Wizkid’s meteoric rise is not just a musical journey; it's a cultural revolution.
The global rise of Afrobeats, a genre that combines elements of traditional African music with Western influences like hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B, is a testament to the cultural dynamism of the African continent. Among many stars who have propelled this genre onto the global stage, one name stands out: Wizkid. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in Surulere, Lagos, in 1990, Wizkid has become a household name not just in Nigeria but across the world. His journey from local talent to global icon embodies the phenomenal rise of Afrobeats and highlights the cultural, social, and economic impact of this music genre.
Wizkid's love for music began at an early age. Growing up in a bustling neighbourhood in Lagos, he was exposed to various musical influences, including Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Bob Marley. These artists shaped his understanding of music and inspired him to start his musical career. At just 11 years old, Wizkid formed a group called the Glorious Five, releasing an album that garnered attention within his local church community.
However, it was in 2009 that Wizkid's career took a significant turn. He caught the attention of Banky W, the founder of Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), a record label that was pivotal in launching his career. Under the mentorship of Banky W, Wizkid honed his skills and developed a distinctive sound that blended Afrobeats with R&B and dancehall influences. His breakout single, ‘Holla at Your Boy,’ released in 2010, became an instant hit, establishing him as a rising star in Nigeria.
Wizkid's debut album, ‘Superstar’ (2011), solidified his status as one of Nigeria's top music talents. The album featured hit singles like ‘Tease Me/Bad Guys’ and ‘Pakurumo,’ which dominated airwaves across Africa. His sound was refreshing, and his ability to effortlessly blend Yoruba, Pidgin, and English in his lyrics resonated with a wide audience. This linguistic versatility, combined with his charismatic stage presence, made him a favorite among fans.
Wizkid's appeal extended beyond Nigeria's borders. His music began gaining traction in other African countries, making him one of the faces of the burgeoning Afrobeats movement. However, it was his collaboration with global artists that truly marked the beginning of his international journey. In 2014, he featured on Drake's ‘Ojuelegba’ remix, a track that catapulted him into the global spotlight. The song, which tells the story of Wizkid's humble beginnings, struck a chord with listeners worldwide and became a global anthem.
Wizkid's collaboration with Drake was a game-changer. It not only introduced Afrobeats to a broader audience but also positioned Wizkid as a key player in the global music industry. This was further solidified with the release of ‘One Dance’ in 2016, wherein Wizkid was featured alongside Drake and Kyla. ‘One Dance’ became one of the biggest songs of the year, topping charts in over 15 countries and breaking numerous records, becoming Spotify's most-streamed song of all time at that point. This global success was unprecedented for an African artist, and it paved the way for other Afrobeats artists to enter the international scene.
In the years following his breakthrough, Wizkid continued to expand his musical empire. He released Sounds from the Other Side in 2017, an album that featured collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Major Lazer. The album was a deliberate attempt to cater to his growing international fanbase.
Wizkid's impact on the global music scene was further highlighted in 2020 with the release of the album ‘Made in Lagos’ that received critical acclaim. The album featured tracks like ‘Essence,’ featuring Tems, which became a global hit, receiving massive airplay and even earning a remix with Justin Bieber. ‘Essence’ was lauded for its smooth blend of Afrobeats and R&B, and it became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
