Artist Spotlight: Wizkid — The Sound of a Global Generation

In the sprawling soundscape of Afrobeats, one name echoes louder than most—Wizkid. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, this Lagos-born superstar is more than a household name in Nigeria; he’s a global force, a Grammy-winning pioneer, and an architect of contemporary African pop culture. As one of the most influential artists to come out of Africa in the 21st century, Wizkid has not only shaped the Afrobeats genre but has redefined what it means to be a modern African artist on the world stage.

From the narrow streets of Surulere to performing at the O2 Arena and rubbing shoulders with Beyoncé and Drake, Wizkid’s journey is as compelling as his music. This article takes a deep dive into his life, artistry, global influence, and the legacy he's building—beat by beat, verse by verse.

Humble Beginnings: The Rise from Surulere

Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos. Raised in a polygamous household with twelve siblings, music was an early calling. He started singing at the tender age of 11 in a local church choir under the name Lil Prinz, forming a group called Glorious Five with his friends. Despite coming from modest beginnings, his talent was undeniable. He drew early inspiration from Nigerian legends like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and 2Face Idibia, as well as American artists like Bob Marley, Snoop Dogg, and Lauryn Hill.

Wizkid’s turning point came when he connected with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label in 2009. His breakout single, “Holla at Your Boy”, released in 2010, turned him into a teenage sensation. The song became an anthem across Nigerian campuses and clubs, signaling the arrival of a new voice that was fresh, youthful, and full of promise.

The Superstar Era

In 2011, Wizkid released his debut studio album, "Superstar", which further solidified his status in the Nigerian music industry. With hits like “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Don’t Dull,” “Pakurumo,” and the chart-topping “Love My Baby,” the album showcased his versatility—effortlessly blending Afrobeats, reggae, R&B, and dancehall.

“Superstar” wasn’t just a debut; it was a cultural moment. At a time when the Nigerian music industry was transitioning into a more global sound, Wizkid represented the new wave—stylish, genre-fluid, and unapologetically Nigerian. His smooth voice, catchy hooks, and urban swagger endeared him to millions and marked the beginning of a career that would soon transcend borders.

Breaking Boundaries: The Soundman Goes Global

Wizkid’s quest for global domination began quietly but strategically. His 2014 album “Ayo” included hits like “Ojuelegba”, a nostalgic reflection of his early struggles. The track resonated not only in Nigeria but also overseas, earning admiration from global artists like Drake and Skepta, who would later hop on the remix. This marked one of the earliest signs of Afrobeats breaking into the Western mainstream.

Then came 2016—arguably the most defining year of Wizkid’s international career. His collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” became a worldwide hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks and going multi-platinum. Though his contribution to the track was understated at first, it was undeniable that Afrobeats had just walked through the front doors of Western pop—and Wizkid held the keys.

That same year, he signed a deal with RCA Records/Sony Music and began working on his major-label debut, “Sounds from the Other Side” (2017). The album, featuring international acts like Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Ty Dolla $ign, and Major Lazer, was a fusion of Afrobeat, EDM, R&B, and Caribbean sounds. While critics had mixed reactions, the album achieved its goal: it positioned Wizkid as a global artist who could collaborate and compete with the best of the best.

Made in Lagos: A Global Masterpiece

In October 2020, Wizkid released what many consider his magnum opus—“Made in Lagos.” The album was a sonic evolution, a celebration of his roots, and a display of musical maturity. From the smooth rhythms of “Blessed” featuring Damian Marley to the sultry “No Stress” and the global mega-hit “Essence” with Tems, "Made in Lagos" was a perfectly curated project that showcased Afrobeats in its most refined form.

“Essence” became a breakout hit, praised for its emotional depth and elegant simplicity. It was the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200, and a remix featuring Justin Bieber only amplified its reach. Wizkid had achieved what once seemed improbable—he turned a homegrown African sound into a global vibe.

The album not only earned him a Grammy nomination but also sold out arenas across Europe and the U.S. during his Made in Lagos Tour. Wizkid was no longer just a Nigerian star; he was now a world music icon.

Awards, Achievements, and Records

Wizkid’s accolades are extensive and well-earned. He is:

A Grammy Award winner for his feature on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” (Best Music Video, 2021).

The first African artist to sell out the O2 Arena in London (multiple times).

One of the most streamed African artists globally on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

A recipient of multiple BET, MOBO, MTV Europe, and AFRIMA awards.

The first Nigerian artist to win an award at the American Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards.

These milestones aren’t just about numbers—they’re about representation. Every door Wizkid opens becomes a pathway for hundreds of African artists to follow.

Cultural Impact and Fashion Icon

Wizkid's influence stretches far beyond music. He’s become a cultural icon—a style innovator known for his effortless blend of streetwear and luxury fashion. Collaborating with brands like Nike (the Starboy jersey), Puma, and Daily Paper, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be an African pop star in the fashion world.

He’s also been a vocal advocate for Nigerian youth, notably supporting the #EndSARS movement against police brutality in 2020. Wizkid used his platform to amplify voices that demanded justice, showing that fame can be aligned with purpose.

Starboy Entertainment: A Platform for the Next Generation

Wizkid isn’t just a star; he’s a star-maker. Through his record label Starboy Entertainment, he has nurtured talents like Terri, DJ Tunez, and Legendury Beatz, giving upcoming artists a platform to shine. He’s often praised for his humility and willingness to collaborate with lesser-known acts, bringing them into the spotlight.

By investing in new talent and maintaining strong ties with African producers, Wizkid ensures that his music remains rooted in the continent—even as he continues to soar globally.

Legacy and What’s Next

As of 2025, Wizkid remains at the top of his game. His fifth studio album, "More Love, Less Ego", released in late 2022, continued his streak of high-quality, emotionally rich music. It revealed a more vulnerable side of the artist, exploring themes of love, fame, ego, and self-discovery.

What makes Wizkid’s legacy particularly powerful is his ability to grow without losing authenticity. In a world where musical trends change rapidly, he has managed to evolve while remaining deeply connected to his roots. He doesn’t chase Western validation—instead, he creates art that commands global respect.

There are whispers of another album in the works, and rumors of major collaborations yet to come. Whether it’s another arena tour, a surprise EP, or even a movie project, one thing is clear: Wizkid is not done.

Wizkid’s story is more than a tale of rags to riches. It is a testament to what happens when talent, timing, and tenacity align. He represents a new narrative for African creatives—one where global success doesn’t require assimilation but rather celebration of identity.

In an age where culture is currency and music travels faster than ever, Wizkid is the sound of a generation. Not just for Nigeria. Not just for Africa. But for the world.

As the beat of Afrobeats continues to ripple across continents, one truth remains clear: you can’t talk about global music without talking about Wizkid.