From Lil Prinz Straight Up To “Starboy” – Wizkid

Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has gained international recognition for his music. He was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Wizkid began his music career at a young age, releasing his debut studio album titled “Superstar” in 2011. The album featured hit singles such as “Holla at Your Boy,” “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” and “Don’t Dull,” which helped to establish him as one of the leading artists in the Nigerian music industry. What many people don’t know is that he started of as Lil Prinz in 2006, before breaking into the mainstream as Wizkid.

In 2014, Wizkid released his second studio album, “Ayo,” which further solidified his status as a prominent figure in Afrobeat music. The album featured collaborations with both Nigerian and international artists, including Femi Kuti, Banky W, and Seyi Shay. One of the standout tracks from the album was “Ojuelegba,” which garnered widespread acclaim and caught the attention of Canadian rapper Drake, who later remixed the song.

Wizkid’s international breakthrough came with his collaboration with Drake on the chart-topping single “One Dance” in 2016. The song, which also featured British singer Kyla, became a global smash hit and topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Wizkid has continued to release successful music, collaborations with other artists, and expand his influence globally. He has worked with renowned musicians such as Beyoncé, Major Lazer, and Skepta, further cementing his position as one of Africa’s most influential artists. Wizkid’s unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop has earned him a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades, including multiple awards at the MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, and MOBO Awards.