Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter with an estimated net worth of about $30 million. He first gained widespread attention in Nigeria in the early 2010s after releasing the breakout single Holla at Your Boy. From there, he rapidly grew into an international star by collaborating with global artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber. His sound combines Afrobeats with R&B, dancehall, and pop, creating music that feels deeply connected to Lagos while appealing to audiences worldwide. With popular songs like Ojuelegba, Come Closer, Essence, and Made in Lagos, Wizkid has reached major international chart milestones, sold out legendary venues, and played a key role in pushing African pop music into the global mainstream.
Beyond music, he has expanded his wealth through lucrative endorsement deals, international tours, and his record label, Starboy Entertainment.
Background and Early Years
Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large, faith-based household with 12 siblings, with a Muslim father and a Christian mother. His passion for music began early, as he sang in his local church and drew inspiration from Nigerian icons such as Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé, alongside global legends like Bob Marley. At the age of 11, he formed a gospel group called Glorious Five with friends from church and released a joint album before deciding to pursue a solo career.
Initially performing under the stage name “Lil Prinz,” he started recording professionally during his teenage years under the guidance of renowned producer OJB Jezreel. Although he briefly enrolled in university, he later dropped out to focus fully on music. His career took a major turn in 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), the record label founded by Banky W.
Rise and Growth in Music
Wizkid released his debut album, Superstar, in 2011, instantly establishing himself as a leading figure in Nigerian pop music. The project featured hit tracks such as Holla at Your Boy and Don’t Dull, earning him several accolades, including the Next Rated award at The Headies. By 2012, his popularity had spread internationally, highlighted by a sold-out performance at London’s HMV Apollo and a North American tour with his E.M.E. labelmates.
His second album, Ayo, arrived in 2014 after multiple delays and included collaborations with artists like Tyga, Wale, and Akon. That same year, Ojuelegba—both its original and remix versions—attracted global attention. A remix featuring Drake and Skepta significantly boosted his recognition in the UK and North America.
In 2016, Wizkid reached a new level of global fame after appearing on Drake’s hit single One Dance. The song topped charts in 15 countries, including the United States, making him the first Nigerian artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement also earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.
He later signed a major international deal with RCA Records/Sony Music and released his third album, Sounds from the Other Side, in 2017. The album blended Afrobeats with R&B, EDM, and dancehall, featuring collaborations with Drake, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Major Lazer.
Global Stardom and Recent Projects
In 2020, Wizkid released Made in Lagos, an album widely praised by critics and fans alike. The project produced the hit single Essence featuring Tems, which became a global sensation. A remix with Justin Bieber pushed the song into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, marking the first time a Nigerian song achieved that feat. Essence went Platinum in the United States and won the BET Award for Best Collaboration, while Made in Lagos received Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance.
He followed up in 2022 with More Love, Less Ego, a reflective and sonically rich album featuring artists such as Skepta and Ayra Starr. In 2024, Wizkid released Morayo, his sixth studio album, dedicated to his late mother. The project broke streaming records on Spotify for an African album, surpassing 40 million streams within its first week.
Touring Power and Worldwide Impact
Wizkid is also known for his impressive live performances. In 2021, he sold out London’s O2 Arena for three consecutive nights, a historic achievement for an African artist. Two years later, in 2023, he became the first African act to headline and sell out the 45,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These milestones cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most successful global performers.
He has appeared at major international festivals and completed world tours across Europe, North America, and Africa, with each tour generating multi-million-dollar revenues.
Brand Deals and Business Interests
Throughout his career, Wizkid has secured several high-value endorsement agreements. One of his earliest major deals was with Pepsi, reportedly worth over $300,000. He later partnered with brands such as Guinness, Cîroc, and UBA Bank, and in 2020 became a global ambassador for Tecno Mobile.
That same year, he entered a major international partnership with Puma and JD Sports, helping relaunch the iconic Puma Suede line as a global ambassador. Collectively, these deals have earned him millions and reinforced his status as one of Africa’s most commercially valuable artists.
Wizkid also founded Starboy Entertainment in 2013, a label that has nurtured emerging Nigerian talents, including artists and producers like Maleek Berry and Terri. In addition, he owns significant rights to his music catalog and has hinted at future fashion ventures, strengthening his long-term income through royalties and licensing.
Sound, Style, and Cultural Influence
Wizkid’s music is defined by smooth, melodic Afrobeats layered with R&B, dancehall, and reggae influences. His seamless blend of Yoruba and Pidgin English with globally accessible melodies has helped his music cross cultural boundaries. Rather than focusing on aggressive or overly materialistic themes, his songs often explore love, joy, reflection, and spirituality.
He is widely recognized as one of the key figures responsible for bringing Afrobeats to a worldwide audience, alongside artists like Burna Boy and Davido. Today, Wizkid continues to inspire a new generation of African and diaspora musicians, solidifying his legacy as a global music icon.
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