Wizkid Biography: Age, Family, Songs and Grammy Success

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose melodic blend of Afropop, R&B, dancehall and African rhythmic traditions helped carry contemporary Nigerian pop into the global mainstream. Raised in Surulere, Lagos, he moved from a childhood church group to local stardom, international collaborations and a Grammy win.

Songs such as “Holla at Your Boy,” “Ojuelegba” and “Essence” mark different stages of that journey. He also uses his official X profile to communicate with his audience. At 36 in July 2026, Wizkid remains closely associated with Lagos while working across African, British, Caribbean and American pop worlds.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on 16 July 1990 in Lagos, Nigeria. He is 36 years old as of 19 July 2026. A detailed GQ profile of his upbringing reports that he grew up in Surulere as the youngest of 11 children, with a Muslim father and Christian mother. His sisters sometimes helped him get away to record, an early sign that music was becoming more than a hobby.

He began singing at church and, at about 11, formed a group called the Glorious Five. He initially performed as Lil Prinz before adopting Wizkid. Producer OJB Jezreel became an important mentor, allowing the young singer to observe professional recording sessions and learn patience in the studio.

That patience remained part of his method. Describing how long he can spend developing a project, Wizkid told GQ:

The remark helps explain a career built through careful reinvention rather than a single fixed sound.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame