Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his unique blend of Afrobeats, afropop, R&B, reggae, dancehall, and pop. He shot to international fame with his collaboration with Drake on the hit single "One Dance" in 2016, becoming the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records.
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in the Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere, Lagos. He began recording music at the age of 11 and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he formed with his church friends. In 2009, he signed a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.).
Wizkid's debut studio album, "Superstar" (2011), spawned the singles "Holla at Your Boy", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", and "Don't Dull", which gained him recognition in Nigeria. He left E.M.E. after his contract expired and released his self-titled second studio album, "Ayo" (2014), supported by six singles, including "Jaiye Jaiye".
In 2016, Wizkid collaborated with Drake on "One Dance", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 14 additional countries. This collaboration earned him international recognition and made him the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the Guinness World Records. He signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records in 2017 and released his third studio album, "Sounds from the Other Side", later that year.
In 2018, Wizkid was featured on Normani and Calvin Harris' song "Checklist", which reached number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The following year, he was featured on Beyoncé's project "The Lion King: The Gift" on the single "Brown Skin Girl", which won him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video. In 2020, he released his fourth album, "Made in Lagos", which received commercial success and acclaim.
Wizkid's music often reflects his passion for Afrobeats and his desire to promote African culture globally. He believes that music has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change. Through his platform, he aims to empower Africans and celebrate the continent's rich cultural heritage.
Wizkid's influence on modern society extends beyond his music. He has inspired a new generation of African artists to pursue their dreams and showcase their talents globally. He has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting education and healthcare programs in Nigeria.
Wizkid's impact on the music industry is undeniable. He has paved the way for Afrobeats artists to break into the global market and has inspired a new wave of African musicians. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, cementing his place as one of the most influential African artists of all time.
73 Years Old
A renowned AIDS researcher who developed groundbreaking treatments and was a leading figure in the fight against the disease. He was the first to demonstrate that HIV causes AIDS.
36 Years Old
A talented artist who rose to fame with catchy R&B hits and impressive dance moves, known for his chart-topping albums and controversial personal life.
39 Years Old
A popular rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has broken numerous records in the music industry, known for his emotive and introspective lyrics.
48 Years Old
A renowned artist and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the music, fashion, and entertainment industries through his innovative and provocative work. Known for pushing boundaries and sparking conversations through his music, performances, and public persona.
44 Years Old
A multi-talented icon in the music industry, known for her captivating performances, empowering lyrics, and chart-topping hits that blend genres like R&B, pop, and hip-hop. She's a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless young artists and fans alike.
56 Years Old
A renowned rapper, entrepreneur, and actor who co-founded a successful record label, known for his chart-topping hits and innovative business ventures. He's a cultural icon in the music industry, inspiring generations of artists and entrepreneurs.
38 Years Old
A Barbadian superstar who has dominated the music industry with chart-topping hits and has also made a mark in the fashion and film world. Known for her versatility and captivating stage presence.