# Wizkid

> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1990)

**Wikidata**: [Q16233663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16233663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizkid)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wizkid

## Summary
Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born in 1990, renowned for his contributions to the Afrobeats genre. He has achieved international recognition and collaborated with prominent artists, solidifying his role as a key figure in contemporary African music.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 16, 1990
- **Nationality:** Nigerian
- **Education:** Attended Lagos State University
- **Known for:** Pioneering Afrobeats and global music collaborations
- **Employer(s):** Starboy Entertainment (founder)
- **Field(s):** Music, songwriting, record production

## Contributions
- **Founded Starboy Entertainment:** Established his record label, Starboy Entertainment, which has signed notable artists and contributed to the growth of Afrobeats.
- **Album Releases:** Produced multiple albums, including "Superstar" (2011), "Ayo" (2014), and "Made in Lagos" (2020), which gained international acclaim.
- **Collaborations:** Worked with global artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Skepta, introducing Afrobeats to broader audiences.
- **Awards and Recognition:** Won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards, MOBO Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards, highlighting his influence in both African and international music scenes.

## FAQs
- **What genre is Wizkid known for?** Wizkid is a leading figure in Afrobeats, a genre originating in Nigeria that blends traditional Yoruba music, jazz, and fuji with elements of funk, soul, and American music.
- **What are Wizkid's notable collaborations?** He has collaborated with international artists such as Drake on "One Dance," Beyoncé on "Brown Skin Girl," and Skepta on "Energy (Stay Far Away)."
- **What awards has Wizkid won?** Wizkid has received a Grammy Award, multiple Billboard Music Awards, MOBO Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, among others.
- **What record label is Wizkid associated with?** He founded Starboy Entertainment and has been affiliated with RCA Records, a major American record label.

## Why They Matter
Wizkid's significance lies in his role as a global ambassador for Afrobeats, propelling the genre to international prominence. His collaborations with global artists have bridged African music with Western audiences, influencing contemporary pop culture. Without Wizkid, the global recognition of Afrobeats and its integration into mainstream music might have developed more slowly. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as founding Starboy Entertainment, have also nurtured emerging African talent, further expanding the genre's reach.

## Notable For
- **Grammy Award Winner:** Recognized for his contributions to music, including a Grammy for "Best Music Video" for "Brown Skin Girl."
- **Founder of Starboy Entertainment:** Established a influential record label in the African music industry.
- **Pioneering Afrobeats Globally:** Played a crucial role in popularizing Afrobeats worldwide through collaborations and solo work.
- **Multi-Award Recipient:** Holds numerous accolades from prestigious music award ceremonies, reflecting his impact on the industry.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended Lagos State University, where he studied but did not complete his degree, opting instead to pursue a career in music.

### Career Beginnings
Wizkid's music career started in the early 2000s under the stage name "Lil Prinz." He gained recognition in Nigeria's music scene, eventually adopting the moniker "Wizkid" and releasing his debut album, "Superstar," in 2011, which became a critical and commercial success in Africa.

### Rise to Prominence
Wizkid's breakthrough in the international market came with his collaboration with Drake on "One Dance" (2016), which topped charts globally. This exposure led to further collaborations, including work with Beyoncé on "The Lion King: The Gift" (2019), earning him a Grammy Award for "Best Music Video" for "Brown Skin Girl."

### Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2013, Wizkid founded Starboy Entertainment, a record label and entertainment company that has signed artists such as Maleek Berry and Terri. The label has been instrumental in promoting Afrobeats and supporting emerging African musicians.

### Musical Style and Impact
Wizkid's music blends Afrobeats with elements of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, creating a unique sound that appeals to diverse audiences. His ability to fuse traditional Yoruba rhythms with modern production has influenced a generation of African musicians and attracted global listeners.

### Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Wizkid has amassed numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, Billboard Music Awards, MOBO Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. These recognitions underscore his crossover appeal and contributions to both African and international music.

### Global Influence
Wizkid's success has paved the way for other African artists to enter the global music market. His performances at international festivals and collaborations with Western artists have helped Afrobeats gain mainstream recognition, transforming it from a regional genre to a global phenomenon.

### Personal Life and Public Image
Known by nicknames such as "Starboy" and "Big Wiz," Wizkid maintains a prominent social media presence, engaging with fans worldwide. His influence extends beyond music, with ventures into fashion and philanthropy, further solidifying his status as a cultural icon.

### Legacy
Wizkid's legacy is defined by his role in globalizing Afrobeats and inspiring a new wave of African musicians. His achievements have not only elevated his own career but also contributed to the economic and cultural growth of Nigeria's music industry, making him a pivotal figure in 21st-century music history.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. [Source](https://www.last.fm/music/Wizkid/+wiki)
3. [Source](https://www.arise.tv/wizkids-rise-from-lagos-streets-to-global-spotlight-captured-in-new-hbo-documentary/)
4. [Source](https://theconversation.com/who-is-nigerian-music-star-wizkid-and-why-is-he-taking-over-the-world-179775)
5. [Source](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/wizkid-mn0003081520)
6. [Source](https://vocal.media/history/wizkid)
7. [Source](https://buzznigeria.com/wizkid-facts-profile-biography/)
8. [Source](https://www.dw.com/en/changing-its-format-the-echo-tries-to-reinvent-itself/a-38332049)
9. [Source](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/04/africas-best-wizkid-by-the-numbers/)
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. [Source](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/05/top-10-most-popular-record-labels-in-nigeria-2022/)
12. [Source](https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/wizkid.html)
13. Google Knowledge Graph
14. BBC Things
15. MusicBrainz
16. [Source](https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/wizkid-net-worth/)