Early Life and Background

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large, polygamous family where his father had multiple wives, and his upbringing was filled with a blend of Christian and Islamic influences. From an early age, Wizkid showed an intense passion for music, a trait that would later define his destiny.

Growing up in Ojuelegba, one of Lagos’s bustling suburbs, Wizkid was surrounded by the sounds of Afrobeat legends like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade. These influences shaped his understanding of rhythm and melody. He began singing in church and was a member of the church choir, which honed his vocal abilities.

As a teenager, he formed a small music group called Glorious Five with his church friends, recording songs and performing locally. Back then, he went by the stage name Lil Prinz. Although his early songs never made mainstream success, they marked the beginning of a musical journey that would later shake the global entertainment industry.

For his education, Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School, later moving to Lagos State University. He also enrolled at Lead City University but dropped out before completing his degree. This decision was not taken lightly—he left school to chase his dream of making music full-time. That bold move turned out to be the best decision of his life.

Music Career

Wizkid’s rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. His journey in the music industry can be divided into four key phases: his local breakthrough, his national dominance, his global crossover, and his consolidation as one of Africa’s greatest exports.

Early Beginnings and Local Breakthrough

Wizkid began recording music professionally at just 11 years old. After years of performing in church and small gigs, his big break came in 2009 when he caught the attention of Banky W, who signed him to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). Under EME, Wizkid began to flourish musically, learning how to craft hits and appeal to the mainstream audience.

In 2011, he released his debut album “Superstar”, which turned him into a household name in Nigeria and across Africa. The album featured major hits like “Holla at Your Boy,” “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Pakurumo,” and “Don’t Dull.” These tracks not only topped charts but also introduced Wizkid’s signature sound—a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop infused with youthful energy and street credibility.

The success of Superstar earned him multiple awards, including Next Rated Artist at The Headies, and opened doors for collaborations with other top Nigerian artists.

Rise and International Recognition

Wizkid continued to evolve musically, dropping hit singles that resonated beyond Africa. His sophomore album, “Ayo,” released in 2014, contained timeless tracks like “Ojuelegba,” “Jaiye Jaiye,” and “Show You the Money.” Among them, “Ojuelegba” became a defining song—it told his story of struggle and ambition from the streets of Lagos.

The track’s raw authenticity caught the attention of international artists, leading to a remix with Drake and Skepta, which pushed Wizkid into the global spotlight.

In 2016, Wizkid collaborated with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance.” The song became a massive international success, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the charts for weeks. This collaboration officially introduced Wizkid to a Western audience and marked the beginning of his reign as Africa’s global superstar.

Major Albums and Global Hits

In 2017, Wizkid released “Sounds From the Other Side”, an album designed to bridge the gap between African music and the global pop market. It featured collaborations with top international acts like Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Major Lazer. Songs like “Come Closer” featuring Drake further cemented his global status.

Then came 2020—the year Wizkid released his most acclaimed project, “Made in Lagos.” This album became a cultural phenomenon, blending Afrobeat with soul, reggae, and R&B influences. The standout track, “Essence” featuring Tems, took the world by storm. It became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, and its remix featuring Justin Bieber further elevated its status.

“Essence” was described by many as the “song of the summer” and earned Wizkid Grammy nominations. Made in Lagos itself was hailed as one of the best Afrobeats albums ever made, pushing the genre to new international heights.

In 2022, Wizkid followed up with “More Love, Less Ego”, a mature and introspective album exploring themes of love, growth, and fame. With this, he proved his consistency and ability to evolve with the ever-changing music landscape.

Style and Influence

Wizkid’s sound is unique—he seamlessly fuses Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, reggae, and dancehall, creating music that appeals to fans across the world. His artistry lies in his ability to blend rhythm and melody while keeping his Nigerian roots intact.

Over the years, he has influenced a new generation of African musicians who now dream of international success. He’s not just a musician; he’s a symbol of African excellence—a bridge between Lagos and Los Angeles, between Afrobeat pioneers and the new global sound.

Awards and Recognition

Wizkid’s excellence has earned him numerous awards and recognitions across the world. He has won BET Awards, MOBO Awards, The Headies, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards, among others.

In 2021, Wizkid won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl”, a collaboration with Beyoncé. He has also received multiple Grammy nominations for “Essence” and Made in Lagos.

He holds records for sold-out concerts at The O2 Arena in London and continues to break barriers as one of the most decorated African artists in history.

Net Worth, Endorsements, and Business Ventures

Wizkid’s wealth is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and global influence. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be between $40 million and $60 million, making him one of Africa’s richest musicians.

Sources of Income

1. Music Sales and Streaming – Wizkid earns massively from his music’s digital streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. His songs have accumulated hundreds of millions of plays globally.

2. Concerts and Tours – Wizkid’s live shows are a major source of income. He has performed in sold-out arenas in the UK, US, and other parts of the world. His stage presence and energy keep fans coming back for more.

3. Endorsements – He has signed mouthwatering deals with global brands such as Pepsi, MTN, Globacom, Guinness, UBA, and Puma. Each of these deals is worth millions and adds to his growing empire.

4. Starboy Entertainment – Wizkid is the founder of Starboy Entertainment, a record label that has signed and nurtured several Nigerian artists. Through this label, he has given upcoming talents a platform to shine.

5. Business Ventures and Assets – Beyond music, Wizkid has investments in real estate and luxury assets. He reportedly owns houses in Lagos, London, and the United States, along with a fleet of luxury cars including Mercedes Benz, Lamborghini Urus, and Range Rover.

Recent Developments and Personal Life

Wizkid is a proud father of four children, born to different women. Despite his busy schedule, he has often expressed his deep love and commitment to his children.

In August 2023, tragedy struck when Wizkid lost his beloved mother, Mrs. Jane Balogun. The loss deeply affected him, and he took a short break from public appearances to mourn her passing.

Nonetheless, he returned to music stronger, channeling his emotions into his performances and songwriting. His recent works continue to show maturity, gratitude, and reflection.

Challenges and Context

Despite his success, Wizkid’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From being underestimated early in his career to dealing with media scrutiny and competition, he’s faced it all with resilience.

The exact figures of his net worth are often debated due to fluctuating exchange rates and differing media reports, but one thing remains clear—his influence and earnings are unmatched among Afrobeats stars.

Conclusion

Wizkid’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and global triumph. From a young boy singing in church to becoming a Grammy-winning superstar, he embodies what it means to chase your dreams relentlessly.

His journey mirrors the rise of Afrobeats—from the streets of Lagos to the biggest stages in the world. Wizkid isn’t just a Nigerian icon; he’s a global ambassador for African music.

His impact continues to inspire millions of young Africans who now believe that no dream is too big. As Afrobeats continues to conquer the world, Wizkid stands tall as one of its founding pillars—a true Starboy forever.