Wizkid

Wizkid Biography

Date of Birth: July 16, 1990

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer

Wizkid at Flytime Fest 2022 [Twitter/ @ijay4short]

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in an interfaith household with a Muslim father and Christian mother, he grew up with twelve female siblings in a vibrant, music-loving community. Influenced by icons like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and King Sunny Ade, Wizkid began singing at age 11 in his church choir under the stage name Lil Prinz. He formed a group called Glorious Five, releasing a collaborative album before disbanding, setting the stage for his solo career.

In 2009, Wizkid signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) under Banky W’s mentorship, marking a pivotal moment. His debut album, Superstar (2011), featured the breakout single Holla at Your Boy, which won him the Next Rated Award at The Headies 2011. Blending Afrobeats, reggae, and pop, the album’s hits like Tease Me/Bad Guys and Don’t Dull established him as a Nigerian music prodigy. His early collaborations with artists like Naeto C and MI, along with mentorship from producer OJB Jezreel, honed his unique sound.

Wizkid’s global breakthrough came in 2016 with his feature on Drake’s One Dance, which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and charts in 14 countries, earning him a Guinness World Record as the first Afrobeats artist to achieve this feat. His 2020 album, Made in Lagos, featuring the hit Essence with Tems, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his international influence. Collaborations with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl earned him a Grammy in 2021, while his label, Starboy Entertainment, founded in 2013, nurtures talents like Terri and DJ Tunez.

As of 2025, Wizkid, with an estimated net worth of $14–$30 million, remains a trailblazer, with over 3.4 billion Spotify streams and 40+ awards, including BET, MOBO, and Grammy honours. His latest album, Morayo, pays tribute to his late mother, reflecting his personal depth. Unmarried, with four children from three partners, Wizkid balances stardom with family life.

Follow him on Instagram (@wizkidayo).