2017 was been a good year for Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun the Nigerian musical sensation popularly known as Wizkid who seems to be having a lot of success this year. As we all recall this talented singer dropped out of school where he was studying International Relations to make a way for himself in the Nigerian Music Industry building a successful career so far. His decision which may have not seemed sensible at the time have proven to be right decision as he has named a name for himself as the “STARBOY” of Nigeria. Starboy Wizkid made history in London as the afrobeats singer becomes the first African artist to headline a sold-out show at the venue – Royal Albert Hall, London.
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His talent has taken him well far off the shores of Nigeria to foreign countries such as other African countries and European countries also. He has also featured international acts like the likes of Drake, Aka, Tinie Tempah, Wale and so on, since his “one dance” and “come closer” hits where he featured with internationally recognized rapper and singer Drake of OVO sound, Wizkid’s luck has changed for the better opening doors for success outside Africa. He has gone mainstream from just a Nigerian in-country sensation to a worldwide recognized artist having shows across countries making him a Sony Records priority. He recently was declared number one music act in Africa when he won the BET Award Best International Act: Africa’ in Los Angeles, California beating Tekno, Aka, Stonebwoy, David, Nasty C and others who were also nominated in the category making it 44 awards he has received with a total of 157 nominations as of June 2017.
He added another achievement to his list of achievements on the 29th of September, 2017 when he shut down the Royal Albert Hall in London making history for African Afrobeats music. This 27 year old Nigerian artist is the first African Artist to headline a sold out show at the Royal Albert Hall making him the face of afrobeats in Africa. The venue was packed with fans as the off-balcony was open to accommodate the overflow. The hall was filled with over five thousand loyal fans for two whole hours of non-stop music. This show was a part of the hall’s Albert Sessions which gives an upcoming act an opportunity to play sharing their expertise with young adults from schools across London.
The show opened with the UK rapper Yxng Bane, Wizkid followed later electrifying the stage with his sounds, his opening song “sweet love” from his new album “Sounds from the Other Side” started his show followed by his well-known hits which is a favorite of his fans such as “love my baby”, “Daddy Yo”. The crowd as a whole is in sync with him singing the Afrocentric “Ojueleba”,” Jaiye Jaiye” word for word as loyal fans that they are, also a duet with Wande Coal performing Iskaba and many more.
Wizkid has taken live performance to another level it is seen in the way he connects with his audience of more than five thousand people, where international acts such as Tinnie Tempah where in attendance. Wizkid is vastly becoming as internationally acclaimed as Fela Kuti was in his time. This is the time for Wizkid “Daddy yo” as he has created nothing short of Magic and he has gotten recognition from the big shots in the music and entertainment industry as a whole as the likes of Don Jazzy, Mo’ Abudu and a host of others are all proud of him as he is representing the country Nigeria well.
