### Wizkid’s Music Career
![WizKid reacts to “Essence” going platinum]
Wizkid’s professional music career gained momentum after he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), the record label associated with Nigerian singer Banky W, in 2009. His breakthrough came with the release of “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010, a song that introduced him to a wider Nigerian audience and helped establish his reputation as a rising Afropop star.
In 2011, he released his debut studio album, Superstar, which featured popular tracks including “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Don’t Dull,” “Pakurumo” and “Love My Baby.” The album strengthened his position in the Nigerian music industry and earned him recognition as one of the country’s promising young performers.
His second studio album, Ayo, arrived in 2014. One of its standout songs, “Ojuelegba,” drew attention for its reflections on his early struggles, upbringing and journey towards success. The song gained an international audience and helped introduce more listeners to the stories and sounds behind his music.
Wizkid’s international profile grew significantly in 2016 when he featured alongside Kyla on Drake’s global hit “One Dance.” The song topped charts in several countries, bringing his name to a much larger international audience. In 2017, he released Sounds from the Other Side, which included “Come Closer” featuring Drake and “Daddy Yo.”
### Wizkid’s Albums
![Pakurumo – Wizkid: Song Lyrics, Music Videos & Concerts]()
1\. Superstar (2011)
His debut studio album, featuring “Holla at Your Boy,” “Pakurumo” and “Don’t Dull.” It established him as a major name in Nigerian pop music.
![Listen to Wizkid – Ki Lo Fe by Ayo Oluderu in Wizkid – Ayo (Joy)☀️ playlist online for free on SoundCloud]()
2\. Ayo (2014)
His second album, featuring “Ojuelegba,” “Jaiye Jaiye” and “On Top Your Matter,” helped expand his audience beyond Nigeria.
3\. Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
This project explored international pop, R&B and dancehall influences, with appearances from artists including Drake and Chris Brown.
![Made In Lagos by Wizkid – Album Cover Download & Custom Poster Generator
4\. Made in Lagos (2020)
A major milestone in his career, featuring “Essence” with Tems, “Ginger” with Burna Boy and “Smile” with H.E.R. The album helped take his music to an even wider global audience.
5\. More Love, Less Ego (2022)
This album continued his exploration of Afrobeats, melodic R&B and international sounds, with songs such as “Bad to Me” and “2 Sugar” featuring Ayra Starr.
![Wizkid Drops Morayo: New Album, Singles, Fashion & Grammy Buzz — The Rakish Gent
6\. Morayo (2024)
His sixth studio album, named in honour of his late mother, features songs including “Kese (Dance),” “Piece of My Heart” with Brent Faiyaz and “Bad Girl” with Asake.
Album information: Apple Music and AllMusic.
### Wizkid’s Popular Songs
![Wizkid – Holla At Your Boy (Lyrics)]()
These releases demonstrate his versatility, from dance-oriented Afropop to romantic songs and collaborations that connect African music with international pop audiences.
### Wizkid’s International Success and Awards
Wizkid’s international achievements have helped raise the profile of Nigerian music around the world. His contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2021, alongside the other credited artists and collaborators.
His song “Essence,” featuring Tems, became a landmark Afrobeats hit internationally. The track reached the US Billboard Hot 100, and a remix featuring Justin Bieber introduced it to an even wider audience. Its success also highlighted the growing global popularity of Nigerian artists and collaborations.
Over the years, Wizkid has worked with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Burna Boy, Tems, Justin Bieber, Skepta, Chris Brown and H.E.R. These collaborations have contributed to his international reach while allowing him to maintain a sound rooted in Nigerian music.
### Wizkid’s Latest Music and Current Career
Wizkid continues to release music and collaborate with artists across different genres. His 2024 album, Morayo, reflected a more personal side of his artistry, paying tribute to his late mother while exploring love, family, gratitude and personal reflection.
His subsequent releases have continued to expand his catalogue. Apple Music lists releases from 2026, including REAL, Vol. 1, his collaborative EP with Asake, as well as the single “Stay For The Night.” For the latest releases and official videos, visit the [official Wizkid website](https://www.wizkidofficial.com/).
### Conclusion
Wizkid’s biography is a story of musical ambition, steady growth and international recognition. From his early beginnings in Surulere, Lagos, to his breakthrough with Superstar and the worldwide success of “One Dance” and “Essence,” he has played an important role in bringing Afrobeats to a broader audience.
With six studio albums, numerous hit songs and collaborations with leading international musicians, Wizkid remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable musical exports. His continued output and evolving sound have helped establish his place in the history and ongoing development of contemporary African music.
### Frequently Asked Questions
1\. What is Wizkid’s real name?
His real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.
2\. How old is Wizkid?
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990. He is 36 years old as of October 2026.
3\. Where is Wizkid from?
He was born in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
4\. What did Wizkid study?
He attended Lagos State University and later Lead City University, but did not complete his university education.
5\. What was Wizkid’s first album?
His debut studio album was Superstar, released in 2011.
6\. Which song made Wizkid internationally famous?
His contribution to Drake’s “One Dance” in 2016 significantly expanded his international recognition, while “Essence” later became another major global success.
7\. What is Wizkid’s latest album?
His latest studio album is Morayo, released in 2024. His later releases include the 2026 collaborative EP REAL, Vol. 1 with Asake.
