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Friday 31 October 2014

Wizkid (musician)




This article is about the Nigerian recording artist. For other uses, see Wizkid.
Wizkid
Wizkid at Iyanya's album launch concert, 2013.jpg
Wizkid performing at the Desire album launch concert in 2013
Background information
Birth name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Born 16 July 1990 (age 24)[1]
Lagos, Nigeria
Genres
  • Afrobeats
  • Afropop
Occupation(s)
  • Recording artist
  • songwriter
  • performer
Years active 2001–present[2]
Labels
  • Starboy Entertainment
  • Empire Mates Entertainment
  • Konvict Muzik[3]
  • Disturbing London[4]
Associated acts
  • Maleek Berry
  • Legendury Beatz
  • L.A.X
  • Banky W.
  • Skales
  • Shaydee
  • Niyola
  • Wale
  • Wande Coal
  • Ice Prince
  • R2Bees
  • Jesse Jagz
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), better known by his stage name Wizkid (sometimes stylised as WizKid),[4] is a Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and performer. He started his musical career at age 11, releasing a collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz (2001). In 2009, he signed a record deal with Banky W.'s imprint Empire Mates Entertainment. He rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of the song "Holla at Your Boy" from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011). "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull", "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo" and "Oluwa Lo Ni" were also released as singles from the Superstar album. Wizkid's self titled second studio album, Ayo (2014), was preceded by the singles "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay" and "Show You The Money".
His work and contribution to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Award, a MOBO Award from 3 nominations, three The Headies Awards from 8 nominations, a Channel O Music Video Award from 6 nominations, four Nigeria Entertainment Awards from 11 nominations, a Ghana Music Award from 7 nominations, two Dynamix All Youth Awards from 3 nominations, two City People Entertainment Awards from 4 nominations, and a Future Award. In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as four times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.[5][6] In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.[7][8]

Contents

  • 1 Life and career
    • 1.1 1990–2010: Early life/Lil Prinz
    • 1.2 2010-11:Superstar
    • 1.3 2012–2014:Ayo
    • 1.4 World tours and notable performances
    • 1.5 Endorsements
    • 1.6 The Next Rated prize
  • 2 Starboy Entertainment
  • 3 Breakup and reunion with EME
  • 4 A victim of impersonation
  • 5 Personal life
    • 5.1 Car accident and Porsche acquisition
    • 5.2 Fatherhood controversy
    • 5.3 Current relationship
  • 6 Discography
  • 7 Awards and nominations
  • 8 References
  • 9 External links

Life and career

1990–2010: Early life/Lil Prinz

Lagos, the birthplace of Wizkid
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990 in Surulere, a residential and commercial area of Lagos.[9][10] He comes from a large family and is the youngest of six children. In a 2012 interview with Tim Westwood, he said that his father has three wives.[11] Wizkid started singing at age 11, releasing a 7 track album entitled Lil Prinz (2001). During an interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid described his life in a nutshell. He said that he formed a group called the Glorious Five with a couple of his church friends. The group dropped an album prior to dismembering. Wizkid later met OJB Jezreel, a record producer who prevented him from recording for a year. While visiting Jezreel's studio frequently, he watched 2 Face Idibia record Grass 2 Grace and watched Sound Sultan record Jagbajantis. A year later, Wizkid started recording. His first song featured OJB Jezreel.[12] The song was met with great reception throughout Surulere. Wizkid cited Naeto C as one of the people who mentored and coached him while he was 15 years old. Wizkid also told Factory 78 TV that his parents weren't receptive of his music from the onset. In order to gain his father's trust, he had to work hard and spent lots of time in the studio.[13] Wizkid has a great relationship with Banky W. He told Factory 78 TV that he and Banky became friends prior to starting a professional relationship. He co-wrote Banky W's "Omoge You Too Much", a song off the The W Experience album.[13] In 2006, he collaborated with Naeto C and Ikechukwu. In 2009, Wizkid became a household name within Nigeria's musical landscape; he was featured on M.I's "Fast Money, Fast Cars" and Kel's "Turn by Turn".

