Wizkid | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
Also known as |
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Born | Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | 16 July 1990
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2001–present[upper-alpha 1] |
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Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid,[3] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[4] A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene, he is regarded as one of the most commercially successful and influential artists of the genre.[5][6]
He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five (5), a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He later rose to the limelight after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011), which also spawned the singles "Tease Me/Bad Guys" and "Don't Dull".
In September 2014, he released the self-titled second studio album, Ayo. The album was supported by six singles, including the song "Jaiye Jaiye". Wizkid left E.M.E. after his contract expired. In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the hit single "One Dance", which reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 14 additional countries. The song broke multiple records, making Wizkid the first afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.[7] In March 2017, he signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records and released his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side, later that year. The album was supported by five singles, including "Come Closer" featuring Drake.
In 2018, he was featured on the song "Checklist" by Normani and Calvin Harris, which reached number-one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The following year, he was featured on Beyoncé's project The Lion King: The Gift on the single "Brown Skin Girl", which also reached number-one on the World Digital Song Sales chart, and won him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.[8] In October 2020, he released his fourth album, Made in Lagos, which received commercial success and acclaim,[9] reaching number-one on the Billboard World Album Chart.[10] The album includes the single "Essence" featuring Tems, which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100,[11] and reached the top ten following a remix released by Justin Bieber. Wizkid's fifth album More Love, Less Ego was released on 11 November 2022.[12]
Life and music career
1990–2010: Early life and career beginnings
Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on 16 July 1990, in Surulere, Lagos.[13] He grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings. His mother is a Pentecostal Christian and his father practices Islam.[1] Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School.[14][1] He grew up listening to King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.[15] In a radio interview with Tim Westwood in 2012, he said that "his father has three wives".[16] In another interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid said he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends.[17] They managed to release an album prior to disbanding. Wizkid went by the stage name Lil Prinz until 2006.[18] He later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year.[17] While visiting OJB's Point Beat Studios frequently, he watched 2 Face Idibia record songs for his Grass 2 Grace album. He was also present during the recording sessions for Sound Sultan's debut album Jagbajantis.[19][17] He cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him when he was 15 years old. Wizkid inked a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. He co-wrote "Omoge You Too Much", a song from Banky W.'s The W Experience album.[17][19] He also worked with Naeto C, Ikechukwu and M.I while developing his craft.[20] In mid-2009, he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU). He later attended Lead City University, but dropped out after completing two sessions.[19]
2010–2011: Superstar
Wizkid began recording his debut studio album Superstar in 2009.[19] He released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single on 2 January 2010.[21] The song was nominated for Best Pop Single, and earned him the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a 2012 Hyundai Sonata courtesy of the organizers.[22] Its music video was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.[23]
On 2 April 2010, Wizkid released "Tease Me/Bad Guys" as the album's second single. It was initially released as a freestyle rap.[24] "Don't Dull", the album's third single, was released on 6 December 2010.[25] Superstar was recorded in English and Yoruba. It was released on 12 June 2011 by Empire Mates Entertainment. The album incorporates elements of Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall, and reggae. While working on Superstar, Wizkid collaborated with record producers such as E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Masterkraft, Q-Beats and Samklef. The album features guest appearances from Banky W., Skales, D'Prince and Wande Coal. It was initially scheduled for release on 14 February 2011 but was later pushed back.[26] On 12 June 2011, Wizkid hosted a launch party for the album at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The launch party featured performances from Banky W, Skales, 2face Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D'Prince, Olamide, eLDee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxxx and Seyi Shay.[27] Superstar garnered Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2012.[28]
