Wizkid

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known worldwide as Wizkid, is one of the most influential and commercially successful African artists of all time. Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria, he began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with his church group, the Glorious Five. He signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009 and released his debut studio album “Superstar” in 2011, which included the hit singles “Holla at Your Boy,” “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” and “Don’t Dull.”

Wizkid’s international breakthrough came with the 2016 collaboration “One Dance” with Drake, which topped charts in over 15 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The song spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, making Wizkid the first African artist to appear in the Guinness World Records for his contribution to a number-one single. This collaboration opened the floodgates for Afrobeats on the global stage and cemented Wizkid’s status as an international superstar.

His 2020 album “Made in Lagos” was a critical and commercial triumph, featuring the global smash hit “Essence” with Tems. “Essence” became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking at number nine after a remix featuring Justin Bieber. The album showcased Wizkid’s ability to blend Afrobeats with R&B, dancehall, and pop, earning widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations. He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2022 for “Made in Lagos: Deluxe Edition.”

Beyond music, Wizkid has built substantial wealth through endorsement deals with major brands including Nike, Dolce and Gabbana, Pepsi, and UBA. He founded his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, and has invested in real estate across Lagos and London. His sold-out arena tours across Africa, Europe, and North America have made him one of the highest-earning African artists. As of 2026, Wizkid’s estimated net worth stands at $20 million.