Wizkid is one of the most popular and influential Nigerian singers, songwriters and record producers in the world.But how much do you know about his personal and professional life? In this article, we will explore Wizkid’s networth, age, biography, family, career and more.
He has won several awards, collaborated with international artists, and sold millions of records.
Who is Wizkid?
Wizkid, also known as Starboy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in 2010 with the release of his debut single “Holla at Your Boy”. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the Afrobeats genre, which blends elements of African music, hip hop, R&B, dancehall and pop. He is also known for his collaborations with international artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Burna Boy, Skepta, and more.
How old is Wizkid?
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. As of 2024, he is 33 years old.
## What is Wizkid’s real name?
Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. He adopted the stage name Wizkid in 2006, when he started his music career as a rapper. He later changed it to Wizkid Ayo in 2013, and then to Wizkid in 2014.
Where is Wizkid from?
Wizkid is from Ijebu-Ode, a residential and commercial area of Ogun State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family of 12 siblings, and attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and Lagos State University, before dropping out to pursue his music career.
Who are Wizkid’s parents and siblings?
Wizkid’s father is Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun, a Muslim and a businessman, who has three wives and 13 children. Wizkid’s mother is Dolapo Jane Balogun, a Christian and a Pentecostal singer, who is the second wife of his father. Wizkid has 12 siblings, including two sisters and 10 brothers. Some of his siblings are Lade Balogun, Yetunde Balogun, Femi Balogun, and Ayodele Balogun.
Who is Wizkid’s girlfriend or wife?
Wizkid is not married, but he has been romantically linked with several women over the years. Some of his past and present girlfriends include:
– Sophie Rammal: She is a Lebanese-Nigerian actress and model, who appeared in Wizkid’s first music video “Holla at Your Boy”. They dated from 2010 to 2011.
– Sola Ogudu: She is a Nigerian entrepreneur and fashion designer, who is the mother of Wizkid’s first son, Boluwatife Balogun, born in 2011. They dated from 2010 to 2012.
– Tania Omotayo: She is a Nigerian socialite and businesswoman, who owns a clothing line called Ziva Lagos. They dated from 2012 to 2016, and had an on-and-off relationship.
– Binta Diallo: She is a Guinean-American model and entrepreneur, who is the mother of Wizkid’s second son, Ayodeji Balogun, born in 2016. They dated from 2015 to 2016.
– Jada Pollock: She is a British-Nigerian music manager and brand consultant, who is the mother of Wizkid’s third son, Zion Balogun, born in 2017. They started dating in 2016, and are still together as of 2024. She is also Wizkid’s current manager and the CEO of Starboy Entertainment.
How many children does Wizkid have?
Wizkid has four children, all sons, from three different women. They are:
– Boluwatife Balogun: He is Wizkid’s first son, born on May 13, 2011, to Sola Ogudu. He is 12 years old as of 2024, and lives with his mother in Lagos. He is interested in music and fashion, and has his own clothing line called Czar and Czarina.
– Ayodeji Balogun: He is Wizkid’s second son, born on January 15, 2016, to Binta Diallo. He is 8 years old as of 2024, and lives with his mother in Atlanta, USA. He is also known as King Ayo, and has a resemblance to his father.
– Zion Balogun: He is Wizkid’s third son, born on October 28, 2017, to Jada Pollock. He is 6 years old as of 2024, and lives with his parents in London, UK. He is also known as Zizi, and is often seen with his father on social media.
Little or nothing is known about the fourth who was reportedly born not too long by Jada Pollock.
How did Wizkid start his music career?
Wizkid started his music career at the age of 11, when he formed a group called the Glorious Five with his church friends. They released a gospel album called Lil Prinz in 2001. He later met OJB Jezreel, a Nigerian record producer, who mentored him and gave him the opportunity to record in his studio. He also met Banky W, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, who signed him to his record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009. He released his first single “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010, which became a hit and earned him several nominations and awards. He released his debut album Superstar in 2011, which featured songs like “Don’t Dull”, “Love My Baby”, “Pakurumo”, and “Tease Me”. He released his second album Ayo in 2014, which featured songs like “Jaiye Jaiye”, “On Top Your Matter”, “Show You the Money”, and “Ojuelegba”. He also collaborated with international artists like Drake, Skepta, Tyga, and Wale. He left E.M.E in 2014, and founded his own record label Starboy Entertainment. He released his third album Sounds from the Other Side in 2017, which featured songs like “Come Closer”, “Daddy Yo”, “Sweet Love”, and “African Bad Gyal”. He also collaborated with international artists like Beyoncé, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, and Future. He released his fourth album Made in Lagos in 2020, which featured songs like “Smile”, “No Stress”, “Ginger”, and “Essence”. He also collaborated with international artists like Burna Boy, H.E.R, Damian Marley, and Ella Mai.
What are Wizkid’s most famous songs and albums?
Wizkid has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, one EP, and several singles and features. Some of his most famous songs and albums are:
– Holla at Your Boy: This is Wizkid’s debut single, released in 2010, from his debut album Superstar. It is a catchy and upbeat song that showcases his talent and charisma. It was nominated for the Next Rated award at the 2011 Headies, and won the Most Gifted Newcomer Video award at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.
– Ojuelegba: This is Wizkid’s most popular song, released in 2014, from his second album Ayo. It is a soulful and inspirational song that reflects on his humble beginnings and his journey to success. It was remixed by Drake and Skepta in 2015, and became a global hit. It won the Song of the Year and the Hottest Single of the Year awards at the 2015 Headies, and the Best Male West Africa award at the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards.
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– Come Closer: This is Wizkid’s first single from his third album Sounds from the Other Side, released in 2017. It features Canadian rapper Drake, and is a fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall and hip hop. It is a catchy and romantic song that expresses Wizkid’s desire for a woman. It was nominated for the Best Collaboration and the Viewer’s Choice awards at the 2018 Headies, and the Best International Act award at the 2018 BET Awards.
– Essence: This is Wizkid’s fourth single from his fourth album Made in Lagos, released in 2020. It features Nigerian singer Tems, and is a smooth and sensual song that celebrates the connection between two lovers. It was named one of the best songs of 2020 by several publications, such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Billboard. It also became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 54 as of August 2021.
– Superstar: This is Wizkid’s debut album, released in 2011, under E.M.E. It contains 17 tracks, including his hit singles “Holla at Your Boy”, “Don’t Dull”, “Love My Baby”, and “Pakurumo”. It is a classic Afrobeats album that showcases Wizkid’s versatility, talent, and charisma. It won the Album of the Year and the Best R&B/Pop Album awards at the 2012 Headies, and the Best Album of the Year award at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
– Made in Lagos: This is Wizkid’s fourth and latest album, released in 2020, under Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records. It contains 14 tracks, including his hit singles “Smile”, “No Stress”, “Ginger”, and “Essence”. It is a mature and refined album that reflects Wizkid’s growth, vision, and influence. It features guest appearances from international and local artists, such as Burna Boy, H.E.R, Damian Marley, Ella Mai, Skepta, Terri, and more. It received critical acclaim from critics and fans, and became one of the most streamed Nigerian albums of all time. It also won the Album of the Year award at the 2021 Headies, and the Best African Act award at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Has Wizkid won Grammy?
Yes, Wizkid has won Grammy, making him the first Nigerian artist to do so. He won the Best Music Video award at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021, for his feature on Beyoncé’s song “Brown Skin Girl”, from her album The Lion King: The Gift. The song also features Blue Ivy Carter and Saint Jhn, and is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of black women. The award was shared by the artists, the director, and the producers of the video.
What is Wizkid’s networth?
Wizkid’s networth is estimated to be around $30 million as of 2021, according to Forbes. He is one of the richest and most influential musicians in Africa, and has several sources of income, such as music sales, streaming royalties, endorsement deals, and live performances. Some of the brands that he has endorsed or partnered with include Pepsi, MTN, Glo, UBA, Ciroc, Nike, Dolce & Gabbana, and more. He also owns several properties and cars, such as a mansion in Los Angeles, a house in Lekki, a Lamborghini Urus, a Bentley Continental, and more.
What are some of Wizkid’s achievements and awards?
Wizkid has achieved a lot in his music career, and has won several awards and recognitions, both locally and internationally. Some of his achievements and awards are:
– He has sold over 15 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling African artists of all time.
– He has won four Headies Awards, four MTV Africa Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two MOBO Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, one MTV Europe Music Award, one Grammy Award, and more.
– He has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, four World Music Awards, four American Music Awards, three Brit Awards, and more.
– He has performed at several prestigious events and venues, such as the O2 Arena, the Royal Albert Hall, the Global Citizen Festival, the Coachella Festival, the Made in America Festival, and more.
– He has been featured on several influential lists and publications, such as Time Magazine’s 100 Next, Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, Billboard’s 15 Sub-Saharan African Artists You Should Know, and more.
– He has been honored with several titles and awards, such as the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), the African Artist of the Year, the Artiste of the Year, the Best International Act, and more.
What are some of Wizkid’s hobbies and interests?
Wizkid has some hobbies and interests that he enjoys doing when he is not making music. Some of them are:
– Playing video games: Wizkid loves playing video games, especially FIFA and Call of Duty. He often plays with his friends and fans online, and sometimes challenges them to bets.
– Watching football: Wizkid is a fan of football, and supports the Nigerian national team, as well as FC Barcelona. He often watches matches and comments on them on social media.
– Traveling: Wizkid loves traveling and exploring new places and cultures. He has visited several countries, such as the USA, the UK, France, Ghana, Kenya, Jamaica, and more.
– Fashion: Wizkid has a keen sense of fashion and style, and often wears trendy and expensive outfits and accessories. He has also modeled for some brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, and Moschino.
Conclusion
Wizkid is a Nigerian superstar who has made a huge impact on the global music scene. He has released four successful albums, collaborated with several international artists, won numerous awards, and amassed a loyal fan base. He is also a proud father, a generous philanthropist, and a role model for many young Africans. He is truly a legend in the making, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
