#ManCrushMonday: Wizkid, Nigeria's music maestro, icon, star boy

Our man crush for this lovely Monday is Wizkid, the musician all musicians pray to be like.

It's a lovely Monday and just like every other one, we would be crushing on a unique guy, today's man crush is the one and only star boy, Wizkid.

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun also known as Wizkid was born on July 16, 1991, in Surulere, Lagos to a polygamous family where he his father has three wives. Wizkid grew up with sixteen sisters and a father who practiced Islam and a Christain mother.

Wizkid's journey to music began at a very early age when he formed a group with his friends called 'Glorious Five' back in church. However, the group didn't last long. He was greatly influenced by great musicians like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley.

 

Wizkid later met OJB Jezreel in whose studio he watched 2Face and Sound Sultan record their first albums. In 2009, Wizkid inked a record deal with Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment.

ALSO READ: Wizkid flaunts wealth on Instagram

 

His rise to stardom began in 2010 when he dropped the single 'Holla at your boy' from his first album which was a monster hit. The song won him 'Next Rated' at the 2011 'Headies' and also 'Most Gifted Newcomer Video' at the 'Chanel 0 Music Awards.' Then came other hit songs like 'Don't Dull' and 'Tease Me' which all became major hit songs and moved Wizkid from an upcoming musician to a big star.

 

Wizkid went on to release his second album 'Ayo' which was a star-studded project with the likes of Femi Kuti, Banky W, Seyi Shay, Phyno, Tyga, Akon, and Wale. By 2015, Wizkid had become an internationally acclaimed superstar, by touring the world, performing on the same stage as a lot of international stars like Chris Brown.

 

In 2016, Wizkid became Nigeria's first artist to emerge on Billboard’s Twitter Last 24 hours chart following his guest feature on Drake's afro beat-infused "One Dance" single, which charted at number 21. In 2017, Wizkid broke a record with his sold-out concert at the 'Royal Albert Hall' in London.

 

When it comes to the ladies in his life, a lot of ladies have been linked and still linked to Wizkid. From his off and on girlfriend, Tanya Omotayo to his three baby mamas, Sola Ogudu, Binta Diamond Diallo and most recently his manager, Jada Pollock, the star boy is indeed blessed with a lot of ladies and three adorable sons too. Yes, guys, there goes our man crush, so for the ladies, if you still think you want to one of his ladies, you could slide into his DM!