| Wizkid performing at the Desire album launch concert in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Also known as | Lil Prinz |
| Born | 16 July 1990 Surulere, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2001–present[1] |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | |
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990),[3] better known by his stage name Wizkid (sometimes stylised as WizKid), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He started recording music at age 11 and managed to release a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. In 2009, he signed a record deal with Banky W.'s record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of the song "Holla at Your Boy" from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011). "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull", "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo" and "Oluwa Lo Ni" were also released as singles from the Superstar album. Wizkid's self-titled second studio album, Ayo, was released in September 2014 and was preceded by six singles: "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay" and "Show You the Money". In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, "One Dance", which reached number one in 15 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. In addition to his solo work, Wizkid has collaborated with several other artists and was featured on the hits "Girl" (with Bracket), "Fine Lady" (with Lynxxx), "Sexy Mama" (with Iyanya), "Slow Down" (with R2Bees), "The Matter" (with Maleek Berry), "Pull Over" (with KCee) and "Bad Girl" (with Jesse Jagz).
Following the release of his second studio album and expiration of his 5-year recording contract, Wizkid left E.M.E. On 1 March 2017, Billboard magazine reported that Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records.[4] The deal was first reported by several media outlets in September 2016.[5] The chairman and CEO of RCA Records, Peter Edge, somewhat confirmed the signing while speaking to Music Business Worldwide in January 2017.[6]
He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.[7][8] In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.[9][10]
1990–2010: Early life and career beginnings
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990 in Surulere, a residential and commercial area of Lagos.[11][12] In a 2012 radio interview with Tim Westwood, he said that his father has three wives.[13] Wizkid started singing at age 11 and went by the stage name Lil Prinz until 2006.[14] During an interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid described his life in a nutshell. He said he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends.[15] The group managed to release an album prior to disbanding. Wizkid later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year.[15] While visiting OBJ's PointBeat 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.[16][15] Wizkid cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him when he was 15 years old. Wizkid also told Factory 78 TV that his parents weren't receptive of his music from the onset. In order to gain his father's trust, he had to work hard and spend lots of time in the studio.[15] Wizkid co-wrote Banky W's "Omoge You Too Much", a song off the The W Experience album.[15] He also worked with Naeto C, OJB Jezreel, Ikechukwu, and M.I while developing his craft.[17] In 2009, Wizkid inked a record deal with Banky W.'s Empire Mates Entertainment.[16] In mid-2009, he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU) to focus on his craft. He later attended Lead City University, but dropped out after completing two sessions.[16]
2010–11: Superstar
Main article: Superstar (Wizkid album)
Wizkid began recording his debut studio album, Superstar, in 2009.[16] On 2 January 2010, he released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single.[18] The song earned Wizkid a Next Rated award at The Headies 2011, and was nominated for Best Pop Single at the aforementioned awards show.[19] The music video for "Holla at Your Boy" was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.[20] It was also nominated for Best Afro Pop Video at the 2011 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA).[21] On 2 April 2010, Wizkid released "Tease Me/Bad Guys" as the album's second single. The song was initially released as a freestyle.[22] "Don't Dull", the album's third single, was released on 6 December 2010.[23] The album was recorded in English and Yoruba. It was released on 12 June 2011, by Empire Mates Entertainment. The album incorporates elements of R&B, dancehall, and reggae. Wizkid collaborated with a wide range of music producers, including 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. On 12 June 2011, Wizkid hosted an album launch party at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The album's 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.[24] 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.[25]
2012–2014: Ayo and other recordings
Main article: Ayo (album)
They should expect everything magical. We have put in a lot of work and we are just hoping that everyone likes the album. I have been in the studio for weeks and even months now. I can't wait for the album to be released. I hope everybody will like the album. I have just put in a lot of hard work.
