# Wizkid

> Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in Lagos, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter whose understated melodies, careful collaborations and unhurried persistence helped Afrobeats move from regional momentum to sustained global attention. From the autobiographical 'Ojuelegba' to 'One Dance,' 'Brown Skin Girl' and the Tems duet 'Essence,' his career has repeatedly widened the audience for African pop while keeping Lagos at the center of the story.

- **Role:** Singer-songwriter and recording artist
- **Organizations:** Starboy Entertainment, RCA Records, Sony Music International
- **From:** Lagos, Nigeria
- **Nationality:** Nigerian
- **Education:** Secondary education, Ijebu Ode Grammar School, Attended; no degree completed, Lagos State University, Attended; no degree completed, Lead City University
- **Known for:** Won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Music Video as a featured artist on Beyoncé's 'Brown Skin Girl.', Has one Grammy win and six nominations through the 68th Grammy Awards in 2026., 'Essence' with Tems became the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

## Career timeline

- **2001** — Began making music as a child and later performed with the church group Glorious Five.
- **2009** — Signed with Empire Mates Entertainment and began developing his debut album.
- **2010** — Released the breakthrough single 'Holla at Your Boy.'
- **2011** — Released debut album 'Superstar.'
- **2014** — Released 'Ayo,' including the autobiographical Lagos anthem 'Ojuelegba.'
- **2015** — Drake and Skepta joined the remix of 'Ojuelegba,' widening its international audience.
- **2016** — Featured on Drake's chart-topping single 'One Dance.'
- **2017** — Released 'Sounds from the Other Side,' expanding his fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, dancehall and pop.
- **2019** — Appeared with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Saint Jhn on 'Brown Skin Girl.'
- **2020** — Released 'Made in Lagos,' featuring Tems, Burna Boy, Skepta, H.E.R. and Damian Marley.
- **2021** — Won his first Grammy for the 'Brown Skin Girl' music video; 'Essence' became the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
- **2022** — Released fifth studio album 'More Love, Less Ego.'
- **2023** — Headlined Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the concert later used as the destination of the documentary 'Long Live Lagos.'
- **2024** — Released sixth studio album 'Morayo' through Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records.
- **2025** — Documentary 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos,' directed by Karam Gill, premiered and followed the months leading to his Tottenham show.
- **2026** — Released the four-track collaborative EP 'REAL, Vol. 1' with Asake and received a Grammy nomination with Ayra Starr for 'Gimme Dat,' bringing his official career total to one win and six nominations.

## Achievements

- Won the 2021 Grammy Award for Best Music Video as a featured artist on Beyoncé's 'Brown Skin Girl.'
- Has one Grammy win and six nominations through the 68th Grammy Awards in 2026.
- 'Essence' with Tems became the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
- Featured on Drake's 'One Dance,' a number-one single in multiple markets including the United States and United Kingdom.
- Headlined Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in July 2023.
- Built a catalog spanning six studio albums from 'Superstar' (2011) through 'Morayo' (2024).

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — Appeared with Vybz Kartel on the two-song 'Stay For The Night' single, listed by Apple Music as his latest release as of September 2026.
- **2026-02** — Attended the 68th Grammy cycle as a Best African Music Performance nominee on Ayra Starr's 'Gimme Dat'; the award went to Tyla's 'PUSH 2 START.'
- **2026-01** — Released 'REAL, Vol. 1,' a four-track collaborative EP with Asake, through Starboy Entertainment, GIRAN Republic and EMPIRE.
- **2025-12** — 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos' became available as an HBO Music Box documentary in the United States after its 2025 festival premiere.
- **2025-06** — 'Wizkid: Long Live Lagos,' directed by Karam Gill, premiered at the Tribeca Festival.
- **2024-11** — Released his sixth studio album 'Morayo,' a 16-track project issued by Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records.
- **2024-10** — Released 'Piece of My Heart' featuring Brent Faiyaz as the lead single from 'Morayo.'

## Links

- Website: https://www.wizkidofficial.com/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/wizkidayo
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WizkidVEVO
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wizkidayo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wizkidmusic
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wizkidayo

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/wizkid
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-21