Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene is pulsating with talent, but none shine brighter, or command greater acclaim than Ayodeji Wizkid Balogun. From gritty church choir origins to global headliner status, he’s not just a musician; he’s an institution, a cultural ambassador, and one of the world’s highest-paid artists. His career, now more than two decades strong, weaves through personal triumphs, groundbreaking albums, international tours, lucrative endorsements, and thriving business ventures.
Wizkid: Emerging Rhythms of a Starboy
Born July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid was the youngest child in a household of three wives and twelve siblings. His upbringing; a blend of Islamic and Christian traditions, shaped his early voice. At just eleven, singing in his church choir under the nickname Lil’ Prinz, he unknowingly began the journey that would one day reshape global music.
Fatherhood came early, at age 21, when his first son, Boluwatife, was born. The child remained a private source of inspiration, occasionally featured in his social posts, reflecting Wizkid’s gradual embrace of privacy amid fame.
Breaking Through and Building the Starboy Brand
In 2009, Banky W’s label, E.M.E., signed Wizkid; ushering him into stardom with Superstar (2011) and hits like Holla at Your Boy and Don’t Dull. By 2014, he branched out and launched Starboy Entertainment, spotlighting talents like L.A.X and Terri.
His global breakthrough came soon after. The track One Dance with Drake topped world charts and earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records. Collaborations with Beyoncé (Brown Skin Girl) and Tems (Essence) followed, earning Grammys and breaking Billboard ceilings.
Morayo and the Soundtrack to Grief and Triumph
November 2024 saw a poignant release; Morayo, his sixth studio album named after his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun. It shattered streaming records and featured tracks like Piece of My Heart (with Brent Faiyaz) and Kese (Dance), which became the fastest solo African song to hit 10 million Spotify streams.
2025 has seen Wizkid at the peak of his creative prowess. April brought two chart-topping singles; Gimme Dat with Ayra Starr, which charted in multiple countries, and Kai! with Olamide. Then in July, Dynamite with Tyla exploded onto the global scene, reaching No.3 on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.
His festival schedule is just as dazzling, as he performed at Morocco’s Mawazine Festival (June), and he headlined Denmark’s AiaSound Fest (August). Even after canceling parts of his European tour, fans are still catching him at major global stages.
Wizkid is a Financial Powerhouse with Tours & Endorsements
In 2025, Wizkid’s earnings are unparalleled. With over 8 billion Spotify streams, he’s estimated to have earned nearly $10 million from that platform alone. His global tours; including sold-out shows at O2 Arena, Madison Square Garden, and a massive UK stadium set, have netted him tens of millions.
He continues to attract mega-brand deals; UBA ($3M), Puma ($1M), Pepsi (multi-year), and many more, amassing endorsements worth over ₦7 billion annually, alongside real estate properties in Lagos, London, and LA, and a luxury car fleet. His net worth is conservatively estimated at between $48 million and $52 million as of early 2025.
Wizkid’s Entrepreneurial Legacy Beyond the Stage
Beyond music, Starboy Entertainment thrives, earning millions yearly while incubating African talent. Wizkid’s investments extend into fashion (pop-up stores), tech startups, real estate, and merchandise. A diversified business strategy continues to fuel his long-term growth and influence.
Wizkid is more than just a hitmaker; he’s the face of a movement. His 2025 era reaffirms what he’s been building all along; a music legacy intertwined with entrepreneurship, cultural diplomacy, and generational influence. As fans eagerly await his next tour and releases, one thing is clear, he continues to reign as the global Starboy.
