Wizkid: The Afrobeats Icon Taking the World by Storm

When it comes to Afrobeats, few names resonate louder than Wizkid. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid has transcended his Nigerian roots to become a global music icon. From selling out arenas worldwide to collaborating with the biggest names in the industry, Wizkid has solidified his place at the top of the music game.

But what’s the story behind the superstar? How did Wizkid rise to global fame, and how does he compare to other Afrobeats giants like Burna Boy or Davido? Let’s dive into the top questions people are asking about Wizkid and explore what makes him stand out.

1. What Is Wizkid's Net Worth?

As of 2024, Wizkid's net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. His wealth comes from multiple income streams, including:

Music Sales & Streaming: Wizkid's albums and singles consistently top charts globally, with billions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Endorsements: He has signed lucrative deals with brands like Pepsi, Nike, and UBA.

Concerts & Tours: Wizkid has sold out prestigious venues like the O2 Arena in London, cementing his status as an international superstar.

Record Label: Wizkid runs Starboy Entertainment, which nurtures upcoming talents and adds to his revenue.

Competitor Comparison:

When compared to Davido, who has a net worth of around $30 million, and Burna Boy at $25 million, Wizkid currently holds a financial edge. His early entry into the global scene, particularly through collaborations like "One Dance" with Drake, has given him a head start in wealth accumulation.

2. How Did Wizkid Become Famous?

Wizkid's rise to fame began in 2010 with the release of his hit single "Holla at Your Boy" from his debut album Superstar. The song became an instant sensation in Nigeria, earning him a massive fan base.

His international breakthrough came in 2016 with the chart-topping hit "One Dance" featuring Drake, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. This catapulted Wizkid into the global spotlight and opened doors to collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber.

Competitor Comparison:

While Davido and Burna Boy also gained fame around the same period, Wizkid’s collaboration with Drake gave him unprecedented global exposure. Burna Boy, however, gained international acclaim later with his Grammy-winning album Twice as Tall.

3. What Is Wizkid's Real Name?

Wizkid’s real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun. The name Wizkid was adopted early in his career due to his youthful appearance and undeniable talent, making him a standout in the Nigerian music scene even as a teenager.

4. How Many Albums Does Wizkid Have?

As of 2024, Wizkid has released five studio albums:

• Superstar (2011)
• Ayo (2014)
• Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
• Made in Lagos (2020)
• More Love, Less Ego (2022)

His Made in Lagos album, featuring the global hit "Essence" with Tems, was a game-changer. The song became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Wizkid even more international recognition.

Competitor Comparison:

Burna Boy has also released critically acclaimed albums, with African Giant and Twice as Tall earning Grammy nominations, the latter winning in 2021. Davido's albums like A Good Time and A Better Time have also achieved significant success, but Wizkid's consistency and global reach set him apart.

5. Who Is Richer Between Wizkid and Davido?

The rivalry between Wizkid and Davido fans is legendary, but when it comes to net worth, Wizkid holds the upper hand with an estimated $40 million compared to Davido’s $30 million.

Both artists have amassed fortunes through music, endorsements, and tours. However, Wizkid's early international collaborations and more extensive touring have given him a slight financial advantage.

6. Is Wizkid Married?

As of 2024, Wizkid is not married. However, he has been linked to several high-profile relationships and is known to keep his personal life relatively private. He is a proud father of three children with different women and often shares moments with his kids on social media.

7. How Many Awards Has Wizkid Won?

Wizkid has an impressive award collection, including:

• Grammy Award for his collaboration on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl".
• BET Awards (Best International Act)
• MOBO Awards (Best International Act)
• MTV Europe Music Awards
• Billboard Music Awards

In total, Wizkid has won over 70 awards and has been nominated for 150+ awards worldwide.

Competitor Comparison:

Burna Boy won a Grammy for Best Global Music Album, while Davido has also secured multiple international awards. However, Wizkid's consistent recognition on global platforms like the Grammys and Billboard gives him a broader appeal.

8. What Is Wizkid's Most Popular Song?

While "Holla at Your Boy" made him a star in Nigeria, "Essence" featuring Tems is arguably Wizkid's most popular song globally. The track was dubbed the "song of the summer" in 2021 and received a remix with Justin Bieber, further propelling it to international stardom.

Other notable hits include:

• "Ojuelegba"
• "Come Closer" featuring Drake
• "Fever"
• "Joro"

Competitor Comparison:

Burna Boy's "Ye" and Davido’s "Fall" are also considered global Afrobeats anthems. However, "Essence" achieved a unique crossover success, charting high on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim from international music critics.

9. Where Does Wizkid Live?

Wizkid splits his time between Lagos, Nigeria, and London, UK. He owns luxurious homes in both cities, reflecting his success and global lifestyle. His Lagos mansion boasts state-of-the-art features, while his London home offers a taste of international luxury.

10. What Is Wizkid's Influence on Afrobeats?

Wizkid is one of the pioneers responsible for bringing Afrobeats to the global stage. His unique blend of African rhythms with global pop influences has made Afrobeats a mainstream genre.

Through his collaborations with international superstars and consistent chart-topping releases, Wizkid has become a symbol of African excellence in the music industry. His influence has inspired a new generation of artists to dream big and think globally.

Competitor Comparison:

While Burna Boy refers to himself as the "African Giant" and Davido is known for his infectious hits, Wizkid's early breakthrough in the international music scene gives him a pioneering edge. His work with artists like Drake and Beyoncé paved the way for Afrobeats to become a global phenomenon