Nigerian Music Icon Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, will be headlining this year’s Rolling Loud festival alongside Dave and Future.
Rolling Loud is considered by many to be the biggest Hip Hop Festival in the world and Wizkid will Join Future and Dave to headline in Toronto Canada this year.
The event has a long list of star-studded performers as Rema, Central Cee, Arrdee, Migos, Lil Uzi Vert and more are billed to perform at the festival which runs from September 9th to 11th, 2022.
Furthermore, sources have confirmed that Wizkid was paid a whooping $1 million to headline the event and this is certainly not a usual pay for a lot of artistes around the world and it has caused mixed reactions across social media.
If you don't know Wizkid, you should.
He's the Nigerian artist who's taken the music industry by storm, and there's good reason for it. His voice is unique, his beats are catchy, and his lyrics are meaningful. In case you're still not convinced, here are five reasons why Wizkid is the music industry's phenomenon.
Wizkid’s Music: Origins and Evolution
You're probably wondering why we're talking about Wizkid today. After all, he's not a new artist. In fact, he's been in the music industry for over a decade. But if you look at his music now compared to when he first started out, the difference is stark.
When Wizkid first came on the scene, he was singing in a mixture of English and pidgin English. His beats were Nigerian, and his sound was decidedly Afrobeat. Fast-forward to now, and Wizkid's music has evolved into something completely different. His beats are still Nigerian, but his lyrics are in English almost exclusively. He's also embraced the sound of contemporary pop and R&B.
What caused this change? Well, part of it is undoubtedly due to Wizkid's increasing popularity and crossover appeal. But it's also worth noting that he's worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, from Drake to Chris Brown to Davido. These collaborations have helped him shape his sound and produce music that appeals to a wider audience.
Wizkid’s Influence Across Africa and Beyond
You might not know Wizkid by name, but you've definitely heard his music. The Nigerian superstar is one of the most successful artists in the music industry, and his influence spans far beyond Africa.
Just check out some of his accolades: He's the first African artist to sell out a stadium show in London, and he was recently nominated for a Grammy award. He's also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Rihanna and Future.
What makes Wizkid so special? He's not just a great singer and songwriter—he's also an amazing performer. He has an incredible stage presence that leaves fans wanting more. And his music is diverse, crossing genres to create sounds that are truly unique.
Wizkid is a true pioneer in the music industry, and he's only just getting started.
His Career in the International Music Scene
You might be wondering: how did Wizkid get so famous?
Well, it all started when he was just a young kid, writing and producing music in his backyard studio. He was discovered by one of the biggest stars in Africa, and things took off from there. Wizkid's music is a fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop, and it has resonated with audiences all over the world.
His career has really taken off in the past few years. In 2016, he was featured on Drake's hit song "One Dance", which reached number one in more than fifteen countries. He's since collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Chris Brown, Major Lazer and Nicki Minaj.
Wizkid is now considered one of the most successful artists in the world, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Wizkid’s Impact on Generation Z
Wizkid no doubt has had a great impact on the music industry. But not only that, he has been a major influence on the younger generations in Africa. His music has become anthems of the youth and made its way into the fabric of African culture.
His sound has inspired a new wave of African talent, inspiring new generations to create music with a unique global crossover appeal. In addition to inspiring young people to be creative and have an entrepreneurial spirit, Wizkid’s influence is also about creating a sense of identity and community.
He has given them something to connect with beyond borders and across continents, tapping into pride in what it means to be African. His impact will no doubt continue to be seen for many years to come, as his influence further reaches audiences around the world.
What Do Critics Say About Wizkid?
It’s no secret—critics love Wizkid. They're praising him for his catchy melodies and poetic lyrics, which make for a masterful combination that has connected with millions of fans. Not to mention, his high-energy performances make it impossible to sit still, and you can dance all night long to the beat of his songs.
He has also been praised for his singing and songwriting ability, which is unmatched in the music industry today. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, such as Drake and Chris Brown, showing that he is on top of his game and not slowing down any time soon.
When it comes to Wizkid, there is no denying that he has earned the respect of critics—and rightfully so. His talent, charisma and passion have made him a phenomenon in the music industry, and he continues to break boundaries with every new release.
Taking a Stand With Wizkid: Social Causes
Wizkid has been praised for his various contributions to society, particularly his advocacy for the Black Lives Matter movement, a topic he often posts about on social media.
However, he takes his support further than just statements of solidarity and actively takes part in charitable initiatives. In 2020, he ran a fundraising campaign in honor of Nigerian philanthropist Emeka Okonkwo who passed away from COVID-19 related complications. The campaign raised over NGN 10 million for the family of Okonkwo and was supported by Wizkid’s fans and prominent Nigerian figures.
In 2017, he organized a charity concert where all proceeds were donated to the Starboy Foundation, which was established to assist young people in acquiring educational resources and other tools they need to pursue their dreams. He has also used his platform to encourage young Nigerians to get involved in politics. Through partnerships with Age Without Borders Nigeria and Girl Child Africa, Wizkid has given young people a space to connect with global stakeholders around causes such as climate change and gender equality.
In just a few years, Wizkid has become one of the most successful artists in Africa. He has several awards to his name, and his music is played all over the world. What is it about Wizkid that makes him so special?
