Entertainment

WIZKID: Since the Days of ‘Holla at Your Boy’

Published

7 years ago

November 17, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The young, as the saying goes, shall surely grow, and so has one of Nigeria’s hottest musicians Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid or recently, Starboy.

Born on July 16, 1990, the wave making youngster, who broke the internet recently with his highly romantic Fever song with Mavin First Lady, Tiwa Savage, has come of age since his debut in 2011 with the album ‘Superstar’ which featured the hit song, Holla at Your Boy’. This was the same he won the Next Rated award at the Headies.

A singer and songwriter, Wizkid reportedly started recording music at age 11 and managed to release a collaborative album with the Glorious Five, a group he and a couple of his church friends formed.

In 2009, he upped his game when he signed a record deal with Banky W.’s record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He rose to prominence in 2010 with the release of the song “Holla at Your Boy” from his debut studio album, Superstar (2011). “Tease Me/Bad Guys”, “Don’t Dull”, “Love My Baby”, “Pakurumo” and “Oluwa Lo Ni” were also released as singles from the Superstar album.

Wizkid’s self-titled second studio album, Ayo, was released in September 2014 and was preceded by six singles: “Jaiye Jaiye”, “On Top Your Matter”, “One Question”, “Joy”, “Bombay” and “Show You the Money”.

In 2016, Wizkid achieved international recognition following his collaboration with Drake on the global hit, “One Dance”, which reached number one in 15 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. In addition to his solo work, Wizkid has collaborated with several other artists and was featured on the hits “Girl” (with Bracket), “Fine Lady” (with Lynxxx), “Sexy Mama” (with Iyanya), “Slow Down” (with R2Bees), “The Matter” (with Maleek Berry), “Pull Over” (with KCee) and “Bad Girl” (with Jesse Jagz).

Following the release of his second studio album and expiration of his 5-year recording contract, Wizkid left E.M.E. On 1 March 2017, Billboard magazine reported that Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records. The deal was first reported by several media outlets in September 2016. The chairman and CEO of RCA Records, Peter Edge, confirmed the signing while speaking to Music Business Worldwide in January 2017.

He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O’s 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists. In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter. Moreover, he became the first Afrobeats artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to Drake’s hit song “One Dance”
Wizkid has released hit song after hit song back to back, keeping him relevant in the highly competitive Nigeria music industry. On 5 January 2015, he released the music video for “Ojuelegba”, a song that highlights the struggles he endured in the early years of his recording career. The official remix to the song features vocals from Drake and Skepta; it premiered on OVO Sound Radio in July 2015.

In April 2015, both Wizkid and Chris Brown performed the “African Bad Gyal”, together at the latter’s concert in Durban, South Africa. In May 2015, Wizkid released “Expensive Shit”, an Afrobeat song built on light guitars, saxophone lines and acoustic percussion; the song was reported as being a likely inclusion on the album.

In July 2015, Wizkid announced via Twitter that Angélique Kidjo will be featured on the album. On 14 July 2017, Sounds from the Other Side was released on all digital platforms.
Wizkid is considered rich and famous, and justifiably so. He was received endorsements by various blue chip companies, home and abroad including MTN, GLO, Pepsi, Guinness and many more.

In the not too distant past, he walked the aile with world’s renowned model, Naomi Campbell when both medeled outfits.

Since 2010/2011 when the starboy hit the airwaves with ‘Holla at Your Boy’, a lot has changed for the better for him. He is quietly riding the waves, and rocking a hot romance with Nigeria’s hottest female artist, Tiwa Savage, who is married to Tee Bliss, and blessed with a son, Jamil.

Entertainment

Mercy Johnson Reveals Reason Behind Weight Loss, Says I Had Cancer Scare, Underwent Thyroid Surgery

Published

4 days ago

May 19, 2025

Eric

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has opened up about her health struggles and her sudden weight loss.

The movie star recently sparked concerns with her drastic weight loss, which has been the subject of intense discussion across social media platforms.

In a recent conversation with veteran actress Joke Silva, Okojie explained that she had a cancer scare and underwent a thyroid removal surgery.

