Happy 23rd Birthday to Wizkid

Born, July 16th 1990. This talented Nigerian artiste turns 23
today.

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun a.k.a Wizkid is a talented
singer, songwriter and performer. He kicked off his
singing career at the early age of 11 when he
recorded his first song with one of Nigeria's
celebrated music icons, OJB Jezreel. He went on to
record a 7-track album, which he released in his
church in Lagos, under the name of Lil' Prinz; this
was just a stint that earned him a remarkable deal of
encouragement and recognition from family, his
church and other artistes.
Years later in 2006, with a new stage name, and a
passion for making music and God-given talent,
Wizkid got back into the studio to hone his craft. He
continued to develop as a Singer and Songwriter by
working under some of Nigeria's biggest Musical
names such as OJB Jezreel, Naeto C,
Ikechukwu and many others. Over the next few
years his talent as a Singer and Songwriter became
evident and it resulted in Wiz being prominently
featured alongside some of the biggest Artistes in
Nigeria's Music Industry to much critical and
commercial acclaim.
2009 would prove to be Wizkid's break-out year, as
his collaboration with M.I on "Fast Money, Fast
Cars" on the Talk About It album drew major
attention to his distinct voice, singing style and
penchant for great songwriting. He went on to
feature on Kel's "Turn by Turn", the Barcelos radio
jingle and many other high profile projects. He also
got signed to Banky W's Empire Mates
Entertainment, and featured prominently on Banky's
"The W Experience" album.
At the age of 20, this extremely talented and
charming young man had already achieved so
much, thanks to his drive and focus for turning his
life's experiences into incredible music. In 2010, he
released his first singles, "Holla at your Boy", "Gidi
Girl" and "Ori Mi" with label mate, Skales; then
there was the hit song, "Tease Me" which was
just a studio freestyle that got leaked online and
turned into a big hit in different parts of Nigeria and
among Nigerians worldwide.
He bagged the coveted award for the Promising
Artiste of the Year at the 2010 edition of the Dynamix
All Youth Awards, collaborated with several artistes
and performed at some A-list events; some of
which include the Soundcity Music Video Awards,
Lord of the Ribs Lagos, Rhythm Unplugged, the
Shutdown Concert with Rick Ross, the Koko
Concert, Crack Ya Ribs Lagos, Face of Selera 2010
Abuja just to mention a few.
Record Label: Empire Mates Entertainment
Management: M.et.al Entertainment
Nominations
Promising Artiste of the Year, Dynamix All Youth
Awards 2009
Song of the Year, Dynamix All Youth Awards 2010
Awards
Promising Artiste of the Year, Dynamix All Youth
Awards 2010


Biography Source: MTVbase