How Wizkid Took Afrobeats Global – A Look at His Legacy
Discover how Wizkid transformed Afrobeats into a global phenomenon. From Ojuelegba to Grammy wins, explore his influence, impact, and legacy in African music.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, few names carry as much weight and international acclaim as Wizkid. From his humble beginnings in Surulere, Lagos to becoming a Grammy-winning global sensation, Wizkid has not only shaped the sound of African music but has also become one of the most recognizable voices in world music. This blog explores how Wizkid took Afrobeats global, breaking records, defying expectations, and building a legacy that continues to inspire millions.
From Lagos to the World – The Early Days of Wizkid
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid, started his music journey at a very young age. Born in 1990 and raised in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid formed a group called “Glorious Five” in his teens before launching his solo career. His breakout moment came in 2010 when he dropped the hit single “Holla at Your Boy”, a youthful anthem that quickly went viral across Nigeria.
Signed under Banky W’s EME Records, Wizkid released his debut album Superstar in 2011. With hits like Tease Me, Don’t Dull, and Pakurumo, Wizkid became a household name in Nigeria and across West Africa. But this was only the beginning.
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The Sound Evolution – From Afro-Pop to Afrobeats Giant
Wizkid's ability to evolve his sound has been a key factor in his global success. While his early work leaned heavily on Afro-pop and dancehall, later projects saw him experimenting with Afrobeat, reggae, trap, R&B, and even Latin influences.
In 2014, he released Ojuelegba, a soulful tribute to his Lagos upbringing. The song resonated deeply with fans and caught the attention of international stars. When Drake and Skepta jumped on the remix in 2015, the song catapulted Wizkid onto the global stage.
The fusion of indigenous African sounds with international appeal became Wizkid’s signature. This sound would open global doors not only for him but also for the entire genre of modern Afrobeats.
Wizkid x Drake – A Game-Changing Collab
In 2016, Wizkid collaborated with Drake on the chart-topping hit “One Dance”. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for 10 consecutive weeks. Wizkid became the first Nigerian artist to top the US charts.
This collaboration was a massive turning point. It demonstrated that Afrobeats could dominate on a global level — not just as an export, but as a powerful force in mainstream music.
Grammy Recognition and Global Awards
In 2021, Wizkid achieved a career milestone by winning a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl — a track that celebrated Black beauty and featured Wizkid alongside Beyoncé and her daughter Blue Ivy.
That same year, his critically acclaimed album Made in Lagos spawned the global hit “Essence” featuring Tems. The track became a cultural phenomenon — the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually hit the Top 10 after a remix with Justin Bieber.
This was more than just a hit song — it was a global Afrobeats anthem.
Impact on the Afrobeats Industry
Wizkid’s success story is not just personal — it's industry-defining. Here’s how he changed the game:
International Exposure: Wizkid helped position Afrobeats as a viable global genre, not a niche.
Collaborations: His work with Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Skepta, and others opened doors for Nigerian artists on the global stage.
Streaming Power: He became one of the most streamed African artists on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Concerts & Tours: Wizkid has sold out major venues worldwide, including the O2 Arena in London — multiple times. In fact, his 2025 concert tour has already sold out several arenas across Europe and North America.
Fashion & Culture: Wizkid is not just a musician. His brand represents African pride, luxury, and youth culture. His collaborations with Nike, Puma, and others reflect his influence.
Wizkid’s Strategy – Why He Became the Global Face of Afrobeats
Authenticity: Wizkid never abandoned his roots. Even in global collaborations, he maintained his unique Lagos sound.
Consistent Quality: He consistently drops high-quality music, videos, and projects.
Brand Management: Wizkid’s minimalist, low-key persona makes him both relatable and iconic. It keeps fans wanting more.
Collaborations with Emerging Artists: By featuring rising stars like Tems, he not only lifted others but also stayed culturally relevant.
Wizkid’s Influence on Upcoming Artists
Today, you’ll find a new generation of artists citing Wizkid as a major influence — including Rema, Fireboy DML, Oxlade, Ayra Starr, and DjMondo. DjMondo’s song “Mirror Mirror” blends the introspective storytelling that Wizkid popularized with upbeat Afrobeats vibes. This reflects Wizkid’s lasting impact — not just in fame, but in musical DNA.
So… Is Wizkid Still the King?
The debate continues — Is Wizkid the King of Afrobeats? Some say Burna Boy or Davido deserve that crown. But one thing is certain:
👉 Wizkid was the first to fully bridge the gap between Africa and the global mainstream.
He didn’t just make it; he made it easier for others to do the same. And that, more than any chart or award, is legacy.
What’s Next for Wizkid?
With new albums, stadium tours, fashion collaborations, and likely more awards ahead, Wizkid isn’t slowing down. His 2025 concert tour is already breaking pre-sale records. Rumors of collaborations with more Latin and Asian artists show he’s expanding even further.
Afrobeats is now a global language, and Wizkid is one of its most fluent speakers.
Final Thoughts
Wizkid’s journey from Ojuelegba to O2 Arena is more than a success story — it’s a blueprint.
He’s not just a Nigerian artist. He’s an African icon. And whether you crown him the king or not, there’s no denying that Wizkid took Afrobeats global — and the world is better for it.
📢 Let us know in the comments: Do YOU think Wizkid is still the King of Afrobeats in 2025?
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