Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as WIZKID or Starboy is a popular Nigerian musician, stage performer and songwriter. Wizkid has been in the Nigerian music industry for over a decade now and sure does have millions of fans both nationally and Internationally. It is reported that Wizkid charges millions of naira or thousands of dollars to perform at shows and events. In fact, Wizkid’s songs are the highest streamed music on Spotify with millions listening daily. Little wonder he has lots of cash to enjoy the best of cars, lives in exquisite houses and even wears designer clothes. Curious about knowing more about your favourite artist? In this post, carmart.ng brings you everything you need to know about Wizkid.
| Name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Date of birth | July 16, 1990 |
| State of Origin | Lagos |
| Nationality | Nigeria |
| Net worth | ₦7.3 Billion |
Wizkid was not born with a silver spoon. He spent his early life living in the slums and ghettos of Lagos, Surulere to be precise. Born on 16th July 1990, Wizkid was raised in a polygamous home wherein his father had three wives. His mother’s name is Jane Dolapo and his other two siblings born by his mother are Yetunde Balogun and Lade Balogun. His father, Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun was a Muslim, however, his mum was a pentecostal Christian.
Growing up, Wizkid often followed his mother to church together with his siblings. He attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School. He attended Lead City University for a while, then dropped out to pursue his music career.
WIZKID MUSIC CAREER
Wizkid has always loved music, and he began performing from a young age. His journey to becoming a top-performing icon in the music space didn’t happen by chance. He took hard work, grit and learning from the right people. He has immense admiration for the music icons like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.
He began singing in a church music group called the Glorious Five, where he gave himself the stage name Lil Prinz. Growing up, Wizkid met OJB Jezreel aka Babatunde Okungbowa, a record producer of most hit albums in the Nigeria and Africa music scene. His music journey was influenced by meeting with the likes of 2Baba, Banky W, Naeto C, and Sound Sultan. According to Wizkid, he claimed it was Naeto C who mentored him in music when he was 15 years old.
Wizkid-Music
In 2009, he co-authored a song titled “Omoge You Too Much” with Banky W. He also collaborated with top record producers such as E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Masterkraft, Q-Beats, and Samklef. In 2010, he released his first hit single “Holla at Your Boy”, a song that was a major breakthrough for him and earned him international recognition and nomination.
Wizkid keeps on rising in the music space both locally and internationally. He has achieved great feats that most Nigerian musicians have not attained in a short while.
Wizkid Albums
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- Made in Lagos (2020)
- More Love Less Ego. MLLE [2022]
Wizkid Awards And Nominations
| S/N | Award | Company | Year |
| 1 | Promising artist of the year | Dynamix All Youths Award | 2010 |
| 2 | Best new male artist | City People Entertainments Award | 2011 |
| 3 | Best new artist of the year | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | 2011 |
| 4 | Artist of the year | Dynamix All Youth Awards | 2011 |
| 5 | Best African Act | Music of black origin | 2011 |
| 6 | Best Pop/R$B Artist of the Year | Nigeria Entertainment Awards | 2012 |
| 7 | Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year | The Headies | 2012 |
| 8 | Artist of the Year | The Headies | 2012 |
| 9 | Best International Act Africa | BET Awards | 2012 |
| 10 | Hottest Single of the Year | Ojuelegba | Nigeria Entertainment Award |
| 11 | Video of the Year | Ojuelegba | African Muzik Magazine Awards |
| 12 | Song of the Year | Ojuelegba | African Muzik Magazine Awards. |
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