Wizkid first song

Nigerian singer and songwriter (born )

For other uses, see Whiz Kids.

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July ), popularly known as Wizkid,^[6] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.^[7] Born in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid is a voice in the emerging Afrobeats movement.^[8] His music is a blend of Afrobeats,^[9]afropop,^[10]R&B,^[11]afrobeat,^[12]reggae,^[12]dancehall,^[12] and pop.^[12] He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.

In , Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".

On 17 September , he released the self-titled second studio album, Ayo, which was supported by six singles, including "Jaiye Jaiye".

Faze nigerian musician

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known worldwide as Wizkid, was born on July 16, , in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in a large family, Wizkid developed an early interest in music. His passion led him to actively participate in church choirs and local competitions during his formative years.

Wizkid left E.M.E. after his contract expired. In , Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the hit single "One Dance", which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot and topped the charts in 14 additional countries. The song broke multiple records, making Wizkid the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.^[13] In March , he signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records and released his third studio album, Sounds from the Other Side, later that year.

The album was supported by five singles, including "Come Closer" (featuring Drake).

In , he was featured on the song "Checklist" by Normani and Calvin Harris, which reached number-one on the BillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart. The following year, he was featured on Beyoncé's project The Lion King: The Gift on the single "Brown Skin Girl", which also reached number-one on the World Digital Song Sales chart, and won him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.^[14] In October , he released his fourth album, Made in Lagos, which received commercial success and acclaim,^[15] reaching number-one on the Billboard World Album Chart.^[16] The album includes the single "Essence" featuring Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot ,^[17] and reached the top ten following a remix released by Justin Bieber.

Wizkid's fifth album, More Love, Less Ego, was released on 11 November ^[18] His sixth album, Morayo, dedicated to his late mother, was released on 22 November , and broke the record for the biggest streaming debut for an African album on Spotify.^[19][20]

Life and music career

– Early life and career beginnings

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun was born on 16 July , in Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos.^[21][22] He grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings.

His mother was a Pentecostal Christian and his father practices Islam.^[23] Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School.^[24][23] He grew up listening to King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.^[25] In a radio interview with Tim Westwood in , he said that "his father has three wives".^[26] In another interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid said he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends.^[27] They managed to release an album prior to disbanding.

Wizkid went by the stage name Lil Prinz until ^[28] He later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year.^[27] While visiting OJB's Point Beat Studios frequently, he watched 2 Face Idibia record songs for his Grass 2 Grace album. He was also present during the recording sessions for Sound Sultan's debut album Jagbajantis.^[29][27] He cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him when he was 15 years old.

Wizkid nigerian musician biography sample Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July ), popularly known as Wizkid, [6] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. [7] Born in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid is a voice in the emerging Afrobeats movement. [8] His music is a blend of Afrobeats, [9] afropop, [10] R&B, [11] afrobeat, [12] reggae, [12] dancehall, [12] and pop. [12].

Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in He co-wrote "Omoge You Too Much", a song from Banky W.'s The W Experience album.^[27][29] He also worked with Naeto C, Ikechukwu and M.I while developing his craft.^[30] In mid, he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU).

He later attended Lead City University, but dropped out after completing two sessions.^[29]

– Superstar

Wizkid began recording his debut studio album Superstar in ^[29] He released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single on 2 January ^[31] The song was nominated for Best Pop Single, and earned him the Next Rated award at The Headies In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a Hyundai Sonata courtesy of the organizers.^[32] Its music video was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the Channel O Music Video Awards.^[33]

On 2 April , Wizkid released "Tease Me/Bad Guys" as the album's second single.

It was initially released as a freestyle rap.^[34] "Don't Dull", the album's third single, was released on 6 December ^[35]Superstar was recorded in English and Yoruba. It was released on 12 June by Empire Mates Entertainment. The album incorporates elements of Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall, and reggae. While working on Superstar, Wizkid collaborated with record producers such as E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Masterkraft, Q-Beats and Samklef.

The album features guest appearances from Banky W., Skales, D'Prince and Wande Coal. It was initially scheduled for release on 14 February but was later pushed back.^[36] On 12 June , Wizkid hosted a launch party for the album at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The launch party featured performances from Banky W, Skales, 2face Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D'Prince, Olamide, eLDee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxxx and Seyi Shay.^[37]Superstar garnered Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies ^[38]

– E.M.E tour, Ayo and other recordings

Wizkid toured London in and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4 June ^[39] He worked with Banky W., Skales, Shaydee and Niyola to record E.M.E's compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind ().^[40] Following the album's release, E.M.E acts toured the United States.

