Wizid – Holla at Your Boy
| Stage Name | Wizkid |
| Real Name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age | 16th July, 1990 (34 years old) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5”4 feet |
| Weight | 132 lbs |
| Place of Birth | Surulere, Ikeja, Lagos State |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Marital Status | Jada Pollock – (Wife) |
| Education | Lead City University |
| Known for | Holla at Your Boy |
Early Life
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known worldwide as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in a large family, Wizkid developed an early interest in music. His passion led him to actively participate in church choirs and local competitions during his formative years.
Education
Wizkid began his educational journey at Ijebu Ode Grammar School for his primary education. Subsequently, he continued his studies at the same institution for his high school education. Despite not completing university, the renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, commonly known as Wizkid, briefly attended Lead City University as a 200-level student of International Studies before deciding to pursue a career in music. In 2010, he made the significant decision to drop out and fully dedicate himself to his musical pursuits.
Musical Breakthrough
Wizkid’s journey to stardom began when he was discovered by OJB Jezreel, a record producer, at the age of 11. He later gained prominence in 2009 with the release of his debut single, “Holla at Your Boy,” under Banky W‘s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) record label. The song marked the beginning of a meteoric rise for the young artist.
Starboy Entertainment
Wizkid’s career continued to soar, and in 2013, he established his record label, Starboy Entertainment. This move allowed him not only to have creative control over his music but also to nurture emerging talents within the Nigerian music industry.
International Success
Wizkid’s global breakthrough came with the release of the single “Ojuelegba” in 2014, which garnered international acclaim and caught the attention of Canadian rapper Drake. The collaboration between Wizkid and Drake on the remix of “Ojuelegba” further elevated Wizkid’s status on the global music stage.
In 2016, Wizkid contributed to Drake’s hit single “One Dance,” which became a chart-topping success. Wizkid’s distinct Afrobeat sound, combined with his collaborations with international artists, played a pivotal role in popularizing Nigerian and African music on the world stage.
Notable Albums and Hits
Wizkid’s discography includes several critically acclaimed albums, such as “Superstar” (2011), “Ayo” (2014), and “Sounds from the Other Side” (2017). His hit singles, including “Daddy Yo,” “Come Closer,” and “Fever,” have consistently dominated charts and earned him numerous awards.
Grammy Award
In 2021, Wizkid achieved a significant milestone by winning a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Beyoncé on the song “Brown Skin Girl,” which was part of the “Lion King: The Gift” album. This historic win solidified Wizkid’s status as one of Nigeria’s most successful and globally recognized musicians.
Philanthropy and Activism
Beyond his musical endeavors, Wizkid has been actively involved in philanthropy. He has supported various charitable causes, including providing scholarships to underprivileged children. Wizkid has also used his platform to advocate for positive social change and youth empowerment.
Wife and Kids
Wizkid confirms he is married to Jada Pollock. He is known for his private lifestyle and has kept details of his personal life away from the public eye. He is a father to four sons, Boluwatife, Ayodeji, Zion, and the last one each from a different mother.
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Net Worth
As of 2023, Wizkid’s remarkable net worth is estimated at $45 million, firmly establishing him as one of the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria. He consistently holds a top position among Nigerian artists, excelling in both popularity and financial success. Wizkid’s enduring prominence in the music industry reflects his significant impact and sustained success throughout his career. You can connect with him on Instagram.
Facts & Stats
Languages: English, Yoruba
First song: Holla at Your Boy
Albums:
- Made in Lagos – 2020
- More Love, Less Ego – 2022
- Superstar – 2011
- Ayo – 2014
- Sounds from the Other Side – 2017
- Limitless Clubbing, Vol. 36 – 2021
- Like This (The Remixes) – 2017, EP
- Wizkid – 2018
Genre: Afrobeat, Reggae, Dancehall, R&B, hip hop, Pop
The year he started signing: He started signing in 2001
Hit songs: Expensive Shit · Final (Baba Nla) · The Matter · Sound It · Ojuelegba · Joy · Daddy Yo · Love My Baby.
Awards:
- Grammy Award for Best Music Video – 2021 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act – 2021, 2016
- MTV Europe Music Award for Best Worldwide Act – 2016
- The Headies Award for Artiste of the Year – 2021, 2016
- BET Award for Best Collaboration – 2022 · Essence
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography – 2021 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- The Headies Award for Album of the Year – 2022 · Made in Lagos
- BET Award for Best International Act: Africa – 2017, 2012
- The Headies Award for Best Collabo – 2022, 2018 · Essence, Ma Lo
- Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration – 2021 · Essence
- Echo Award for Song of the Year – 2017 · One Dance
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: R&B/Hip-Hop Song – 2016
- Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Song – 2017 · One Dance
- The Headies Award for Song of the Year – 2022, 2016 · Essence, Ojuelegba
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video – 2022, 2021 · Essence, BROWN SKIN GIRL
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group – 2020 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- Soul Train Music Awards: The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award – 2019 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- iHeartRadio Music Award for Hip-Hop Song of the Year – 2017 · One Dance
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding International Song – 2022 · Essence
- Soul Train Music Award for Video of the Year – 2020 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- The Headies Award for Viewer’s Choice – 2021, 2018 · Come Closer
- The Headies Award for Best R&B Single – 2022 · Essence
- MTV Africa Music Award for Best Collaboration – 2016 · Soweto Baby
- MTV Africa Music Award for Best Male – 2016
- iHeartRadio Music Award for Afrobeats Artist of the Year – 2023
- American Music Award for Favorite Afrobeats Artist – 2022
- Nigeria Entertainment Award for Hottest Single of the Year – 2015, 2014 · Ojuelegba, Pull Over
- The Headies Award for Best R&B/Pop Album – 2018, 2016 · Sounds from the Other Side, Ayo
- iHeartRadio Music Award for Most Thumbed Up Song of the Year – 2017 · One Dance
- The Future Awards Africa Prize for Young Person of the Year – 2017
- Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song (Audio) – 2017 · One Dance
- The Headies Award for Best Afrobeat Pop Album (Nigeria) – 2022 · Made in Lagos
- AFRIMA Award for Best Male Artiste In West Africa – 2023
- MTV Africa Music Award for Artist of the Year – 2016
- Top Naija Music Award for Best Collaboration with “A” List Artiste – 2015 · Boogie Down
- Nigeria Entertainment Award for Male Artist of the Year – 2015
- Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Collaboration – 2017 · One Dance
- City People Entertainment Award for Pop Artiste of the Year – 2015
- MuchMusic Video Award for iHeartRadio Canadian Single of the Year – 2017 · One Dance
- BET Her Award – 2020 · BROWN SKIN GIRL
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) -2023 · Call Me Every Day