Wizkid Net Worth

What is Wizkid's net worth?

Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has a net worth of $30 million. After rising to fame in Nigeria in the early 2010s with the hit single "Holla at Your Boy," Wizkid quickly built an international following through collaborations with artists like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber. His music blends Afrobeats with R&B, dancehall, and pop influences, resulting in a sound that's both rooted in Lagos and globally resonant. Known for hits like "Ojuelegba," "Come Closer," "Essence," and "Made in Lagos," Wizkid has achieved multiple international chart milestones, performed sold-out shows at iconic venues, and played a major role in ushering African pop into mainstream music consciousness.

In addition to his musical achievements, Wizkid has built a lucrative career through brand endorsements, world tours, and his own label, Starboy Entertainment.

Early Life

Wizkid was born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He was raised in a large, religious household with 12 siblings—his father was Muslim, and his mother Christian. He began singing at a young age in his local church and was influenced by Nigerian legends like Fela Kuti and King Sunny Adé, as well as international icons such as Bob Marley. At just 11 years old, he formed a gospel group called Glorious Five with his church friends, releasing a collaborative album before going solo.

Originally performing under the name "Lil Prinz," he began recording music in his teens under the mentorship of producer OJB Jezreel. Though he briefly attended university, he ultimately dropped out to pursue music full-time. His big break came in 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.), a Nigerian label founded by Banky W.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images

Musical Career

Wizkid's debut studio album, "Superstar," was released in 2011 and immediately established him as a major force in Nigerian pop. The album included hits like "Holla at Your Boy" and "Don't Dull," earning him multiple awards, including the Next Rated award at The Headies. In 2012, he expanded his audience by performing to a sold-out crowd at London's HMV Apollo and joining his E.M.E. labelmates on a North American tour.

His second album, "Ayo," arrived in 2014 after years of delays and featured guest appearances by Tyga, Wale, and Akon. That same year, Wizkid began drawing international attention with the original and remixed versions of "Ojuelegba." A remix featuring Drake and Skepta further elevated his profile, especially in North America and the UK.

In 2016, he achieved global fame as a featured artist on Drake's chart-topping hit "One Dance." The song hit number one in 15 countries, including the United States, and made Wizkid the first Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. It also landed him in the Guinness World Records for his contribution.

Wizkid signed a major international record deal with RCA Records/Sony Music and released his third album, "Sounds from the Other Side," in 2017. The project blended Afrobeats with R&B, EDM, and dancehall, and featured collaborations with Drake, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla Sign, and Major Lazer.

In 2020, he released his critically acclaimed fourth album, "Made in Lagos," which further solidified his status as a global star. The album spawned the single "Essence" featuring Tems, which became a cultural phenomenon. A remix featuring Justin Bieber pushed the song into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10—the first Nigerian song to ever reach that milestone. "Essence" earned Platinum certification in the U.S. and won the BET Award for Best Collaboration. The album itself earned Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance.

In 2022, Wizkid followed up with "More Love, Less Ego," a sonically rich and emotionally reflective project featuring Skepta, Ayra Starr, and others. In 2024, he released his sixth studio album, "Morayo," a tribute to his late mother. The album broke streaming records for an African project on Spotify, generating over 40 million streams in its first week.

Touring and Global Reach

Wizkid has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues. In 2021, he sold out London's O2 Arena for three consecutive nights—an unprecedented achievement for an African artist. In 2023, he became the first African artist to headline and sell out the 45,000-seat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These performances highlighted his immense international draw and made him one of the top live performers from the African continent.

He has also performed at major festivals and embarked on world tours covering Europe, North America, and Africa, with multi-million dollar grosses per tour.

Endorsements and Business Ventures

Wizkid has signed a series of high-profile endorsement deals throughout his career. His earliest major deal was with Pepsi, which reportedly paid him over $300,000. He later signed deals with Guinness, Cîroc, and UBA Bank, and became a global brand ambassador for Tecno Mobile in 2020.

One of his most prominent international deals came in 2020, when he partnered with Puma and JD Sports to relaunch the classic Puma Suede line as a global ambassador. These endorsement deals have collectively earned him millions and positioned him as one of Africa's most bankable stars.

In addition to his brand deals, Wizkid is the founder of Starboy Entertainment, a label he launched in 2013. The label has signed and supported emerging Nigerian talents, including producers and singers like Maleek Berry and Terri. Wizkid has also hinted at launching fashion ventures and owns intellectual rights to much of his catalog, boosting his long-term revenue through royalties and licensing.

Musical Style and Influence

Wizkid's sound is characterized by smooth, melodic Afrobeats infused with elements of R&B, dancehall, and reggae. His ability to mix Yoruba and Pidgin English lyrics with accessible Western melodies has made his music resonate across cultures. Unlike many rappers, he avoids hyper-materialistic or aggressive themes, often focusing on love, celebration, and spirituality.

He is widely credited with helping bring Afrobeats to a global audience, alongside artists like Burna Boy and Davido, and has been cited as an influence by a new generation of African and diaspora musicians.

Who's Richer?

Wizkid

Compare!

Davido