Wizkid

Wizkid, a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become a defining voice in the Afrobeats movement. Born on July 16, 1990, in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid’s musical journey began at a young age when he started recording music at just 11 years old. His early work included a collaborative album with a group of friends from church, showcasing his passion and talent from the outset.

Wizkid’s unique sound is a captivating blend of Afrobeats, afropop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and pop, making his music appealing to a diverse audience. His debut studio album, “Superstar,” released in 2011, featured hit singles like “Holla at Your Boy,” which catapulted him into the limelight and established him as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Wizkid’s career took a significant turn in 2014 with the release of his self-titled second studio album, “Ayo,” which included popular tracks such as “Jaiye Jaiye.” After parting ways with Empire Mates Entertainment, he continued to evolve as an artist, achieving international fame in 2016 through his collaboration with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance.” This groundbreaking track not only reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 but also topped charts in 14 other countries, making Wizkid the first Afrobeats artist to enter the Guinness World Records. His ability to cross over into the global music scene has solidified his status as a trailblazer in the industry, paving the way for other African artists to gain international recognition.

In the years that followed, Wizkid continued to make waves in the music world, signing a multi-album deal with RCA Records and releasing his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side,” in 2017. This album featured collaborations with major artists, including Drake on the hit single “Come Closer.” Wizkid’s influence only grew stronger in 2018 when he was featured on “Checklist” by Normani and Calvin Harris, which topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

His collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl” from “The Lion King: The Gift” not only reached number one on the same chart but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. Wizkid’s journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the power of music to transcend borders and connect cultures.

Wizkid’s upbringing in an interfaith household with twelve sisters has shaped his unique perspective on life and music. His mother, a devoted Pentecostal Christian, and his father, a practicing Muslim, provided him with a rich cultural background that influenced his artistic expression. Growing up, he was surrounded by the sounds of legendary artists like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley, which laid the foundation for his passion for music.

Wizkid’s journey into the music scene began in his teenage years when he formed a group called the Glorious Five with friends from church, showcasing his early talent and ambition. Although they released an album, the group eventually disbanded, leading Wizkid to adopt the stage name Lil Prinz until 2006. His breakthrough came when he met OJB Jezreel, a renowned record producer who played a pivotal role in his development as an artist. During his time at OJB’s Point Beat Studios, Wizkid was inspired by the recording sessions of established artists like 2 Face Idibia and Sound Sultan, which motivated him to hone his craft further.

In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment, marking a significant turning point in his career. He co-wrote the hit song “Omoge You Too Much” for Banky W.’s album, showcasing his songwriting skills and collaboration with other artists like Naeto C, Ikechukwu, and M.I. Despite dropping out of Lagos State University and later Lead City University, Wizkid’s determination to succeed in the music industry never wavered.

His journey from a young boy in Lagos to an international music sensation is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the diverse influences that have shaped his life and career.

𝙴𝚍𝚒𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙿𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚃𝚘 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚂𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝙼𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊 𝙰𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚜 / 𝙿𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙽𝚞𝚖𝚋𝚎𝚛 / 𝙴𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝙴.𝚃.𝙲) – 𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝙱𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚠:

𝙴𝙳𝙸𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴:

𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜𝙰𝚙𝚙 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚝