Wizkid's Musical Evolution: From Surulere to Global Stardom
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, universally celebrated as Wizkid, has journeyed from a youthful pop phenomenon to becoming a foundational pillar of Afrobeats on the international scene. Since his early beginnings in 2001, Wizkid's artistic progression has shifted from crafting national street anthems like Ginger to achieving worldwide chart supremacy with monumental tracks such as Essence, Ojuelegba, and Joro. His career, marked by six studio albums, has accumulated over 10 billion Spotify streams as of January 2026, showcasing his immense impact and enduring popularity.
The Superstar Era: Early 2010s Foundation
Wizkid's professional ascent commenced with his breakthrough single Holla at Your Boy in 2010, followed by his debut album Superstar in 2011. This period established him as a teenage prodigy and catalyzed the rise of Afrobeat as a dominant genre. Key tracks from this era include:
- Say My Name
- Pakurumo
- Don't Dull
- Tease Me Bad
- Love My Baby
Born and nurtured in a musically rich family in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid's talent surfaced early through church choir performances and local studio recordings. By 2009, he had signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), setting the stage for his initial success.
The EME/Ayo Era: Mid-2010s Expansion
In 2013, Wizkid departed from E.M.E. to establish his own label, Starboy Entertainment, marking a transition from national to continental and international acclaim. His second album, Ayo (Joy), released in September 2014, featured anthems like Jaiye Jaiye and the early release of Ojuelegba. This era solidified his status as a pan-African star, with songs such as:
- On Top Your Matter
- Show You The Money
- In My Bed
- Celebrate
The Starboy Era: Late 2010s Global Ascent
Also known as the Sounds from the Other Side (SFTOS) era, this phase saw Wizkid evolve into a global phenomenon. Signing with RCA Records in March 2017 led to his third studio album, Sounds from the Other Side, which included collaborations with international artists like Drake and Chris Brown. Highlights from this period include:
- Come Closer
- Sweet Love
- African Bad Gyal
- Gbese
Notably, in 2016, Wizkid earned a Guinness World Record for One Dance becoming the first song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, underscoring his groundbreaking achievements.
The Made in Lagos Era: Early 2020s Dominance
From 2020 to 2022, Wizkid's career reached new heights with the release of Made in Lagos on October 30, 2020. This album, along with subsequent releases like More Love, Less Ego and Soundman Vol. 2, dominated the Billboard World Albums chart. The hit single Essence, featuring Tems and later Justin Bieber, peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained charting for 35 weeks. Essential tracks from this era are:
- Essence
- Ginger
- 2 Sugar
- No Stress
- True Love
The Morayo Era: Personal and Artistic Depth
Released on November 22, 2024, the Morayo album represents a deeply personal chapter, dedicated to Wizkid's late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun. This era is characterized by refined sound production and emotional depth, with tracks such as:
- Troubled Mind
- Bad Girl (featuring Asake)
- Piece of My Heart (featuring Brent Faiyaz)
- Slow (featuring Anaïs Cardot)
The title Morayo, meaning "I see joy" in Yoruba, reflects a tribute to his heritage and familial roots.
Beginner's Playlist: 15 Essential Wizkid Songs
For newcomers, Wizkid's discography offers a blend of high-energy Afropop and soulful neo-R&B, often infused with Yoruba language and cultural elements. Here is a curated playlist to start your journey:
- Essence (2020)
- One Dance (2016)
- Ginger (2020)
- Pakurumo (2011)
- Holla at Your Boy (2011)
- Ojuelegba (2014)
- Joro (2019)
- Kese (2024)
- Bad to Me (2022)
- Jaiye Jaiye (2014)
- Come Closer (2017)
- Daddy Yo (2017)
- Final (Baba Nla) (2015)
- Don't Dull (2011)
- Slow Whine (2011)
Key Insights for New Listeners
Wizkid began his musical journey at age 11 in 2001, singing in church and forming the gospel group Glorious Five. His biggest hit remains One Dance, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks in 2016, while Essence stands as his second-highest charting success. His first five notable songs from the Superstar album include Say My Name, No Lele, Scatter the Floor, Pakurumo, and Slow Whine. The collaboration with Tems on Essence not only achieved critical acclaim but also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance.
From his origins in Surulere to breaking global records, Wizkid's music serves as a powerful conduit for Nigerian and African culture, merging Yoruba traditions with contemporary sounds. His legacy as a pioneering force in the industry continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing his status as an iconic figure in modern music.
