Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known to the world as Wizkid, is widely regarded as the artist who turned Afrobeats into a global force. Born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, he rose from singing in church groups to becoming the first Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, a Grammy winner, and a stadium-headlining act. As ‘Big Wiz’ or ‘Starboy’, his influence spans music, fashion and culture, and his place alongside fellow Nigerian superstars has defined an era of African pop. He is counted among the ‘Big 3’ of Afrobeats alongside Davido and Burna Boy, a trio credited with taking the genre worldwide.
Biography & Early Life
Wizkid grew up in Ojuelegba, a busy district of Surulere, as the only son among thirteen children. His father, Muniru Balogun, is Muslim, while his late mother, Jane Dolapo Morayo Balogun, was a Pentecostal pastor and businesswoman. Music found him early: at eleven he formed a church singing group called Glorious Five, performing under the name Lil Prinz. He attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later enrolled at both Lagos State University and Lead City University, leaving both in 2009 to focus on music. Before fame, he spent years learning the craft at producer OJB Jezreel’s studio, watching Nigerian legends like 2Baba record. In 2009 he signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment, a deal that launched his professional career. His mother died in London on August 18, 2023 — a loss he has called the deepest pain he has ever felt, and which he honored by naming his 2024 album Morayo after her.
Music Career
Wizkid’s debut album, Superstar (2011), introduced him to Nigeria through hits like ‘Holla at Your Boy’, ‘Tease Me’ and ‘Pakurumo’. His second album, Ayo (2014), included ‘Ojuelegba’, a song so beloved that Drake recorded a remix of it. The collaboration that changed African music arrived in 2016, when Wizkid featured on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ — the track topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first Nigerian artist to reach number one on the chart, and went on to become one of the most-streamed songs in history. He signed with RCA Records and released Sounds from the Other Side (2017), featuring ‘Come Closer’ with Drake and collaborations with Chris Brown and Major Lazer. His 2019 feature on Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ won him a Grammy for Best Music Video at the 2021 awards. Made in Lagos (2020) was a landmark: its single ‘Essence’ featuring Tems became a worldwide anthem, with a Justin Bieber remix that charted globally and earned a Grammy nomination. More Love, Less Ego (2022) followed, and Morayo (2024) paid tribute to his late mother. Along the way he sold out London’s O2 Arena, headlined a London football stadium, and earned BET, MOBO and Billboard Music Awards, becoming the first African artist to achieve several of those milestones. His songs ‘Ginger’ and ‘Joro’ further cemented his global standing, and his sold-out shows from New York to Paris have made him one of the most bankable live acts in world music.
Net Worth & Income
Wizkid’s net worth is estimated at $50 million (approx. ₦67 billion), making him one of the richest musicians in Africa. His wealth is built on stadium and arena tours, streaming royalties from a deep catalogue of global hits, and lucrative brand endorsement deals. As the founder of Starboy Entertainment, he also earns from the artists on his roster and from business ventures around his brand. His sold-out shows across Europe and North America reportedly command some of the highest fees on the continent. He also has business interests beyond music, including fashion collaborations and the Starboy merchandising line.
Personal Life & Family
Wizkid is in a long-term relationship with Jada Pollock, who also serves as his international manager. He is reported to be a father of five children: sons Boluwatife, Ayodeji Jr., Zion and AJ, and daughter Morayo. He guards his private life closely, preferring to let his music and rare public appearances do the talking. His family background — a Muslim father and a Christian pastor mother — shaped his worldview, and he has spoken warmly of both influences. In 2024 he released Morayo as both a commercial project and a deeply personal tribute, with several tracks reflecting on grief, faith and family.
Last updated: October 2026
