Wizkid
Musician, Record Producer
• Born 1990-07-13 • Nigerian
Biography
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become one of Africa's biggest musical exports. His fusion of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B has earned him international acclaim.
Early Life
Born in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid grew up in a polygamous family as the last of six children. He began recording music at age 11 and was discovered by producer OJB Jezreel.
Career
Wizkid rose to fame with his 2011 hit "Holla at Your Boy." His 2014 album "Ayo" was a massive success. He gained international recognition with "One Dance" (Drake) and won a Grammy for "Brown Skin Girl" (Beyoncé collaboration). He sold out the O2 Arena multiple times.
Personal Life
Wizkid has three sons from different relationships and is known for keeping his family life relatively private despite his massive fame.
Fun Facts
He started his own record label, Starboy Entertainment. | His stage name comes from "wicked child." | He has a star on the Nigerian Walk of Fame. | He was awarded the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government.