Afrobeats sensation Wizkid has reached another remarkable milestone with his latest album, Morayo.
The 16-track collection has claimed dominance on Apple Music, securing the top 17 positions—a testament to his far-reaching impact on the global music scene.
Released on Friday, November 22, under Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, Morayo serves as a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Jane Dolapo Allen, who passed away in August 2023.
Wizkid has described the album as his “most exceptional work yet,” highlighting themes of resilience and love that shaped its creation.
The album boasts standout tracks like Piece of Me, a collaboration with American artist Brent Faiyaz, and the high-energy dance hit Kese, which have already fueled its record-breaking success.
Blending Wizkid’s signature Afrobeat style with themes of loss, joy, and celebration, Morayo features contributions from both local and international talents.
This release cements Wizkid’s reputation as a global Afrobeats trailblazer, pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in the music industry.
There are growing rumors that Wizkid and his partner Jada might be expecting their third child.
This speculation intensified following a recent social media video where Jada, sporting a red dress, appeared with a noticeable baby bump while enjoying an event.
The video has sparked a flurry of congratulatory messages from fans online.
On August 21, Jada expressed her gratitude on X, sharing her appreciation for her life, family, and the love she has received.
She wrote, “I am so thankful for my life, my family, the people who care for me, the love within me, God, and the blessings that continue to come. Grateful. Blessed. Fulfilled.”
These pregnancy rumors first surfaced in June when photos of Jada with her father showed a visible bump, further fueling speculation.
Social media buzzed with activity after Wizkid addressed Don Jazzy as an influencer in response to alleged diss remarks from Mavin Records artist Ladipoe.
Ladipoe’s post about Afrobeats stars navigating their own “Afrobeats is dead era” after Nigerian hip hop’s “hip hop is dead era” drew attention from fans, particularly as Wizkid had previously commented on hip hop being dead, sparking criticism and responses from Nigerian rappers like Oladips and Zila Oaks who released diss tracks aimed at him.
During an online session with fans, Wizkid was alerted to Ladipoe’s comments, which some interpreted as targeting him.
However, Wizkid later clarified any potential tension with Don Jazzy, calling the legendary producer and label boss an “amazing human” in a tweet.
Don Jazzy, for his part, seemed unperturbed by Wizkid’s “influencer” remark, as he didn’t react to it.
He also expressed gratitude to Wizkid on social media after the Grammy winner shared the streaming link to Mavin signee Ayra Starr’s second album ‘The Year I Turned 21’.
Amid speculation of a rift between Nigerian music sensation Wizkid and his baby mama-turned-manager Jada P, the couple appeared to have put rumors to rest through a recent public appearance.
The speculation was fueled by Davido’s controversial comment referring to Wizkid as a “woman beater.”
Social media commentator Isaac Fayose added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Jada P had parted ways with Wizkid due to his alleged mental health struggles and online outbursts.
However, a video circulating online showed Wizkid and Jada P enjoying themselves at an event in London, UK.
The couple sported matching black outfits, signaling unity and togetherness.
In the footage, Wizkid was seen embracing DJ SkylaTylaa, his wife’s younger sister, congratulating her on a successful show.
The relationship between Wizkid and Davido, two of Nigeria’s top artists, has been marked by both camaraderie and rivalry since they rose to fame in the early 2010s.
Their journey in the music industry has been defined by competition, distinct brand identities, and massive fan bases, solidifying their positions as icons in Nigerian music.
Nigerian skitmaker Nasboi recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Wizkid’s influence, emphasizing the multifaceted role of influencers in today’s digital landscape.
During a discussion on the Bahd and Boujee podcast, Nasboi defended Wizkid‘s status as an influencer, highlighting the various dimensions and impact that influencers can have across different domains.
“Being an influencer goes beyond promoting brands; it extends to shaping perceptions and driving engagement across diverse projects,” Nasboi remarked.
The conversation stemmed from a social media spat where Wizkid, known for his outspoken nature, made remarks indirectly referencing fellow Nigerian artist Davido and veteran producer Don Jazzy, branding the latter as an influencer.
While acknowledging Wizkid’s influence and reach, Nasboi cautioned against what he deemed as disrespectful remarks towards Don Jazzy, underscoring the veteran’s significant contributions to the Nigerian creative industry.
“Wizkid’s influence is undeniable, but it’s important to maintain respect for trailblazers like Don Jazzy, who have been instrumental in shaping our music and cultural landscape,” Nasboi urged.
The comments from Nasboi have ignited a wave of discussions online, with social media users sharing diverse perspectives on the evolving role and responsibilities of influencers in the entertainment sphere.
On Wednesday, during a live show on Wazobia TV in Lagos, comedian and actor Adebowale Adedayo, also known as Mr Macaroni, revealed his thoughts on why he feels Afrobeat music singer Wizkid disrespected Mavin Records boss Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, by referring to him as an ‘influencer’.
The comedian defended his stance on Wizkid, asserting that although Don Jazzy is indeed an influencer, possibly ‘the most significant entertainment influencer we have in Africa’, he emphasized that the manner in which Wizkid depicted him was disrespectful.
He further elaborated that Don Jazzy is not merely an ordinary influencer, highlighting the significant impact the Mavin Records label boss had on the music industry with the introduction of artists like Ricardo Banks, Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Di’ja, and nurturing the emergence of new talents.
Macaroni emphasized, “Don Jazzy is an influencer and arguably the foremost entertainment influencer in Africa. He wields immense influence across the entertainment spectrum, spanning music to film.”
“His impact speaks volumes. So, while Wizkid’s comments about Don Jazzy were a bit disrespectful in context, Don Jazzy’s influence is undeniable.
“Look at when he has been doing it with the likes of D’Banj, Wande Coal, Dr Sid, De Prince and then to Maving Records when they newly came out with Ricardo Banks, Tiwa Salvage, Korede Bello, Di’ja and up to this new generation.”
