Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun Biography :Early life and Career Beginning,Record deals,Albums,Recognition ,Key achievements.

Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos. He began his music career at age 11, forming a gospel group called the Glorious Five, and later signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009. His debut album, Superstar, was released in 2011, and he gained significant international fame after collaborating with Drake on the 2016 hit song “One Dance”. His fourth album, Made in Lagos(2020), featured the critically acclaimed song “Essence,” which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
He grew up in a large interfaith household with twelve siblings.
At age 11, he started recording music and released a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he formed with friends from his church.

Record Deal and Debut Album

In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
He released his debut studio album, Superstar, in 2011.

International Stardom

Wizkid achieved global recognition in 2016 with his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” which topped the charts in numerous countries.
He released his third album, Sounds from the Other Side, in 2017, marking his first entry onto international charts like the Billboard 200.

Made in Lagos and “Essence”

In October 2020, he released his fourth album, Made in Lagos.
The album’s single “Essence,” featuring Tems, was a major hit and became the first Nigerian song to reach the Billboard Hot 100.
A remix of the song with Justin Bieberfurther boosted its success in 2021.

Key Achievements

Grammy Award:Wizkid won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”.
Guinness World Record:He became the first Afrobeats artist to be listed in the Guinness World Records for the success of “One Dance”.
Brand Deals:He has secured major endorsement deals with international brands such as Pepsi and MTN.
Starboy Entertainment:In 2013, he founded his own music label, Starboy Entertainment.