“
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 | A 15-second sample of "Jaiye Jaiye". The song is a fusion of traditional and modern Afrobeat sounds |
| Problems playing this file? See media help. | |
Work on Wizkid's second studio album, Ayo, began in 2012 and continued through 2014. 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.[27] It was earlier reported that the album would feature Don Jazzy, Efya and Olamide.[28] 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 of releasing a mixtape in April 2013.[29] In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing Headquarters in London, he said that the mixtape would be released in April. He also said that the mixtape would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah.[30] Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on 12 June 2013.[31] In an interview with HipTV, Banky W revealed the album's initial title and commented on the delayed album. In addition, he gave an estimated time-frame for the album's release.[32]
On 2 May 2013, Wizkid and Starboy Entertainment released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he collaborated with Femi Kuti in order to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars and materialistic things.[26] "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on 26 October 2013; it was produced by Del B.[33] The music video for the single, released on 13 February 2014, was shot and directed in South Africa by Sesan.[34] In July 2014, Wizkid visited The Beat 99.9 FM studio in Lagos and told Toolz that he collaborated with Barbadian singer Rihanna.[35][36]
2015–present: Sounds From the Other Side EP
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.[37] The official remix to the song features vocals from Drake and Skepta; it premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015.[38] Wizkid first announced that he was working on a new album during his visit to London in October 2014. He revealed his collaborative single with Chris Brown titled "African Bad Girl", and said that it would be the lead single off the upcoming album.[39] In April 2015, both Wizkid and Chris Brown performed the song together at the latter's concert in Durban, South Africa.[40] In May 2015, Wizkid released "Expensive Shit", an Afrobeat song built on light guitars, saxophone lines and acoustic percussion; the song was reported as being a likely inclusion on the album.[41] In July 2015, Wizkid announced via Twitter that Angélique Kidjo will be featured on the album.[42] In September 2015, Wizkid revealed that he was dropping his EP and postponing the release of his third studio album. He made the announcement via Instagram shortly after the conclusion of 2Face Idibia's "Fortified" tribute concert. Wizkid was quoted as saying, "I celebrated the legend 2face Idibia last night! Epic! It made me realize how much work I need to do."[43] According to an interview published by The Fader magazine, Wizkid's upcoming EP would be titled Sounds From the Other Side. Although much information were not revealed, The Fader did report that Wizkid is squeezing in edits to the EP.[44]
One Dance with Drake and other releases
On April 5, 2016, Wizkid became Nigeria's first artist to emerge on Billboard’s Twitter Last 24 hours chart following his guest feature on Drake's afrobeat-infused "One Dance" single, which charted at number 21[45][46] and in May 12, 2016, the song reached number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a position it kept for 10 non-consecutive weeks.[47] The single went on to become an international smash hit, topping the charts in 15 different countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany. The single thereby became Wizkid's first number-one single as a featured artist in these territories.
On 5 June 2016, Wizkid released the promotional single "Like This". The song made its premiere on Drake's OVO Sound Radio in June 2016. It was produced by Amsterdam-based Ghanaian producer DJ Henry X.[48] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork Media described the song as a "frolicking, summery jam that revels in all the work he [Wizkid]’s put in."[49]
World tours and notable performances
After releasing their compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind, EME acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off on 4 July 2012 and ended on 2 September 2012. EME acts performed in several different cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago.[50][51] Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4 June 2012.[52] On 12 November 2012, he performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar and Angel.[53] On 17 October 2013, Wizkid performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to the late Fela Kuti.[54] On 2 November 2013, he performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno, among others. The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites.[55] On 23 November 2013, Wizkid performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert.[56] Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows in Tinie Tempah's tour of the UK in 2014.[57]Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his "One Hell of a Nite" world tour in May 2016.[58][59]
Endorsements
In 2012, Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth 350,000 U.S dollars.[60] He travelled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.[61][62] On 28 May 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria. Moreover, the news source reported that Wizkid's Pepsi contract was renewed for another two years.[63][64] On 23 October 2013, BellaNaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert, which was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos on 3 November 2013.[65][66] On 18 June 2015, Pulse reported that Wizkid ditched MTN and signed a ₦128 million naira deal with GLO.[67]
The Next Rated prize
Wizkid won the award for Next Rated at The Headies 2011. In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a 2012 Hyundai Sonata courtesy of The Headies and its affiliates. The car's presentation ceremony took place at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. Guy Murray Bruce, Bola Salako and Ayo Animashaun were present during the ceremony. Wizkid joined the list of past winners, including Aṣa, Overdose, Omawumi, Wande Coal and Skuki.[68][69]
Fashion style
In a February 2015 interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine, Wizkid stated that he wears a mixture of street-wear 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 his upcoming debut EP.[70]
Starboy Entertainment