(Fortune Photography)
He said Don Jazzy has been so successful that there can never be a discussion about shaping the music industry without mentioning him.
The comedian also described Don Jazzy as a champion and great influence whose impact is undeniable on the growth of the music industry.
“Don Jazzy is a champion. Of course, he’s an influencer; he’s a great influencer. He doesn’t do it for just music; he does it for content and films. All you need is just to add Don Jazzy as a collaborator. You don’t even need to have a million followers. If he loves what you have done, he will just accept your request and the millions of followers that he has can see the content.
“But, the way Wizkid worded it (influencer) when he (Wizkid) said “I can’t chat with an influencer.’ That context is what we find disrespectful,” he added.
According to an earlier report by PUNCH Online, celebrities criticized Wizkid for ridiculing Davido and Don Jazzy.
Wizkid stirred up social media with a string of tweets on Monday, where he openly mocked Davido and Don Jazzy.
Following the controversial tweet, Wizkid’s name trended on social media platform X, reaching the fourth spot on Nigeria’s trending topics.
Engaging with his followers, the Grammy award-winning singer belittled the accomplished music producer and label owner, Don Jazzy, labeling him as merely an ‘influencer’. He also taunted Davido, referring to a recently leaked viral video where Davido was seen on his knees, crying and pleading with someone presumed to be a female associate.
Among the celebrities who have condemned Wizkid for his actions towards the two music heavyweights is popular nightlife personality, Cubana Chief Priest.
Nigerian music star Davido has responded to criticisms from fellow artist WizKid, hitting back at his remarks and calling him “unwell.”
The exchange unfolded on social media after WizKid made disparaging comments about Davido and producer Don Jazzy, sparking a public clash between the two prominent figures in the industry.
Background
An online chat with fans that Wizkid initiated in the wee hours of April 29 took a sour turn.
The artist behind the popular track ‘Essence’ took a jab at Don Jazzy, reducing him to just an influencer, and also took a dig at Davido.
While Don Jazzy remained quiet throughout the ordeal, Davido did not hold back in addressing what he considered Wizkid’s lack of respect.
The altercation has led to an ongoing exchange of heated words between the two on Twitter.
Nigerian artist Wizkid amused fans with playful banter aimed at fellow artist Davido and music mogul Don Jazzy.
On Monday morning, Wizkid took to X to engage fans and tease Davido, leaving followers curious about his motivations.
During the banter, Wizkid jokingly referred to Don Jazzy as an influencer, sparking laughter and speculation among his followers.
In one post, Wizkid hinted at more to say but joked about his “no good” mouth, keeping the playful tone alive.
When asked about new music, Wizkid humorously questioned if it was obligatory before teasing fans to beg him for new projects, using Davido’s viral video as an example.
The exchange took an interesting turn when a fan mentioned Ladipo, prompting Wizkid to quip about not engaging with artists under an “influencer,” a term that stirred significant reactions on social media.
This playful banter comes after Wizkid distanced himself from the label “Afrobeats artiste,” showcasing his playful and candid persona on social platforms.
Nigerian sensation Ayodeji Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, recently revealed that, despite his numerous accolades, streaming triumphs, and chart-topping successes, he believes his musical journey is just starting.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Wizkid shared, “The journey is about to begin for Wizkid. I don’t see myself as someone who has achieved something major yet. For me, music is a forever thing.”
Wizkid, one of Africa’s most decorated artists, boasts an impressive record as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most streamed musicians on various platforms.
He holds the title of the second most followed Nigerian artist on social media, right after Davido.
Notably, Wizkid clinched a Grammy for his contribution to Beyonce’s “Lion King” album, and his hit track “Essence” featuring Tems is also in contention for a Grammy.
December saw the release of his latest musical endeavour, the “Soundman Vol. 2” EP, a four-track project featuring vibrant collaborations with industry heavyweights Wande Coal and Zlatan Ibile. Surprisingly, Wizkid’s musical hiatus seems to be on hold, as he initially hinted at taking a five-year break just a month before the EP’s release.
The Afrobeats star mentioned considering pursuits in football or golf during his break, but with the unveiling of his latest project, it appears that fans can expect more from Wizkid sooner than anticipated.
Acclaimed Nigerian singer Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, recently captured the internet’s attention with a generous act towards his team.
The Grammy-nominated artist reportedly spent millions of naira on brand-new Rolex wristwatches for the hardworking individuals supporting him.
A viral video, titled “Only one Wizkid,” showcased the unveiling of numerous Rolex watches from customized boxes, sparking joy among the singer’s fans online.
The caption revealed that Wizkid purchased the luxury Rolex watches as a token of appreciation for his colleagues, earning him praise and blessings from admirers.
Watch video below:
Wizkid blesses crew with Rolex watches#Tigpost Black Stars #ChangeIsComing to Canada | Hawa Koomson | John Mahama | Charles Taylor | Finance Minister | Bongo | Black Queens pic.twitter.com/WHJ09guSiG
England and Arsenal’s rightwinger, Bukayo Saka, presented an Arsenal jersey to Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Wizkid after Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Liverpool on February 4, 2024.
Saka, of Nigerian descent, scored the opening goal by capitalising on a scuffed chance from Kai Havertz.
Despite a temporary leveller with a Gabriel Magalhães own goal, Alisson’s errors, including a miscommunication with Virgil Van Dijk, allowed Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to secure victory for Arsenal.
Netizens are buzzing with reactions over the recent exclusion of prominent African musicians from the Grammy Awards celebration list.
The compilation, dedicated to recognizing exceptional African music talents who have clinched the coveted golden gramophones since the 1960s, has become a topic of debate ahead of the upcoming 66th Grammy Awards on February 4.
The comprehensive list acknowledges winners from various African countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Cape Verde, Mali, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Benin.
However, a cloud of controversy looms over Nigeria’s representation, with notable names like Wizkid, Tems, and Femi Kuti conspicuously missing from the lineup despite their Grammy victories.
Sade and Burna Boy stand as the sole representatives from Nigeria on the list, sparking inquiries into the criteria used for reference.
The Grammys addressed the concerns by clarifying that only artists who secured Grammys for their original works were considered for inclusion.
They highlighted that Femi Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Babatunde Olatunji, and WizKid had all received Grammy nominations before Burna Boy made history as the first Nigerian male artist to claim a golden gramophone for an original work.
The clarification, however, did not quell the controversy, as netizens expressed mixed reactions, raising questions about the relevance and validity of titles held by Wizkid and other artists omitted from the prestigious list.
See reactions below:
Legit.ng compiled the reactions below espada_d_diors: “Wizkid and Blue ivy are sharing one nah. Gumbody no dae count.” presh.nicki: “Una dey shade person wey don win Grammy before. Na so una ment reach??? Y’all faves haven’t even seen it before, so stop the cap!”
“Na thank you for coming them give wizkid.” vigra_inc: “So it’s safe to Say Burnaboy is the ONLY NIGERIAN with a Grammy!!” emmanuel.__w: “But omo ppl Dey really hate on big wiz like this fr?
This comment section is so toxic omo how can you all sleep at nightWetin wizkid do una ?? “If most of una continue to Dey bitter about wiz way no get issues with una I no sure una fit experience something good in the life eventually if you do pray it last… eshiere.” Read more See list below:
Popular Nigerian entertainer DJ Chicken has publicly apologized to renowned singer Wizkid after a live session on his TikTok page turned controversial.
In the session, DJ Chicken had used offensive language and cursed Wizkid and his late mother after the Grammy award winner reportedly declined to give him money.
Despite the Grammy winner’s silence on the matter, DJ Chicken went live again, hurling insults at Wizkid and predicting his untimely demise.
In a recent Instagram story, DJ Chicken extended an apology to Wizkid, expressing regret for his earlier insults and curses while emphasising his admiration for the singer’s artistry.
However, DJ Chicken’s apology has faced backlash from internet users who continue to criticise him for his actions.
Social media comments reflect a disapproval of the disrespect shown towards Wizkid and his late mother, with many users urging Wizkid’s team to address the issue.
See reactions below:
@_AsiwajuLerry: Wizkid’s team must take action against DJ Chicken for this disrespectful video.
@Joiyy44: DJ Chicken will face the consequences; Wizkid won’t need to do anything.
@elvisodese51: Some lines should never be crossed; disrespecting someone’s mom is unacceptable.
@Sasnoop251: Unnecessary relevance can lead to regrettable actions, as seen in DJ Chicken’s case.
Ghanaian rapper Samuel Adu Frimpong, popularly known as Medikal has ignited a social media frenzy by disclosing his financial worth on Twitter, asserting his status as the second wealthiest artist, just behind Davido.
In terms of wealth, the “Omo Ada” hitmaker claims to be second only to Davido.
He claims to have surpassed well-known artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and others who have achieved international fame and made millions of dollars through their concerts.
The “Omo Ada” sensation, in a Twitter banter with his followers, confidently declared, “The only Nigerian artist wey hold pass me na Davido I swear,” surpassing renowned figures like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and others with global recognition and substantial earnings from worldwide concerts.
Medikal’s tweet has sparked a wave of reactions from his followers, with many expressing skepticism about the authenticity of his claims.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, shares the pain of losing his mother, Dolapo Balogun, during his European tour in August 2023.
Opening up on social media, Wizkid expresses the profound emptiness he feels since her departure, declaring that life has become meaningless without her.
In a Wednesday Instagram post, the acclaimed Nigerian musician encourages his fans to seek solace in their connection with God.
He wrote; “Made idk days after I lost my mum. Life has been meaningless! But we dey. Sometimes you have to let everything go. Work with God.”
Nigerian artist Ayodeji Balogun, also known as Wizkid,has declared a temporary hiatus from the music industry and is contemplating a career shift towards sports.
Wizkid shared these thoughts through a series of posts on his Instagram page in response to a fan’s demand for new music.
In the initial response, Wizkid used a laughing emoji, but he subsequently took to his Instagram to announce that he is currently on vacation.
He wrote, “Una papa dey holiday, make I enjoy”.
Furthermore, he humorously indicated that he might consider a 4- to 5-year sabbatical from music to explore alternative career opportunities in the realm of sports.
In a lighthearted manner, Wizkid listed various sports, including football,golf, ‘FIFA hoe,’ and ‘wrestling bitches,’ as potential paths he might pursue during his music hiatus.
The singer’s remarks have sparked substantial online discussion, with many individuals offering their reactions in the post’s comments section.
Nigerian music star Wizkid has added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career by securing three new gold certifications in Belgium for his chart-topping tracks.
The songs by the Nigerian superstar, including “Made in Lagos,” “Essence,” and “Joro,” have each attained Gold status in Belgium, a clear testament to their immense popularity and far-reaching influence.
In the music industry, certification awards serve as a testament to an artist’s ability to captivate audiences and create a lasting impact. These certifications are bestowed by independent organizations to acknowledge when songs or albums achieve a specific number of units sold, streamed, or downloaded. In Wizkid’s case, his tracks have resonated with audiences worldwide.
These Belgian certifications underscore the increasing international appeal of the artist. “Made in Lagos” attained Gold status with 10,000 units sold, while both “Essence” and “Joro” achieved Gold status with an impressive 20,000 units sold each. This exceptional achievement underscores the broad reach and influence of Wizkid’s music.
The certifications are based on guidelines from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which equate 1 equivalent album unit to 1500 song streams, 10 song downloads, or 1 album sale. This formula reflects the evolving landscape of music consumption, where streaming and digital downloads play a pivotal role in determining an artist’s success.
Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” album, featuring standout tracks like “Essence” and “Joro,” has been a global sensation, captivating listeners with its unique fusion of Afrobeat and R&B. “Essence” in particular gained significant traction, becoming a fan favorite and even attracting remixes featuring international stars such as Justin Bieber. The song’s cultural significance and widespread appeal have propelled it to Gold status in Belgium.
NEWS 📀🎉 — @wizkidayo receives three new certifications in Belgium:
Afrobeats sensation Ayo Balogun, widely recognized as Wizkid, has been seen in a moment of emotional distress at his mother’s wake-keeping ceremony. His mother, Mrs. Jane Dolapo Balogun, passed away on August 18, 2023, in London.
The image of Wizkid in tears at the wake-keeping ceremony reflects the deep emotional impact of losing a loved one, and it resonates with many who have experienced such grief and loss.
Wizkid’s mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, died on August 18, 2023 in London.
The Afrobeat star said the pain of losing his mum ‘hurts deeply’.
He said, “The pain is profound. It hurts deeply. The deepest pain I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m lost but I pray God will comfort everyone of us,” Wizkid said at his mum’s wake-keep ceremony which took place on Thursday.
A candlelight procession to honor the memory of the singer’s mother was conducted on Wednesday. This event marked Wizkid’s first public appearance in nearly a month, following a period of mourning and silence as he grieved the loss of his mother.
In several viral videos circulating online, Wizkid appeared somber as he took part in his mother’s candlelight procession.
The participants in the procession harmoniously sang worship songs while donning matching black shirts featuring images of the singer’s late mother.
In a deeply emotional moment, the singer united with close family members and a circle of friends, all attired in black attire.
Wizkid, who remained quietly seated throughout the event, was accompanied by his elder sister, the astute Project Management Consultant, Busayo Balogun.
This poignant event unfolded in Lagos State and included a procession through Shitta Small London in Surulere, a community closely tied to WizKid’s origins and upbringing.
Wizkid lost his mother during the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2023.
Wizkid, the Grammy-winning singer, made his first public appearance since his mother, Mrs. Jane Dolapo Balogun, passed away in Lagos State last month.
This tragic event led to Wizkid’s withdrawal from the public eye, including a hiatus from social media.
However, he returned to the public scene nearly a month later by attending the “Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto” special viewing at The V&A in London, United Kingdom, on September 13, 2023, as evidenced by circulating photos.
Nigerian musician Davido has expressed his deepest condolences to his brother Wizkid, who lost his mum over the weekend.
In a Twitter post, he said that he will pray for the ‘Essence’ hitmaker as he adjusts to the tragic news. “Praying for you my brother @wizkidayo Sadness flies away on the wings of time,” the post read.
This comes after Wizkid’s manager, Sunday Aare, revealed on Friday that the Nigerian Afrobeat musician, born Ayodeji Balogun, had passed away.
He broke the news stating: “Yes, she died this morning, at about 1.30 am.”
The 33-year-old Grammy winner has not released a statement about his loss to the public yet.
Mrs Balogun had two other children — Yetunde Balogun and Lade Balogun. In 2014, Wizkid released a song titled ‘Joy’, specially dedicated to his mother.
In 2022, Davido had an encounter with Mrs Balogun, who he describes as amazing, at the airport.
“Such an amazing woman… God bless you ma….D [sic] way I was carrying mummy’s bags today at the airport….Dem [sic] know say nah [sic] First class citizen,” he wrote.
Nigerian musician, Davido has extended his condolences to fellow musician, Wizkid, following the passing of his mother, Mrs. Jane Dolapo Balogun.
Using his Instagram story as a platform to express his sympathies, Davido conveyed his sadness and offered his prayers for Wizkid during this difficult time.
On his Snapchat, Davido shared a heartfelt message: “Praying for you my brother @Wizkidayo. Sadness flies away on the wings of time.”
Despite their previous disagreements, Davido and Wizkid have been on better terms recently, mending their relationship and showing support for each other.
This unity became evident when Davido faced the loss of his own son, Ifeanyi. Last year, in October, Wizkid expressed his condolences to Davido and even celebrated him during one of his concerts.
In a reciprocal gesture, Davido has now utilized social media to offer his condolences to Wizkid over the loss of his mother.
This empathetic display underscores the bond that can exist between artists, transcending past conflicts and emphasizing the shared human experience of loss and grief.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid, has reportedly lost his mother.
The sad news has left his admirers in a state of mourning, profoundly affected by the unexpected announcement.
Although the Nigerian singer-songwriter has not officially confirmed the heartbreaking incident or issued a formal statement, a report from @gistloversblog1 indicates that the esteemed Grammy award-winning artist endured the loss of his mother during the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2023.
Wizkid’s profound connection with his mother has been palpable throughout his journey in the music industry, as he consistently conveyed his profound affection for her.
The emotional turmoil he must be grappling with at this very moment, upon learning of his mother’s passing, is difficult to fathom.
Mrs. Dalopo Jane Balogun, who initially had reservations about Wizkid’s chosen path and was understandably disheartened when he left school, underwent a remarkable transformation as she watched her son’s success blossom into reality.
She evolved into a steadfast pillar of support, frequently observed expressing her pride from the sidelines at concerts and events. Her role transcended that of a mother; she was also an avid fan.
A rising star in the Ghanaian Afrobeats scene, Olivetheboy, has officially signed a groundbreaking contract with Sony ,Music’s Columbia Records under the subsidiary, Bu Vision Ent.
This momentous collaboration places Olivetheboy in the esteemed company of African icons such as D’Banj, Davido, Wizkid, and the legendary Angelique Kidjo, who have all partnered with Sony Music.
The partnership, orchestrated by Bu Vision founder and Columbia’s Executive Vice President Bu Thiam in collaboration with Olivetheboy’s management team, Loop Music/FulLCircL Management Ltd, was formally established over the weekend.
The official unveiling of this significant union is scheduled for Friday, August 24, 2023.
Olivetheboy caught the attention of Sony/Columbia Records through Bu Vision in May 2023, following the global success of his hit single, “Goodsin.”
