Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth
Wizkid Biography
Real Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Stage Name: Wizkid
Date of Birth: 16 July 1990
Age: 30 Years
Place of Birth: Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Height: 5 feet and 4 inches
Nationality: Nigerian
Language(s): Yoruba, Nigerian pidgin, English
Girlfriend: Tiwa Savage
Net Worth: US$30 Million
Record Label: StarBoy Entertainment
Wizkid is a sensational Nigerian singer who has ascented to the list of top influential musicians in the world. Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun and he was born on the 16th of July 1990 in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. His hit ‘One dance’ which featured American rapper Drake put him on the International spotlight. Wizkid entered the Genius book of Records for the first African artist to reach One Million followers on Tweeter. To date, he has released International hits, toured the world and collaborated with top International musicians the likes of Beyonce, Major Lazer and Drake. Not even the Wizkid Biography can explain the talent of this sensational artist.
Education and Qualification
Wizkid attended WIjebu Ode Grammar School. After finishing high school He enrolled himself at Lagos State University. However, after one year he left Lagos State University and attended Lead City University. Similarly, he dropped out after attending two sessions. Evidently Wizkid wanted to pursue music more than anything else in the world. Hates off to Starboy because in the end he became successful.
Family
Wizkid also referred to as Star Boy was raised in a polygamous family. His father had three wives and thirteen children. The Nigerian star grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings and he was the only male child. His mother was a Pentecostal Christian and his father practices Islam. It is highly likely that Star Boy will follow his father’s polygamous example given that his has three sons with different mothers. Sola Ogudugu is the mother to Wizkid’s first child ‘ Boluwatife Balogun’ born in 2011. His second born is Ayo Balogun Junior whose mother is America-Guinean stripper, Binta Diallo. The third son is Zion Balogun who Wizkid had with his manager Jada Pollock who is a British-Jamaican based in London.
Wizkid Career beginnings
The Star Boy Entertainment boss was inspired to sing by listening to Fela Kuti, King Sunny and Bob Marley when he was growing up. Growing up, he sang in the church choir before forming the band ‘Glorious Five’ with fellow church mates. Meanwhile, the group recorded a collaborative album in 2001 when he was 11 years old before splitting up. Back at the time Wizkid’s stage name was Lil Prinz but in 2006 he ditched the name for Wizkid. Later on in life Wizkid was discovered by OJB Jezreel who was a producer and owned OJB Point Beat Studios. Jezreel instructed Wizkid to learn the music craft from the above mentioned artists for a year then he would be ready to record. During this incubation period Wizkid co-wrote songs for Banky W’s album ‘The W Experience’. He also worked with 2 face and Naeto C in their music productions.
Wizkid Debut Album – Superstar
After being signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), Wizkid started recording his debut album ‘Superstar’ in 2009. In January 2010 he released ‘Holla at your boy’ which was the lead to the album. To his surprise the song topped charts and went on to be nominated for Best Pop song. It went on to win the Headies Next rated Award in 2011 which came with a Hyundai Sonata. In the following months Wizkid released singles from the album which include ‘Tease me” and ‘Dont dull’. The album was a master piece because it was produced by best producers in Nigeria who include E-Kelly and Masterkraft. Guest appearances were from Banky W, Skales, D Prince and Wande Coal. After being pushed back twice ‘Superstar’ the album was released on the 12th of June 2011. The album won Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards . Moreover, the album was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2012.
Watch: Wizkid – Holla at your boy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw6IUBu5DBw
Wizkid’s Second Album Ayo
In 2012 Wizkid and fellow EME artists Shaydee, Banky W and Niyola recorded E.M.E’s compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind. After the release of the album the group toured London and USA performing in numerous cities. Afterwards, Wizkid began recording his second studio album Ayo. The album featured guest appearances from Wale, Akon, Femi Kuti, Tyga, Banky W, Seyi Shay and Phyno, . Similarly, the album’s production was handled by best Nigerian producers the likes of Legendury Beatz, Maleek Berry, Sarz and South African based Uhuru. The album’s lead single “Jaiye Jaiye” featured Grammy-nominated Nigerian legend Femi Kuti. In February 2014, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter. Similarly, the album topped International charts in over 18 countries. It also garnered 4 awards.
