Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid (sometimes stylized as WizKid and also as Wizzy or Starboy), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.(latest Naija songs 2023)

One of Africa's biggest artistes, Wizkid is the most decorated Nigerian artiste ever (the most decorated African internationally), and one of the most revolutionary Afro-pop artist of the modern era.

He began recording music at the age of 11 and managed to release a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed. Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009.

He rose to prominence after releasing "Holla at Your Boy", the lead single 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. Ayo, his self-titled second studio album, 

Wizkid released the promotional single "Like This" on 5th June. The song premiered on Drake's OVO Sound Radio the same month. It was produced by Amsterdam-based Ghanaian producer DJ Henry X. Pitchfork writer Sheldon Pearce said the song is a "frolicking, summery jam that revels in all the work he [Wizkid]'s put in." In May 2015, Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his "One Hell of a Nite" world tour Wizkid album mp3

In March 2017, he signed a record deal with RCA Records. Wizkid released his third studio album Sounds from the Other Side on 14th July 2017. Primarily a Caribbean-influenced record, SFTOS encompasses several other genres, including Afrobeats, EDM, R&B, and house.

The album features guest appearances from Drake, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Efya, Bucie and Trey Songz. Its production was handled by Sarz, Del B, Spellz, Dre Skull, DJ Mustard, Major Lazer, and the Picard Brothers. The album was made available for purchase and online streaming on several music platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Google Play.

SFTOS debuted at number 107 on the US Billboard 200. It also debuted at number 58 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album's release was preceded by three singles: "Daddy Yo" featuring Efya,"Sweet Love", and "Come Closer" featuring Drake.

"African Bad Gyal" was released alongside the pre-order for the album on 9th June 2017, and "Naughty Ride" was released as a promotional track on 23rd June 2017 Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to "One Dance".

His song "Soco" became his first Afrobeats single to be certified Gold in Canada. Later that year, he appeared on Normani and Calvin Harris’ EP Normani x Calvin Harris, on the song "Checklist", which peaked at number one on Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

In mid-2019, Wizkid was featured on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl", taken from the critically acclaimed The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. It was described as one of his "shining" moments of 2019, thanks to numerous nominations at major international awards, earning two Soul Train Music Awards, a NAACP Image Awards, a BET Awards and his first Grammy Awards. Later that year, he also released the singles "Joro" and "Ghetto Love".

On 6th December 2019, Wizkid's label Starboy Entertainment released the EP Soundman Vol. 1, centering mainly on Wizkid, and containing features from Chronixx, and a variety of other artists.

During 2020, Wizkid featured on various singles, including "Escape" by Akon, "Gbese 2.0" with DJ Tunes and Spax, "Eve Bounce" by Yung L, and "Consider II" with Walshy Fire. He also released a collaboration with American singer, H.E.R., titled "Smile".

On 17th September, Wizkid released the single "No Stress", and announced that he would be releasing his fourth album, Made in Lagos, on 15th October 2020. The album launch was later postponed due to the Nigerian song End SARS protests nationwide, until 30th October 2020.

Endorsements

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth $350,000 U.S. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot. On 28 May 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid had signed a one-year deal with MTN Nigeria. The newspaper also reported that Wizkid's Pepsi contract was renewed for two more years.

In November 2013, Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos. In June 2015, Pulse Nigeria reported that Wizkid had ditched MTN and signed a ? 128 million deal with GLO.

Record label and contract

In February 2013, Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account. He also moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.

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 began as early as the E.M.E All Stars concert in 2012. It was also reported that money was at the center of the controversy.

On 30 April 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E had reunited after contract negotiations. Wizkid departed E.M.E following the release of his second studio album and the expiration of his five-year contract. In a video interview with Capital Xtra in October 2019, Wizkid said he left E.M.E without any money.

Wizkid established his label imprint Starboy Entertainment in March 2013. He revealed to Yvonne Ekwere of Silverbird Television that he planned on signing new acts to the label. In an interview with Showtime Celebrity, he said he had established his own record label to give up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their talent.

In April 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz to his imprint. His work credits with the Berry include "Lagos to Soweto" and "The Matter". In May 2013, he unveiled photos of himself with the two musicians. Wizkid debuted the music video for "Caro" and announced the signing of L.A.X in August 2013.

On 7 May 2016, Wizkid announced the signings of Efya, R2Bees, and Mr. Eazi; he made the announcement following his performance at the 17th edition of the Ghana Music Awards. In 2018, Wizkid signed Terri into Starboy Entertainment, and he made the announcement via his Twitter account.

Personal life

Wizkid has three male children with three different women. Boluwatife Balogun, born 13th May 2011, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun Jr, born 15th January 2016, and Zion Ayo Balogun, born 28th October 2017.

In August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment ( Wizkid album mp3) Today reported that Wizkid fathered his first child at the age of 21. After a thorough investigation, the newspaper concluded Wizkid impregnated then-undergraduate student Sola Ogudugu. When the story broke, close friends and associates of Wizkid did not confirm it because DNA results were pending at the time.

Wizkid broke his silence on the story during several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, he denied having a child. In another interview conducted in Ogudu-GRA, Lagos, he said he really did not want to find himself in that peculiar situation.

In December 2012, Wizkid denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, he uploaded a picture of himself and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, to his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the 2011 report published by Nigerian Entertainment Today.

Wizkid became engulfed in battles on Twitter with several artists, including his erstwhile boss Banky W and former label mate Skales. Other artists include Davido, Dammy Krane, Saeon, Samklef and blogger Linda Ikeji.

In an interview with Alex Frank of Vogue magazine in February 2015, Wizkid said 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 Sounds from the Other Side.

Awards and nominations