Wizkid
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Summary
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter from Lagos. A major participant in the international circulation of Afrobeats, he combines melodic singing with resources from reggae, dancehall and hip-hop.[1]
Life and career
Early music-making at church led to a recording with the Glorious Five as a child. Work with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment preceded Superstar (2011) and Ayo (2014). 'Ojuelegba' and his appearance on Drake's 'One Dance' helped expand his audience beyond Nigeria.[2][1]
Music and style
His label biography names Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé and Bob Marley among formative listening references. He has resisted confinement to one genre, describing rhythm as a point of exchange between African and diasporic styles. Sounds from the Other Side makes that approach explicit through a network of international collaborations.[1]
Works and performances
Made in Lagos (2020) includes 'Essence' with Tems, followed by More Love, Less Ego in 2022. Morayo is a tribute to his mother. His work has also entered orchestral concert presentation: the Los Angeles Philharmonic's event record documents a 2025 Hollywood Bowl appearance with the Color of Noize Orchestra.[2]
Selected recordings in MuGlobe:
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 RCA / Sony Music: WizKid artist biography, January 2017. Accessed 23 October 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Los Angeles Philharmonic: Wizkid, artist biography. Accessed 23 October 2026.