On 5 March 2013, Charles Mgbolu (a writer for Vanguard) reported that Wizkid established his label imprint Starboy Entertainment. During an interview with Silverbird Television, Wizkid told Yvonne Vixen Ekwere that he planned on signing new acts to the label.[71] Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he established his own record label to give up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their talent.[26] On 17 April 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry to Starboy Entertainment. Wizkid and Maleek Berry's work credits include "Lagos to Soweto" and "The Matter", among others.[72] On 29 April 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed producers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, popularly known as Legendury Beatz, to his imprint. He made the announcement via Twitter.[73] On 9 May 2013, he unveiled photos of himself with the aforementioned acts signed.[74] On 20 August 2013, Wizkid signed recording artist L.A.X to the label. He made the announcement moments after debuting the music video for "Caro", the label's first official single.[75][76] On May 7, 2016, Wizkid announced the signings of Efya, R2Bees, and Mr Eazi to Starboy Entertainment. He made the announcement shortly after his performance at the 17th edition of the Ghana Music Awards.[77]
EME's breakup, reunion and departure
After Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account, reports about his departure from E.M.E went viral.[78][79] Wizkid moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.[79] 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 started as early as the 2012 E.M.E all stars concert.[79] It was also reported that money was at the centre of the controversy.[79] On 20 February 2013, Information Nigeria reported that Wizkid was getting 25 percent from every performance, while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid's former manager, was getting the remaining 25 percent. After firing Osagie and hiring Godwin Tom (whom he parted ways with in April 2014),[80] Wizkid wanted a 50–50 share with Banky W. The source revealed that Banky W refused to accept Wizkid's proposal. Moreover, it was reported that Banky W wanted to find a manager for Wizkid who would accept 25 percent. It was also reported that things started getting sour as a result of both parties disagreement. Information Nigeria went on to report that Wizkid was doing three shows weekly and bringing in close to ₦24 million monthly.[81][82][83][84] On 30 April 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E reunited after contract negotiations. The news source also reported that Wizkid performed alongside label mates Shaydee and DJ Xclusive in The Republic of Benin.[85] In August 2014, Wizkid told Olisa Adibua that he will depart the label following the release of his second studio album, Ayo.[86]
Personal life
Car accident and Porsche acquisition
On 15 June 2013, Wizkid was involved in a non-life-threatening car accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lekki, Lagos. According to an article posted on Silverbird Television, Wizkid was hospitalised for a minor concussion resulting from the wreck.[87] According to eyewitness reports compiled by MTV Base, Wizkid's Porsche Panamera was spotted speeding down the road; the car's front tires blew out and resulted in the driver of the vehicle losing control and crashing into a road barrier.[88] Eyewitness reports also added that the car's airbag suspension system deployed on impact, shielding Wizkid and the driver instantaneously.[89] At the time of the incident, Wizkid and other passengers in the car were returning from the Soundcity Nokia LumiaBeat Party. The accident allegedly occurred around 3:30am in front of the GET Arena.[90] As a result of the wreck, the car was badly damaged. Pictures of the damaged vehicle surfaced on Instagram and Facebook. Vanguard reported that Wizkid acquired a Porsche Cayenne two weeks after the accident. He posted pictures of his new acquisition onto his Instagram page and tagged the pictures with the caption "#Blessed".[91][92][93]
Fatherhood controversy
On 22 August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid fathered his first child at age 21. After a thorough investigation, the news source concluded that Wizkid impregnated then-undergraduate student Sola Ogudugu.[94] Moreover, the news source added that multiple sources familiar with the "baby mama" and her family told them that they knew about the relationship between both parties. When the story broke out, close friends and associates of Wizkid didn't confirm the story due to DNA results that were pending at the time.[94] Wizkid broke his silence on the story in several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, Wizkid denied having a child.[94] In another interview held at Ogudu-GRA in Lagos, Wizkid said he really doesn't want to find himself in that peculiar situation. A week before denying the aforementioned allegations, Wizkid tweeted from his official Twitter handle.[94] In December 2012, he denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, Wizkid uploaded a picture of he and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, onto his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the alleged rumours and allegations that were harboured for 2 years. The photo also vindicated Nigerian Entertainment Today, the news source that first covered the story.[95]
Feuds
Wizkid became engulfed in rifts with several artists including his erstwhile boss Banky W[96] and former label mate Skales.[97] Other artists include Davido,[97] Dammy Krane,[98]Saeon,[97] Tonto Dikeh,[97] Samklef[97] and blogger Linda Ikeji.[99]
A victim of impersonation
On 19 June 2013, Wizkid and his management were questioned by men from the Nigeria Police Force. Duping charges were leveled against them by a group of UNILAG students. The students claimed that Wizkid agreed to perform at the UNILAG Sports Centre on 21 May 2013 for a total sum of ₦500,000.[100] They also claimed that he didn't show up for the show and didn't return their money.[100] After conducting a thorough investigation, Police determined that Unilag students were bamboozled by con artists pretending to be affiliates of E.M.E. In the aforementioned interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid commented on the events that transpired after the accusations. He told the media that the police were investigating the case. The masterminds behind the impersonation were later detained by law enforcement agents in Lagos. In addition to duping Unilag students, the culprits set up fake email and social media accounts.[101][102] Wizkid also elaborated on how one can go about booking him.[26]
Awards and nominations
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Wizkid
Wizkid's contribution to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Award, a MOBO Award, five The Headies Awards, two Channel O Music Video Awards, six Nigeria Entertainment Awards, two Ghana Music Awards, two Dynamix All Youth Awards, two City People Entertainment Awards, and a Future Award. He has received three nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards. He has also been nominated four times at the World Music Awards.
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