June 12, 2026, marked exactly 15 years since Wizkid released his debut album, 'Superstar', which emphatically announced his entrance into the Nigerian mainstream.
Album Release Date
The album was originally scheduled for Valentine's Day in 2011 but was delayed. It eventually dropped on June 12, 2011, a significant date in Nigeria's calendar as it coincides with the date of the presidential election supposedly won by MKO Abiola in 1993.
Lead Single and Label
Under the stables of Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment, Wizkid released the lead single 'Holla At Your Boy' in 2010, which kick-started his journey to becoming a global icon. Since then, Wizkid has become a living legend in Nigerian and African music, inspiring a generation of artists across the continent.
7 Things to Know About 'Superstar'
1. Album Art by Osa Seven
Nigerian graffiti artist Osa Okunkpolor, known as Osa Seven, designed the album cover. The artwork was created to represent the lively and urban personality of a young Wizkid.
2. Seven Producers Contributed
The 17-track project featured seven producers: E-Kelly, Masterkraft, Jay Sleek, Samklef, Shizzi, DJ Klem, and Q Beatz. Banky W and Veedee co-produced two of the songs.
3. Six Breakout Singles
Six songs were officially released as singles: 'Holla at Your Boy,' 'Tease Me,' 'Don't Dull,' 'Love My Baby,' 'Pakurumo,' and 'Oluwa Loni,' each accompanied by music videos.
4. 'Holla At Your Boy' Video Directed by Patrick Ellis
Patrick Ellis, who had been directing videos since 2008, got his biggest break shooting the video for 'Holla At Your Boy.' The video, featuring cameos from Skales, Banky W, and Ice Prince, was filmed at Dowen College in Lekki.
5. Title Inspired by a Dream
In an interview after the album's release, Wizkid said he always dreamed of becoming a superstar, and the title was an affirmation of his goals.
6. Awards and Recognition
'Superstar' was nominated for Album of the Year and Best R&B/Pop Album at the Headies 2012, winning Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. 'Holla At Your Boy' earned him the Headies 2011 Next Rated Award, while 'Don't Dull' led to his first international collaboration with Akon.
7. Released at Age 20
Born July 16, 1990, Wizkid started recording at age 11 and worked with OJB Jezreel and Knighthouse before signing with Empire Mates Entertainment. He began recording songs for the album in 2009 and released 'Superstar' in 2011, just weeks before his 21st birthday. The album has aged like fine wine, still enjoying relevance and radio spins. While debates continue about whether it qualifies as a classic, what remains indisputable is that 13 years later, 'Superstar' is a definitive project that transformed the boy from Ojuelegba into a megastar who has written his name in history.
