Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, is one of the most successful and influential musicians to come out of Nigeria. With a career spanning over a decade, Wizkid has become a household name, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
But have you ever wondered how Wizkid’s music career started? In this post, we’ll take a look at the early days of Wizkid’s music career and how he rose to become one of the biggest stars in the African music industry.
_Early Beginnings_
Wizkid’s music career started at a very young age. Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid grew up in a family that loved music. His mother, a Christian, was a choir member, while his father, a Muslim, loved Fuji music. This exposure to different genres of music at a young age influenced Wizkid’s music style and helped shape his career.
_Church Choir and Early Recordings_
Wizkid started singing in his church choir at the age of 11. He was also part of a group called the “Glorious Five,” which consisted of his friends and classmates. The group performed at local events and parties, and it was during this time that Wizkid developed his stage presence and performance skills.
In 2009, Wizkid started recording music in studios in Lagos. He recorded several demos and singles, but it wasn’t until 2010 that he gained widespread recognition with the release of his single “Holla at Your Boy.”
_Rise to Fame_
In 2010, Wizkid signed with Banky W’s record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). Under EME, Wizkid released his debut album, “Superstar,” which included hits like “Tease Me” and “Don’t Dull.”
The album was a commercial success, and Wizkid’s music career took off. He became one of the most sought-after artists in Nigeria, performing at sold-out shows and events.
_International Recognition_
In 2016, Wizkid collaborated with Drake on the hit single “One Dance.” The song became a global hit, topping charts in several countries, including the US, UK, and Canada.
The success of “One Dance” marked a turning point in Wizkid’s career, earning him international recognition and cementing his status as a global superstar.
Wizkid’s music career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance. From his early days singing in the church choir to his rise to international fame, Wizkid has remained true to his passion for music.
As one of the most successful African artists of all time, Wizkid continues to inspire and influence a new generation of musicians and music lovers around the world.
What’s your favorite Wizkid song or album? Share with us in the comments!
