Lagos and the hit song “Essence” at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
Recognized as one of Africa's most influential figures, Wizkid continues to break barriers. He was named one of the Top 100 most influential Africans in 2019 and became the most-awarded artist at The Headies. His journey from a local musician to a global superstar is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.
