Wizkid Biography
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State. Raised in an interfaith family, he grew up as the only male child among twelve sisters. Today, he stands as one of Nigeria’s most commercially successful and globally recognized music artists. His passion for music started at a very young age, even though his family initially opposed his career choice.
Wizkid Early Life
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, to Mr. Ibrahim Balogun and Mrs. Jane Dolapo Balogun. He was brought up in a home where his father practiced Islam, while his mother was a devoted Christian. Originally from Ogun State in Nigeria’s Southwest, Wizkid spent his childhood in the Ojuelegba area of Surulere, Lagos. He grew up in a polygamous family as the only son, with twelve sisters. His father was married to three wives, and the household was relatively peaceful, giving him the opportunity to chase his musical ambitions.
Growing up in Lagos exposed Wizkid to Nigeria’s vibrant music culture, which greatly influenced his artistic development. As a child, he frequently attended church with his mother and siblings, actively participating in choir activities. His early interest in music blossomed at the age of 11 when he co-founded a gospel group called Glorious Five with friends from church. The group released an album before going their separate ways. At the time, Wizkid performed under the stage name Lil Prinz, a name he later changed to Wizkid in 2006.
Inspired by music legends such as Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and King Sunny Ade, Wizkid began nurturing his craft in his teenage years. He spent a lot of time in the studio of the late legendary producer OJB Jezreel, who became his mentor. OJB advised Wizkid to delay recording for a year to develop his sound and songwriting skills. During this period, Wizkid often observed music sessions by top Nigerian artists like 2Baba and Sound Sultan.
At 15, Wizkid met rapper Naeto C, who also played a mentoring role in his career. His breakthrough came when he was discovered by Banky W, a singer and record label executive. Banky W recognized Wizkid’s talent and signed him to Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009, marking the beginning of his professional career in the Nigerian music industry.
Wizkid Parents
Wizkid was born to Alhaji Oluni Balogun and Jane Dolapo Morayo Balogun. His mother was a pastor and businesswoman, while his father, contrary to Wizkid’s occasional statements about coming from a poor background, was actually affluent and well-regarded in their Ajegunle community in Lagos State. He played a notable role in the development of the area. Sadly, Wizkid’s mother passed away in London in August 2023.
Father: Alhaji Oluni Balogun
Alhaji Balogun is a respected and influential figure who contributed to providing electricity in the Alaba region of Ajegunle in 1972. He had multiple wives, and Wizkid grew up in a polygamous household.
Mother: Jane Dolapo Morayo Balogun
Jane was a pastor and entrepreneur who greatly inspired Wizkid throughout his life. She died on August 18, 2023, in London.
Wizkid Career
Wizkid began his professional music journey in 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), owned by Banky W. His songwriting talent first gained recognition when he co-wrote Omoge You Too Much for Banky W’s album The W Experience. That same year, Wizkid started working on his debut album Superstar and dropped its first single, Holla At Your Boy, on January 2, 2010. The track was a massive success, earning him the prestigious Next Rated Artist award at The Headies in 2011.
He later released Tease Me/Bad Guys in April 2010 as the album’s second single and Don’t Dull in December 2010 as a festive hit. After two years of production, Superstar an eclectic mix of Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and Reggae was officially launched on June 12, 2011, at Eko Hotel and Suites. The album received critical acclaim and won Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Following the album’s release, Wizkid toured London with E.M.E label mates Skales, Shaydee, Banky W, and Niyola. He also contributed to the label’s 2012 compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind.
Work on his second album, Ayo, began in 2012 and was released in 2014. The album was commercially successful and featured collaborations with Femi Kuti, Tyga, Akon, Wale, and several renowned producers such as Sarz, Shizzi, and Spellz. Its lead single, Jaiye Jaiye featuring Femi Kuti, dropped in May 2013, while On Top Your Matter followed in October 2013. After his E.M.E contract expired, Wizkid opted for independence and founded his record label, Starboy Entertainment.
In January 2015, Wizkid released Ojuelegba, a reflective track about his early struggles. In 2016, he achieved international acclaim when he was featured on Drake’s global hit One Dance, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten non-consecutive weeks and dominated charts in over 15 countries. This milestone made Wizkid the first Afrobeats artist listed in the 2018 Guinness World Records.
He later signed with RCA Records in March 2017 and dropped his third studio album, Sounds From The Other Side, in July that year. The album featured collaborations with global stars like Drake, Chris Brown, and Ty Dolla Sign, with standout tracks such as Come Closer, Daddy Yo, and African Bad Gyal.
In 2018, Wizkid collaborated with Normani and Calvin Harris on Checklist, which topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. A year later, Beyoncé invited him to contribute to The Lion King: The Gift album. His feature on Brown Skin Girl earned him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2021 and several other international nominations.
October 2020 marked the release of his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos, which became a global success. The track Essence, featuring Tems, made history as the first Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100 and later climbed into the top 10 after a remix with Justin Bieber. By 2021, Wizkid had become the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify, amassing over 3.4 billion streams.
Wizkid Personal Life
Although Wizkid is a proud father of three sons, Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Balogun, and Zion Balogun, he is widely considered to be single. However, there are speculations that he is in a relationship with Jada Pollock, his manager and the mother of his third child, Zion. Some blogs have also linked him romantically with singer Tems. Despite the rumors, Wizkid deeply cares for his children and spends quality time with them whenever he is not busy in the studio or performing on tour.
Wizkid has built an impressive career, achieving success both musically and financially. He splits his time between his residences in Lagos and Accra. Beyond his music, he owns an array of luxury cars, high-end properties around the world, and has invested in various businesses.
As an entrepreneur, he launched his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, in 2013, signing acts such as Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz. The label currently has fast-rising singer Terri on its roster.
He has also secured several major endorsement deals, starting with Pepsi in 2012. Over the years, he has collaborated with notable brands like MTN Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria Plc, and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Currently, Wizkid is managed by Sunday Are. The superstar is popularly known by nicknames such as Starboy, Big Wiz, Big W, and Machala.
Recognized as one of Africa’s top three artists alongside Burna Boy and Davido, Wizkid boasts one of the largest fan bases in Nigeria, famously known as Wizkid FC.
Born in Lagos, the singer is now 35 years old. Though unmarried, he has three sons with different women. His first son, Boluwatife, was born in 2011 when Wizkid was just 21. He is very devoted to his children, often taking them on vacations and outings whenever he has free time.
Rumors continue to suggest that he is dating his manager, Jada P, the mother of his youngest child. Apart from her, he also works with another manager, Sunday Are. Wizkid officially introduced singer Terri as part of the Starboy Entertainment family in 2018.
Known for his distinct fashion sense, Wizkid owns premium properties worldwide and frequently divides his time between his homes in Lagos and Ghana.
Discography
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- More Love, Less Ego (2022)
- Morayo (2024)
- Made in Lagos (2020)
- Studio albums
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
Education
Wizkid grew up in a financially stable household, allowing him to attend top private schools in Surulere for both his primary and secondary education.
He gained admission to Lagos State University but dropped out in 2009. Later, he enrolled at Lead City University in Ibadan, where he studied for two academic sessions before deciding to focus entirely on his music career.
The Balogun family invested heavily in ensuring he had a quality education. After completing his secondary school and earning his West African School Certificate, he started at Lagos State University but left shortly afterward. He later continued at Lead City University before eventually withdrawing after two sessions to pursue music full-time.
Wizkid Tribe
Wizkid belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group, which is also the tribe from his home state, Ogun State. Although he was born in Lagos State, his family hails from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, where he also received his education.
Wizkid Age
Wizkid is currently 35 years old.
Wizkid Relationships and Children
The music star is a father to three children:
- Boluwatife Balogun, whose mother is Oluwanisola Ogudugu
- Ayodeji Balogun, born to Binta Diallo
- Zion Balogun, whose mother is Jada Pollock
All the above women, except Jada Pollock, are his former girlfriends and baby mamas. Over the years, Wizkid has also been linked romantically to Tonto Dikeh, Tiwa Savage, and Seyi Shay.
Wizkid International Recognition
Wizkid gained major international fame in 2016 after collaborating with Drake on the hit track “One Dance”, which topped charts globally, including in the United States, and earned him songwriting credits. He later featured Drake again on the song “Come Closer.”
In addition, he appeared on Chris Brown’s 2022 album “Breezy” on a track titled “Call Me Every Day.”
Wizkid State of Origin
Although born in Surulere, Lagos State, Wizkid hails from Ogun State, Nigeria, where his family originates. He spent most of his early life in Lagos.
Wizkid Net Worth
As one of Africa’s most influential artists and music executives, Wizkid has amassed considerable wealth. His income streams include royalties from his music, live performances, and global tours. His net worth is estimated to be around US$35 million.