2010-11:Superstar

Main article: Superstar (Wizkid album)
In 2010, Wizkid began recording his debut studio album Superstar (2011). On 2 January 2010, he released "Holla at Your Boy" as the album's lead single.[14] It won the Next Rated category and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2011.[15] The music video for "Holla at Your Boy" was nominated for Most Gifted Newcomer Video at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards.[16] The music video was also nominated for Best Afro Pop Video at the 2011 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA).[17] On 2 April 2010, Wizkid released "Tease Me/Bad Guys" as the album's second single; it was initially released as a freestyle.[18] "Don't Dull", the album's third single, was released on 6 December 2010.[19]
The album, recorded in English and Yoruba, was released on 12 June 2011 by Empire Mates Entertainment. It incorporates elements of R&B, Dancehall, and Reggae. Wizkid collaborated with a wide range of music producers, including E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny Nweke, Q-Beats, and Samklef (the latter of whom produced 6 tracks on the album). The album features guest appearances from Banky W., Skales, D'Prince and Wande Coal. It was initially scheduled for release on 14 February 2011, but was later pushed back. On 12 June 2011, Wizkid hosted an album launch party at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The album launch party featured performances from Banky W, Skales, 2face Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D'Prince, Olamide, eLDee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxxx, and Seyi Shay.[20] Superstar garnered Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2012.[21]

2012–2014:Ayo

Main article: Ayo (Wizkid album)
They should expect everything magical. We have put in a lot of work and we are just hoping that everyone likes the album. I have been in the studio for weeks and even months now. I can't wait for the album to be released. I hope everybody will like the album. I have just put in a lot of hard work.
“
”
-Wizkid on what fans can expect from Ayo[22]
"Jaiye Jaiye" (2013)
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A 15-second sample of "Jaiye Jaiye". The song is a fusion of traditional and modern Afrobeat sounds
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Work on Wizkid's second studio album, Ayo, began in 2012 and continue through 2014. It features guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Banky W., Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon and Wale. The album's production was handled by Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del'B, Dr Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz. It was initially titled Chosen. According to MTV Base, the album suffered from a pushed back release date.[23] It was earlier reported that the album would featured Don Jazzy, Efya and Olamide.[24] On 6 September 2014, Wizkid revealed the album's cover art and track listing.
Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid had plans of releasing a mixtape in April 2013.[25] In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing Headquarters in London, he said that the mixtape would be released in April. He also said that the mixtape would feature Wale and Tinie Tempah.[26] Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on 12 June 2013.[27] In an interview with HipTv, Banky W revealed the album's title and commented on the delayed album. In addition, he gave an estimated time-frame for the album's release.[28]
On 2 May 2013, Wizkid and Starboy Entertainment released the album's lead single "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti. Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he collaborated with Femi Kuti to prevent people from depicting him as an artist whose lyrics revolve around girls, cars, and materialistic things.[22] "On Top Your Matter" was released as the album's second single on 26 October 2013; it was produced by Del B.[29] The music video for the single, which was released on 13 February 2014, was shot and directed in South Africa by Sesan.[30]
In July 2014, Wizkid visited The Beat 99.9 FM studio in Lagos and told Toolz that he collaborated with Barbadian singer Rihanna.[31][32]

World tours and notable performances

After releasing their compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind, EME acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off on 4 July 2012 and ended on 2 September 2012. EME acts performed in several different cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago.[33][34] Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4 June 2012.[35] On 12 November 2012, he performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar and Angel.[36] On 17 October 2013, Wizkid performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to the late Fela Kuti.[37] On 2 November 2013, he performed at the Guinness Colorful World of More concert alongside D'banj, Tiwa Savage, P-Square, Davido, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Olamide and Phyno, among others. The concert took place at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites.[38] On 23 November 2013, Wizkid performed at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert.[39] Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows in Tinie Tempah's tour of the UK in 2014.[40]

Endorsements

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi allegedly worth 350,000 U.S dollars.[41] He travelled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.[42][43] On 28 May 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one year deal with MTN Nigeria. Moreover, the news source reported that Wizzy's Pepsi contract was renewed for another two years.[44][45] On 23 October 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert. The concert was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on 3 November 2013.[46][47]

The Next Rated prize

Wizkid won the award for Next Rated at The Headies 2011. In addition to winning the award, he was awarded a 2012 Hyundai Sonata courtesy of The Headies and its affiliates. The car presentation ceremony took place at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. Guy Murray Bruce, Bola Salako and Ayo Animashaun were present during the ceremony. Wizkid joined the list of past winners, including Aṣa, Overdose, Omawumi, Wande Coal and Skuki.[48][49][50]

Starboy Entertainment

Starboy's official cover poster
Wizkid (center) with Maleek Berry (far left) and the brothers known as Lengendury Beatz
On 5 March 2013, Charles Mgbolu (a writer for Vanguard) reported that Wizkid established his label imprint Starboy Entertainment. During an interview with Silverbird Television, Wizkid told Yvonne Vixen Ekwere that he planned on signing new acts to the label.[51] Wizkid told Showtime Celebrity that he established his own record label to give up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their talent.[22] On 17 April 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry to Starboy Entertainment. Wizkid and Maleek Berry's work credits include "Lagos to Soweto" and "The Matter", among others.[52] On 29 April 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed producers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, popularly known as Legendury Beatz, to his imprint. He made the announcement via Twitter.[53] On 9 May 2013, he unveiled photos of himself with the aforementioned acts signed.[54] On 20 August 2013, Wizkid signed recording artist L.A.X to the label. He made the announcement moments after debuting the music video for "Caro", the label's first official single.[55][56] In an interview with iCR8Media, Wizkid said that Star Boy's first compilation album will drop in 2014. He also said that Maleek Berry will drop an album in 2014.[57]

Breakup and reunion with EME

After Wizkid tweeted a subliminal message and tweaked his Twitter account, reports about his departure from E.M.E went viral.[58][59] Wizkid moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area.[59] Prior to Wizkid's subliminal tweets, Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss. Furthermore, it was reported that troubles within E.M.E started as early as the 2012 E.M.E all stars concert.[59] It was also reported that money was at the centre of the controversy.[59] On 20 February 2013, Information Nigeria reported that Wizkid was getting 25 percent from every performance, while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid's former manager, was getting the remaining 25 percent. After firing Osagie and hiring Godwin Tom (whom he parted ways with in April 2014),[60] Wizkid wanted a 50–50 share with Banky W. The source revealed that Banky W refused to accept Wizkid's proposal. Moreover, it was reported that Banky W wanted to find a manager for Wizkid who would accept 25 percent. It was also reported that things started getting sour as a result of both parties disagreement. Information Nigeria went on to report that Wizkid was doing three shows weekly and bringing in close to N24 million monthly.[61][62][63][64] On 30 April 2013, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid and E.M.E reunited after contract negotiations. The news source also reported that Wizkid performed alongside label mates Shaydee and DJ Xclusive in The Republic of Benin.[65]

A victim of impersonation

On 19 June 2013, Wizkid and his management were invited by men from the Nigerian Police Force for questioning. Duping charges were levelled against them by a group of Unilag students. The students claimed that Wizkid agreed to perform at the UNILAG Sports Centre on 21 May, for a total sum of N500,000.[66] They also claimed that he didn't show up for the show, and didn't return their money.[66] After conducting a thorough investigation, Police determined that Unilag students were bamboozled by con artists pretending to be affiliates of E.M.E. In the aforementioned interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid commented on the events that transpired after the accusations. He told the media that the police were investigating the case. The masterminds behind the impersonation were later detained by law enforcement agents in Lagos. In addition to duping Unilag students, the culprits set up fake email and social media accounts.[67][68] Wizkid also elaborated on how one can go about booking him.[22]

Personal life

Car accident and Porsche acquisition

On 15 June 2013, Wizkid was involved in a non-life-threatening car accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lekki, Lagos. According to an article posted on Silverbird Television, Wizkid was hospitalised for a minor concussion resulting from the wreck.[69] According to eyewitness reports compiled by MTV Base, Wizkid's Porsche Panamera was spotted speeding down the road; the car's front tires blew out and resulted in the driver of the vehicle losing control and crashing into a road barrier.[70] Eyewitness reports also added that the car's airbag suspension system deployed on impact, shielding Wizkid and the driver instantaneously.[71] At the time of the incident, Wizkid and other passengers in the car were returning from the Soundcity Nokia LumiaBeat Party. The accident allegedly occurred around 3:30am in front of the GET Arena.[72] As a result of the wreck, the car was badly damaged. Pictures of the damaged vehicle surfaced on Instagram and Facebook. Vanguard reported that Wizkid acquired a Porsche Cayenne two weeks after the accident. He posted pictures of his new acquisition onto his Instagram page and tagged the pictures with the caption "#Blessed".[73][74][75]

Fatherhood controversy

On 22 August 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid fathered his first child at age 21. After a thorough investigation, the news source concluded that Wizkid impregnated an undergraduate student named Oluwanishola Ogudugu.[76] Moreover, the news source added that multiple sources familiar with the "baby mama" and her family told them that they knew about the relationship between both parties. When the story broke out, close friends and associates of Wizkid didn't confirm the story due to DNA results that were pending at the time.[76] Wizkid broke his silence on the story in several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, Wizkid denied having a child.[76] In another interview held at Ogudu-GRA in Lagos, Wizkid said that he really doesn't want to find himself in that peculiar situation. A week before denying the aforementioned allegations, Wizkid tweeted from his official Twitter handle.[76]
In December 2012, he denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In October 2013, Wizkid uploaded a picture of he and his 2-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, onto his Instagram account. The photo confirmed the alleged rumours and allegations that were harboured for 2 years. The photo also vindicated Nigerian Entertainment Today, the news source that first covered the story.[77]

Current relationship

Wizkid is currently dating Tania Omotayo. On 15 February 2013, the two attended Banky W's "The Grand Love Project" concert held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.[78] The two also made a public appearance at the 2013 edition of Felabration.[79][80] In July 2013, Omotayo opened up a luxury boutique in Lekki, Lagos.[81] According to Nigerian Entertainment Today, she revealed on Twitter that she knew Wizkid before he fathered his first child.[82]