The tour kicked off in July and ended in September EME acts performed in several cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.^[41][42] On 12 November , Wizkid performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar and Angel.^[43]

Between and , Wizkid recorded his second studio album Ayo.

It features guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon and Wale. The album's production was handled by Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz.

Nigerian musician psquare Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known worldwide as Wizkid, was born on July 16, , in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in a large family, Wizkid developed an early interest in music. His passion led him to actively participate in church choirs and local competitions during his formative years.

It was initially titled Chosen.^[44] According to MTV Base, the album suffered from a pushed-back release date.^[45] It was reported earlier that the album would feature Don Jazzy, Efya and Olamide.^[46] On 6 September , Wizkid revealed the album's cover art and track listing.

Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid had plans to release a mixtape in April ^[47] In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing Headquarters in London, he said the mixtape would be released in April. He also said it would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah.^[48] Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on 12 June ^[49] In an interview with HipTV, Banky W revealed the album's title and commented on the album's delay.

He also gave an estimated time frame for the album's release.^[50]

On 2 May , Wizkid released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye". It features Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity he collaborated with Femi Kuti to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars, and materialistic things.^[51] On 17 October , he performed at the edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to Fela Kuti.^[52] The Del B-produced "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on 26 October ^[53] The song's music video directed and shot in South Africa by Sesan.^[54] On 2 November , Wizkid performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno.

The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre in the Eko Hotels and Suites.^[55] On 23 November , he performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert in Accra, Ghana.^[56]

In February , Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter.^[57][58] In July , Wizkid visited The Beat FM studio in Lagos and told Toolz he had collaborated with Barbadian singer Rihanna.^[59][60] Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows on Tinie Tempah's UK tour in ^[61]

– Sounds from the Other Side and the international success with "One Dance"

On 5 January , Wizkid released the music video for "Ojuelegba", a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career.^[62] The song's official remix features vocals from Drake and Skepta; it premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July ^[63] Wizkid first announced that he was working on a new album during a visit to London in October He revealed "African Bad Gyal" as his collaborative single with Chris Brown and said it would be the lead single from his third studio album.^[64] In April , both Wizkid and Chris Brown performed "African Bad Gyal" at Brown's concert in Durban, South Africa.^[65] Wizkid released "Expensive Shit", an Afrobeats song built on light guitars, saxophone lines and acoustic percussion in May ; the song was reported as being a likely inclusion on the album.^[66] In July , Wizkid announced on Twitter that Angélique Kidjo would be featured on the album.^[67] In September , he said he was dropping his EP and postponing the release of his third studio album.

He made this announcement on Instagram shortly after the conclusion of 2Face Idibia's Fortified tribute concert.^[68]

On 5 April , Wizkid became Nigeria's first artist to be listed on BillboardsTwitter Last 24 hours chart, following his guest feature on Drake's Afrobeats-infused "One Dance" single, which charted at number ^[69][70] On 12 May , the song reached number-one on the Billboard Hot chart, a position it kept for 10 non-consecutive weeks.^[71] "One Dance" went on to become an international smash hit, topping charts in 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany.

The single became Wizkid's first number-one single as a featured artist in these territories.

Who is Wizkid? Age, Biography and Awards of the Star Musician: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July ), popularly known as Wizkid, [6] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. [7] Born in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid is a voice in the emerging Afrobeats movement. [8] His music is a blend of Afrobeats, [9] afropop, [10] R&B, [11] afrobeat, [12] reggae, [12] dancehall, [12] and pop. [12].

Wizkid released the promotional single "Like This" on 5 June. The song premiered on Drake's OVO Sound Radio the same month.^{[citation needed]} It was produced by Amsterdam-based Ghanaian producer DJ Henry X.^[72]Pitchfork writer Sheldon Pearce said the song is a "frolicking, summery jam that revels in all the work he [Wizkid]'s put in."^[73] In May , Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his "One Hell of a Nite" world tour.^[74][75]

In March , he signed a record deal with RCA Records.^[76] Wizkid released his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side on 14 July Primarily a Caribbean-influenced record, SFTOS encompasses several other genres, including afrobeats, EDM, R&B, and house.^[77] The album features guest appearances from Drake, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Efya, Bucie and Trey Songz.^[78] Its production was handled by Sarz, Del B, Spellz, Dre Skull, DJ Mustard, Major Lazer, and the Picard Brothers.