2012–2014: E.M.E tour, Ayo and other recordings
Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4 June 2012.[29] He worked with Banky W., Skales, Shaydee and Niyola to record E.M.E's compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind (2012).[30] Following the album's release, E.M.E acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off in July and ended in September 2012. EME acts performed in several cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.[31][32] On 12 November 2012, Wizkid performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar and Angel.[33]
Between 2012 and 2014, Wizkid recorded his second studio album Ayo. It features guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon and Wale. The album's production was handled by Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz. It was initially titled Chosen. According to MTV Base, the album suffered from a pushed-back release date.[34] It was reported earlier that the album would feature Don Jazzy, Efya and Olamide.[35] On 6 September 2014, Wizkid revealed the album's cover art and track listing. Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid had plans to release a mixtape in April 2013.[36] In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing Headquarters in London, he said the mixtape would be released in April. He also said it would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah.[37] Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on 12 June 2013.[38] In an interview with HipTV, Banky W revealed the album's title and commented on the album's delay. He also gave an estimated time frame for the album's release.[39]
On 2 May 2013, Wizkid released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye". It features Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity he collaborated with Femi Kuti to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars, and materialistic things.[40] On 17 October 2013, he performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to Fela Kuti.[41] The Del B-produced "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on 26 October 2013.[42] The song's music video directed and shot in South Africa by Sesan.[43] On 2 November 2013, Wizkid performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno. The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre in the Eko Hotels and Suites.[44] On 23 November 2013, he performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert in Accra, Ghana.[45]
In February 2014, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter.[46][47] In July 2014, Wizkid visited The Beat 99.9 FM studio in Lagos and told Toolz he had collaborated with Barbadian singer Rihanna.[48][49] Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows on Tinie Tempah's UK tour in 2014.[50]
2015–2018: Sounds from the Other Side and the international success with "One Dance"
On 5 January 2015, Wizkid released the music video for "Ojuelegba", a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career.[51] The song's official remix features vocals from Drake and Skepta; it premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015.[52] Wizkid first announced that he was working on a new album during a visit to London in October 2014. He revealed "African Bad Gyal" as his collaborative single with Chris Brown and said it would be the lead single from his third studio album.[53] In April 2015, both Wizkid and Chris Brown performed "African Bad Gyal" at Brown's concert in Durban, South Africa.[54] Wizkid released "Expensive Shit", an Afrobeats song built on light guitars, saxophone lines and acoustic percussion in May 2015; the song was reported as being a likely inclusion on the album.[55] In July 2015, Wizkid announced on Twitter that Angélique Kidjo would be featured on the album.[56] In September 2015, he said he was dropping his EP and postponing the release of his third studio album. He made this announcement on Instagram shortly after the conclusion of 2Face Idibia's Fortified tribute concert.[57]
On 5 April 2016, Wizkid became Nigeria's first artist to be listed on Billboards Twitter Last 24 hours chart, following his guest feature on Drake's Afrobeats-infused "One Dance" single, which charted at number 21.[58][59] On 12 May 2016, the song reached number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it kept for 10 non-consecutive weeks.[60] "One Dance" went on to become an international smash hit, topping charts in 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany. The single became Wizkid's first number-one single as a featured artist in these territories.
Wizkid released the promotional single "Like This" on 5 June. The song premiered on Drake's OVO Sound Radio the same month. It was produced by Amsterdam-based Ghanaian producer DJ Henry X.[61] Pitchfork writer Sheldon Pearce said the song is a "frolicking, summery jam that revels in all the work he [Wizkid]'s put in."[62] In May 2015, Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his "One Hell of a Nite" world tour.[63][64]
In March 2017, he signed a record deal with RCA Records.[65] Wizkid released his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side on 14 July 2017. Primarily a Caribbean-influenced record, SFTOS encompasses several other genres, including afrobeats, EDM, R&B, and house.[66] The album features guest appearances from Drake, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Efya, Bucie and Trey Songz.[67] Its production was handled by Sarz, Del B, Spellz, Dre Skull, DJ Mustard, Major Lazer, and the Picard Brothers. The album was made available for purchase and online streaming on several music platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer and Google Play. SFTOS debuted at number 107 on the US Billboard 200.[68] It also debuted at number 58 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album's release was preceded by three singles: "Daddy Yo" featuring Efya, "Sweet Love", and "Come Closer" featuring Drake. "African Bad Gyal" was released alongside the pre-order for the album on 9 June 2017,[69] and "Naughty Ride" was released as a promotional track on 23 June 2017.[70]
Wizkid became the first afrobeats artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to "One Dance". His song "Soco" became his first afrobeats single to be certified gold in Canada.[71][72] Later that year, he appeared on Normani and Calvin Harris's EP Normani x Calvin Harris, on the song "Checklist", which peaked at number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.[73]
2019–present: "Brown Skin Girl", Soundman Vol. 1 and Made in Lagos
In mid-2019, Wizkid was featured on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl", taken from the critically acclaimed The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.[74] It was described as one of his "shining" moments of 2019,[75] thanks to numerous nominations at major international awards, earning him two Soul Train Music Awards,[76] a NAACP Image Award,[77] a BET Awards, and his first Grammy Award, for Best Music Video.[78] Later that year, he also released the singles "Joro" and "Ghetto Love".[79]
On 6 December 2019, Wizkid's label Starboy Entertainment released the EP Soundman Vol. 1, centering mainly on Wizkid, and containing features from Chronixx, and a variety of other artists.[80]
During 2020, Wizkid featured on various singles, including "Escape" by Akon, "Gbese 2.0" with DJ Tunes and Spax, "Eve Bounce" by Yung L, and "Consider II" with Walshy Fire. He also released a collaboration with American singer, H.E.R., titled "Smile". On 17 September, Wizkid released the single "No Stress", and announced that he would be releasing his fourth album, Made in Lagos, on 15 October 2020.[79] The album launch was later postponed due to the Nigerian End SARS protests nationwide, until 30 October 2020. Essence", a single from the album, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100.[11]
At the 27th annual South African Music Awards, Made in Lagos received a nomination for the Rest of Africa Award.[81]
On 13 August 2021, he released a remix of "Essence", featuring Canadian singer Justin Bieber.[82] The song became the highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 by an African act, peaking at No. 11 on October 4, 2021.[83][84]
In November 2021, at the 64th Annual Grammy Award, his album, Made in Lagos and his song "Essence" earned him two Grammy nominations.[85] In the same month, he also received four Soul Train Awards nominations, winning one for "Essence" for Best collaboration.[86]
On the first anniversary of Made in Lagos, Wizkid announced his fifth album More Love, Less Ego, originally set for release on the last day of the Made in Lagos tour, January 22, 2022.[87]In September 2022, Wizkid headlined the Rolling Loud Toronto hip-hop festival, becoming the first African artist in history to achieve this feat.[88][89] His fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego was released on 11 November 2022.[12]
Endorsements
In 2012, Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth US$350,000.[90] He travelled to Beirut, Lebanon, with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.[91][92] On 28 May 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid had signed a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria. The newspaper also reported that Wizkid's Pepsi contract was renewed for two more years.[93][94] In November 2013, Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.[95][96] In June 2015, Pulse Nigeria reported that Wizkid had left MTN and signed a ₦128 million deal with GLO.[97] He's the first African artist to reach one million followers on Twitter[98]
Record label and contract
Empire Mates Entertainment
In February 2013, Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account.[99][100] He also moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.[100] Prior to Wizkid's subliminal tweets, Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss. Furthermore, it was reported that troubles within E.M.E began as early as the E.M.E All Stars concert in 2012.[100] It was also reported that money was at the centre of the controversy.[100] On 30 April 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E had reunited after contract negotiations.[101] Wizkid departed E.M.E following the release of his second studio album and the expiration of his five-year contract.[102] In a video interview with Capital Xtra in October 2019, Wizkid said he left E.M.E without any money.[103]
Starboy Entertainment
Wizkid established Starboy Entertainment in March 2013.[104] He revealed to Yvonne Ekwere of Silverbird Television that he planned on signing new acts to the label.[40][105] Wizkid first signed Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz to the label,[106] while Berry became an in-house producer.[107][108] In August 2013, Wizkid signed L.A.X to Starboy, as its first recording act.[109][110] In February 2016, DJ Tunez became the in-house disc jockey,[111] and in May 2016, Efya, R2Bees, and Mr Eazi were signed to the label.[112] Other artists signed to the label include Legendury Beatz, R2Bees, Terri, and Efya.[113][114][115] The label is currently managed by Jada P.[116] Starboy Entertainment has been nominated for a best record label award one by the City People Entertainment Awards and four times by The Beatz Awards.