The track garnered immense recognition, ranking as the most-streamed Ghanaian single of 2023 and solidifying Olivetheboy’s status as one of Ghana’s hottest artists this year, according to Chartmetrics’ midyear report.
Columbia EVP Bu Thiam personally visited Ghana in June, finalizing the transformative deal last weekend after three months of negotiations.
Under the new partnership, Bu Vision will oversee Olivetheboy’s A&R (Artists and Repertoire), while Sony/Columbia Records will manage all aspects of licensing, promotion, and distribution for his creative works. Notably, Loop Music/FulLCircL Management Ltd is expected to retain ownership of Olivetheboy’s recordings, consistent with their current practices.
Olivetheboy’s agreement with Sony/Columbia, the world’s second-largest major music label, represents a groundbreaking development. This marks only the label’s second venture into the Ghanaian market, having previously signed Gyakie in 2021.
Beyond solidifying Olivetheboy’s stature as a leading African talent, this achievement contributes to Ghana’s rapid ascent on the global music stage.
Acclaimed Nigerian afrobeats musician, Wizkid, has achieved a remarkable milestone as the first African artist to be honored with the BRIT Billion Award. This prestigious award is presented to artists who surpass one billion digital streams in the UK.
The announcement was made by the BRIT Awards on their official platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), following Wizkid’s recent electrifying performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on a Saturday.
Since his debut in 2011, Wizkid has risen to fame with a plethora of chart-topping hits, including tracks like “Essence,” “Ojuelegba,” and “Joro.” His remarkable talent has led to notable collaborations with renowned artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Tems, and Skepta, to name a few.
In yet another historic achievement, Wizkid’s fourth album, “Made in Lagos,” earned gold certification in the United States in 2022, having sold over 500,000 copies. This milestone marks another groundbreaking feat for an African artist, solidifying Wizkid’s status as a true global icon in the music industry.
Nigerian Afrobeat star, Wizkid’s entrance at his “More Love Less Ego” concert held at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London on Saturday, July 29, 2023, has left fans in awe and generated significant buzz among fun lovers.
The Soco crooner’s grand and spectacular entrance became a topic of continuous discussion and fascination among his admirers.
The historic event marked a milestone for African music, as Wizkid became the first and only African artist to headline and perform at the prestigious Spurs stadium in London. The concert has undoubtedly cemented his status as a trailblazer and an influential figure in the global music industry, leaving a lasting impression on both his fans and the music world as a whole.
Making a stunning entrance with his hit song Reckless off the unforgettable and Grammy-nominated ‘Made In Lagos’ album, the crowd could not hide their excitement as he graced the stage.
As expected, multi-platinum-selling Bigwiz – as he calls himself in recent times – who is one of the most celebrated African musicians of all time, effortlessly delivered a sonorous blend of R&B and Hip-hop with Afrobeat, causing the cross-continental blend of the crowd to cheer him on as they roared with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have continued to trail the historical concert as Davido and Burnaboy’s fans claim the concert was not a sold-out one as is being reported.
Ghanaian singer Gregory Bortey Promise Newman, popularly known as King Promise delivered an emotional performance of his hit single “Terminator” at the Tottenham Stadium, London, as part of Wizkid’s Made in Lagos tour.
The singer, who was one of the guest acts at the sold-out concert, could not hide his feelings as he sang the song to the cheering crowd.
A video posted by a Twitter user, @SIKAOFFICIAL, captured the moment King Promise’s voice was shaky with emotions as he performed the song.
“King Promise’s voice was shaky with emotions as he performed his hit single “Terminator” at the Tottenham Stadium, London, but he was able to wow the crowd during his performance,” @SIKAOFFICIAL wrote.
The video showed King Promisetaking pauses through the song as the crowd sang along while applauding him for his heartfelt performance.
King Promise’s voice was shaky with emotions as he performed his hit single “Terminator” at the Tottenham Stadium, London but he was able to wow the crowd during his performance. pic.twitter.com/YiXFJYPeIf
The song is about accepting individual imperfections, discouraging judgmental sentiments and advocating for one to live their lives without care of what anyone thinks about them.
King Promise later thanked Wizkid for inviting him to the show and expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support.
He also performed some of his other songs, such as “CCTV”, “Sisa” and “Commando”, at the concert.
Nigerian internet fans are worried about the health and safety of Nigerian megastar Wizkid after seeing a video of a friendly wrestling match between him and Ghanaian rapper Omar Sterling of the R2bees went viral.
In the aforementioned video, the rapper was seen punching Wizkid while asking the singer if he could hold a grudge against him. He remarked, “Ah, but you, you go fit to fight me, you go fit?” in the video.
On the other side, Wizkid laughed heartily as he attempted to flee Omar Sterling, formerly known as Paedae,’s grasp and entered another room.
Nigerian fans reacted to the video by pleading with Omar Sterling to treat Wizkid gently because he is their sole superstar and is vulnerable.
One user said, “Be careful now, na natural treasure that ”, another user said, “Oga find the way you dey fall for ehn body make we nor come find you.”
R2bees and the Nigerian superstar have been close pals for more than ten years.
When the public believed their friendship had soured in 2018, following Wizkid’s failure to sign the duo to his record label, Starboy Records, the Nigerian singer clarified that their friendship was not contractual and that it was instead born out of genuine love and respect for Ghana.
Joeboy, a Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B artist, popularly known as Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa, has expressed his admiration for Wizkid, emphasizing how the renowned singer has empowered aspiring artists to aspire for stardom at a young age.
The ‘Baby crooner’ stated this on the latest episode of the Body & Soul podcast, while talking about how Machala changed his life.
According to Joeboy, who is signed to Mr. Eazi’s Empawa Africa, before Wizkid changed the game, it was difficult for young artistes to make it in the music industry early.
Joeboy noted that when he first met the famous hitmaker he immediately realized he was going to be a successful artist.
He said;
“One thing I really appreciate about Wizkid is that he made young artistes believe that they could pop [hit stardom] at a young age.
Before Wiz, if any artiste pop, it was probably at a very later stage in life. But after Wiz young people started coming through.”
Ronaldo and Messi have been engaged in a long-standing rivalry throughout their careers, with fans often debating and arguing over who is the better player.
Both of these exceptional footballers have achieved numerous titles at the club level as well as for their respective national teams.
Messi, after many attempts, finally won the World Cup in the 2022 edition of the global competition in Qatar. It was an incredible moment for the former Barcelona captain.
According to reports on Daily Post and Vanguard, Wizkid made it clear that although he does not watch football, he prefers Ronaldo ahead of Messi.
Wizkid snubs Messi for Ronaldo
“I don’t watch football [laughs]. Ronaldo, I guess.”
A report on BBC stated that Messi netted the fastest goal of his career after one minute and 19 seconds while playing for Argentina in an international friendly match against Australia.
Scaloni’s side were playing their third fixture since lifting the World Cup in December, and their first outside of Argentina.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported how David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, stated clearly that Portugal international, Cristiano Ronaldo is his very good friend and a footballer he admires and cherishes.
Ronaldo is one of the biggest footballers in the world, with his achievements and records making him a top star. He has won the Ballon d’Or five times- only Lionel Messi has won it more than the ex-Man United star.
For more than 10 years, the name ‘Ronaldo’ has been ringing the bell in world football because of his superb performances for the clubs he has played for.
Nigerian singer Davido has confidently claimed that he and the acclaimed award-winning artist Wizkid were the pioneers who made history with Afrobeat music.
He further stated that both he and Wizkid were the ones who paved the way for the Afrobeat sound to gain international recognition.
Wizkid and David are part of the wildest Afrobeats artistes from Nigeria, and one can conclude that they are among the musicians who have brought some traction to the Nigerian music industry.
Davido began his music career in 2012 with the release of “Omo Baba Olowo” and since then has been serving the world with back-to-back hit songs.
Wizkid, on the other hand, came into the limelight after his collaboration with Drake on the song ‘One Dance’, which made him the first Afrobeats singer to be featured in the Guinness World Records.
In an interview with Brut Afrique, Davido made the assertion that he and Wizkid were the artistes who gave the Afrobeats genre a facelift.
He said, “I was one of the first—me and Wizkid—to blow it up, and it feels good. You know what I am saying”.
Davido was also glad to see the likes of Asake, Fireboy, and Burna Boy, whom he referred to as the ‘new cats’ doing well with the Afrobeat sound, which he believes will continue to project the genre to a higher height.
“It feels good to also see the new cats coming up, you know what I am saying, like Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy, who else; Mayorkun, Asake, you know, a lot of new cats coming in, killing it. So yeah, I think the future of Afrobeats is in good hands”, he said.
His comment has sparked reactions from some netizens, and these are some of their comments:
“Burnaboy did not blow up BIG until 2018. He’s been signing way before that. He had great tracks. He was not even top 6 in Nigeria. Tems & Rema blew up 2019. They’ve been singing way before that. Wiskid & Davido blew up over a decade”.
“Davido and Wizkid brought the current fire in Afrobeat way back but many of Burna Boy fans or many of young Kids now were properly in Nursery or primary school then! That’s why they got provoked by Davido’s recent honest interview!!
“Wizkid and I were the first young artistes to blow up and it feels good seeing new cats like Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy, Mayorkun and Asake kllling it now”
DJ Tunez, the official disc jockey of Afrobeats sensation Wizkid, has expressed that working with the singer can be quite challenging due to his demanding nature.
He said despite Wizkid’s busy schedule, the Starboy honcho has blessed him by featuring on several of his songs.
However, he said getting Wizkid to be on a song is difficult because he is very selective of collaborations.
DJ Tunez appeared on the latest episode of the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Shopsydoo.
According to him: “First of all, it has to be a really good song. It has to relate with him [Wizkid]. So, any song that I’m trying to put him on, I say, ‘hey, how do you feel about it? I feel like it relates with you’.
“And if he is down for it, you know he is down for it. He is not easy to work with. You gotta have to take your time jejely. But he has blessed me. I don’t know who else has this many collaborations with him. I appreciate all the love he shows me.”
A well-known Ghanaian musician, Efya Nokturnal, has spoken out about her prolonged musical break and inconsistency in the music industry.
Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor, 36 offered a frank explanation as to why she had been absent from show business for such a long time during her appearance as a guest on 3FM’s Urban Blend with AJ Sarpong.
In the exclusive interview, the ‘Forgetting Me’ songstress revealed that a broken heart was the reason why she refrained from singing during that period.
“My heart was broken,” she said to the shock of host, AJ.
According to the award-winning songbird and a self-proclaimed “baby girl,” her emotional well-being has a significant influence on her artistry hence her refusal to confront her pain through music and rather take a step back from the spotlight.
“I was heartbroken that I didn’t want to sing. You know I’m a baby girl so the way I feel matters to me a lot and it wasn’t something I wanted to deal with at that time,” she revealed
Moreover, Efya shared that she had been tirelessly working in the music industry for 15 years without taking a break.
Throughout this extensive period, she actively performed on numerous shows and consistently represented her craft.
“Also, I’ve been working for 15 years without break and in between these times I’ve been performing on all the shows and still representing. And I think I gave everyone their feature,” she concluded.
Efya who has one mixtape and an album to her credit since going solo has also blessed audiences with songs including One of Your Own ft Bisa Kdei, Daddy Yo ft Wizkid, Getaway, Best In Me and her numerous features with Sarkodie.
Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke, better known by his stage name, Davido, has revealed that his colleague, Ayodeji Balogun popularly calledWizkid, spoke to him on the phone every week after the death of his son, Ifeanyi.
Davido made this known in an interview on the Morning Show on Hot 97FM, New York, which was shared on Saturday.
He stated that he and Wizkid had a 12-year rift and that they only began talking after his son died.
