OPINION | How Wizkid is taking over the world
Wizkid boasts over 32 hits, more than 70 music awards, 50 singles, four albums, and sold-out concert performances across Africa, Europe, and America. As a result, he commands a fan base of more than 30 million combined followers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
His songs straddle the rhythmic texture of Nigerian pop that connects with West African diaspora communities across the globe. And when it comes to his career, he set his eyes firmly on America and strategically propelled himself to global fame.Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on 16 July 1990 in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He started singing and recording music at 11 in the Glorious Five group. He joined Empire Mates Entertainment record label in 2009.
The songwriter, singer, and performer worked hard in the early days of his music career in Nigeria’s highly competitive industry. In one of his hit songs,, he narrates his experience at Mo'Dogg studio in Lagos, where he toiled for a better life. He became famous in Nigeria in 2011 after releasing his debut album titledAs a young star who foresaw his music traveling beyond Nigeria, Wizkid seized every opportunity to make connections across the music world.
In 2016, transnational appreciation of his music grew after he collaborated with Drake, the Canadian singer and rapper. It is a popular opinion among Nigerian music analysts and journalists that Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake marked the genesis of his global appeal. He has since collaborated with top-notch American stars such as Beyoncé, Akon, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj.Wizkid's music career has not been without controversy. Like many, his rise to fame was characterised by objectifying women in some of his lyrics and music videos.
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