On July 16, 2022, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known professionally as Wizkid, marked his 32nd birthday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, dubbed Wizkid FC, across social media platforms like X. The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, celebrated as a musical genius and Afrobeats leader, was lauded for his transformative impact on Nigerian and African music. Fans used hashtags like #WizkidAt32 and #Machala to honor his contributions, with posts highlighting his global influence and enduring youthfulness. For instance, @lagossultan tweeted, “Nigeria have crude but Wizkid is Nigeria’s biggest export. Happy life anniversary to the GOAT of afrobeat,” while @kimberly_donne noted, “Happy birthday Big Wiz, 32 looking like 16; forever young.”
A Storied Career Since Age 11
Wizkid began his musical journey at 11, recording with the Glorious Five, a group formed with church friends. Since his 2011 debut with Superstar, he has elevated Afrobeats by blending it with international sounds, collaborating with artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Chris Brown, Wale, and Tyga. His feature on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” from The Lion King: The Gift (2019) earned him a Grammy in 2021, making him the first Afrobeats artist to win the award. Other accolades include two MTV Europe Music Awards, three BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, four AFRIMA awards, and three Billboard Music Awards. His milestones, as noted by @Big__Derah, include being the first Nigerian to achieve a Billboard Hot 100 entry, peak in the top 10, and sell out London’s O2 Arena three times in 45 minutes.
Social Media Erupts with Tributes
Fans celebrated Wizkid’s ability to captivate audiences, with DJ Jamzy (@djjamzy_) tweeting, “If you’re playing at a party and the party is boring, just play a Wizkid song and see the reaction of the crowd.” Others, like @starwiz_whizboi, declared July 17, 2022, as “World Wizkid Day,” urging Wizkid FC to honor “the Biggest artist in Africa.” Prayers for longevity and success were common, with @wizjnr9 writing, “Happy birthday to the greatest African artist of all time, Big Wiz. Wishing you the best in life.” @JoeyAkan referenced the fifth anniversary of Sounds from the Other Side (2017), calling it “the greatest Afrobeats album that never was,” while @alhajinuell humorously noted, “By now wizkid neck suppose don Dey pain am, e no easy to carry afrobeats for head.”
Pioneering Afrobeats Globally
Wizkid’s fusion of Afrobeats with genres like hip-hop, R&B, and reggae has placed Nigeria and Africa on the global music map. His 2020 album Made in Lagos, featuring hits like “Essence” with Tems, achieved unprecedented international success, with “Essence” becoming the first Nigerian song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. His collaborations with global stars and consistent chart-topping performances have solidified his status as a cultural ambassador. Fans like @edthesongwriter prayed for “more wins” and “good health,” while @kimberly_donne humorously suggested a collaboration with Nicki Minaj as a birthday gift.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
At 32, Wizkid’s influence remains unmatched, with his Starboy Entertainment label nurturing new talent and his music continuing to dominate airwaves. The outpouring of love on X reflected his deep connection with fans, who see him as both a musical pioneer and a cultural icon. As Afrobeats continues to gain global traction, Wizkid’s legacy as a trailblazer endures, with fans eagerly awaiting future projects and collaborations. His birthday celebration underscored his role as the “King of AfroPop,” with Wizkid FC ensuring his 32nd year was marked with global admiration.
