Wizkid Biography (Updated 2025)
Full Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Stage Name: Wizkid (also known as Starboy or Big Wiz)
Date of Birth: July 16, 1990
Age (as of December 15, 2025): 35 years old
Place of Birth: Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Wizkid is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and pioneer of modern Afrobeats. Widely regarded as one of Africa's biggest musical exports, he has played a pivotal role in globalizing Afrobeats through collaborations with international stars like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Born into a large interfaith family (Muslim father, Pentecostal Christian mother) with multiple siblings, Wizkid grew up in the bustling Ojuelegba suburb of Surulere. He started singing at age 11 in his church choir and formed a group called Glorious Five, releasing a collaborative album. Initially performing as Lil Prinz, he drew inspiration from legends like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley.
In 2009, at age 19, he signed with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), marking his entry into mainstream Nigerian music.
Music Journey and Key Milestones
2011: Debut album Superstar with breakout hit "Holla at Your Boy."
2014: Second album Ayo (Joy), featuring "Ojuelegba," which highlighted his street struggles and gained international remix with Drake and Skepta.
2016: Featured on Drake's "One Dance" – topped charts in 15 countries, making Wizkid the first Afrobeats artist in Guinness World Records.
2017: Signed with RCA Records; released Sounds from the Other Side.
2020: Made in Lagos – massive global success, with "Essence" (feat. Tems, remix with Justin Bieber) becoming the first Nigerian song on Billboard Hot 100 Top
Made In Lagos - Album by Wizkid - Apple Music
2022: More Love, Less Ego.
Our First Impressions Of Wizkid's 'More Love, Less Ego'
2024: Released sixth album Morayo (dedicated to his late mother, meaning "I see joy" in Yoruba). It broke streaming records and dominated charts into 2025.
2025 Highlights: Despite no new solo album release, Wizkid dominated streaming: most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify and Apple Music in Nigeria/Sub-Saharan Africa. Morayo became the most-streamed album of the year in the region, with tracks like "Kese" leading radio play. He won NAACP Image Awards, received Grammy nominations, and a documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.
Achievements include a Grammy for "Brown Skin Girl" (with Beyoncé), multiple sold-out global tours (e.g., O2 Arena), and founding Starboy Entertainment.
Net Worth (2025)
Estimates vary widely due to private finances, but reputable sources place Wizkid's net worth around $35–50 million USD. Income streams include streaming royalties, tours, endorsements (e.g., Pepsi, Puma, UBA), and investments. Some outlets report higher figures (up to $70M+), but conservative estimates align closer to $40M based on music revenue and assets like properties in Lagos and abroad.
Wizkid continues to shape Afrobeats' global rise, blending Afropop, R&B, dancehall, and reggae into timeless hits. As of late 2025, his influence remains unmatched in African music.