Speaking in the video, he said, “With Wiz, over the years we had a rift, for 12 years we had a rift up until recently he chatted up and I am seeing the positivity.
“I am seeing the change in the industry a little bit because everybody is calming down, especially with my situation; the tragic situation that happened, he called me every week since it happened,” he added.
One can recall that Davido and his fiancee, Chioma Rowland, lost their only son, Ifeanyi in November 2022, shortly after his third-year birthday.
It was reported that the boy drowned in a pool at his father’s house in Banana Island and was rushed to a hospital at Lekki where he was pronounced dead.
Davido has confirmed that works are underway for the release of a joint album with his colleague, Wizkid. The collaboration will witness the Nigerian superstars touring the world and mounting big stages together in years.
On the account of Davido who just released this ‘Timeless’ album, Wizkid showered concern through his grieving period by checking up on him almost every week.
“Dude literally calls me every week and checks on me. Shout out to Wiz,” Davido disclosed on The Beats FM in Lagos.
Music lovers reacting to the latest revelation, congratulated both parties for smoking the peace pipe and agreeing to once again collaborate on a song.
Wizkid also received accolades from social media users for offering his colleague a shoulder to cry on following the demise of his son in October 2022.
Davido hinted that 2024 will be dedicated to their joint tour after his solo tour this year.
“I’d be lying to you if I tell you that is not in the talks. It’s looking like next year, we’re going on tour. I have to do mine this year, the Timeless album…I think me and Wiz are probably going to drop a record and promote, probably go on tour,” he announced.
KillBeatz’s late mother’s one week observation, which was scheduled on February 25, 2023 successfully took place in Tema.
A number of sympathizers were present at the one-week observation to show their support to the Ghanaian producer and sound engineer.
Nigerian’s star boy,Wizkid graced the occasion with his presence to sympathize with the sound engineer.
Other artistes such as R2Bees, King Promise, Darko Vibes and other female artistes such as Efya and Gyakie were also present to mourn with the music producer at the one -week observation.
KillBeatz is known for his great works as a producer and sound engineer and because he’s very good at his job, he has won the hearts of famous musicians in and out of Ghana, who purchase his creativity in the music industry.
Known for his occupation, he has worked with Sarkodie, Kwami Eugene, M.anifest and the English famous musician, Ed Sheeran.
Joseph Kwame Addison, best known as KillBeatz, lost his mother some few weeks ago.
On February 17, 2023, the sad news was shared on the internet but what led to the sudden demise of the producer’s beloved mother was not told.
Followers and some fans upon hearing the news shared their condolences to the Ghanaian producer and sound engineer.
Some Nigerians and Twitter users have gone hard on Nigerian superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun who is popularly known asWizkid as they dig out an old tweet he made during the EndSars.
Recall that during the EndSARS in 2020, the singer added his voice to the issue stating that they will exhibit actual power and that was by voting the right and capable person into power.
However, many Nigerians and social media users have been expecting to hear the singer come out to declare his political stance or participate in the ongoing presidential and national assembly elections which took place on Saturday, February 25, but nothing was heard about him.
This infuriated Nigerians as they dug out the old tweet made by Wizkid while raining insults on him.
Read the tweets below:
Yingi_d_artiste: “But he has shown real power ???? abi silence is no longer Golden?!”
iam_victorobi: “I unfollowed all those selfish peeps already”
thatgirl_kiki1: “Leave him alone! Tf”
manniexoo: “Wizzy na normal munshi, e nor get level”
enviableresources: “Nobody would be speared in this fight for our freedom”
fhavour_agueze: “Na Una wey dey send this guy I blame”
nembe_boy: “Make una shut up. We de FC and 30BGs are sensible enough to vote Obi. Make una leave these men.”
betina_unusual: “The so insulted rappers in Nigeria came out to vote while the person who was insulting them is in another man country playing drums and it not only him most of them from music industry to Nollywood just few came out The question is are not citizens of Nigeria again.”
American rapper Soulja Boy has threatened to kill Nigerian afrobeats superstar, Wizkid, after getting triggered over Wizkid’s ascending career.
Soulja Boy went on a rant against Wizkid after the Nigerian was named the headliner for the Rolling Loud festival in Germany.
Unhappy over Wizkid’s prominence, Soulja Boy started tweeting out at him, calling him all sorts of names.
He called on organisers of the show to take him off the show, then started sending Wizkid threats.
“Take me off that Germany show Rolling Loud,” he wrote in one tweet.
“Wizkid is pssy. This flyer is cap. Keep playing and we gon fin y’all and beat y’all a. Btch a nggas fck y’all,” he wrote in another.
Soulja Boy’s meltdown continued as he wrote in another tweet: “Umma slay you when I see you Wizkid. It’s stamped. I’m done tweeting. We gone k!ll that n*gga,”
Check out the unhinged tweets from Soulja Boy against Wizkid below…
A die-hard female fan of Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has gone the extra mile to demonstrate her love for him.
The young lady drew a tattoo of the singer’s full name “Wizkid Ayodeji Balogun,” boldly on her chest.
Expressing her love for Wizkid, the staunch fan shared a video of her tattoo on social media, which has since created a buzz, and social media users have reacted.
@welbeck_ wrote, “Ashiere just imagine say we Dey date now Shey na so I go Dey see wizkid full name for ur body Abi okan e onibale”.
@toiyoabasi1, “God abeg. Even in marriage I cannot tattoo man’s name not to talk of… And the pain you go through for these procedures. Some people were obviously not loved at home”.
one CEOVS77 wrote, “Who Dey marry all this kind people self ? Make I Dey suck Bobby Dey see another man name for ur chest”.
One Kehrian_Bernice wrote, “Wizkid won’t even acknowledge not a single like!! That dwarf en”.
@_justsaysam, “I’m sorry for her….be like say this wan no get plans to marry”.
Artiste manager, Bullgod has declared ‘war’ against popular sound engineer, Appietus on social media.
Bullgod, who owns Bullhaus Entertainment, the record label under which Ghanaian artistes 5Five released some banging hits, has called out Appietus for greed and theft.
Appietus produced the beat for their monster hit ‘Muje Baya’ sometime in 2010 but he is still making money from the song at the blind side of Bullgod and the artistes involved.
The beats maker disclosed this in a discussion with Citi TV while narrating how he is cashing out thousands of dollars, after uploading some songs he once produced on digital stores.
“The big boys in Nigeria are doing business. I’m referring to Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and co. They have entered the digital world. Some white guy came to tell me about the digital world and how it started. Some Israelite, he flew all the way to Ghana. One day he said, let me put your songs there and I gave him. He asked of my dollar account and I gave him. One day, I got an alert and I had to call the bank to trace it because I was shocked. Then I started chopping the money.
“As I was chopping, I was still scared because I thought someone made a mistake. After three months, I had another alert and I asked myself who at all was sending me the money. I’m talking about thousands of dollars. One day, I was going through my email and I saw that it came from the digital guys,” he stated.
This development has angered Bullgod to an extent that he has stormed social media with threats of taking legal action against Appietus.
Bullogod who insists that Appietus is making money off his sweat and that of his artistes, has asked the latter to pay back every dime accrued from their songs so far.
“YOU WILL PAY FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU COLLECTED OFF MY INVESTMENTS AND YOU WILL PAY WITH INTEREST. You have been feeding your family and yourself with our investments for almost 10 years by selling 5Five songs — executive produced and promoted by Bullhaus Entertainment on digital platforms globally without our permission. GET READY – TIME TO PAY UP. You will hear from our counsellors. #INDUSTRYTHEFT #focusonGod #sikanhyiraadomaseda,”
Two of Africa’s biggest afrobeat export, Ayo Balogun who is also known as Wizkid, and David Adeleke popularly called Davido will embark on a world tour.
This was confirmed by Wizkid on his Instastory on Wednesday, January 18.
He said: “After my MMLE tout!! Davido and I going on tour! Save your coins! I no one hear pim!!!”
Popular blogger Tunde Ednut via one of his Instagram pages wrote that the tour will be done across 10 cities across the world.
According to him, the tour is set across ten cities.
The four-day festival came to an end on Sunday evening with an awards ceremony outside of Dakar, Senegal. It featured performances from some of the continent’s most well-known artists, including Nigeria’s P-Square and Tiwa Savage, Mali’s Rokia Kone, and Senegal’s Youssou N’dour and Baaba Maal.
Ivorian singer Didi B won best song of the year for his rendition of “Tala.” Ascending the stage in front of a boisterous audience, he thanked his colleagues and said it was his first award of the year.
“I dedicate it to my mother and my fans,” the Ivorian rapper, singer and songwriter said.
Nigerian megastar Burna Boy took home the award for Best Album and Best African Act.
Afrobeats global icons Davido and Wizkid also recorded wins. Davido won the Best Inspirational Song for ‘Stand Strong’ and Best African Pop for ‘High’ for his collaboration with Adekunle Gold. Wizkid took home the Best West African Act award.
Asake who dominated 2022 with an unprecedented run took home the Breakout Artist of the Year.
This was the eighth edition of AFRIMA and the first to be held in a French-speaking country. Nigeria has hosted most of the events, including the last one in Lagos city in 2021, where Malian singer, Ibrahim Mahamadou Fily Sissoko, known as Iba One, clinched best album. This year, One, took home best songwriter.
AFRIMA aims to connect African musicians to global markets while embracing the continent’s cultural diversity and heritage, organizers say.
“This is such an exciting moment in African music and we are proud of the way these artists have been able to cross over to several markets both on the home front and even globally,” said Mike Dada, executive director for the event.
More than 9,000 entries were submitted for this year’s contest, the highest since its inception in 2014. The winners beat out more than 380 entries in 39 categories representing five regions in Africa as well as the diaspora.
Controversial cross-dresser, James Brown, has taken to social media to appreciate fans and followers for their support.
Taking a trip down memory lane to becoming famous, James Brown noted that he is glad that he now uses his craft to put smiles on the faces of people who may be going through a lot.
According to him, his goal for the year 2023 is to have good times with some of his favourite celebrities which include; Kim Kardashian, Drake, and Naomi Cambel among others.
He made this known while sharing footage of his arrest in November 2019 on charges of homosexuality.
He wrote;
“I want to thank God almighty for every moment, every second, every breath because a Nation come against me but now All want me, love me, appreciate me and watch me because I put a smile and laughter on their faces due to the fact that a lot of people are going through ALOT and my experience of A lot is what A lot of MEN can Dle through.
I want to use this platform to THANK GOD ALMIGHTY and everyone lover of Every Moment of James Brown I put to their Faces. SPECIAL THANKS To MY NATION (NIGERIA)”
“My new aim for 2023 is THE GLOBE chilling with KIM KARDASHIAN, NAOMI CAMPBELL, DRAKE, NIKITA DRAGON, the love of my life CHRIS BROWN and my Crush WIZKID with my big Auntie TIWA SAVAGE thanks to my late Queen Mother her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth.”
While driving his daughter out, the Grammy-winning singer played the song “Many Ways” by BNXN and Wizkid, and she seemed to like the music.
Omarion watched as she excitedly wriggled in the backseat to the rhythm of the song which earned his praise as predicted in the video below;
Omarion is also a dancer, actor, and songwriter. He became popualr as the B2K boy band’s lead singer. With the tracks “Gots to Be,” “Uh Huh,” “Girlfriend,” and the number-one hit “Bump, Bump, Bump,” the trio found popularity in the early 2000s.
Omarion started a solo career after the trio split up in 2004. His debut solo album, O, was released in 2005, and it debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
Additionally, he contributed to Bow Wow’s hit “Let Me Hold You,” which peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, O was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
