Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on 16 July 1990, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the global rise of Afrobeats. Known by his fans as Starboy, Big Wiz, and Machala, Wizkid has become a defining force in contemporary African music. With a career spanning over two decades, he has sold out arenas worldwide, won a Grammy Award, and broken numerous streaming records.
Personal Information
Full name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Stage names: Wizkid, Starboy, Big Wiz, Machala, Lil Prinz
Date of birth: 16 July 1990
Age: 36 years old (as of 2026)
Place of birth: Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, record executive
Years active: 2001 to present
Labels: Starboy Entertainment, RCA Records, Empire Mates Entertainment (former)
Genres: Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, dancehall, reggae
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990 in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos. He grew up in an interfaith household with twelve female siblings. His mother was a Pentecostal Christian, and his father practised Islam. From an early age, he was exposed to a rich musical environment, listening to King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley.
He began recording music at the age of 11. In 2001, he recorded his first track under the stage name Lil Prinz and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group formed with his church friends. He later attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and briefly studied at Lagos State University before dropping out to pursue music full-time.
During his early career, Wizkid worked with influential Nigerian producers like OJB Jezreel and Naeto C, who mentored and coached him. In 2009, he signed a record deal with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), which launched his professional career.
Breakthrough: Superstar Album (2011)
Wizkid released his debut studio album, Superstar, on 12 June 2011. The album was produced by Samklef, E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, and others. It featured guest appearances from Wande Coal, D’Prince, Banky W, and Skales.
The album’s lead single, “Holla at Your Boy,” was released in January 2010 and became an instant hit, earning Wizkid the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. The album also spawned hit singles like “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Don’t Dull,” “Pakurumo,” and “Oluwa Lo Ni.” Superstar went on to win Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
International Recognition and “One Dance”
Wizkid achieved international recognition in 2016 following his collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on the hit single “One Dance.” The song, which also featured British singer Kyla, reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in 15 countries.
It became the longest-running number one single in the UK in 2016 with 15 consecutive weeks at the summit. Wizkid became the first Nigerian artist to chart on and top the US Billboard Hot 100. His songwriting contribution to “One Dance” also earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records.
RCA Records and Sounds from the Other Side
In March 2017, Wizkid signed a multi-album worldwide record deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. He released his third studio album, Sounds from the Other Side, in July 2017. The album featured collaborations with Drake, Major Lazer, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, Efya, and Trey Songz.
It debuted at number 107 on the US Billboard 200. The album was preceded by singles including “Daddy Yo” featuring Efya, “Sweet Love,” and “Come Closer” featuring Drake.
Made in Lagos and “Essence” (2020-2021)
On 30 October 2020, Wizkid released his critically acclaimed fourth album, Made in Lagos. The album featured guest appearances from Burna Boy, Skepta, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Tems, and Damian Marley. It was executive produced by P2J and received widespread acclaim for its cohesive themes and lush production.
The album’s standout track, “Essence” featuring Tems, became a global phenomenon. It made history as the first Nigerian song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200. Following a remix featuring Justin Bieber, “Essence” peaked at number 9 on the Hot 100, making it the highest-charting song by an African act at the time.
Made in Lagos received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, while “Essence” was nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
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Grammy Win: “Brown Skin Girl”
Wizkid won his first Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” from The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. The award was presented at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021.
He has received a total of six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for his contribution to Drake’s Views, Best Global Music Album for Made in Lagos, and Best African Music Performance for collaborations with Ayra Starr and Asake.
More Love, Less Ego and Morayo
Wizkid released his fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego, on 11 November 2022. The album featured guest appearances from Ayra Starr, Shenseea, Don Toliver, and others. It debuted at number 59 on the US Billboard 200.
On 22 November 2024, he released his sixth studio album, Morayo. The album is dedicated to his late mother, Jane Morayo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023. The title, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, reflects the album’s exploration of themes such as resilience, love, and self-discovery. Morayo features collaborations with Asake, Jazmine Sullivan, Brent Faiyaz, and Tiakola.
Streaming Records and Commercial Success
Wizkid has achieved numerous streaming milestones throughout his career. He became the first African artist to surpass 20 billion global audio-on-demand streams. His album Morayo broke the record for the biggest streaming debut for an African album on Spotify.
His RIAA certifications include Made in Lagos (Gold), “Essence” (Platinum), “Come Closer” featuring Drake (Gold), “Mood” featuring BNXN (Gold), “Ginger” featuring Burna Boy (Gold), and “Joro” (Gold).
Wizkid’s Net Worth
Industry analysts estimate Wizkid’s net worth in 2025 to be between $25 million and $30 million. His wealth is derived from:
Music streaming and publishing royalties
Global concert and touring revenue
Endorsement deals with major international brands
Investments and private assets
Wizkid remains one of Africa’s most bankable touring artists, with his international shows frequently selling out in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Record Label: Starboy Entertainment
Wizkid established Starboy Entertainment in March 2013. He started the label in his living room with producers Maleek Berry and Legendury Beatz. The label has since signed artists including LAX, Terri, R2Bees, and DJ Tunez.
In a 2021 interview, Wizkid said: “I started that business (Starboy Entertainment) with my friends. We literally started it in my living room. We didn’t even have much. That was the first time a record label would be starting in Africa.”
Personal Life
Wizkid has five children with three women: Boluwatife (born May 2011), Ayo (born around 2016), Zion (born October 2017), Michael AJ (born August 2022), and Morayo (born December 2024).
His eldest son, Boluwatife, is from his first baby mama, Shola Ogudugu. His second son, Ayo, is from Binta Diallo. His three youngest children are with his current partner and manager, Jada Pollock (Jada P).
Wizkid’s mother, Jane Balogun, passed away in London on 18 August 2023. He honoured her memory with his sixth album, Morayo.
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
Wizkid has signed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands throughout his career. He signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth US$350,000 in 2012. He later signed endorsement deals with MTN Nigeria and Glo.
In 2013, he signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the Guinness World of More concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
Legacy and Global Influence
Wizkid’s work is widely credited for popularizing Afrobeats worldwide in the late 2010s and early 2020s. He has been described by Billboard as “the first African artist to truly make a major pop breakthrough in the United States.”
In 2021, Apple Music named him the first winner of the Artist of the Year (Africa) award. The Tribeca Film Festival announced the world premiere of Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, a documentary directed by Karam Gill, as part of its 2025 lineup.
Wizkid’s influence extends beyond music. He has inspired a generation of African artists, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, Mr Eazi, and Burna Boy. The former Governor of Minnesota declared 6 October as “Wizkid day” in the state, stating Wizkid “has inspired Minnesotans, and music fans around the world as one of the biggest cultural influencers of our time.”