Wizkid is the voice of a generation, for over a decade, he has released several songs that have seen him become the flagbearer for Afrobeat.
Born Ayodeji Balogun, Wizkid who is otherwise known as Star boy who is making history tonight as the first Afrobeats star to perform at Glastonbury and will be performing at Tottenham stadium, London, United Kingdom on Thursday, July 29 to further promote the Afrobeat culture across the globe.
Though other Nigerian artistes such as Davido and Burna Boy are making headlines across various cities in the world, Wizkid is the standout superstar in his generation. He is easily the most marketable Afrobeat superstar and also an easily recognizable figure from the entertainment industry.
While Wizkid is no doubt an international superstar, he has never denied his background. The singer-songwriter who was born in Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos state made sure his music connected with the grassroot.
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The 32-year-old singer-songwriter is the artiste most emerging artiste want to imitate and the benchmark for artiste of his generation. It’s safe to say Wizkid is the landmark for success in the music industry.
In every conversation, artistes cannot help but talk about during interview sessions. In Davido’s new famous, ‘new cat, old cat’ interview, he spoke about the self-acclaimed Star boy. It didn’t stop there, Davido’s cousin, B-Red also shared a throwback story of his crew and Wizkid.
ALSO READ: Afrobeatās Influence on the Evolution of Nigerian Music
Wizkid Prior To Becoming The Star Boy
Wizkid began to make a name for himself in the late 2000s after he joined Banky W’s project, Empire Mates Entertainment. He worked with his mentor, Banky W and renowned rapper, M.I Abaga before he gradually evolved into the fledgling artiste Nigerians would recognize in 2011.
His debut single, ‘Holla at your boy’ released in January 2010 quickly catapulted the singer into mainstream prominence. Wizkid redesigned the essence of Afrobeat and how Nigerians perceive music.
The singer who was 20 at the time spoke to a burgeoning generation that would later go on to become Wizkid FC. These set of individuals who were between the ages of 13-25 at the time were beginning to adapt to the transitioning of social media and other forms of technology at the time.
Members of Wizkid FC spoke about the singer’s prowess, elegance and music talent, aiding his popularity at the time. While the older generation listened to P Square, D’Banj and 2Face Idibia, Wizkid was gradually building an army of his own and it all commenced with the smash hit, ‘Holla at your boy’.
Superstar, A Prophecy That Manifested
Wizkid’s debut studio album, Superstar was released June 12, 2011 quickly becoming one of the most remarkable debut music projects in modern music era.
The album’s production was handled by Samklef, E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Masterkraft, Q-Beats, Banky W and Vebee.
Superstar was a prophecy; in due season, the Afrobeat musician achieved his aim and objective. In the debut album, Wizkid’s opening track, ‘Say My Name’, the self-acclaimed Star boy mentioned that every one across the globe would sing his name and a decade later that is what is ongoing.
It is only ideal for music lovers and passive Afrobeat listeners to go back to Wizkid’s old material and check out what he stated in the project.
Numerous superstars have since entered the music industry, however, none has been able to garner the same seamless affection and attention like Wizkid.
As stated earlier, he is the Afrobeat flagbearer and the voice of a generation. While Davido and Burna Boy have been able to do well for themselves, none has the Midas touch of Machala. He is the king of Afrobeat in the modern era.
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