Wizkid biography remains one of the most searched topics about Nigerian musicians. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid is an award-winning Afrobeats singer whose music has reached audiences across Africa, Europe and North America. FirstNigerian covers his age, net worth, songs, wife, children, awards, career, relationships and latest updates for 2026.
Wizkid Biography at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
| Full name | Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun |
| Stage name | Wizkid |
| Date of birth | 16 July 1990 |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| State of origin | Ogun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter and performer |
| Music genres | Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B and reggae |
| Years active | 2001 to present |
| Record label | Starboy Entertainment |
| Children | Four |
Who Is Wizkid?
Wizkid is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer. His real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. He chose the stage name “Wizkid” before becoming famous. The name has remained part of his brand throughout his career.
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990. He is 35 years old as of 2026.
Wizkid was born and raised in Surulere, a busy area of Lagos State.
Although he grew up in Lagos, his family comes from Ogun State in south-western Nigeria.
He became famous after releasing the hit song Holla at Your Boy in 2010. The song introduced him to a wider audience and helped launch his music career.
Since then, Wizkid has become one of Africa’s biggest music exports. He has released chart-topping songs, performed on major stages and worked with artists from different parts of the world. His music combines Afrobeats with pop, R&B, reggae and dancehall sounds.
Many fans also know him by the nickname “Starboy,” which later became the name of his record label.
Wizkid’s Family Background
Wizkid grew up in a large family. Reports say he has several siblings and was raised in a home with strong family values.
His father practised Islam, while his mother is a Christian. Because of this, Wizkid grew up around both religions.
He has often spoken about the support he received from his family during the early years of his music journey.
Despite his public career, Wizkid keeps much of his family life private. He rarely shares personal details about his parents, brothers or sisters.
Wizkid’s Education
Wizkid attended primary and secondary school in Lagos.
After finishing secondary school, he enrolled at Lagos State University (LASU). He later left the university to focus on music.
He also reportedly studied for a short time at Lead City University in Ibadan but did not complete the programme.
As his music career grew, he chose to spend more time recording songs, performing and building his brand.
How Wizkid Started Music
Wizkid began singing in church and joined a small music group with friends from his neighbourhood. The group recorded a few songs, although they did not become widely known.
As a teenager, he started visiting recording studios in Lagos. During this period, he learnt how music production worked and improved his songwriting and performance skills.
He looked up to successful Nigerian artists who had already built strong careers. Watching their success encouraged him to continue making music.
His early recordings attracted attention within the Lagos music scene. That exposure opened the door to bigger opportunities.
Wizkid’s Breakthrough Before Fame
Before becoming a household name, Wizkid spent several years recording demo songs and meeting music producers.
His determination paid off when he met Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W. At the time, Banky W owned Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), one of Nigeria’s leading record labels.
After listening to Wizkid’s music, Banky W signed him to EME.
The record deal marked a turning point in Wizkid’s career. It gave him access to experienced producers, professional recording sessions and a larger audience.
His first major single under the label would soon change his career.
Signing With Empire Mates Entertainment (EME)
Wizkid signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009 after meeting singer and record executive Banky W. At the time, EME ranked among Nigeria’s biggest music labels and had built a reputation for developing young talent. The deal gave Wizkid the chance to record professionally, work with established producers and perform alongside artists already known across the country.
Before releasing his own singles, he appeared on EME projects with Banky W, Skales and Niyola. Those collaborations introduced his voice to a wider audience and helped build anticipation for his debut album.
‘Holla at Your Boy’ Changed Everything
Wizkid released Holla at Your Boy in January 2010 as the lead single from his debut album. The song quickly became popular on radio and music television, while DJs added it to playlists across Nigeria.
The single won new fans and increased demand for live performances. As its popularity grew, Wizkid appeared at concerts, campus shows and music festivals in different parts of the country.
EME followed with more singles, including Tease Me/Bad Guys and Don’t Dull. Each release expanded his audience and kept his debut album in the spotlight.
‘Superstar’ Became His Breakthrough Album
Wizkid released his first studio album, Superstar, in June 2011.
The album blended Afrobeats, Afropop, reggae and R&B across 17 tracks. It included several songs that became favourites on radio, in clubs and at live events.
Some of its best-known tracks include:
- Holla at Your Boy
- Don’t Dull
- Tease Me/Bad Guys
- Pakurumo
- Oluwa Lo Ni
The album received positive reviews, earned several awards and established Wizkid as one of Nigeria’s leading young artists.
‘Morayo’
Wizkid released Morayo in November 2024.
He dedicated the album to his late mother while continuing to explore the Afrobeats sound that has defined much of his career. The project featured collaborations with Nigerian and international artists and attracted strong streaming numbers after its release.
Several tracks remained on playlists for months and formed part of his set lists during live performances.
‘REAL, Vol. 1’
In 2026, Wizkid released the collaborative EP REAL, Vol. 1.
The project brought together different artists and producers on a collection of new recordings. It added another chapter to his catalogue and reflected his continued work in the studio with collaborators from different music scenes.
Wizkid’s Biggest Songs
Over the years, Wizkid has released music across Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, reggae and dancehall. His catalogue ranges from party anthems to slow love songs, with many tracks finding listeners far beyond Nigeria.
Holla at Your Boy (2010)
Holla at Your Boy introduced Wizkid to a wider audience. Radio stations picked it up quickly, and the single became one of the defining songs from Superstar.
Don’t Dull (2011)
Fans embraced Don’t Dull for its catchy hook and lively rhythm. It soon became a regular part of club playlists and live shows.
Pakurumo (2011)
Pakurumo kept the momentum going after Wizkid’s debut album. The song remained popular on radio and became another fan favourite.
Ojuelegba (2014)
Named after a busy area in Lagos, Ojuelegba reflects on life’s struggles and hopes. A remix featuring Drake and Skepta introduced the song to many listeners outside Africa.
Come Closer (2017)
Come Closer reunited Wizkid with Drake. The single reached millions of streams and received airplay across several countries.
Fever (2018)
Fever ranked among Nigeria’s biggest songs of the year. Its music video also attracted millions of views within a short time.
Joro (2019)
With its smooth melody and laid-back feel, Joro became another hit for Wizkid. Fans across Africa, Europe and North America added it to their playlists.
Essence (2020)
Essence, featuring Tems, became Wizkid’s biggest international hit. It entered major music charts, earned award nominations and reached new audiences around the world. Justin Bieber later joined the official remix.
Mood (2021)
Mood, featuring BNXN, built on that success. The song performed well on streaming platforms and stayed on playlists long after its release.
Piece of My Heart (2024)
For Piece of My Heart, Wizkid teamed up with Brent Faiyaz. The single introduced the Morayo album and blended Afrobeats with modern R&B.
Kese (Dance) (2024)
Kese (Dance) stood out as one of the album’s biggest tracks. Dance videos and user-generated content helped spread it across social media.
Wizkid’s Most Streamed Songs
Some of Wizkid’s songs have recorded hundreds of millions of streams across major music platforms. His most-streamed releases include:
- Essence
- One Dance
- Ojuelegba
- Come Closer
- Joro
- Mood
- Ginger
- Piece of My Heart
Streaming figures change as listeners return to older favourites and new songs enter the charts.
Wizkid Collaborations
Working with artists from different countries has shaped much of Wizkid’s career. His collaborations have brought Afrobeats to new audiences while blending it with pop, R&B and hip-hop.
Drake
Drake and Wizkid first drew global attention with One Dance. They later worked together again on Come Closer and the Ojuelegba remix.
Beyoncé
Wizkid featured on Brown Skin Girl from The Lion King: The Gift. The song also included SAINt JHN and Blue Ivy Carter before going on to win a Grammy Award.
Tems
Together, Wizkid and Tems recorded Essence, one of the biggest Afrobeats songs ever released. They have also performed it at major international events.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber joined the official remix of Essence, helping the song reach an even wider audience.
Chris Brown
Chris Brown has appeared on several songs with Wizkid over the years. Their music combines Afrobeats with contemporary R&B.
Burna Boy
Wizkid and Burna Boy have worked together in the studio and shared the stage at concerts and festivals across different countries.
Skepta
Skepta featured on the Ojuelegba remix and has remained one of Wizkid’s regular collaborators.
Asake
More recently, Wizkid teamed up with Asake on new music. Their collaboration brought together two of Nigeria’s best-known artists.
Starboy Entertainment
After leaving EME, Wizkid launched Starboy Entertainment in 2013.
The label manages his music releases and creative projects. It has also worked with artists, producers and DJs while partnering with music companies to distribute releases to audiences around the world.
Wizkid Awards
Wizkid has won awards in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world. His work has also earned nominations from major music organisations.
Grammy Awards
Wizkid won his first Grammy Award for Brown Skin Girl, a song from Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift. The track won Best Music Video at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
He has also received Grammy nominations for other projects, including Essence.
BET Awards
The BET Awards have recognised Wizkid several times during his career. He has won awards for his contribution to African music and received multiple nominations in international categories.
MOBO Awards
Wizkid has won MOBO Awards for his success outside Africa. These honours recognise artists making an impact in Black music across different genres.
The Headies
The Headies recognised Wizkid early in his career. Over the years, he has collected awards in categories such as Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Pop Single.
Other Awards
His achievements also include honours from:
- MTV Europe Music Awards
- MTV Africa Music Awards
- AFRIMA
- Billboard Music Awards
- Soul Train Music Awards
- NAACP Image Awards
Wizkid Net Worth
As of 2026, Wizkid’s estimated net worth is about $50 million (around ₦80 billion).
The estimate comes from reports by entertainment and celebrity wealth publications.
Wizkid earns most of his income from:
- Music streaming
- Concert tours
- Live performances
- Brand endorsements
- Music publishing royalties
- Starboy Entertainment
- Merchandise sales
His catalogue continues to generate income through streaming services, radio airplay, licensing deals and digital music sales. International tours and endorsement partnerships also contribute significantly to his earnings.
Wizkid Endorsement Deals
Many global and Nigerian brands have partnered with Wizkid during his career.
His endorsement deals have included companies in:
- Telecommunications
- Consumer electronics
- Fashion
- Food and beverages
- Banking
These partnerships have added to his income.
Wizkid Business Ventures
Music remains the centre of Wizkid’s business interests, but he has expanded into other areas.
Starboy Brand
Starboy has grown beyond a record label. The name also appears on clothing, live events and creative projects linked to Wizkid’s career.
Music Publishing
Publishing rights provide another source of income. Royalties come from streaming, radio play, television, films and licensed use of his music.
Touring
International tours continue to play an important role in Wizkid’s business. Performances across Africa, Europe, North America and other regions attract large audiences and remain a major part of his yearly schedule.
Wizkid Wife, Girlfriend and Relationships
Wizkid has never been married. Even so, his relationships have remained a regular topic in entertainment news. Some were confirmed, while others stayed in the rumour mill.
Jada Pollock
Jada Pollock, better known as Jada P, is Wizkid’s manager and long-time partner. They began as business partners before starting a relationship. Together, they have three children.
Both keep their family life largely private. Although marriage rumours appear from time to time, neither has confirmed an engagement or wedding.
Tania Omotayo
Tania Omotayo and Wizkid dated for several years before ending their relationship in 2016. During that period, they were one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity couples.
After the breakup, Tania said they had grown apart and wanted different things.
Shola Ogudu
Shola Ogudu is the mother of Wizkid’s first child, Boluwatife.
Their relationship ended many years ago. Since then, both have focused on raising their son.
Binta Diallo
Wizkid later dated Guinean-American model Binta Diallo. They have a son together.
Unlike some of his other relationships, they kept most details out of the public eye.
Rumoured Relationships
Several celebrities have been linked to Wizkid. Names often mentioned include:
- Victoria Kimani
- Justin Skye
- Tiwa Savage
- Tems
- Sophie Rammal
- Sophia Alakija
- Huddah Monroe
- Tonto Dikeh
- Chidinma Ekile
- Seyi Shay
None of these reported relationships was confirmed by both parties.
Who Is Wizkid Dating?
As of 2026, Wizkid remains in a relationship with Jada Pollock. They continue to work together and are raising their children.
Wizkid Children
Wizkid has four sons.
They are:
- Boluwatife Balogun
- Ayodeji Balogun Jr.
- Zion Balogun
- AJ Balogun
Wizkid Houses & Cars
Away from music, Wizkid enjoys luxury cars and high-end homes.
He owns property in Nigeria and has also been linked to homes outside the country. His Lagos residence is the best known and has appeared in several photos and videos over the years.
His garage has included:
- Rolls-Royce
- Lamborghini
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- Porsche
He has added new cars over the years while selling others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wizkid
What is Wizkid’s real name?
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
How old is Wizkid?
He is 35 years old as of 2026.
Where is Wizkid from?
He was born in Surulere, Lagos State. His family comes from Ogun State.
What is Wizkid’s state of origin?
Ogun State.
Is Wizkid married?
No. He has never married.
Who is Wizkid dating?
He is in a long-term relationship with Jada Pollock.
How many children does Wizkid have?
Four sons.
What is Wizkid’s biggest song?
Essence, featuring Tems.
What was Wizkid’s first album?
Superstar, released in 2011.
Does Wizkid own a record label?
Yes. He founded Starboy Entertainment.
Has Wizkid won a Grammy Award?
Yes. He won for Brown Skin Girl.