Discography

Main article: Wizkid discography

Awards and nominations

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Wizkid awards and nominations
Totals
Awards won 17
Nominations 58
Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2014 The Headies 2014 Artiste of the Year Himself Pending [83]
Best Pop Single "Pull Over"
(Kcee featuring Wizkid)		 Pending
"Caro"
(Starboy featuring L.A.X and Wizkid)		 Pending
Best Reggae/Dancehall Single "Bad Girl"
(Jesse Jagz featuring Wizkid)		 Pending
2014 Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted Duo/Group or Featuring "Slow Down"
(R2Bees featuring Wizkid)		 Pending [84]
"Pull Over"
(KCee featuring Wizkid)		 Pending
Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall "Bad Girl"
(Jesse Jagz featuring Wizkid)		 Pending
Mobo Awards Best African Act Himself Nominated [85]
2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of the Year "Pull Over"
(KCee featuring Wizkid)		 Won [86]
"Caro"
(Star Boy featuring L.A.X and Wizkid)		 Nominated [87]
Male Artist of the Year Himself Nominated
Best Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director) "Jaiye Jaiye" (alongside Sesan) Nominated
African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Male West Africa Himself Nominated [88]
Artist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year "Caro"
(Star Boy featuring L.A.X and Wizkid)		 Nominated
Best Collabo "Slow Down"
(R2Bees featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
"Surulere Remix"
(Dr SID featuring Don Jazzy, Phyno, and Wizkid)		 Nominated
City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Male) Himself Nominated [89]
Most Popular Song of the Year "On Top Your Matter" Nominated
Best Collabo of the Year "Pull Over"
(KCee featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 Best Male Himself Nominated [90]
Best Collaboration "Slow Down"
(R2Bees featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
Ghana Music Awards African Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated [91]
Afro Pop Song of the Year "Slow Down"
(R2Bees featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
Best Collaboration of the Year Nominated
Vodafone Song of the Year Nominated
World Music Awards World's Best Entertainer of the Year Himself Nominated [92]
World's Best Live Act Nominated
World's Best Male Artist Nominated
World's Best Song "Eledumare" Nominated
2013 The Headies 2013 Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated [93]
Best Music Video "Azonto" Nominated
Best Collabo "Baddest Boy"
(EME featuring Wizkid, Skales, and Banky W.)		 Nominated
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Use of Visual Effects "Sexy Mama"
(Iyanya featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated [94]
Best Afro Beat Video "Caro"
(Star Boy featuring L.A.X and Wizkid)		 Nominated [94]
2013 MTV Europe Music Awards Best African Act Himself Nominated [95]
MOBO Awards Best African Act Nominated [96]
Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted Duo/Group/Featuring Video "Baddest Boy"
(EME featuring Wizkid, Skales, and Banky W.)		 Nominated [97]
Most Gifted Male Video "Azonto" Nominated
Most Gifted Video of the Year Won [98]
4Syte TV Music Video Awards Best African Act Video Nominated [99]
Best Group Video of the Year "Slow Down"
(R2Bees featuring Wizkid)		 Won [100]
Best Directed Video Nominated [101]
Most Popular Video Nominated
Most Influential Video Nominated
Ghana Music Awards African Artist of the Year Himself Won [102]
Reggae Dance Hall Song of the Year "Time Bomb"
(Samini featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated [103]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of the Year "Beat of Life (Samba)"
(Sarz featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated [104]
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Himself Nominated
City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Male) Won [105]
Best Collabo of the Year "Fine Lady"
(Lynxxx featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated [106]
Best Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated
2012 The Future Awards Musician of the Year Won [107]
4Syte TV Music Video Awards Best African Act Video "Dance for Me"
(EME featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated [108]
BET Awards 2012 Best International Act Africa Himself Won [109]
2012 MTV Europe Music Awards Best African Act Nominated [110]
Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted West African Video of the Year "Pakurumo" Nominated [111]
The Headies 2012 Artist of the Year Himself Won [112]
Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year Won
Album of the Year Superstar Nominated [21]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Album of the Year Won [113]
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Himself Won
Hottest Single of the Year "Pakurumo" Nominated [114]
Best Music Video of the Year Nominated
Best Collabo of the Year "Girl"
(Bracket featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
"Familiarity"
(Jayru featuring Wizkid)		 Nominated
Ghana Music Awards African Artist of the Year Himself Nominated [115]
2011 4Syte TV Music Video Awards Best African Act Video "Holla at Your Boy" Nominated [116]
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) Best Afro Pop Video Nominated [17]
MOBO Awards Best African Act Himself Won [117]
Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted Newcomer Video "Holla at Your Boy" Nominated [118]
Most Gifted Video of the Year "Molowo Noni"
(Samklef featuring Wizkid, D’Prince, and Ice Prince)		 Nominated [119]
2011 MTV Europe Music Awards Best Africa, Middle East and India Act Himself Nominated [120]
Dynamix All Youth Awards Artiste of the Year Won [121]
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Hottest Single of The Year "Tease Me/Bad Guys" Nominated [122]
Best New Act of the Year Himself Won
Best Pop/R&B Artist of the Year Nominated
The Headies 2011 Best Pop Single "Holla at Your Boy" Nominated [15]
Next Rated Won
City People Entertainment Awards Best New Male Artiste Himself Won [123]
2010 Dynamix All Youth Awards Promising Artiste of the Year Won [124]
Song of the Year "Holla at Your Boy" Nominated [125]

SOURCES:
Wikipedia

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