The album was made available for purchase and online streaming on several music platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer and Google Play.^{[citation needed]}SFTOS debuted at number on the US Billboard ^[79] It also debuted at number 58 on the Canadian Albums Chart.^{[citation needed]} The album's release was preceded by three singles: "Daddy Yo" featuring Efya, "Sweet Love", and "Come Closer" featuring Drake.^{[citation needed]} "African Bad Gyal" was released alongside the pre-order for the album on 9 June ,^[80] and "Naughty Ride" was released as a promotional track on 23 June ^[81]

Wizkid became the first afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records for his contribution to "One Dance".

His song "Soco" became his first afrobeats single to be certified gold in Canada.^[82][83] Later that year, he appeared on Normani and Calvin Harris's EPNormani x Calvin Harris, on the song "Checklist", which peaked at number one on the BillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart.^[84]

–present: "Brown Skin Girl", Soundman Vol.

1 and Made in Lagos

In mid, Wizkid was featured on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl", taken from the critically acclaimed The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.^[85] It was described as one of his "shining" moments of ,^[86] thanks to numerous nominations at major international awards, earning him two Soul Train Music Awards,^[87] an NAACP Image Award,^[88] a BET Awards, and his first Grammy Award, for Best Music Video.^[89] Later that year, he also released the singles "Joro" and "Ghetto Love".^[90]

On 6 December , Wizkid's label Starboy Entertainment released the EP Soundman Vol.

1, centering mainly on Wizkid, and containing features from Chronixx, and a variety of other artists.^[91]

During , Wizkid featured on various singles, including "Escape" by Akon, "Gbese " with DJ Tunes and Spax, "Eve Bounce" by Yung L, and "Consider II" with Walshy Fire. He also released a collaboration with American singer, H.E.R., titled "Smile".

On 17 September, Wizkid released the single "No Stress", and announced that he would be releasing his fourth album, Made in Lagos, on 15 October ^[90] The album launch was later postponed due to the Nigerian End SARS protests nationwide, until 30 October "Essence", a single from the album, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the US Billboard Hot ^[17]

At the 27th annual South African Music Awards, Made in Lagos received a nomination for the Rest of Africa Award.^[92]

On 13 August , he released a remix of "Essence", featuring Canadian singer Justin Bieber.^[93] The song became the highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot by an African act, peaking at No.

11 on 4 October ^[94][95]

In November , at the 64th Annual Grammy Award, his album, Made in Lagos and his song "Essence" earned him two Grammy nominations.^[96] In the same month, he also received four Soul Train Awards nominations, winning one for "Essence" for Best collaboration.^[97]

On the first anniversary of Made in Lagos, Wizkid announced his fifth album More Love, Less Ego, originally set for release on the last day of the Made in Lagos tour, 22 January ^[98] In September , Wizkid headlined the Rolling Loud Toronto hip-hop festival, becoming the first African artist in history to achieve this feat.^[99][] His fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego was released on 11 November ^[18]

On 18 October , Wizkid released the song "Piece of My Heart" featuring American singer Brent Faiyaz as the lead single from his forthcoming sixth studio album Morayo.^[][]

In November , Asake's song "MMS", which featured Wizkid, was nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.^[] This was Wizkid's fifth nomination for the coveted honor in his career.

On 22 November , Wizkid released his sixth studio album Morayo of sixteen songs featuring Asake, Anaïs Cardot, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola.^[]

Endorsements

In , Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth US$,^[] He travelled to Beirut, Lebanon, with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.^[][] On 28 May , Premium Times reported that Wizkid had signed a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria.

The newspaper also reported that Wizkid's Pepsi contract was renewed for two more years.^[][] In November , Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.^[][] In June , Pulse Nigeria reported that Wizkid had left MTN and signed a ₦ million deal with GLO.^[] He is the first African artist to reach one million followers on Twitter.^[]

Record label and contract

Empire Mates Entertainment

In February , Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account.^[][] He also moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.^[] Prior to Wizkid's subliminal tweets, Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss.

Furthermore, it was reported that troubles within E.M.E began as early as the E.M.E All Stars concert in ^[] It was also reported that money was at the centre of the controversy.^[] On 30 April , Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E had reunited after contract negotiations.^[] Wizkid departed E.M.E following the release of his second studio album and the expiration of his five-year contract.^[] In a video interview with Capital Xtra in October , Wizkid said he left E.M.E without any money.^[]

Starboy Entertainment

Wizkid established Starboy Entertainment in March ^[] He planned on signing new acts to the label ^[51][] and signed Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz,^[] while Berry became an in-house producer.^[][] In August , Wizkid signed L.A.X to Starboy, as its first recording act.^[][] In February , DJ Tunez became the in-house disc jockey,^[] and in May , Efya, R2Bees, and Mr Eazi were signed to the label.^[] Other artists signed to the label include Legendury Beatz, R2Bees, Terri, and Efya.^[][][] The label is managed by Jada P.^[]

Sony Music/RCA

In , Billboard reported that Wizkid signed a multi-album worldwide record deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.^[]

Personal life

Wizkid has four children with three different women.^[][] The children were born in , , , and ^[] His mother died in London on 18 August ^[]

Fatherhood controversy

In August , Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that the singer fathered his first child at the age of After a thorough investigation, the newspaper concluded Wizkid impregnated then-undergraduate student Sola Ogudugu.^[] When the story broke, close friends and associates of Wizkid did not confirm it because DNA results were pending at the time.^[] Wizkid broke his silence on the story during several interviews.

In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, he denied having a child.^[] In another interview conducted in Ogudu-GRA, Lagos, he said he really did not want to find himself in that peculiar situation.^[] In December , Wizkid denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch.

In October , he uploaded a picture of himself and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, to his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the report published by Nigerian Entertainment Today.^[]

Feuds

Wizkid became engulfed in battles on Twitter with several artists, including his erstwhile boss Banky W^[] and former label mate Skales.^[] Other artists include Davido,^[]Dammy Krane,^[] Saeon,^[] Samklef,^[]Reekado Banks,^[] blogger Linda Ikeji.^[] and comedian "Mr.

Jollof".^[]

Fashion style

In an interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine in February , Wizkid said he wears a mixture of streetwear and traditional Nigerian clothes. He cited Pharrell Williams as one of his fashion style icons. Moreover, he revealed plans to establish a clothing line following the release of Sounds from the Other Side.^[]

Legacy

Wizkid's work is credited for popularizing Afrobeats worldwide in the late s and early s.^[] Morgan Enos of The Recording Academy praised his album Made in Lagos as a "potent mix of Afrobeats and R&B", stating that it "further accelerated the already-unstoppable surge of Nigerian music throughout the world".^[]NotJustOk opined "The 'afrobeats to the world' movement is one that has progressed from being a trek, to a trot and now presently, a swift race, with baton tightly clenched by several star players whose sounds have sliced through the airwaves to reach international heights and by so doing, level the once seemingly unsurmountable playing field.

One of such acts is Wizkid".^[]Critics noted that Wizkid has introduced Afrobeats to a wider audience, paving the way for other African artists to reach international success.^[]

In Billboard stated that Wizkid "is the first African artist to truly make a major pop breakthrough in the United States and seems best poised to do so globally, too".^[]Eromo Egbejule of The Guardian Nigeria mentioned Wizkid as an inspiration for a generation of African artists, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mr Eazi, Maleek Berry, Tekno and Burna Boy.^[]

Poppie Platt of The Daily Telegraph said "The Afrobeats pioneer's fusion of traditional rhythms, slick R&B production and a smattering of pop-ready lyrics, sung in a mix of Yoruba and English, have helped to commercialise the genre across the West, making it one of the industry's most profitable – and brilliant – imports.

".^[] Nicole Vassell of The Independent deemed Wizkid "king of Afrobeats", by asserting that he's "undeniably one of the reasons for the genre's mainstream appeal".^[] Joe Coscarelli of The New York Times credited his collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown and Major Lazer for cementing him as a "lasting international pop cultural ambassador".^[] Former Governor of MinnesotaMark Dayton declared 6 October as "Wizkid day" in the state, stating "Wizkid has inspired Minnesotans, and music fans around the world as one of the biggest cultural influencers of our time."^[][]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Wizkid

Wizkid's music has earned several achievements, including the Grammy Award for Best Music Video as a lead artist on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl";^[] his first ever Grammy Award.^[][][] He is the most awarded African artist at the American Music Awards (2), MTV Video Music Award (1), Soul Train Awards (3), Billboard Awards (3) and iHeartRadio Music Awards (2), while also tying for the most at BET Awards (4), MOBO Awards (6).^[] He is also a recipient of an ASCAP plaque for his songwriting contributions to Drake's "One Dance",^[] which also earned two Guinness World Records, for being the first song to reach a billion streams on Spotify, and at the time being the most streamed song on Spotify.^[] Wizkid was cited as one of the Top most influential Africans by New African magazine in ^[] He is also the most awarded artiste in The Headies award history.^[] He was nominated in the Best Global Music Album and the Best Global Music Performance categories in the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Made in Lagos Deluxe Edition and "Essence" respectively.^[] In November , Apple Music Awards announced him as the winner of Artist of the Year (Africa).^[]

Discography

Main article: Wizkid discography

Studio albums

Tours

Notes

References