Here are 10 Unknown Facts About Wizkid the Nigerian music superstar:
1. He Started in a Church Choir
Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) began his music career in the church, where he sang in the choir as a child. His early experience in gospel music helped shape his talent and love for music.
2. He Was Part of a Group Called "Glorious Five"
Before his solo career, Wizkid was a member of a boy group called "Glorious Five" in his teenage years. They even released an album together, although it didn’t gain much attention.
3. His First Stage Name Was "Lil Prinz"
Before he became Wizkid, he went by the name "Lil Prinz" during his early days as an artist. He later changed his stage name to Wizkid as he grew older and his music matured.
4. Wizkid Signed His First Record Deal at 11
At the age of 11, Wizkid was signed to a record label called Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), owned by Nigerian musician Banky W. This was a major turning point in his career.
5. He’s the Most Awarded African Artist
Wizkid holds the record for being the most awarded African artist in history. His accolades include multiple BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and a Grammy for his feature on Beyoncé's *Brown Skin Girl*.
6. First Nigerian to Reach 1 Million Twitter Followers
In 2014, Wizkid made history by becoming the first Nigerian musician to reach 1 million followers on Twitter. Today, his social media presence is massive, making him one of the most influential African artists.
7. He’s a Father of Three
Wizkid is the father of three children with three different women. Despite some public controversies around his relationships, he is known to be close to his children and often shares moments with them on social media.
8. He Has a Close Bond with Drake
Wizkid and Canadian rapper Drake have a strong relationship, which began when they collaborated on the global hit "One Dance." Wizkid has often praised Drake for helping elevate African music to a global audience.
9. He Turned Down a Major Endorsement Deal
In 2019, Wizkid revealed that he turned down a massive endorsement deal worth $1 million because the brand didn’t align with his values. This showed his commitment to authenticity and choosing meaningful partnerships.
10. He’s a Fashion Icon
Beyond music, Wizkid is also known for his impeccable fashion sense. He has collaborated with high-end brands like Nike and has walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana, solidifying his status as a global style icon.
These facts highlight Wizkid’s journey, his influence, and his dedication to both music and culture on a global scale.