Sony Music/RCA
In 2017, Billboard reported that Wizkid signed a multi-album worldwide record deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.[117]
Personal life
Wizkid has four children with three different women.[118][119] The children were born in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2022.[120] His mother died in London on August 18, 2023.[121]
Fatherhood controversy
In August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that the singer fathered his first child at the age of 21. After a thorough investigation, the newspaper concluded Wizkid impregnated then-undergraduate student Sola Ogudugu.[122] When the story broke, close friends and associates of Wizkid did not confirm it because DNA results were pending at the time.[122] Wizkid broke his silence on the story during several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, he denied having a child.[122] In another interview conducted in Ogudu-GRA, Lagos, he said he really did not want to find himself in that peculiar situation.[122] In December 2012, Wizkid denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, he uploaded a picture of himself and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, to his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the 2011 report published by Nigerian Entertainment Today.[123]
Feuds
Wizkid became engulfed in battles on Twitter with several artists, including his erstwhile boss Banky W[124] and former label mate Skales.[125] Other artists include Davido,[125] Dammy Krane,[126] Saeon,[125] Samklef,[125] Reekado Banks,[127] blogger Linda Ikeji.[128] and comedian "Mr. Jollof".[129]
Fashion style
In an interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine in February 2015, Wizkid said he wears a mixture of streetwear and traditional Nigerian clothes. He cited Pharrell Williams as one of his fashion style icons. Moreover, he revealed plans to establish a clothing line following the release of Sounds from the Other Side.[130]
Legacy
Wizkid has elevated Nigeria and propelled Afrobeats forward, In past years, it perhaps would have been unlikely for a Nigerian act to be the gravitational center for cross-genre luminaries — from reggae, to R&B, and grime. But these are the 2020s, and Afrobeats is colossal right now, and Wizkid is at the vanguard of this deluge of creative expression.
Morgan Enos, The Recording Academy (2023)[131]
Wizkid is regarded as an African living legend and a trailblazer of "Afrobeats", for his contribution both inside and outside the music industry.[132][133] NotJustOk opined "the 'afrobeats to the world' movement is one that has progressed from being a trek, to a trot and now presently, a swift race, with baton tightly clenched by several star players whose sounds have sliced through the airwaves to reach international heights and by doing so, level the once seemingly unsurmountable playing field, one of such acts is Wizkid."[134] Chris Deville of Stereogum remarked that WizKid has conquered the U.S. pop Landscape he helped create for Afrobeats.[135] Writing for The Guardian Daniel Anazia wrote that Wizkid's albums are success that has spiraled into a moment for him and Afrobeats, and he has further elevated the Nigerian music industry and the Afrobeats culture to the world.[136] Critics noted that with the release of "Essence", Wizkid has introduced the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats to a wider audience and paved the way for other African artists to reach international success.[137]
Quartz asserted "he has blend various styles as one at the top of his game, and established himself as lucrative for both local and international record labels, while for any African musician watching this space, their hope is that their own successes will one day mirror those of Wizkid".[138] Billboard remarked "Wizkid is the first African artist to truly make a major pop breakthrough in the "United States" and globally, and his rise has paralleled the Western-based music industry’s entry to the continent". Over the last few years, labels have steadily opened local divisions like Universal Music Group Nigeria in Lagos and Sony Music Entertainment South Africa in Johannesburg.[139] Eromo Egbejule of The Guardian opined Wizkid is the poster boy for a new school of artists fashioning their own sounds from the continent inside out and embarking on a journey into genre obfuscation including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mr Eazi, Maleek Berry, Tekno and Burna Boy.[140]
