From the 19-year-old singing ‘If you see my drive-by, holler at your boy’, exactly a decade ago, Ayodeji Balogun, renowned as Wizkid, has evolved in so many different ways.
To many, he is more than the average Surulere-bred Superstar. He is now a cultural symbol for hustlers and dreamers; a continental pride as one of the most celebrated African entertainers in the world and one of the most loved musicians in Nigeria, with a massive fan base that are loyal to him under the moniker ‘WizkidFc’.
But to the 31-year-old enigma, he is first a father before anything else.
“Fatherhood means everything to me. Before, I used to see myself as Wizkid the musician, but after I had my kids, I now see myself as a father before everything else; that is who I am."
"I would put everything before my kids; I would stop the world if I could for my kids. That is the kind of father that I am. They mean everything to me, my heart and soul," Wizkid said in a documentary dubbed, A Superstar at 10, which chronicles his decade-long existence as a superstar.
The artiste stated that family has become the most important thing for him in his life adding that his son is his best frined.
“He calls me every day and we have the craziest conversations. He is nine years old now. It is very important for me to keep the family; that is one thing that my parents instilled in me to understand that there is nothing more important to me,” he said.
The documentary, which is also in partnership with YouTube and is released on the same platform, captures the singer from his childhood to his globally acclaimed album, Made in Lagos.
It also captures his mentors and colleagues in the industry, including Banky W, Terri, Basketmouth, Ali Baba, Anthony Joshua and Femi Kuti.
Wizkid, who is a father of three boys – Boluwatife (10), Ayodeji (5) and Zion (4) – recalls that his life as a superstar was heavily impacted by his family and experiences while growing up with them, especially with regards to religion.
“I was born in a place called Alab; it was amazing for me. Sometimes, I still have flashbacks. My house was like a fun house; it is why I have so many stories. I was the last child of the family. I wasn’t a spoiled last baby, but I got my way sometimes."
"Growing up in a spiritual home in Lagos really opened my mind; my mum is Christian while my Dad is Muslim. I used to go to both and that really just opened my mind to see that the biggest religion in life is actually love; I eat, preach and sleep it," he added.
Latest Stories
-
Bridging Digital Divide: Why Ghana is perfect stage for a conference on digital inclusion and women’s empowerment
27 seconds -
Foster Romanus named Comedian of the Year at Ghana Celebrity Impact Awards
4 minutes -
GFA docks Nations 3 points for abandoning match, awards victory to Basake Holy Stars
6 minutes -
QET Organic Farms cultivates young farmers with ‘Growing Green Minds’
7 minutes -
Harnessing drones and satellite imaging to tackle Ghana’s galamsey challenge
11 minutes -
FirstBank supports Bloomspace to empower women entrepreneurs at the Intentional Women’s Business Seminar
15 minutes -
Book and Research Allowances captured in this year’s budget – Dr Ato Forson assures teacher unions
19 minutes -
Ampofo Adjei to perform at Amakye Dede’s 50th anniversary concert in London
21 minutes -
Daily insight for CEOs: Digital transformation as a strategic imperative
26 minutes -
Our decisions will impact national security; let’s take it seriously – Naana Jane to Police Council
27 minutes -
Prioritise integrity and professionalism – Mahama charges Police Council
41 minutes -
I pledge to lead Police Council with transparency, respect for rule of law – Prof Naana Jane
45 minutes -
A/R: Man nabbed for alleged impersonation of herbalist and defrauding
59 minutes -
From Survivor to Icon: Jamie Foxx owns the night at the BET Awards
1 hour -
Legend of The Week – Teddy Osei
1 hour