Wizkid Biography: Real Age, Awards, Relationship Rumors, Children, Net Worth

Wizkid Biography Summary

Biography

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in a polygamous and interfaith household with twelve sisters, Wizkid grew up surrounded by a blend of Islamic and Christian traditions. Despite family opposition, he began pursuing music at the age of 11, forming a gospel group called Glorious Five, which released a collaborative album before disbanding.

Originally performing under the name Lil Prinz, Wizkid’s early musical influences included Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and King Sunny Ade. He honed his songwriting skills and stage presence through mentorship from industry veterans like OJB Jezreel and Naeto C.

Who Is Wizkid?

Wizkid is one of the top three Afrobeats artists from Africa, known globally for revolutionizing the genre. He shot to fame after signing with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009 and releasing his breakout single “Holla At Your Boy” in 2010. That track launched him into the mainstream and earned him the Next Rated Artist award at The Headies 2011.

Wizkid has since rebranded as Starboy, Big Wiz, or Machala, and established his own record label, Starboy Entertainment, in 2013. He is regarded as a pioneer in taking Afrobeats global and remains a key figure in the genre’s evolution.

Early Life & Educatio

Wizkid hails from Ogun State but was born and raised in Lagos, particularly in the culturally vibrant Ojuelegba area. He attended top private schools in Surulere and was briefly enrolled at Lagos State University, then Lead City University, before dropping out to focus on music full-time.

Music Caree

Wizkid’s debut album, Superstar (2011), fused Afrobeats with R&B and reggae, receiving critical acclaim. Hits like “Tease Me”, “Don’t Dull”, and “Pakurumo” cemented his status as Nigeria’s favorite rising star.

His second album, Ayo (2014), featured collaborations with Femi Kuti, Tyga, Akon, and Phyno. The standout track “Ojuelegba” chronicled his struggles and rise, and caught the attention of global artists like Drake, who featured Wizkid on the 2016 global hit “One Dance”. The song became a Billboard No. 1 and helped Wizkid become the first Afrobeats artist in the Guinness World Records.

In 2017, he released Sounds from the Other Side, a crossover album featuring Chris Brown, Drake, Ty Dolla $ign, and more. That same year, he signed a deal with RCA Records.

Wizkid’s biggest international success came with his 2020 album Made in Lagos, which featured the chart-topping global hit “Essence” featuring Tems. The track became the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, later remixed with Justin Bieber. It earned Wizkid a Grammy nomination and global acclaim.

DON’T MISS: Prof. Wole Soyinka Biography: Real Age, Wives, Nobel Prize, Quotes, Net Worth

He has also worked with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl”, which won a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2021.

Personal Life

Wizkid is a father of three sons:

• Boluwatife (with Oluwanisola Ogudugu)
• Ayodeji Jr. (with Binta Diallo)
• Zion (with his current partner and manager, Jada Pollock)

He is known for keeping his private life low-key but often expresses love for his children. Though not married, he is believed to be in a relationship with Jada Pollock.

Relationship Rumors

There are several rumors and unconfirmed details surrounding Wizkid’s personal life and career, most of which have sparked public interest over the years.

One of the most persistent rumors is about his relationship with Jada Pollock, who is both his manager and the mother of his third son, Zion. While it’s widely believed that they are romantically involved, Wizkid has never publicly confirmed or denied this relationship, choosing instead to keep things private.

Another major talking point has been his alleged romantic link with Tems, especially after their on-stage chemistry during performances of Essence. While fans and blogs speculated about a possible relationship, neither Wizkid nor Tems has addressed or confirmed anything officially.

Wizkid has also been rumored to have dated celebrities such as Tonto Dikeh, Tiwa Savage, and Seyi Shay at different times. These claims were often fueled by media appearances, social media interactions, and collaborations, but no formal confirmations have ever been made.

There were also reports that Wizkid fell out with E.M.E (Empire Mates Entertainment) due to disagreements over contract terms. Although both Wizkid and Banky W have spoken diplomatically about the split, neither has gone into full detail, leaving fans to speculate.

Lastly, in the early years of his fame, some questioned his actual age, especially given how young he appeared during his breakout. However, this has since been clarified, with July 16, 1990, being accepted as his official birth date.

Wizkid has always maintained a reputation for keeping his private life away from public scrutiny, which naturally leads to speculation and rumor.

Business & Endorsements

Wizkid is not just a musician but also a music executive. Through Starboy Entertainment, he has signed artists like Terri, Maleek Berry, and Legendury Beatz.

He has landed high-profile endorsements with brands like:

• Pepsi
• MTN Nigeria
• Guinness
• United Bank for Africa (UBA)

Net Worth

As of 2024, Wizkid’s estimated net worth is $35 million, making him one of Africa’s wealthiest and most influential artists. He earns from music royalties, global tours, endorsements, and business ventures.

Legacy & Impact

Wizkid has played a pivotal role in globalizing Afrobeats. From Surulere to sold-out arenas worldwide, he represents resilience, talent, and cultural pride. Alongside Burna Boy and Davido, Wizkid completes Africa’s “Big Three” in Afrobeats and continues to influence the sound and direction of global music.

With millions of fans, famously known as Wizkid FC, the singer remains a cultural icon whose journey has inspired countless young Africans to dream big.