Wizkid – Booking

If there is one name among the younger generations of African music to mention, it is undoubtedly Wizkid. The young singer and songwriter is now known beyond his native country and even beyond the African continent. A look back at Wizkid’s journey…

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as « Wizkid », was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Nigeria. He comes from a very religious family. At first, his father was not very enthusiastic about his desire to pursue a career in music. But through hard work and determination, the young Ayodeji has proven that he has chosen the right way. Moreover, he left his studies behind to devote himself entirely to music.

Indeed, Wizkid’s passion in this field was revealed very early on. His references included King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti and Bob Marley. At the age of 11, he was already starting to sing. After the dissolution of the group Glorious Five of which he was a member, he decided to embark on a solo career in Afrobeat, Afropop, reggae, dancehall or hip-hop music. He then contacts experienced people in these fields such as OJB Jezreel or Naeto C.

Wizkid’s career began to take off when he signed with the Empire Mates Entertainment label. He then produced the studio album « Superstar » whose recording began in 2009. The work will be released on June 12, 2011. The single « Holla at Your Boy » has earned him awards, nominations and above all, fame. Then follows the single « Tease Me/Bad Guys » and « Don’t Dull » which also receive a positive reception. Finally, « Superstar » won the Best Album of the Year Award at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2012. 
Wizkid then went on to tour, taking him beyond African borders. In 2014 he released his second album « Ayo » before leaving the Empire Mates Entertainment label for good due to a financial conflict.

Nevertheless, Wizkid’s reputation continues to grow, thanks in part to his collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on the song « One dance ». « One dance » was for a while in the first place on the charts in many countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

As for the albums, « Ayo » is then followed by « Sounds from the Other Side » in 2017 stamped Starboy Entertainment the label created by Wizkid. These 3 albums allowed him to collaborate with other renowned artists such as Akon, Tyga, Seyi Shay or Chris Brown and many awards. Wizkid will certainly continue to offer us new songs and albums in the coming years.