Profile
Full Name: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Stage Name: Wizkid
Date of Birth: 16 July 1990
Place of Birth: Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria
Age: 36 years old as of September 2026
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Singer, songwriter and record executive
Music Genres: Afrobeats, Afropop and R&B
Early Life and Education
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, was born on 16 July 1990 in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family and developed an interest in music at a young age.
As a child, Wizkid sang in his church and was part of a music group called the Glorious Five. His passion for music continued to grow during his teenage years, and he later decided to focus seriously on building a professional career in the Nigerian music industry.
Music Career
Wizkid began gaining attention in Nigeria after working with music executive Banky W and joining Empire Mates Entertainment, commonly known as EME. His major breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of the hit song “Holla at Your Boy.”
The song introduced him to a wider audience and was followed by other successful singles, including “Don’t Dull,” “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Pakurumo” and “Love My Baby.” His debut album, Superstar, helped establish him as one of the leading young artists in Nigerian music.
Over the years, Wizkid released several successful albums, including:
- Superstar (2011)
- Ayo (2014)
- Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
- Made in Lagos (2020)
- More Love, Less Ego (2022)
- Morayo (2024)
One of the biggest moments of his international career came when he collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on the global hit “One Dance.” The song became a major international success and helped introduce Wizkid to an even larger worldwide audience.
In 2020, Wizkid released Made in Lagos, an album that received international attention. The album’s biggest song, “Essence,” featuring Nigerian singer Tems, became a global hit and is widely regarded as one of the songs that helped take Afrobeats to a wider international audience. A remix of the song later featured Canadian singer Justin Bieber.
Wizkid has also worked with several major international artists and has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages and music festivals. His success has made him one of Africa’s most commercially successful and internationally recognized musicians.
Wife and Relationship
Wizkid has generally kept much of his private life away from the public. As of September 2026, he has not publicly confirmed that he has a wife. However, he has been linked to several women over the years and is known to have children with different partners.
Children
Wizkid is a father of five children. His sons include Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Balogun Jr. and Zion Balogun, while he also has other children from later relationships.
Despite his busy international career, Wizkid occasionally shares moments involving his children and family life with his fans.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Wizkid has received numerous awards and nominations in Nigeria, Africa and internationally. His achievements include major African music awards, international recognition and Grammy success.
He won a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s song “Brown Skin Girl,” which was part of The Lion King: The Gift project. The song won in the Best Music Video category at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Wizkid has also received recognition at events such as the BET Awards, MOBO Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, The Headies and other major music platforms.
Record Label and Business
Wizkid founded his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has played an important role in his career and in supporting other artists. Through the Starboy brand, he has expanded his influence beyond being a recording artist and performer.
His success in music has also led to partnerships and business opportunities with major international brands.
Legacy
Wizkid is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the global growth of Afrobeats. From his early success in Nigeria to becoming an international superstar, his career has helped introduce African music to millions of listeners around the world.
With hit songs, successful albums and major collaborations, Wizkid has built a career that has made him one of the most influential African musicians of his generation.
Quick Facts
| Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Stage Name | Wizkid |
| Date of Birth | 16 July 1990 |
| Age | 36 years old as of September 2026 |
| Place of Birth | Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter and record executive |
| Wife | Not publicly confirmed to be married |
| Children | Five children |
| Record Label | Starboy Entertainment |
| Breakthrough Song | “Holla at Your Boy” |
| International Hits | “One Dance,” “Essence,” “Ojuelegba” |
| Major Achievement | Grammy Award winner |