Jump to content

Wizkid

From MuGlobe.com
Revision as of 20:11, 23 October 2026 by Edb (talk | contribs) (Artist encyclopedia batch015: sourced musician/group profiles and incoming artist links, requested by Ed)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

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: