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Wizkid
Wizkid performing at the Iyanya vs. Desire album launch concert in 2013
Background information
Birth name	Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun
Also known as	Wizkid, Star Boy, Wizzy
Born	(1990-07-16) July 16, 1990 (age 34) Lagos, Nigeria
Genres	Afrobeat, Afropop, African hip hop
Occupation(s)	Recording artist, songwriter, performer
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Empire Mates Entertainment, Star Boy Entertainment, Konvict Muzik, Disturbing London

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born July 16, 1990), known by his stage name Wizkid (sometimes stylized WizKid), is a Nigerian recording artist, songwriter, and performer. He rose to prominence with his song "Holla at Your Boy". In 2009, he got signed to Banky W's label imprint, Empire Mates Entertainment. His work and contributions to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Awards, a MOBO Awards from two nominations, a Channel O Music Video Awards from six nominations, three Nigeria Entertainment Awards from eleven nominations, a Ghana Music Awards from two nominations, two Dynamix All Youth Awards from three nominations, two City People Entertainment Awards from 4 nominations, and a Future Awards, among others. 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 Artistes. In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.

Wizkid's most notable songs include "Holla at Your Boy", "Don't Dull", "Love My Baby", "Azonto", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Dance For Me" with EME, and "Jaiye Jaiye" featuring Femi Kuti, among others. His discography resume includes collaboration with international and domestic acts such as Bracket, Angel, Lynxxx, Iyanya, Wande Coal, Ice Prince, R2Bees, Wale, Young Jeezy, Akon, and Femi Kuti, among others. Wizkid's debut album, Superstar, was released in 2011. He is currently working on Chosen, his second studio album scheduled for release in 2014.

Life and career

1990–2010: Early life/Lil Prinz

Wizkid was born on July 16, 1990 in Surulere, a residential and commercial area of Lagos, Nigeria. He comes from a large family and is the last of six children. In an interview with Tim Westwood, he stated that his father has three wives. Wizkid started singing at age 11; he sang in his church's choir and released a 7 track album titled Lil Prinz. His first song featured one of Nigeria's celebrated musical icons, OJB Jezreel. Moreover, in 2006, he collaborated with Naeto C and Ikechukwu prior to rising to stardom. 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". Wizkid was also featured on Banky W's album, The W Experience, after getting signed to Empire Mates Entertainment.

During an interview with Adesope of Factory 78 TV, Wizkid described his life in a nutshell. He said:

It all started for me when I was eleven years old. It started in church for me. I've always been a church boy. I didn't like the choir; I never wanted to be part of the choir. Then I like rap. I called a couple of my friends then in church. It was three of us. We should come together and form a group called 'Glorious Five'. We started it then and dropped an album. After that, I met with OJB and when I met him, he allowed me come to the studio more often. I was just that kid around. I watched 2 face record Grass 2 Grace and watched Sound Sultan record Jagbajantis. I watched them record their biggest hits. For a year, I was always going to the studio but never recorded. After that time, he gave me an opportunity to record one song. He didn't allow me record because he wanted me to be better. When you have that hunger to record, you just keep getting better. When I recorded my first song, I recorded it in Surulere. I dropped it in the hood and everybody was just popping to it asking who's this guy? Most of my friends were older than I was so It was hard for me breaking into the industry. I met Naeto C when I was 15 and then I used to write and tell him Naeto, listen to this. He used to tell me 'change this, you will sound more real.' I've always been around music. Music has always been my thing. Later on, I met my manager 5 years ago. After that, things started happening. M.I came to Lagos. We met and became friends. I when to M.I's house and he told me, 'Wizzy, I have this beat', listen to it." I listened to it for 10 seconds and told him give me the mic. Before I knew it, everyone told me I love this song.

Wizkid also told Factory 78 TV that his parents weren't receptive of his music from the onset. He said: "When I started this, my father didn't want me to do this. He was against it because I am the only boy child. I had to do a lot to convince him. I was always in the studio. I was a studio rat. I was always listening to different stuff to better my music. After that time, my father had nothing to hold against me. He told me since I did well in school, I could do music. My pops is really proud of me right now and my mom has always been there."

When asked to describe his relationship with Banky W, Wizkid said: "Banky W is one of the first people that has ever believed in me. The first day he met me, the way he was talking about me, I was shock. Before we started working, we were friends, I used to go to his studio. After that time, we recorded "Omoge You Too Much". I co wrote a couple of songs on his album. He was there for me as a big brother. I really appreciate that. Banky is like a big brother figure. We've never had issues. He has never raised his voice at me. I understand him already and know he doesn't like this. He loves it when I bring about new materials. When I'm going to the studio, he's very excited. He believes so much in me and I'm so happy about that."

World tours and performances

After releasing their compilation album, Empire Mates State of Mind, EME acts toured the United States. The tour kicked off on July 4, 2012 and ended on September 2, 2012. EME acts performed in several different cities, including Houston, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Providence, Rhode Island, Calgary, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Chicago. Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on June 4, 2012. On November 12, 2012, Wizkid performed at the BBC 1xtra Live 02 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tulisa, Kendrick Lamar, and Angel. On October 17, 2013, Wizkid performed at the 2013 edition of Felabration, a yearly concert dedicated to the late Fela Kuti. On November 2, 2013, Wizkid 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. On November 23, 2013, Wizkid performed alongside Akon, Big Sean, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, and Samini at the Guinness Big Eruption Concert, held at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana.

Endorsements

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi, allegedly worth $350,000 U.S dollars. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot. On May 28, 2013, Premium Times Nigeria 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. On October 23, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert, held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 3, 2013.

The Next Rated prize

Wizkid won the award for "Next Rated" at the 2011 Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies). 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 (vice president) and Bola Salako (general manager) of Silverbird Group as well as Ayo Animashaun, CEO of Smooth Promotions, were present during the ceremony. Wizkid joined the list of past winners of the Next Rated Category, including Aṣa, Overdose, Omawumi, Wande Coal, and Skuki.

Collaborations

Since the genesis of his career, numerous artists have featured him on their records. He was featured on M.I.'s "Fast Money, Fast Cars", Lynxxx's "Fine Lady", Iyanya's "Sexy Mama", Ice Prince's "Aboki (Remix)" and "Olofofo", Bracket's "Girl", R2Bees' "Slow Down", Maleek Berry's "The Matter" and "Your Love", Sarz's "Samba (Beat of Life)", Samini's "Time Bomb", Olamide's "Omo To Shan", Samklef's "Molowo Noni", 2Kriss' "Good Life", Wande Coal's "For Me", Chidinma's "Emi Ni Baller (Remix)", Flakes' "Go Down", Omawumi's "Warn Yourself", EME's "Get Down Tonight" and "Baddest Boy", eLDee's "Never Let You Go", Jiron's "No Fronting", Jayru's "Familiarity", Durella's "Gaga", Yung6ix's "Follow Me", Basketmouth's "Where You Dey", and Camp Mulla's "Prices". In an interview with Ndani TV, Wizkid said he worked with Wale, and fans can expect the record to be on his upcoming album. He also hinted to working with Young Jeezy and The Game, and said that he's not sure when they will release the features.

Actually, the album was suppose to drop on Valentine's Day but due to lots of preparation for this show, I couldn't finish up work with the album. Trust me, I record everyday. I have close to 22 songs without featuring anybody. I am going to feature my guys and have an international act bless it as well. In a couple of weeks, the album is going to be ready and it's going to drop in March.

2011:Superstar

In 2010, Wizkid began recording his debut studio album titled Superstar. On January 2, 2010, he released the album's lead single titled "Holla at Your Boy". The single garnered the "Next Rated" award and received the "Best Pop Single" nomination at the 2011 Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies). The music video for "Holla at Your Boy" was nominated for "Most Gifted Newcomer Video" at the 2011 Channel O Music Video Awards. The music video was also nominated for "Best Afro Pop Video" at the 2011 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA). On April 2, 2010, Wizkid released the album's second single titled "Tease Me/Bad Guys". It was initially released as a freestyle. The album's third single titled "Don't Dull" was released on December 6, 2010.

The album, recorded in English and Yoruba, was released on June 12, 2011 by Empire Mates Entertainment. It incorporates elements of R&B, Dancehall, and Reggae. Wizkid collaborated with a wide range of music producers for his first project as a professional artist, including E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny Nweke, Q-Beats and Samklef; the latter 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 Valentine's Day, 2011. On June 12, 2011, Wizkid hosted an album launch party at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The album launch party featured performances by Banky W, Skales, Tuface Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Olamide, ELDee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxx, and Seyi Shay. Superstar garnered "Best Album of the Year" at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was nominated for "Album of the Year" at the 2012 Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies).

2012-2014:Chosen

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 is currently working on Chosen, his sophomore album scheduled to be released in 2014. According to MTV Base, the album "has suffered from a pushed back release date". Wizkid posted a photo of what is believed to be the unofficial tracklist of his upcoming project. The upcoming album will allegedly feature guest appearances from Don Jazzy, Banky W, Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay, Efya, and Olamide. Moreover, the upcoming album allegedly houses 12 tracks. Two audio recordings, "Jaiye Jaiye" and "Talk", have been released since Wizkid uploaded the aforementioned photo to his Twitter account. On July 29, 2013, Wizkid released a song titled "Drop", featuring American rapper Wale. The song was produced by Legendary Beatz. There's still no word on whether the song will be on the upcoming album. In addition, "Azonto", the single many people thought was the first single wasn't included on the aforementioned tracklist. A snippet of the "Don't Dull Remix", featuring Akon, was leaked to the public in 2011.

Prior to announcing plans for a second studio album, Wizkid said he would be releasing a mixtape in April, 2013. In an interview with Ok!Nigeria TV at Disturbing London's Headquarters in London, Wizkid said: "the mixtape is going to come out in April. I have a couple of big collaborations on there. I have a song with Wale that's going to be on there and definitely something with Tine Tempah as well." When asked about the sound, Wizkid said "It's definitely going to be global but I'm still definitely maintaining my originality." However, the mixtape was never released and Wizkid later announced that he would be releasing his second studio album on June 12, 2013. In an interview with HipTv, Banky W, the CEO of Empire Mates Entertainment, revealed the album's title and commented on the delayed album. In addition, he gave an estimated release time-frame. He specifically said:

"Part of the problem is that there are actually too many ideas. He's an extremely talented guy. We're at the point where we have too many songs. We have enough songs for maybe three albums. We are trying to whittle it down and get to the crux of what's going to make this album. So we are trying to figure out the songs that completes this album because every album is a story. There's a beginning, middle, and an end. So that's where we're at. It's just trying to finish it and then focus on those songs and finish those ones and make them perfect. Trust me, it's going to be a great album and the reason why we are taking so long its because he wants it to be a fantastic album and we want it to be a fantastic album as well. If I have to guess, I'll say it'll drop in the month of October."

On May 2, 2013, Wizkid and Star Boy Entertainment released the album's lead single titled "Jaiye jaiye", featuring Femi Kuti. In an interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid said he was prompted to collaborate with Femi Kuti because he wants people to stop depicting him as an artist who only talks about girls, cars, and materialistic things. He specifically said: "A lot of people never expected that. People think Wizkid talks only about girls, cars and some flashy things in his music, but I don’t. All I talk about in my music is true life story. When I decided to do “Jayejaye” with Femi, I just really wanted to pass a message of what Wizkid wants to be or ways you can be like Wizkid. I still have not done anything, but people think I have done many things. I don’t think I have done a lot, I am still learning. The “Jayejaye” music was just to bridge the gap between the old and the young people. A big shout out to Femi Kuti for giving me the chance to do that track with him. I called him a day before we recorded the track and he allowed me. So, I am just saying a big thank you."

On October 26, 2013, "On Top You Matter", the second single was released; it was produced by Del B. The music video for the single was released on February 13, 2014; it was shot and directed in South Africa by Sesan.

Star Boy Entertainment

On March 05, 2013, Charles Mgbolu, a writer for Nigerian Entertainment Today, reported that Wizkid established his own label imprint, Star Boy Entertainment. During an interview with entertainment presenter Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere of Silverbird Television, Wizkid shed light on the formulation of his label imprint saying, "Starboy music is actually my little baby. It’s something I’ve been nurturing for a while now. I’ve always wanted to do this, so I’m really excited." Moreover, he added that he plans on signing new acts to the label. He specifically said, "I have great acts I’m going to be putting on through Starboy Music, so please continue supporting me and I’ll never let you guys down." In an interview with Showtime Celebrity , Wizkid elaborated on the creation of Star Boy Entertainment saying,

"Starboy is my new company, EME is still there for me. “Starboy” is Wizkid’s new record label and I have a couple of producers that are working with me in the new company. Definitely, we are working with a lot of people. Banky W and I, started way back. Our dreams have always been to build an empire, to help more people and give them that platform to showcase their talents. And all these dreams cannot happen only with one person. So, we have to branch out and reach out to more people. The industry is really big and there are more than 5 million kids out there roaming about the street and looking for a platform to showcase their talents. We want to give them the platform to do that. So, as you can see, everyone can contribute to that. Now that “Starboy” has started, we thank God, we are doing well. Anybody can start up something. That is just what we are trying to do with EME."

On April 17, 2013, Wizkid signed Maleek Berry, a record producer to Star Boy Entertainment. Wizkid and Maleek Berry's work credits include "Lagos to Soweto" and "The Matter", among others. On April 29, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed producers Uzezi Oniko and Okiemute Oniko, popularly known as Legendury Beatz to his imprint. Wizkid made the announcement on Twitter. He tweeted, "It’s Official!!… @Mutay_Legendury and@zei_legendury Legendury Beats now on StarBoyEnt!!!…we growing!!!… #RICH !!…yaaaaga!!” On May 9, 2013, Wizkid unveiled photos of himself alongside musical acts associated with his label. On August 20, 2013, Wizkid signed L.A.X, a recording artist to the label. He made the announcement moments after debuting the music video for "Caro", the label's first official single. 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.

Alleged breakup/reunion with EME

In February 2013, there were immense rumors surrounding Wizkid's "breakup" with E.M.E. Rumors were primarily derived by fans after Wizkid modified the management information on his Twitter page from EME/Konvict to Disturbing LDN/Godwin Tom. Wizkid also tweeted: "Don't take Loyalty for stupidity..don't...Moving on to start all over again!...Fuck it!." According to Nigerian Entertainment Today, there were reports that Wizkid moved out of the E.M.E mansion in Lagos and acquired his own home in the Lekki Phase 1 area. Prior to the outpouring of rumors, it was alleged that Banky W pacified fans by assuring them that nothing was amiss. Furthermore, it was alleged that troubles within EME started as early as the E.M.E all stars concert. It was also alleged that money was at the center of the controversy. On February 20, 2013, Information Nigeria reported that Wizkid was allegedly getting 25 percent from every show while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid's former manager, was allegedly getting the remaining 25 percent. After firing Osagie and hiring Godwin Tom, his current manager, Wizkid allegedly wanted a 50-50 share with Banky W. The source allegedly revealed that Banky W refused to accept Wizkid's proposal. Moreover, it was alleged that Banky W wanted to find a manager for Wizkid who would accept 25 percent. It was also alleged that things started getting sour as a result of both parties disagreement. Furthermore, it was alleged that Wizkid was doing three shows weekly and bringing in close to 24 million naira monthly. In the aforementioned interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid was asked to comment on his relationship with E.M.E. He said: "We are doing great, we have been having meetings. Going back and forth, evolving new plans to make EME one of the best record labels, not just in Nigeria but also, in Africa . Everyone is in the studio. Banky W. shot a couple of videos recently. We were at the video shoot last week; we are still working." On April 30, 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.

A victim of impersonation

Impersonating artists and record labels is apparently the new 419. This is not a unique problem to EME or it’s acts, but a serious challenge to most major labels/artists as well as the fans and event organisers.

