Wizkid remains one of the most influential names in Afrobeats, and one of the most searched questions about him right now is: How old is Wizkid? Below is his age and a complete, detailed biography that answers everything surrounding his life, career, and legacy.
How Old Is Wizkid? (2025)
Wizkid was born on 16 July 1990, which makes him 35 years old as of 2025. Despite being only in his mid-thirties, he has achieved more than many musicians manage in their entire careers—becoming a billionaire in naira, a Grammy winner, and a worldwide Afrobeats export.
Wizkid Full Biography
Early Life & Background
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun—popularly known as Wizkid—was born into a large family in Surulere, Lagos.
Raised by a Christian mother and a Muslim father, his childhood was shaped by discipline, diversity, and the vibrant Lagos music culture that surrounded him.
His interest in music began very early. By age 11, Wizkid was already recording music under the stage name Lil Prinz, and even released a small gospel album with his church group.
Though it didn’t gain commercial success, it laid the foundation for his future.
Education
Wizkid attended Ijebu Ode Grammar School and later enrolled at Lagos State University (LASU).
He eventually dropped out to pursue music full-time—a decision that initially caused tension at home, but one his mother later supported.
Music Career: From Mo’Hits Studios to EME Records
Early Career
Wizkid moved across many Lagos studios in his teenage years, learning, recording, and meeting influential producers.
He was inspired by earlier artists such as MI Abaga, Naeto C, and the early Mo’Hits Records movement.
Breakthrough With EME Records
Wizkid’s breakthrough came when Banky W discovered and signed him to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
In 2010, he released “Holla at Your Boy”, the single that introduced him as Nigeria’s next superstar.
His debut album Superstar (2011) became one of the best Nigerian albums of its time.
Rise to Global Stardom
Wizkid’s international dominance began after 2014 and established him as a global Afrobeats pioneer.
Collaboration With Drake
His collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” (2016) earned him his first Billboard No. 1, catapulting him into global fame.
Signing With RCA Records
He later signed a multi-million-dollar deal with RCA/Sony Music, giving him global distribution and influence.
Sounds From the Other Side (SFTOS)
His 2017 project SFTOS blended Afrobeats, reggae, and Caribbean sounds, further solidifying his international presence.
Made In Lagos Era
Released in 2020, Made in Lagos became his biggest global album, featuring hits like:
- Essence (featuring Tems)
- Ginger (featuring Burna Boy)
- Blessed
“Essence” became one of the most successful Afrobeats songs ever, making history on the Billboard Hot 100.
Wizkid’s Age Milestones & Career Evolution
- 11 years old: Started recording music
- 19 years old: Signed to EME Records
- 20 years old: Released “Holla at Your Boy”
- 21 years old: Dropped Superstar album
- 26 years old: Featured on Drake’s Billboard No. 1 hit
- 30 years old: Achieved global dominance with Made in Lagos
- 35 years old (2025): Recognized as one of Africa’s most influential artists of all time
Musical Style & Influences
Wizkid’s sound is a fusion of Afrobeats, reggae, R&B, and pop.
His influences include:
- Fela Kuti
- Bob Marley
- King Sunny Ade
- 2Face Idibia
- Drake
Personal Life
Wizkid is a father, a lover of luxury fashion, and an artist who maintains privacy around his family and relationships.
Though constantly in the public eye, he often shields his personal affairs from the media.
Wizkid Net Worth (2025)
Estimates place Wizkid’s net worth in the billions of naira, making him one of Africa’s richest musicians.
His income comes from music sales, streaming, global tours, endorsements, and business ventures.
Awards & Achievements
Wizkid has received numerous awards, including:
- Grammy Awards
- BET Awards
- MOBO Awards
- MTV EMA & VMA
- Billboard recognitions
- The Headies
He is also the first Nigerian artist to achieve several global milestones, including selling out major arenas and crossing a billion streams on a single project.
Wizkid’s Influence on Afrobeats
Wizkid is widely credited with globalizing Afrobeats and inspiring a new generation of artists such as Rema, Ruger, Asake, Fireboy, Omah Lay, and Joeboy.
Conclusion
Wizkid, now 35 years old, remains one of the most influential musicians in African history.
From Surulere to global fame, his journey is a story of resilience, vision, and unmatched talent.
