Wizkid

Wizkid Dayo
Source: 360Nobs

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, the Afro Hip hop singer called Wizkid or Wizzy was born 16 July 1990 in Lagos into a large family of three wives and six children. Being the last and only boy, his father frowned at music, but his journey into music started early on, when he, a church choir boy, led his friends to release a 7 track album titled “Lil Prinz”.

Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and studied International Relations Leadcity University. He dropped out in his second year, unable to combine schooling and music. In 2006, he collaborated with artistes Naeto C and Ikechukwu . However, Wizzy’s journey to stardom started in 2009, when he featured in M.I’s “Fast Money, Fast Cars” and Kel’s “Turn by Turn”. Wizzy also featured on Banky W’s album, the W Experience, after which he was signed under Empire Mates Entertainment Records (EME) owned by Banky W. Being a songwriter, performer and a recording artiste, it didn’t take long before his singles started to hit market. His song “Holla at your Boy” was an instant hit. He got the attention of the Nigerian youth. With his “Don’t Dull” single he became a force to reckon with. Wizkid released his debut album under EME, titled ‘Superstar’ in 2011, in this same year he went on a world tour with Banky W and Skales to complement the release of their album. In the following year he did a tour in London.

Over the years Wizkid has worked with several artistes as he has featured them in his songs as well as been featured in their songs. Bracket, Lynxxx,Iyanya, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, Olamide, R2Bees, Wale, Young Jeezzy, Akon, Femi Kuti and others, Wizzy has also featured in several TV commercials. Since he started and came into limelight in 2009, Wizzy’s career has exceeded the shores of Nigeria; featuring a couple of foreign artistes as well worked under KONVICT, and has won several awards, including the 2012 BET Award for best African Act.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer