Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), popularly known as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Hailing from Ojuelegba, Lagos, he is a leading figure in the Afrobeats movement. Wizkid began recording music at 11 and signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009.
He rose to fame with “Holla at Your Boy” from his debut album Superstar (2011). In 2016, his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” earned him international recognition. Wizkid’s notable albums include Ayo, Sounds from the Other Side, and Made in Lagos.
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Wizkid Net Worth
Wizkid has a net worth of $4 million and is widely recognized in Africa and the Afrobeat community. He achieved international stardom through collaborations with major figures like Drake. His mainstream success continued with partnerships with high-profile artists.
Wizkid is one of the most famous Nigerians, becoming the first to reach 1 million followers on Twitter. He has secured lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Pepsi and announced plans to launch his own clothing line, further solidifying his global influence.
Early life
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun was born on 16 July 1990 in Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos. He grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings. His mother was a Pentecostal Christian and his father practiced Islam. Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and was influenced by King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley.
He formed a group called the Glorious Five and went by the stage name Lil Prinz until 2006. After meeting OJB Jezreel, Wizkid signed with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009, co-writing “Omoge You Too Much”. He dropped out of Lagos State University and later attended Lead City University.
Career
Wizkid featured on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” in 2019, winning two Soul Train Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, and his first Grammy Award. He later released “Joro” and “Ghetto Love”. In December 2019, Starboy Entertainment released Soundman Vol. 1.
In 2020, he collaborated with Akon, H.E.R., and others, releasing “No Stress”. His album Made in Lagos (October 2020) featured “Essence”. In 2021, the Justin Bieber remix peaked at No. 11 on Billboard. More Love, Less Ego (2022) followed, and Morayo (2024) debuted.
Personal life
Wizkid has four children with three different women, born in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2022. His mother passed away in London on 18 August 2023. In August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported Wizkid fathered his first child with Sola Ogudugu. Initially, friends and associates did not confirm the story due to pending DNA results.
Wizkid later denied the claim in several interviews. In October 2013, he posted a photo of himself and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, confirming the earlier report.
Who made Wizkid famous?
Wizkid’s rise to fame was a result of his talent and hard work, greatly amplified by his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” and his deal with RCA and Sony. This exposure catapulted him into international recognition.
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Conclusion
Wizkid’s journey from a local Lagos artist to a global music icon is not just a story of musical genius but also one of astute financial growth. His ability to blend African rhythms with global sounds, coupled with his business acumen, has not only made him a cultural icon but also a wealthy one.
FAQs about Wizkid’s Net Worth
- What is Wizkid’s estimated net worth? – Approximately $7 million.
- What are Wizkid’s primary sources of income? – Music sales, concerts, endorsements, and his record label.
- How much does Wizkid charge per show? – Between $800,000 to $1 million.
- What luxury car did Wizkid recently purchase? – A Black Badge Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
- What record label does Wizkid own? – Starboy Entertainment.
