When you hear the name Wizkid, you probably think of massive Afrobeats hits, sold-out world tours, or that unforgettable anthem, “Ojuelegba.” But behind the global stardom is a fascinating story of humble beginnings, bold moves, and musical genius.
If you’ve ever asked, “Who is Wizkid?”, you’re in the right place. This in-depth Wizkid biography takes you beyond the stage and into the real life of Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun — from his childhood in Surulere to his rise in the global music scene, his achievements, his love life, and everything in between. Plus, we’ll reveal Wizkid’s 2025 net worth and how he became one of Africa’s richest and most influential artists.
So, grab your earphones, queue up a Starboy playlist, and let’s explore the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports.
Wizkid Early Life
Let’s begin with how this amazing Afrobeats artist began. Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. he was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Surulere is a lively, bustling area in Lagos, known for its blend of middle-class neighbourhoods and deep cultural roots. Wizkid grew up in a large polygamous family; his father, Alhaji Muniru Olatunji Balogun, had three wives, and Wizkid’s mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, was one of them.
He was his mother’s only son, but he had twelve sisters overall. That sounds like a full house, right?
Growing up, Wizkid was surrounded by music, thanks to his family’s religious background. His mother was a devout Christian, while his father was a practising Muslim, giving him a rich sense of cultural balance from an early age.
Childhood & Education
Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School, where he nurtured his musical interests. Like many Nigerian kids, he sang in the church choir, which was his first introduction to structured music performance.
He would later say in interviews that artists like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Bob Marley greatly inspired him. These influences shaped his unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop.
Although he started college at Lagos State University, he didn’t finish, eventually dropping out to pursue music full-time. It was a risky move, but as we can all see today, it paid off spectacularly.
Wizkid Music Career
So, how did Wizkid’s music career kick-off? His first steps into the Nigerian music scene were under the stage name Lil Prinz around 2001. He was just 11 years old when he recorded a seven-track album with a group called the Glorious Five. Of course, that project didn’t blow up, but it planted the seed.
In 2009, Wizkid signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), which became the launching pad for his breakthrough. Under EME, he released “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010, a song that catapulted him to nationwide superstardom.
His debut album, Superstar, dropped in 2011, featuring hits like:
- Pakurumo
- Love My Baby
- Tease Me/Bad Guys
From there, the story just gets bigger and bigger.
Wizkid’s second album, Ayo, was released in 2014, featuring the massive global smash “Ojuelegba,” a song that even caught the attention of Drake. In 2016, the Canadian superstar jumped on a remix of Ojuelegba, catapulting Wizkid to a broader international audience.
He released Sounds from the Other Side in 2017, featuring collaborations with Drake (“Come Closer”) and Chris Brown (“African Bad Gyal”), which cemented his global appeal.
In 2020, Wizkid released Made in Lagos, which featured the worldwide hit “Essence” with Tems. That track made history as the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Highlights of His Albums
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- Made in Lagos (2020)
- More Love, Less Ego (2022)
The world has been dancing to Wizkid’s rhythm ever since.
Wizkid Achievements
You can’t talk about Wizkid without giving props to his achievements. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Grammy Award — 2021, for Best Music Video as a featured artist on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl.
- BET Awards — Best International Act winner multiple times.
- MOBO Awards — Best African Act, numerous wins.
- MTV Europe Music Awards — Best African Act.
- Billboard chart history — First Nigerian artist with a song on Billboard Hot 100 (Essence).
- Sold-out O2 Arena — Three nights in a row in 2021, one of the first African artists to achieve that.
- Guinness World Record — For his contribution to Drake’s One Dance, which was the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2016.
Honestly, the list goes on. Wizkid has more awards and nominations than many artists dream of, making him a true Afrobeats ambassador worldwide.
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Wizkid’s Love Life
Wizkid and his baby mama, Jada Pollock
Fans are always curious about the Starboy’s love life. Wizkid has had a string of high-profile relationships over the years, though he’s famously private.
One of his well-known relationships was with Tania Omotayo, who frequently appeared in the spotlight alongside him. That relationship ended after several years.
He’s also been linked to Jada Pollock (his current partner and manager), with whom he shares children. Wizkid is the father of four boys from different women.
His kids are:
- Boluwatife (with Shola Ogudu)
- Ayodeji Jr. (with Binta Diamond Diallo)
- Zion (with Jada Pollock)
- Morayo (with Jada Pollock)
Wizkid makes it a point to stay present in his children’s lives despite his global schedule.
Interesting Facts About Wizkid You Didn’t Know
Here are some fun, surprising facts you might not know about Wizkid:
- He was just 11 years old when he made his first album with the Glorious Five.
- His first stage name was Lil Prinz.
- Wizkid is a big fan of designer fashion, especially Dolce & Gabbana.
- He holds the record as the first Nigerian artist to sell out London’s Royal Albert Hall.
- He’s collaborated with heavyweights like Beyoncé, Drake, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Damian Marley, and Skepta.
- His song “Essence” was dubbed the “song of the summer” by multiple US radio stations in 2021.
- Wizkid is signed to RCA Records, a major US label, which is part of Sony Music.
Wizkid’s Lifestyle and Personality
Wizkid is known for its chill, easygoing vibe. Even in interviews, he rarely raises his voice, preferring to let his music do the talking.
He’s also known for giving back to society. He has been involved in several charity drives and once paid school fees for hundreds of children in his Surulere neighbourhood.
Despite his flashy success, Wizkid still visits the Surulere area to connect with his roots and inspire young people. He is active on every social medium, and he bears the same name – @wizkiddayo except his Facebook, where he bears just Wizkid.
Wizkid’s Net Worth
Wizkid’s net worth is projected to be $50 million in 2025. This wealth is attributed to his successful music career, including album sales, streaming royalties, and sold-out concerts. He also has significant endorsement deals with major brands, further contributing to his overall wealth.
Conclusion: Complete profile of Wizkid
Wizkid’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a young Lagos boy in a polygamous home to a global music icon, he has shown that passion, hard work, and talent can break any barrier.
He’s a true pioneer of Afrobeats, helping push African music to the world stage — and the story isn’t over yet.
As fans, we can only look forward to what new heights Wizkid will conquer in the coming years. One thing’s for sure: the world is still dancing to the Starboy’s rhythm.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wizkid
1: Who is Wizkid?
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter known for hit songs such as “Ojuelegba” and “Essence.”
2: Where is Wizkid from?
Wizkid is from Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
3: What is Wizkid’s age?
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, making him 34 years old as of 2024.
4: Is Wizkid married?
No, Wizkid is not officially married, but he is in a long-term relationship with Jada Pollock, who is also the mother of two of his sons.
5: What is Wizkid’s real name?
His real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
