WizKid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, began his musical journey in Nigeria at a young age. Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, WizKid's passion for music was evident from his early days.
At the age of 11, WizKid formed a group called the Glorious Five with his friends, and they began performing at local church events and schools. This early exposure to performing helped WizKid develop his stage presence and hone his musical skills.
In 2009, WizKid caught the attention of Nigerian music producer OJB Jezreel, who mentored him and helped him secure collaborations with established Nigerian artists. One of his first breakthrough moments came when he featured on M.I Abaga's track "Fast Money, Fast Cars" in 2009.
However, it was in 2010 that WizKid truly rose to prominence with his debut single "Holla at Your Boy." The song, which was produced by DJ Klem, became an instant hit and topped several Nigerian music charts. It also earned WizKid the prestigious Next Rated award at the 2011 Headies Awards.
Following the success of "Holla at Your Boy," WizKid released his debut album, "Superstar," in 2011. The album featured hit tracks like "Love My Baby" and "Pakurumo," further solidifying his status as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
WizKid's international breakthrough came in 2016 when he collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on the chart-topping hit "One Dance." The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a global sensation. This collaboration helped WizKid gain international recognition and opened doors for further collaborations with renowned artists.
In 2017, WizKid released his critically acclaimed album "Sounds from the Other Side," which featured collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Major Lazer. The album showcased WizKid's versatility and ability to seamlessly blend Afrobeat with various genres, further expanding his fan base worldwide.
Another significant milestone in WizKid's career was his collaboration with Beyoncé on the track "Brown Skin Girl" from her 2019 album "The Lion King: The Gift." The song, which also featured Saint Jhn and Blue Ivy Carter, won the BET Her Award at the 2020 BET Awards and further solidified WizKid's status as an international superstar.
Throughout his career, WizKid has continued to release hit singles and collaborate with both Nigerian and international artists. His unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall has made him a global icon, and he continues to push boundaries and inspire aspiring musicians.
References:
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizkid_(musician)
Billboard - https://www.billboard.com/music/wizkid/chart-history/
BET - https://www.bet.com/