Wizkid is one of the most successful Nigerian musicians to take Afrobeats to audiences around the world. From his early days in Lagos to international collaborations with artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown and Tems, he has built a career that has lasted more than a decade.
His music combines Afrobeats, R&B, pop, dancehall and other sounds, giving him a style that is easily recognised by fans in Nigeria and beyond. Songs such as “Holla at Your Boy,” “Ojuelegba,” “Come Closer,” “One Dance,” “Essence” and “Joro” have helped make him one of Africa’s best-known music stars.
This Wizkid biography covers his real name, age, early life, children, career, popular songs, albums, awards and what is known about his net worth.
Wizkid Real Name
Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. He was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He is also widely known by names such as Starboy, Big Wiz, Wizzy and Machala.
He started showing an interest in music while he was still very young. According to Spotify’s artist biography, Wizkid began his music journey at about 11 years old and recorded music under the name Lil Prinz before becoming widely known as Wizkid.
His early exposure to music helped him develop the confidence and experience that would later become important in his professional career.
How Old Is Wizkid?
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990, which makes him 36 years old in 2026.
Although he became famous at a relatively young age, Wizkid has remained active in the music industry for many years. His career has developed from Nigerian pop and Afrobeats into a broader international sound.
His long career is one reason why Wizkid remains relevant to both older Afrobeats listeners and younger music fans.
Wizkid’s Early Life and Background
Wizkid grew up in Lagos, a city that has played an important role in Nigerian popular culture and music.
He developed his interest in music as a child and began performing and recording before he became a professional musician. He was involved with a group called Glorious Five, made up of young people from his church community.
As he grew older, Wizkid became more serious about music. He worked with established Nigerian musicians and producers, including OJB Jezreel and Banky W, while developing his own identity as an artist.
His early experiences in Lagos influenced the themes and atmosphere of some of his music. This can be heard particularly in songs that reference his upbringing and everyday life.
Wizkid’s Music Career
Wizkid’s professional breakthrough came after he joined Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the Nigerian music label associated with Banky W.
In 2011, he released his first major studio album, Superstar. The album became an important project in Nigerian pop music and introduced Wizkid to a much wider audience.
One of the biggest songs from the album was “Holla at Your Boy.” The song helped establish Wizkid as one of the leading young artists in Nigeria at the time.
The success of Superstar was only the beginning. Wizkid continued to release music and gradually expanded his audience outside Nigeria.
Ayo and “Ojuelegba”
Wizkid released his second studio album, Ayo, in 2014.
One of the most recognised songs from the project is “Ojuelegba.” The song became important to Wizkid’s identity because it connected his personal story with the Lagos neighbourhood where he grew up.
The song later received remixes involving international artists, helping more listeners outside Nigeria discover Wizkid’s music.
International Breakthrough With Drake
One of the biggest turning points in Wizkid’s career came in 2016 when he appeared on Drake’s hit song “One Dance,” alongside Kyla.
The song became a worldwide success and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Billboard describes “One Dance” as a 10-week Hot 100 No. 1.
This collaboration introduced Wizkid to an even larger international audience and demonstrated that an African artist could play a major role in one of the biggest pop songs in the world.
Wizkid and “Essence”
Another major milestone in Wizkid’s career was the release of “Essence,” featuring Nigerian singer Tems.
The song appeared on Wizkid’s 2020 album Made in Lagos and became one of the most successful Afrobeats songs internationally.
“Essence” became particularly popular in 2021 after receiving an additional remix featuring Justin Bieber. According to the Recording Academy, the song became the first Nigerian song to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 9.
The success of “Essence” was significant because it showed how Nigerian music could move from local and African audiences into mainstream international pop culture without losing its African identity.
The song also earned Wizkid and Tems a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
Wizkid’s Albums
Wizkid has released several major projects throughout his career. Some of his most important albums and projects include:
Superstar — 2011
Superstar was Wizkid’s breakthrough studio album. It introduced songs such as “Holla at Your Boy” and helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s leading young musicians.
Ayo — 2014
His second studio album, Ayo, continued his growth as an artist. It included “Ojuelegba,” one of his most respected songs.
Sounds From the Other Side — 2017
Sounds From the Other Side marked another step toward the international market. The project included collaborations with artists such as Drake, Major Lazer and Ty Dolla $ign.
Made in Lagos — 2020
Made in Lagos became one of the defining albums of Wizkid’s career.
The album included “Essence” featuring Tems, “Ginger” featuring Burna Boy, “Smile” featuring H.E.R., “Blessed” featuring Damian Marley and “Piece of Me” featuring Ella Mai.
The Recording Academy described the album as an important project in the worldwide growth of Afrobeats.
More Love, Less Ego — 2022
Wizkid followed Made in Lagos with More Love, Less Ego in 2022.
The album continued his focus on Afrobeats, R&B and international collaborations and featured artists including Ayra Starr, Skepta, Shenseea and Don Toliver.
Morayo — 2024
Morayo arrived in 2024 and became another important chapter in Wizkid’s discography.
The project includes collaborations with artists such as Asake, Brent Faiyaz and Jazmine Sullivan. The album’s title has personal significance because it is associated with Wizkid’s late mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun.
Spotify currently lists Morayo among Wizkid’s major releases alongside Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego and Ayo.
Wizkid’s Popular Songs
Wizkid has released many successful songs, making it difficult to name only a few. Some of his most recognised songs include:
- Holla at Your Boy
- Don’t Dull
- Pakurumo
- Ojuelegba
- Jaiye Jaiye
- Come Closer
- Daddy Yo
- Joro
- Fever
- Ginger
- Essence
- Mood
- Bad to Me
- Reckless
- No Stress
- Smile
- One Dance with Drake and Kyla
- Brown Skin Girl with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Saint Jhn
“Essence” remains one of his most internationally recognised records, while “Ojuelegba” is often regarded as one of the songs that best represents his personal musical story.
Wizkid has also continued releasing new music. Spotify currently lists recent releases including REAL, Vol. 1, Jogodo and other 2025–2026 projects and singles.
Wizkid and the Grammy Awards
Wizkid has won one Grammy Award and has received multiple Grammy nominations.
His Grammy win came at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021, when “Brown Skin Girl,” his collaboration with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Saint Jhn, won Best Music Video.
The Recording Academy currently lists Wizkid with one Grammy win and six nominations, including nominations connected with “Essence,” Made in Lagos: Deluxe Edition, “MMS” with Asake and “Gimme Dat” with Ayra Starr.
His Grammy recognition is another indication of the growing international influence of Nigerian music.
Who Are Wizkid’s Children?
Wizkid is a father, and his children have occasionally appeared in public discussions surrounding his personal life.
Recent reports identify five children: four sons and one daughter. They include Boluwatife Balogun, Ayodeji Balogun Jr., Zion Balogun, AJ Balogun and Morayo Balogun.
His first son, Boluwatife, was born in 2011. His second son, Ayodeji, was born in 2016, while Zion was born in 2017.
Wizkid later welcomed another son, known publicly as AJ, and a daughter named Morayo. Because Wizkid generally keeps his private life away from excessive media attention, some details about his family are less publicly documented than his music career.
Wizkid has previously spoken about the importance of fatherhood and family. In an interview reported by The Guardian Nigeria, he described his children and family as an important part of his life.
Who Is Wizkid’s Partner?
Wizkid has been closely associated with Jada Pollock, a talent manager and music executive who has worked with him professionally.
Jada has also been publicly identified as the mother of some of Wizkid’s children, including Zion and his younger children.
However, Wizkid generally keeps details of his private relationships away from the spotlight. For that reason, it is better to separate confirmed public information from social-media speculation when discussing his personal life.
What Is Wizkid’s Net Worth?
Wizkid’s exact net worth is not publicly verified.
Various entertainment websites publish estimates, often placing his wealth in the tens of millions of US dollars. However, these figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed financial information because Wizkid has not publicly released audited details of his total assets, investments, music royalties and other income.
His potential sources of income include music streaming, record sales, songwriting, concerts and tours, brand partnerships, endorsements, royalties and business interests.
His international success has also increased the commercial value of his music catalogue. Major songs such as “One Dance” and “Essence” have generated significant global exposure, while albums such as Made in Lagos and More Love, Less Ego have continued to attract listeners.
Therefore, instead of presenting a specific figure as fact, the safest description is that Wizkid is a multi-millionaire whose exact net worth is not publicly confirmed.
How Wizkid Makes His Money
Like many successful global musicians, Wizkid does not depend on one source of income.
Music Streaming
Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and other digital services provide income based on music consumption and licensing arrangements.
Wizkid has millions of listeners around the world, and his catalogue contains several highly streamed songs. Spotify lists releases such as Made in Lagos, Morayo, Ayo and More Love, Less Ego among his major projects.
Concerts and Tours
Live performances are another major source of revenue for international musicians. Wizkid has performed in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States and other markets.
Large concerts can generate substantial income through performance fees, ticket sales and related commercial arrangements.
Brand Partnerships
Wizkid’s international profile has also made him attractive to major brands. Over the years, his fashion style, music and celebrity status have contributed to his position as a prominent African entertainment personality.
Music Royalties
Songwriting, recording and publishing rights can continue generating income long after a song is released.
Successful records such as “Essence,” “One Dance” and “Ojuelegba” have given Wizkid a catalogue with long-term commercial value.
Why Wizkid Is Important to Afrobeats
Wizkid’s importance goes beyond the number of songs he has released.
He belongs to a generation of Nigerian artists that helped take Afrobeats from a predominantly African audience to a much larger global market.
His collaborations with Drake, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Tems, Burna Boy, Damian Marley, H.E.R., Skepta and other international artists helped demonstrate that Nigerian musicians could work comfortably across different musical cultures.
The Recording Academy has described Wizkid as an influential figure in the global rise of Afrobeats, particularly because of his ability to combine Afrobeats with R&B, dancehall, pop and other sounds.
His career also helped create greater international attention for other African artists.
Wizkid’s Legacy
Wizkid’s career is a story of gradual growth.
He started as a young Lagos musician recording songs with friends and eventually became one of the biggest African music stars in the world.
His journey from Lil Prinz to Wizkid, Starboy and Big Wiz reflects the evolution of both his personal career and the global music industry.
From “Holla at Your Boy” to “Ojuelegba,” “One Dance” and “Essence,” his biggest songs have reached audiences far beyond Nigeria.
His Grammy win, international collaborations and influence on Afrobeats have helped establish him as one of the defining Nigerian artists of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wizkid
What is Wizkid’s real name?
Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
How old is Wizkid?
Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990. He is 36 years old in 2026.
Where is Wizkid from?
Wizkid is Nigerian and was born in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
How many children does Wizkid have?
Recent reports identify Wizkid as the father of five children: four sons and one daughter.
What is Wizkid’s most famous song?
Wizkid has several internationally successful songs, but “Essence” featuring Tems is among his most famous solo records. His appearance on Drake’s “One Dance” is also one of his biggest global successes.
Has Wizkid won a Grammy?
Yes. Wizkid won a Grammy for Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
What is Wizkid’s net worth?
Wizkid’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. Online estimates vary considerably, so published figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed financial information.
What is Wizkid’s biggest album?
Made in Lagos is widely regarded as one of Wizkid’s most successful and influential albums. Its hit single “Essence” helped take Nigerian music to an even larger global audience.