Watch: Wizkid – Jaiye jaiye feat Femi Kuti
Sounds From The Other Side
In 2016, Wizkid became an international sensation following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, “One Dance“. The track topped charts world wide and from this point Wizkid was the most sort after African musician.which reached number one in 15 countries, including the United State. In July 2017 Wizkid dropped his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side (SFTOS). It serves as his major label debut and was primarily a Caribbean-influenced record. The album was elevated by a couple of singles including “Daddy Yo”, “Sweet Love”, “Come Closer“, “African Bad Gyal” and “Naughty Ride”. Afterwards, Wizkid was recognized as the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance”.
Watch: Wizkidi – Daddy Yo
Soundman Vol 1
On 6 December 2019, Wizkid’s label Starboy Entertainment released the EP Soundman Vol. 1,. The EP centering mainly on Wizkid, and containing features from Chronixx, Dj Tunez, Kel P and London. The album features songs such as ‘Thankful’, ‘Blow’ and ‘Ease your mind. In 2020 Wizkid is expected to drop his much anticipated third album ‘Made in Lagos‘. Wizkid announced that the album would feature artistes such as Burna Boy, Damian Marley (Jamaican), Tems, Starboy Terri, Ella Mai (British), Tay Iwar, Skepta (British Nigerian), Projexx (Jamaican) and H.E.R. (American). He also disclosed his sound production and engineering team to be BlaqJerzee, London, Sarz, Mutay and Juls (British Ghanaian), Dro (American) and Kel P.
Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth
Wizkid’s Personal Awards
- Dynamix All Youth Awards – Promising Artist of the Year 2010
- City People Entertainments – Best New Male ArtisteAwards (2011),
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Best New Act of the Year, 2011
- Dynamix All Youth Awards – Artiste of the Year 2011
- Music of Black Origin – Best African Art 2011
- Nigeria Entertainment Award – Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year 2012
- The Headies – Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year 2012
- The Headies – Artist of the Year 2012
- BET Awards – Best International Act Africa 2012
- The Future Awards – Musician of the Year 2012
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Musician of the Year (Male) 2013
- Ghana Music Awards – African Artist of the Year 2013
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Male Artist of the Year 2015
- Ghana Music Awards – African Artist of the Year 2016
- African Pride Awards – African Artist of the Year 2016
- Best West African Artist – Music of Black Origin (MOBO) 2017
- Music of Black Origin (MOBO) – Artiste of the Year 2017
- Best International Artist – Music of Black Origin (MOBO) 2017
Wizkid’s Awards For his Songs
- Next Rated, ‘Holla at Your Boy’, The Headies, 2011
- Best Album of the Year ‘Superstar’, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2012
- Best Group Video of the Year ‘Slow Down’ R2Bees featuring Wizkid, 4syte TV Music Video Awards, 2013
- Most Gifted Video of the Year ‘Azonto’ Channel O Music Video Awards, 2013
- Hottest Single of the Year ‘Pull Over’ Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2014
- Most Gifted Duo/Group ‘Pull Over’ Kcee featuring Wizkid, Channel O Music Video Awards, 2014
- Best Recording of the Year ‘Ojuelegba’, The Headies 2015
- Best R&B/Pop Album ‘Ayo’ The Headies 2015
- Album of the Year ‘Ayo’ The Headies 2015
- Hottest Single of the Year, ‘Ojuelegba’ Nigeria Entertainment Award, 2015
- Video of the Year ‘Ojuelegba’ African Muzik Magazine Awards, 2015
- Song of the Year, ‘Ojuelegba’ African Muzik Magazine Awards, 2015
- Song of the Year, ‘Come Closer’ African Music Award (AFRIMA), 2017
Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth
Starboy Entertainment
On the 5th of March 2013 Wizkid established his Record Label Starboy Entertainment. The record label was etsblish to offer a platform for talented African musicians. Thereafter, he departed from EME. He went on to sign Maleek Berry, a British based Nigerian record Producer and Legendury Beatz. L.A.X was the first recording artist to be signed to his imprint. Legendury Beatz produced Wizkid’s hit ‘Caro’ and Maleek Berry produced tracks like ‘The Matter’. In 2016, Starboy Entertainment expanded into a Star Boy Worldwide record label after signing some International Song writers like Efya and R2Bees. Afterwards, several artists have been signed to the label including the talented Terri who was signed in 2018.
