What is Wizkid’s Net Worth?
Net Worth | $4 Million |
Source of Wealth | Singer, Endorsements |
Date of Birth | July 16, 1990 |
Nationality | Nigerian |
Height | 5’4 / 1.63m |
Place of Birth | Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria |
Star Sign | Cancer |
Religion | Not Known |
Marital Status | Dating |
The Usual Intro
Wizkid is a 32-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter. He stepped into the music industry at the age of just 11, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he broke into the major music leagues.
Although he gained widespread recognition in the African and Afrobeat community, Wizkid was shot to international stardom after he started working with prominent artists like Drake, Akon, and Beyoncé, to name a few.
Wizkid entered the spotlight with his hit singles like Holla at Your Boy, Don’t Dull, Come Closer, etc. He also made millions through the lucrative world of celebrity endorsements, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest African stars in the world.
Before the Spotlight
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 16, 1990. He was raised in a family of 12 sisters. His father, Alhaji Muniru, was a Muslim, while his mother, Jane Dolapo, followed Christianity. He did his primary education from Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later went to Lagos State University but dropped out in 2009.
Wizkid became interested in music from a young age. He began attending church which increased his passion for music. Some of his early influences on singing were Bob Marley and King Sunny Ade. His parents discouraged Wizkid from singing and enrolled him in Lead City University, but Wizkid dropped out again to focus solely on practicing music.
The Journey to Success
Wizkid started receiving international fame and success when he was just 15 years old. He had already formed valuable connections in the music industry and learned from leading artists like Sound Sultan, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, etc.
After signing with the record label, Empire Mates Entertainment, he debuted his album titled “Superstar in 2010,” which was critically and commercially acclaimed. The album won him many prestigious awards, such as the Next Rated Award and Best Album of the Year Award. The lead single from the album, “Holla at Your Boy,” established him as an upcoming talented artist in the music industry.
After his grand success with the album, Wizkid toured London and delivered a solid live performance at HMV Apollo. It considerably expanded his fan base. He then dropped his second album, “Ayo,” which included numerous featured artists like Tyga, Akon, and Wale, to name a few.
The year 2016 marked the breakthrough in his career — he worked with Drake in producing and writing the song “One Dance.” It was a massive hit and instantly broke into the Billboard US Hot 100 chart, attaining the No.1 spot. The song did not make a ground-breaking success only nationally but also topped charts in 15 other countries, which cemented Wizkid’s status as Nigeria’s most successful pop artist.
The Best Moments
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
- Won 3 Billboard, BET, and Soul Train Awards.
- He was included in the list of Top 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine.
- Won six Nigerian Awards, four MTV Africa Music Awards, and two MOBO Awards.
The Private Side
Wizkid has been in multiple relationships throughout his career. He has three sons from three different women he dated. Currently, he’s dating a Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage.
Wizkid made millions doing endorsements for international brands. The list includes MTN Hennessy, Frost of London, GLO, Guinness, and many more. In addition, Wizkid also signed a $350,000 deal with Pepsi.
Wizkid’s Related YouTube Video
Famous Quotes of Wizkid
Wizkid’s words develop sensational imagery. Let’s take a glance at some of his influential quotes:
- “Whenever I make music, I just make it depending on however I feel at that moment and what I’m getting inspiration from, so it depends – whatever, it’s just my mood.”
- “I’m getting in the studio with everybody I’ve always wanted to work with. That’s the amazing thing.”
- “We still have a lot of work to do as African artists to get more recognition in the UK and the US, but right now, definitely, we’re getting the recognition. The thing is we have to earn it. Keep working. Stay working.”
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Wizkid set out many life-leading lessons. Here are some notable ones that we can adapt in our lives:
- Follow Your Dreams. Wizkid aspired to become a rapper from a young age. He knew he had the potential for it. Even though his parents vehemently opposed the idea, he went against his parent’s expectations. He didn’t let them dictate his decision and succeeded.
- Turn Yourself Into A Brand. Sure, everyone has a brand. But have you wondered what makes a particular brand stand out? Wizkid is the classic example of that. After creating his music label, “Starboy Entertainment,” Wizkid gave upcoming artists an opportunity to display their talent. Many of those artists went on to release a string of commercially successful singles.
- Consistency. Have you noticed how consistent Wizkid’s song’s lyrics and sonic themes have remained? In fact, his songs follow an evolutionary trend. From catchy phrases to power-packed African beats, Wizkid has appealed to the masses with his innovative singles. His music quality has been remarkably consistent.
- Collaborate. Wizkid never desired a completely solo career. He has collaborated with many high-profile artists like Drake and Beyoncé, which not only gave him an exposure to leveling up his music skills, but also helped him garner a wider fan base. Believe in the power of collaboration.
The Unusual Stuff
The following facts about Wizkid are surely going to blow your mind:
- The governor of Minnesota declared October 6 as “International Wizkid Day” in honor of his contributions.
- Wizkid is the African-American to have been nominated seven times for Billboard Awards.
- He is the first Afro-pop artist to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- His main source of inspiration in fashion is Pharrell Williams.
Answering Frequent Questions
Who is the richest between Davido and Wizkid?
According to Forbes, Wizkid is richer than Davido, with a massive net worth of $4 million. He is currently the richest-paid artist in Nigeria.
Does Wizkid own a private jet?
Wizkid has been traveling in a private jet from the time he entered the spotlight. It’s believed to have cost the artist around $40 million.
Has Wizkid been in a fight?
Wizkid has engaged in heated arguments on Twitter with his erstwhile boss Banky W, Davido, Linda Ikeji, Reekado Banks, Dammy Krane, etc.
The Closing Remarks
With over 3.5 billion streams on Spotify, Wizkid remains the most-streamed Nigerian artist as of 2022. He has become a fixture in Nigerian entertainment and evolved beyond a mere local talent. Wizkid was not only the most-awarded artist in The Headies award history, but also a two-times record breaker of Guinness World Records, which ensures that he is not just a flash in the pan, but also a sensational Nigerian artist who is going to accomplish even tremendous feats.