How Wizkid Conquered the Global Stage: From Ojuelegba to the World
From the vibrant streets of Surulere to the shining stages of London, New York, and Dubai, Wizkid has become a global icon. Once a local star in Nigeria, he’s now one of Africa’s biggest music exports — selling out stadiums, winning awards, topping global charts, and collaborating with the biggest names in music.
But Wizkid’s rise didn’t happen overnight. It’s a story of hustle, hits, evolution, and undeniable talent. So how did Wizkid conquer the global stage and become a household name across continents?
Let’s dive into the inspiring journey of Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, and uncover how he went from “Ojuelegba” to the world.
Humble Beginnings in Lagos
Wizkid’s journey began in Surulere, Lagos, where he was born in 1990. Like many Nigerian artists, he started singing in church, honing his skills from a young age. But by the time he hit his teenage years, he was already recording music and dreaming big.
In 2010, his breakout single “Holla at Your Boy” put him on the map. Backed by Banky W’s EME Records, Wizkid’s debut album Superstar became an instant success and earned him a loyal fanbase across Africa.
The combination of his boyish charm, catchy melodies, and unique voice made him stand out. He wasn’t just another artist—he was a movement in the making.
Building the Afrobeats Empire
Throughout the 2010s, Wizkid released a string of successful hits like:
1. “Tease Me”
2. “Don’t Dull”
3. “Pakurumo”
4. “Azonto”
5. “Caro”
6. “Ojuelegba”
The turning point came with “Ojuelegba” in 2014. The soulful track, named after a neighborhood in Lagos, became a massive anthem in Nigeria and across Africa. It told the story of his hustle, struggle, and rise—a narrative that resonated deeply with millions.
The song caught the attention of Drake and Skepta, who remixed it and helped introduce Wizkid to a global audience. That was the spark that ignited his international career.
Breaking into the Global Market
In 2016, Wizkid scored a major international hit by featuring on Drake’s “One Dance.”
The song was a chart-topping phenomenon, hitting number one in 15 countries including the US, UK, and Canada. It became Spotify’s most-streamed song of the year—and it marked the first time a Nigerian artist topped the US Billboard Hot 100.
Wizkid had officially gone global.
This was followed by:
- Collaborations with Chris Brown, Major Lazer, Beyoncé, and Skepta
- Performances at Coachella, Wireless Festival, and O2 Arena
- Features on global playlists and editorial covers
Wizkid wasn’t just participating in the global music scene—he was leading it.
“Made in Lagos” — A Cultural Reset
In 2020, Wizkid released what many fans and critics call his masterpiece: Made in Lagos. The album fused Afrobeats with R&B, reggae, and soul, and showcased Wizkid’s maturity as an artist.
The standout track? “Essence” featuring Tems.
The song became a global anthem and was dubbed the “song of the summer” in 2021 by several major media outlets. It made history as the:
1. First Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100
2. First African song to go Platinum in the U.S.
3. Song that introduced Tems to a global audience
A remix featuring Justin Bieber pushed the track even further into pop culture dominance.
“Essence” wasn’t just a hit—it was a moment. And it solidified Wizkid’s status as a global ambassador of Afrobeats.
Awards, Accolades & Global Recognition
Wizkid’s list of accolades keeps growing:
- Grammy Award (for Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”)
- BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and MTV EMAs
- Multiple Headies and SoundCity MVP Awards
- Over 5 billion streams across all platforms
He’s been recognized by Time Magazine, performed at the Billboard Music Awards, and even became the first African artist to sell out the O2 Arena in London three nights in a row.
When it comes to crossing borders and breaking records, Wizkid is in a league of his own.
Style, Influence, and Brand Power
Wizkid isn’t just about the music—he’s a style icon and brand influencer. Known for his minimalist yet luxurious fashion, he’s collaborated with brands like:
- Nike (Wizkid x Nike jersey collection)
- Puma (as global ambassador)
- Dior, Gucci, and other luxury labels
He’s been featured in Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone, not just for his music but for his cultural influence.
Wizkid is redefining African cool and bringing a new kind of swagger to the global stage.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
Wizkid’s success has opened the doors for dozens of emerging African artists. His achievements have shown that Afrobeats isn’t just a genre—it’s a global movement.
Artists like Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, and Tems are walking the path Wizkid helped pave. He’s constantly supporting young talents through collaborations, shout-outs, and strategic mentorship.
For many artists coming out of Africa today, Wizkid is more than a star—he’s a blueprint.
What’s Next for Wizkid?
As of 2025, Wizkid is working on new music and hinting at another groundbreaking album. He continues to tour globally, build his Starboy brand, and maintain his status as a global music titan.
Rumors of collaborations with Rihanna, SZA, and The Weeknd have fans buzzing. And if there’s one thing we know about Wizkid, it’s that he always delivers.
Final Thoughts: The Global Legacy of Wizkid
Wizkid’s journey from the streets of Lagos to the global charts is a story of vision, resilience, and talent. He didn’t just adapt to the global stage—he reshaped it, bringing African music and culture into the center of the world’s attention.
He’s not just Nigeria’s pride—he’s Africa’s musical ambassador to the world.
And the best part? He’s just getting started.
👇 Got a Favorite Wizkid Song?
Drop it in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with every Afrobeats lover in your circle.