Wizkid Girlfriend
Currently Wizkid is dating Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. They have been together for more than two years now. However, ladies have labelled Wizkid a player because since 2011 Wizkid has officially dated 11 women. To begin with, Wizkid had a short lived relationship with Sophie Rammal at the beginning of his career. Sophie appeared in Wizkid’s ‘Holla at your boy’ video. Secondly, he dated Sola Ogudugu the mother of his first child. Next he secretly dated Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh . After Tonto, Wizkid crossed borders and got in a relationship with Kenyan singer Victoria Kimani. Entised by the Kenyan women, he moved on to Hudda Monroe. Afterwards he returned home to date his long time crush Chidinma Ekile. Furthermore, Wizkid also dated Tania Omotayo, Seyi Shay, Binta Diamond and American beauty Justine Skye. In 2018 he fell in love with Tiwa Savage after shooting their hot video ‘Fever’.
Watch: Wizkid – Fever
Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth
Endorsements
Wizkid has several endorsement deals and the longest deal is with Pepsi. Moreover, he has collaborated with Nike to produce the Starboy Jersey collection. Controversially, Wizkid ditched his long time endorsement deals with MTN for the current one with GLO. Furthermore, Wizkid is a brand ambassador for Ciroc Premium Vodka. He also has a deal with fashion giant Dolce & Gabbanna. Over the years Wizkid has had short term endorsement which have promoted his music brand.
Fashion
Wizkid is a fashion King as witnessed by his classic style of dressing. He is often pictured in expensive Dolce and Gabbanna with which he has an endorsement deal. The Starboy Entertainment boss revealed that he likes to rock African wear and street wear. On his wrist always lays either a diamond wristwatch or a Rollex watch. The singer claims that he prefers Nike sneakers to any other footwear.
Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth
Wizkid and Davido Feud
Social media constantly brews fights between Wizkid and felow Nigerian singer Davido. Their feud never seems to end with money, girls, success and music being at the center of it all. The biggest question is “Who is richer than the other”? Davido was born in a rich family and his father is a billionaire. On the other hand, Wizkid was born into a struggling family. However, currently both artists are Billionaires in Nigeria and Millionaires on the world map. Given their background, Wizkid struggled the most therefore he is the most successful as afar as music is concerned. In addition, Wizkid has more awards than Davido therefore he is the better artist between the two. Moreover, Forbes revealed that Davido’s Net worth is US$20 Million where as Wizkid’s Net worth is US$30 Million. In short, Wizkid is richer than Davido.
Cars, Jet and houses
Wizkid purchased his first house in 2013 which is situated in Lekki – a highbrow area of Lagos. Back at that time it was impossible for artists to afford such expensive properties. In addition, he owns a $15 million 3-story mansion in Los Angeles, USA. The house was bought in 2016 and is equipped with cutting-edge devices and a luxuriant swimming pool. Like other rich celebrities in Nigeria, Wizkid owns a private jet. Besides owning beautiful mansions, Wizkid boasts of a fleet of foreign cars listed below.
- 2012 Hyundai Sonata
- 2012 Mercedez Benz Compressor
- Mercedes Benz G63 AMG
- BMW X6
- Porsche Panamera
- Porsche Cayenne
- Bentley Continental Gt
- Lamborghini Prime X2
- Lamborghini Urus
Wizkid Net worth
Wizkid has an estimated net worth of $30 million, equivalent to around ₦11.69 billion in 2020. In 2018 and 2019, Forbes profiled Wizkid as one of the richest African musicians. Besides royalties and performances, the “Oluwa Lo Ni” sensation makes money as a record label executive.
Wizkid Biography, Real Name, Age, Girlfriend, Music, Cars, Net Worth