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The world took notice of Afrobeats, and Wizkid was at its forefront.
The world took notice of Afrobeats, and Wizkid was at its forefront.
When Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, dropped his debut album Superstar ****in 2011, few could have predicted the meteoric rise he would experience in the years to come. Thirteen years later, the Nigerian-born artist is a global sensation who has broken barriers for the Afrobeats industry and imprinted his name in the industry to stand the test of time.
Wizkid has not only dominated the African music scene but also made a significant impact on the global stage. As we anticipate the release of his upcoming album, ‘MORAYO’, here’s a look at his incredible journey.
From an early age, he began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group formed by his friends from church. Wizkid kept nurturing his singing abilities, taking on menial tasks in studios just to earn a chance at some recording time. He had an intense passion and was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his dreams. Finally, in 2011, his life took a major turnaround for the better.
In June 2011, Wizkid introduced himself to the world with his Superstar album, a masterpiece that merged Afropop with R&B, dancehall, and Nigerian highlife. Tracks like “Holla at Your Boy”, “Tease Me”, and “Pakurumo” did not just dominate the charts; they became anthems for a generation of music lovers across Africa. The album's infectious rhythms and youthful energy catapulted Wizkid into the limelight, earning him the Next Rated award at the 2011 Headies and setting the stage for bigger things.
At this point, Wizkid was the poster boy for Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). His style, cheeky lyrics, catchy melodies, and streetwise charm captured several hearts. However, for Wizkid, Superstar was just the beginning.
In 2014, Wizkid released his sophomore album, Ayo, featuring hits like “Jaiye Jaiye”, “Ojuelegba”, and “Show You the Money” under his record label: StarBoy Entertainment which has housed other superstars like Maleek Berry, Legendary Beatz, L.A.X, Efya, R2Bees and Mr Eazi.
The song “Ojuelegba”, in particular, struck a chord globally, narrating his struggles as a youngin’ growing up in Lagos. The song resonated with many individuals and watered the ground for international collaborations.
In 2016, the Ojuelegba remix featuring Drake and Skepta sent ripples across the music industry. Before we knew it, Wizkid was featured on Drake’s smash hit “One Dance,” which became the most streamed song on Spotify at the time and solidified Wizkid's place on the global stage.
Although some critics dismissed his contribution as mere background vocals, Wizkid proved them wrong by masterfully owning the post-chorus with his silky smooth delivery. This got people talking and opened more doors of opportunities for him.
It didn’t just stop with Drake. The number one StarBoy secured more international collaborations with A-list artists such as Beyoncé on "Brown Skin Girl" and Justin Bieber on the remix of "Essence" with Tems. This was another major breaking point, as his global profile was boosted, and he helped bring Afrobeats to a wider audience. The world had taken notice of Afrobeats, and Wizkid was at its forefront.
Wizkid’s 2017 project, Sounds from the Other Side, cemented his transition from African star to global icon. Tracks like “Come Closer” featuring Drake and “Daddy Yo” introduced Afro-inspired sounds to a wider audience. While the album leaned heavily on international features, it laid the groundwork for a broader appreciation of African music.
Then came Made in Lagos in 2020—a major cultural reset. “Essence,” in particular, became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. It was hailed as the "song of the summer" by international audiences, including celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Alicia Keys.
Wizkid’s growth as an artist is evident not just in his music but in his persona. Early in his career, he was the boy-next-door with playful lyrics. Today, he embodies suave confidence, experimenting with themes of love, spirituality, and resilience in his songs. His fashion sense has also evolved—from boyish outfits to high-end couture, which distinguishes him in general.
Wizkid’s long list of awards further supports his claim as one of Africa’s best-selling artists. Over the years, he has racked up prestigious accolades, including:
Earlier in the year, Wizkid officially teased the coming of his new album Morayo which is expected to be released on November 22, the album's title derived from the Yoruba name meaning “I have found joy” can be guessed to have attributes of reflectiveness and celebration. It also serves as a heartfelt tribute to Wizkid’s late mother, who bore the name.
In an interview with Esquire, Wizkid shared, “It’s very important for people to know where the source of my magic comes from. I’m African, I’m Nigerian; that's my blood, that's my DNA.”
Two of the tracks, Piece of My Heart ft Brent Faiyaz and Kese (Dance) have been released and are both performing remarkably well, with both of them breaking the record for the most first day streams on Spotify for a Nigerian artist. Speaking about the album, Wizkid said, “I hope it lifts spirits and spreads positive energy.”
In just a few days, we’ll be introduced to the world of Morayo. One thing is certain: Wizkid’s star continues to rise, and the world is ready to embrace it.
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