In June 2013, University of Lagos students leveled an alleged breach of contract against "Wizkid" and his "management". Students who booked "Wizkid" claimed that he agreed to perform at the UNILAG Sports Centre on May 21 for a total sum of N500,000. They also claimed that he didn't show up for the show and didn't return their money. On June 19, 2013, Wizkid and his management were invited by men of the Nigerian Police Force for questioning. In the aforementioned interview with Showtime Celebrity, Wizkid commented on the duping incident, saying: "By now, I think all is clear that there are some people parading themselves as either Wizkid or his managers. The unfortunate incident regarding the UNILAG students is a case of mistaken identity where people fell victim to some unscrupulous elements who impersonated me or my representatives. The same people, as we have come to know, went as far as creating fake accounts in my name to dupe people." Wizkid also elaborated on how one can go about booking him. He said:

"I just don’t really want to talk much about it. There are processes involved in booking Wizkid for shows. If you want to book Wizkid for a show or anything of the sort, you go to Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, which is my label or you talk to my manager, Godwin Tom. Those are the main channels to reach me if you want to book me for a show. So,if you’ve been chatting with the Wizkid on the social media and he has promised to do something or charges you money, I want you to know that Wizkid never charges anybody or does his business directly. I don’t discuss price, I don’t talk about anything like that. I allow my management and my label to handle my business. So, nobody talks directly to me concerning payments...My manager is going to give the proper details, proper emails, the right phone numbers and other things needed. We are going to definitely make that known. We are going to give full details, so, you will have it. It’s a simple process. Either you contact me or you contact EME directly. But even when you contact me, the whole procedure is that I will direct you to the booking office as well. It is simple. You send your request via email or you can call us and send us your email address. The booking office would contact you from the email address you have provided with a booking questionnaire. The booking questionnaire seeks information about your event, venue details as well as publicity activities, what you intend to do and other special requests. We don’t really want to give more details so that the impostors would not continue with their fraudulent activities."

In the aforementioned interview, Wizkid commented on the events that transpired after the accusations, specifically saying, "Basically, the police just called us to inform us of the development. We can’t really give full details because we were invited to come to the police station and we went as law abiding citizens. When we got there, we gave our own statement as well as the students. But we really can’t say anything now until the police have done their proper investigations. But with the details on ground, what we want you to know is that the so-called Wizkid the students have been contacting is fake and an impostor. It’s really not from me or from anybody around me. We are letting the police do their job. We have nothing to say because we know very well that we were not the ones they contacted. So, we are not worried. What we are concerned about is to stop others from being duped by these impostors." The masterminds behind the impersonation were detained by law enforcement agents in Lagos. In addition to duping Unilag students, the culprits set up fake email, bank, and social media accounts to carry out fraudulent acts. In the midst of the incident, Wizkid said he doesn't perform for a cheap fee. He tweeted: "My Camp and I don’t do cheap money! If you want to book me for a show holla @ my team @Godwin Tom or @DisturbingLDN"

Personal life

Car accident and Porsche acquisition

On June 15, 2013, Wizkid was involved in a non-life threatening car accident along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lekki, Lagos. In an article posted on Silverbird Television, he was hospitalized for a minor concussion resulting from the wreck. 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. Eyewitness reports also added that the car's airbag suspension system deployed on impact, shielding Wizkid and the driver instantaneously. 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. As a result of the wreck, the car was badly damaged. Pictures of the damaged vehicle surfaced on Instagram and Facebook. Vanguard Media Limited reported that Wizkid acquired a Porsche Cayenne two weeks after his accident. He posted pictures of his new acquisition onto his Instagram page and tagged the pictures with the caption "#Blessed". He also tweeted "Today is starting good…Thank u Lord! Blessed!" In Kay Switch's "For Example" remix which features he and Olamide, Wizzy echoed the sentiments, "My team is strong and we no go ever fall; I get porsche; I crash the porsche; In another week, I get another Porsche".

Fatherhood controversy

On August 22, 2011, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Wizkid fathered his first child at age 21. After a "thorough investigation", they concluded that Wizkid impregnated an undergraduate student named Oluwanishola Ogudugu (fondly called Sola). According to their reports, the girl, a student at the University of Legon in Accra, resides in Magodo, Lagos. Moreover, they 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. Wizkid broke his silence on the story in several interviews. In an interview with a Nigerian Entertainment Today editor, Wizkid denied having a child saying, "No, I don’t. It’s just a rumour, I’m not thinking about that right now". In another interview held at Ogudu-GRA in Lagos, Wizkid said "I really don’t want to find myself in that kind of situation, I’m all about my music now". Furthermore, he said "It sounds funny. Look at it 'Wizkid has a kid. Doesn’t that sound funny itself?" A week before denying the aforementioned allegations, Wizkid tweeted from his official Twitter handle, saying "Hey All.. Got sumthin to tell yall. In life, there are those times when you wonder about the wrong decisions you’ve made… This is one of those times for me. I realize that I haven’t always lived up to everyone’s expectations from my loved ones to the immense love from my fans. I am sorry. Please continue to pray for me. With the help of my family and my EME big brothers, I am working on becoming a better man, a better artiste, a more responsible person with every one of my actions."

In December 2012, Wizkid denied the baby scandal during an interview with Nonye Ben-Nwankwo of The Punch. In the interview, he said "It was rumoured that I had a love child. Even if I had a child, I don’t think it is something I should be ashamed of. Instead, I would come out plainly and declare that I am a father. Everybody makes mistakes. But it was just a false rumour. I don’t have a child anywhere". 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 rumors and allegations that were harbored for 2 years. The photo also vindicated Nigerian Entertainment Today, the news source that first covered the story.

Current relationship

Wizkid is currently dating Tania Omotayo. On February 15, 2013, the two attended Banky W's "The Grand Love Project" concert, held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The two also made a public appearance at the 2013 edition of Felabration, held at the Shrine on October 17, 2013. In July 2013, Omotayo opened up a luxury boutique in Lekki, Lagos. According to Nigerian Entertainment Today, she revealed on Twitter that she knew Wizkid before he fathered his first child.

Awards and nominations

Discography

Amateur albums

• Lil Prinz (2001)

Studio albums

• Superstar (2011)
• Chosen (2014) TBA

Compilation albums

• Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)

References

1. "Wizkid pops N300m champagne at 23rd birthday bash?". Punch Nigeria. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
2. Saunders, Louise (18 July 2013). "Living While He's Young! One Direction's Liam Payne 'splashes £1.2million on world's most expensive champagne' at friend's birthday party". Daily Mail. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
3. "Wizkid Biography". MTV Base. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
4. Nissim, Mayer (11 June 2012). "Wizkid: 'Akon is like an older brother to me'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
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6. "Wizkid richer than 2Face, Banky W – Forbes". The City Reporters. 2 September 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
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9. "Guess Which Nigerian Artiste Becomes The First To Gain 1 Million Followers On Twitter". Naij News. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
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11. "Angel Unveils 'Blown Away' Video Ft WizKid". Mobo. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
12. "Lynxxx's club-banging wedding theme single "Fine Lady" featuring Wizkid is now out. The music video was directed…". Lynxxx's "Fine Lady" video. Golden Icons Magazine. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
13. Oisagbai, Jude (20 March 2013). "Iyanya and Wizkid in South Africa for video shoot of 'sexy mama'". Iyanya's "Sexy Mama" video. Daily Times of Nigeria. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
14. Abimboye, Micheal (7 June 2013). "Wizkid, Wande Coal to release joint Mixtape". Premium Times. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
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16. Mgbolu, Charles (28 January 2013). "Mercy Johnson in Aboki remix hype by Ice Prince… thrill or disappointing?". Vanguard. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
17. ""Slow Down" By R2Bees Featuring Wizkid". R2Bees's "Slow Down" music video. Highlife Radio. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
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External links

• Wizkid on Facebook
• Verified Twitter Account
• Offifical Instagram Account

Template:Persondata

• Living people
• 1990 births
• Nigerian male singers
• Nigerian singer-songwriters
• People from Lagos
• Yoruba musicians
• 21st-century Nigerian musicians