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AUGUST 6, 20 16 •THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER
ENTERTAINMENT FILE
with AKPOR GBEMRE; 07063000929. instagram: @mister411
25 Facts about Nigerian Hip-hop Star, Wizkid
Many enjoy his music and love to watch his musical videos as well. But only a handful of his followers know anything about the artiste called Wizkid. They just like listening to him, downloading his songs and making them the ringing tones on their android phones. But Wizkid is more than these. He has come a long way even at a relatively young age. Below are some interesting 25 facts you need to know about the young but successful singer 1. Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, started his career recording demo and singles with OJB in his Surulere studio at the age of 11. 2. Wizkid’s critically acclaimed songs, ‘Pakurumo’ and ‘Tease Me’ in debut album ‘Superstar’ was produced by Samklef. 3. Wizkid first gained some major attention when he featured on MI Abaga’s ‘Fast Money, Fast Cars’ in 2009. 4. Wizkid dropped out of Lagos State University, LASU, in 2009 to focus on his music career. He was later admitted to Lead City University in Ibadan but also dropped out after two sessions. 5. Wizkid’s debut album, ‘Superstar’ was released in 2011 amidst so much anticipation from fans. The album contains hit songs like ‘Scatter the floor’, ‘Pakurumo,’ ‘No Lele,’ ‘Love My Baby’, ‘Don’t Dull’, ‘Tease Me’ and many others. Collaborating with Banky W, Skales, Wande Coal and D’Prince. 6. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W’s and the Demuren’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) imprint. The deal was facilitated by former manager, Osagie O. He rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of ‘Holla at Your Boy’ single. 7. Some of Wizkid’s major local collaborations include ‘Girl’ (with Bracket) ‘Fine Lady’ (with Lynxxx) ‘Sexy Mama (with Iyanya), ‘Slow Down’ (With R2Bees), ‘The Matter’ (with Maleek Berry) ‘Pull Over’ (with KCEE) and ‘Bad Girl’ (with Jesse Jagz). 8. Wizkid was ranked 5th on Forbes’ and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artistses. 9. Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter. 10. In a 2012 interview with Tim Westwood, he said that his father has three wives 11. On 12 June 201, Wizkid hosted an album launch concert at the Expo Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites. The album’s launch event featured performances from Banky W, Skales, 2face Idibia, Samklef, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Olamide, Eldee, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Lynxxx and Seyi Shay. 12. The album, ‘Superstar’, won Best Album of the Year at the 2012 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and was nominated for album of the year at The Headies 2012. 13. On 5 January 2015, Wizkid released the music video for ‘Ojuelegba’, a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career. The official remix to the song features vocals from American rapper, Drake and Skepta,
which was recorded in London. 14. In 2011, Warri-born rapper, Yung6ix, featured Wizkid in his official debut single titled, ‘Follow Me’, shortly after 411 Entertainment launched Yung6ix music career. 15. Wizkid became Nigeria’s first artiste to emerge on Billboard’s chart following his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ single, which charted at number 21. On May 12, 2016, the song reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. 16. Wizkid toured London in 2012 and performed at the HMV Apollo on 4th June 2012. On 12 November 2012, he performed at the BBC Radio 1Xtra Live, O2 Academy in Brixton alongside Trey Songz, Tuliza, Kendrick Lamar and Angel. 17. Wizkid joined Chris Brown on his ‘One Hell of a Nite’ world tour in May 2016. 18. In 2012, Wizkid signed a one-year endorsement deal with Pepsi reportedly worth 350,000 U.S dollars. 19. Wizkid signed a one-year ambassadorial deal with MTN Nigeria on 28th May 2014. 20. The pop star inked another endorsement deal with Guiness for the ‘Guinness World of More’ concert. The concert was held at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos on 3rd November 2013. 21. On 18 June 2015, Wizkid ditched MTN and signed a N128 million deal with GLO. 22. He signed his first artiste L.A.X to his Starboy label on 20th August, 2013. He made the announcement moments after debuting the music video for ‘Caro’, the label’s first official single. On May 7, 2016, Wizkid announced the signings of Efya, R2Bees and Mr Eazi to Starboy Entertainment. He made the announcement shortly after his performance at the 17th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards After winning African artiste of the year award. 23. Wizkid’s contribution to the Nigerian music industry has earned him several awards, including a BET Award, a Mobo Award, Five Headies, two Channel O Music Awards, Six Nigerian Entertainment Awards, two Ghana Music Awards, two Dynamix All Youth Awards, two City People Entertainment Awards and a Future Award. He has received three nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards. He has also been nominated four times at the World Music Awards. 24. Wiz is currently managed by Sunday Are and Disturbing London owned by Tinie Tempash. Prior to Are, he had worked with Godwin Tom and Osagie Osarenkhoe, his first manager. 25. Wizkid is one of the major headliners of the One Africa Fest holding in Barclays Centre, New York this July.
Wizkid with Chris Brown