Poppie Platt of The Daily Telegraph said "Wizkid has enjoyed an unprecedented mainstream success for an African artist and has dominated the global music scene in recent years, heralding a new age of music influenced by the continent’s vivid sights and sounds".[141] The same outlet opined "his chart success and euphoric production-heavy show have inspired a whole generation of African artist".[142]Nicole Vassell of The Independent deemed Wizkid "king of Afrobeats", by asserting that "he is a pioneer, who is the reason for the genre's mainstream appeal".[143] Joe Coscarelli of The New York Times remarked that he has cemented himself as a lasting international pop cultural ambassador.[144] NPR called him "one of the biggest pop star of his generation".[145]
Kyann Sian Williams of NME said "Wizkid has emerged as a dominant force in the global music scene by pioneering the Afrobeats revolution, and has become a true musical maverick".[146] Writing for Variety Emanuel Okusanya said Wizkid is a trailblazer of Afrobeats, and "big hits, crazed fans and star power are the makings of a rock star — and Wizkid has all of them".[147] Will Dukes of Rolling Stone wrote that "Wizkid is the king of unignorable dinner party music and the leader of Afrobeats, with quintessential and melodic songs".[148] Patrick Ezema of The Republic said "his career has, to an uncannily precise degree, paralleled the trajectory of contemporary Nigerian music’s flight in a global context". And the last decade of Nigerian music has been the stuff of legend, creating tales that will be told and retold with excitement for years to come but none of these stories will be complete, or even correct, without Wizkid’s name.[149]
Pierre A. M'Pelé of GQ said "Afrobeats has conquered a large part of the world and Wizkid is the undisputed king of Afropop with global acclamation."[150] Writing for the same outlet "Edwin Stats Houghton" remarked "his influence on African pop culture is difficult to overstate, as is the impact he's made on a generation of young artists". Whatever the next iteration of Africa's biggest pop star is, his work will surely be received by a global audience, awaiting each new release as he pushes the waves of modern style toward something like a new classicism.[151] André-Naquian Wheeler and Chioma Nnadi of Vogue asserted "Wizkid has steadfastly popularized Afrobeats across the world, and his sphere of influence has exploded". Not since the late great Fela Kuti has an artist waved the flag for African pride with quite the same fervour, while sealing his cultural icon status both at home and abroad".[152][153] Writing for Vice Lawrence Bunny explained that "Wizkid is the figurehead for America's newfound interest in West Africa's afrobeats scene for the past year by pushing the genre into the American mainstream.[154]
Sheldon Pearce of The New Yorker wrote "Wizkid has led a revolution in African music, by blending traditional rhythms with the softened textures of R&B and balancing the cultural characteristics of his home with his immense desire to become a citizen of the world".[155] Former Governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton declared october 16th as 'Wizkid day' in the state. Citing "his achievements in music which has inspired Minnesotans and fans from all over the world, and his role as one of the biggest cultural influencers ever.[156] His career, artistry and personal life was also used as a case study at Ohio State University.[157] NotJustOk opined "his influence has breached being quantifiable in music, African pop culture, and fashion, by bridging the gap between the world and the African sound."[134] The Daily Telegraph remarked "the Afrobeats pioneer have helped to commercialise the genre accross the west, making it one of the industry’s most profitable and brilliant imports.[141]
Awards and nominations
Wizkid's contributions to the Nigerian music industry have earned him several achievements, including the Grammy Award for Best Music Video as a lead artist on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl";[158] his first ever Grammy Award.[159][160][161] He is the most awarded African artist at the American Music Awards (2), MTV Video Music Award (1), Soul Train Awards (3), Billboard Awards (3) and iHeartRadio Music Awards (2), while also tying for the most at BET Awards (4), MOBO Awards (6).[162] He is also a recipient of an ASCAP plaque for his songwriting contributions to Drake's "One Dance",[163] which also earned two Guinness World Records, for being the first song to reach a billion streams on Spotify, and at the time being the most streamed song on Spotify.[164] Wizkid was cited as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine in 2019.[165] He is also the most awarded artiste in The Headies award history.[166] He was nominated in the Best Global Music Album and the Best Global Music Performance categories in the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Made in Lagos Deluxe Edition and "Essence" respectively.[167] In November 2021, Apple Music Awards announced him as the winner of Artist of the Year (Africa).[168]
Discography
Studio albums
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- Made in Lagos (2020)
- More Love, Less Ego (2022)
Tours
- Made in Lagos Tour (2021)[169]
- More Love, Less Ego Tour (2023)
Notes
- ↑ Wizkid began his singing career when he was 11 years old, in 2001. He recorded his first song with OJB Jezreel and also recorded a 7-track album under the stage name Lil Prinz.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 "Wizkid Biography". RCA Records. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
- ↑ "Wizkid Biography". MTV Base. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
- ↑ "Wizkid honoured by Minnesota governor in U. S." The Sun Nigeria. 8 October 2018. Archived from the original on 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
- ↑ "Afrobeats pioneer Wizkid on his success: "I want to feed people with the finest music"". NME. 18 July 2023.
- ↑ Sare, Watimagbo (30 September 2022). "How Nigeria's Wizkid fashioned a new sound that won global appeal". TheGuardian.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ Sare, Watimagbo (30 September 2022). "The Essence of Wizkid's Sound: 5 Ways He's Pushed Afrobeats". Notjustok.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ↑ "10 Greatest Achievements of Wizkid You Should Know About". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 16 July 2019. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ↑ "Wizkid, Burna Boy Becomes Latest African To Bag The Grammy Awards". 9jainsider.com. 14 March 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ↑ "Listen to WizKid's new album Made in Lagos". Pitchfork. 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
- ↑ "Wizkid's 'Made in Lagos' hits No. 1 on Billboard world album chart". Punch Newspapers. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
- 1 2 "Wizkid's 'Essence' Enters Hot 100". Billboard. 15 July 2021. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
- 1 2 Williams, Kyann-Sian (11 November 2022). "Wizkid – 'More Love, Less Ego' review: Afrobeats' biggest star perfects his universal sound". NME. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ↑ "From the Magazine: 30 Quick Facts About Wizkid You Should Know As He Turns 30 Today". guardian.ng. 16 July 2020. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- ↑ Ibenegbu, George (17 January 2018). "History of Ijebu Ode grammar school - Wizkid's former school". Legit. Naij.com Media Limited. Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
- ↑ "Wizkid To The World | A Nation of Billions". Nation of Billions. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
- ↑ "Westwood – Wizkid remix with Akon *Exclusive* in UK". YouTube. 10 August 2012. Archived from the original on 23 January 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 "Factory78 Exclusive – Wizkid interview". YouTube. Archived from the original on 17 February 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ↑ "Wizkid - Gidi Girl". Olamild Ent. 19 June 2010. Archived from the original on 22 September 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 Akan, Joey (23 July 2015). "15 most important events of Wizkid's career". Pulse. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
- ↑ Seyi (11 July 2012). "Wizkid – Biography". Nigerian Films. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ↑ "Music Video: "Holla At Your Boy" by Wizkid". Wizkid's "Holla at Your Boy" video. Golden Icons. 16 October 2010. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
- ↑ "The Headies (Hip Hop World Awards 2011) Winners List". Hip Hop World. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
- ↑ "All the MVA nominees". Channel O. 18 August 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2014.
- ↑ "WizKid – Tease Me/ Bad Guys [Freestyle]". Jaguda. 2 April 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ "New Music: Wizkid – Don't Dull". Bellanaija. 6 December 2010. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
- ↑ Ohunyon, Ehis (13 June 2013). "7 things you need to know about Starboy's debut album, 'Superstar'". Pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
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