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10 amazing facts you probably don’t know about Wizkid
in this article, we will discuss 9 amazing facts you probably don’t know about Wizkid. He is originally named Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Wizkid is a popular Nigeria music star; he is originally named Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. However, in this article, we will discuss 9 amazing facts you probably don’t know about Wizkid
Big Wiz as he is now fondly called has not only etched his name on the sands of time as one of the greatest music stars to come out of Africa. And it is certain that he is not far from breaking boundaries yet.
Most people are familiar with his groundbreaking music styles as well as his inspiring stage performance. However, you may be one of the people who are not familiar with some facts about this fast-rising Nigerian musician.
10 Amazing Facts About Wizkid
1. Started His Music Career Much Earlier
Many people have much respect for Wizkid: This, moreover was because of his good music and stage performance. Secondly, because he is one of the lucky few to have achieved popularity and celebrity status at such a young tender age.
Unknown to many, Wizkid was formerly known as Lil Prinz. He was already singing in his local church at the tender age of 11 years. And he was not only a good vocalist but also a lead singer.
2. Initially Sang in the Church
The young Nigerian musician is known for his party popping songs. The songs, which are full of energy, appeal to the young at heart as well as the party-goers. However, you probably did not know that Wizkid honed his music skills in the church. Yes, He actually was a praise and worship singer at his local church in Lagos having been brought up in a Christian family.
Wizkid actually released a couple of albums prior to his breakout track in 2009 after collaborating with M.I. As part of the church choir, he produced an album. He later went on to form a singing group with his five church friends known as “Glorious Five” and released another album.
3. He is actually from Ojuelegba like the song says
“Ojuelegba”, the song that shot Wizkid firmly into international exposure, rings true – literally. The music artist comes from Ojuelegba in Lagos. Ojuelegba used to be famous for touts and is located in the Surulere axis of Lagos which is fast growing into a metropolis for the young and working class.
4. Charting History
When WizKid’s fourth studio album, Made In Lagos, originally dropped in October 2020, it quickly broke several streaming records among African artists, becoming the first African album to debut on Spotify’s Global Album’s Chart.
The album racked up 100 million streams in only nine days and picked up numerous accolades, landing on many year-end best-of lists including NME, The Guardian, GQ, Clash, and a number one spot from British Vogue.
Wizkid is no doubt the first Nigerian artiste to win three Billboard awards. Also, Wizkid is the only Nigerian artiste to maintain the number one spot on iTunes World Chart for more than one week.
A big thanks to his collaboration on “One Dance” a track he was featured on by Canadian rapper, Drake.
Wizkid’s “Come Closer” on which he featured Drake got up to a million views on YouTube. This makes Wizkid the first African artiste whose video hit the million mark within the first 24 hours of its release. He broke his own record with the music video for “Fever”. The video features Nigerian superstar, Tiwa Savage who plays his love interest.
5. He owns a Record Label
After parting ways with EME music, his former record label, Wizkid went on to start his own record label, Starboy records, and now has a couple of artists signed under the label as well.
Wizkid record label signed artists such as Mr. Eazi, Maleek Berry, L.A.X, Ahmed, R2bees Efya, Terri, and a host of them.
He was once rumored to be dating Tonto Dikeh and Tiwa Savage; for a very long time, the rumor mills were agog with stories about Tonto Dikeh and Wizkid being a couple until both parties came out to vehemently deny ever hooking up or being a couple.
Wizkid for some years back was rumored to be dating fellow singer Tiwa savage but the two denied the allegation saying they are just best friends
7. He is a Father of 3 Handsome Boys
Many fans have playfully suggested that he change his name to ‘Wizdad’ as he is no longer a kid but now a father to a very handsome boy, Boluwatife Balogun. Boluwatife was born on October 2010 by his babymama, Oluwanishola Ogudugu.
Although he publicly denied having a son for a very long time, he eventually owned up in October 2013 after he put up warm birthday wishes for his son’s 3rd birthday.
Former governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton declared October 6th “WizKid Day” in his home state. On the release, Dayton dubbed him “one of the biggest cultural influencers of our time” and proved his worth to his state’s residents by pointing to him being the first African to sell out Minneapolis’ Skyway Theatre.
10. Wizkid has Won a Grammy
WizKid picked up his first-ever Grammy Award earlier last year, for his contributions to the Beyonce track “Brown Skin Girl” from her music film Black Is King that accompanied the live-action Lion King movie.
The song won the award for Best Music Video. With countryman Burna Boy picking up an award on the same night, the two became the first Nigerians to ever win a Grammy as a solo act.
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