She said, “I had a cancer scare and I had my thyroid removed. I was like a journey for us because we have kids and my lastborn was six month old at that time, we [my husband and I] kept saying, we had to understand this is the new us, let’s go get the surgery done.

“When we got there, they said that I was going to be on medication for the rest of my life. We had to sit down, they were saying I can’t miss my medication, telling me the side effects. So, I’m reconciling with this you are saying [my weight loss]. I’m at the point where you realised that this is where we are, let’s grow from here and live in this comfort zone.”

DailyPost

Entertainment

Nobody Kidnapped Me, Sunny Ade Dispels Abduction Rumours

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Eric

Juju music singer, King Sunny Ade, has finally spoken to dispel the swirling rumour that he has been kidnapped.

For several days, social media platforms were abuzz with speculation that the musician had been abducted, leaving his fans both worried and confused.

In response to the frenzy, Sunny Ade took to a video released by his wife, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, to dispel the unfounded rumours.

“Nobody kidnapped me,” the renowned singer said with his accustomed calmness.

“I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade.

“I have to thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos. I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well,” he said.

Sunny Ade, fondly referred to as KSA, reassured his fans, thanking them for their concern and love.

The musician explained that the confusion surrounding his absence could have been linked to the fact that some of his children hadn’t seen him recently.

“I know my children are in love with me, and they want to see me. I didn’t go anywhere. This is me. I thank the children, too, for their concern as well,” KSA added.

The 78-year-old star, who is known for his vibrant performances and contributions to Nigerian music, expressed his continued passion for music.

“By God’s grace, enjoyment continues. I am still in music. Music is my life; it is my business, and I will continue to do it.”

Entertainment

Easter: ‘Dear Kaffy’ Returns to Lagos After Sold-Out Shows, International Success

Published

1 month ago

April 19, 2025

Eric

From its prestigious debut at the Lagos International Theatre Festival to a phenomenal Christmas run in Lagos with 20 sold-out shows, and a successful international tour in Pretoria, South Africa in partnership with the South African State Theatre, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions is proud to announce the highly-anticipated return of its hit stage play, Dear Kaffy – Diary of a Single Woman, to Lagos for a special Easter showing.

The play, directed by the acclaimed Queen of theatre in Nigeria, Bolanle Austen-Peters, will be live at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, from April 18–21 and April 26–27, 2025, with two shows daily at 3PM and 7PM.

A Story That Reflects So Many, Yet Tells One Woman’s Truth, Dear Kaffy – Kike’s Story is a heartfelt and relatable narrative that follows Kikelomo Olota, a brilliant 35-year-old Lagos woman navigating the complex terrain of love, identity, family pressure, and societal expectations.

From her teenage years, Kike was celebrated for her academic excellence, yet felt out of place among her peers due to her inexperience with love and relationships. Eager to fit in, she chose popularity over authenticity, plunging herself into a series of complicated relationships.

There’s Femi, the smooth-talking charmer with a hidden agenda. Then Emeka, seemingly perfect until it’s revealed he’s already married. Through each heartbreak, Kike learns valuable lessons about herself and the kind of love she truly desires.

As pressure mounts from her parents especially her father, Kike is introduced to Debo, a potential suitor who offers hope and something new. Just as she starts to open her heart again, her ex, Tamuno, resurfaces, igniting emotional chaos and forcing her to confront her past.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Dear Kaffy explores the emotional complexities of a modern African woman. Through humour, music, and sharp social commentary, the play challenges cultural norms and celebrates the courage it takes to choose authenticity over conformity.

A Stellar Production, A Stellar Cast
Produced by Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters, this theatrical gem features a powerhouse cast including: Uzo Osimkpa, who plays the lead role of Kike; Yewande Osamein (Tolani), Abiola Lepe (Bidemi), Sharon Onyegbula (Shalewa) and Ralph Okoro (Tamuno), Hector Amiwero (Debo), Obiora Maduegbuna (Debo), Floyd Igbo (Femi), Bimbo Manuel who plays the role of Father, and Bukola Ogunnote who plays the role of Mother.

Some of the best hands in the industry are also on the crew list, with Stage Manager being Ikenna Jude Okpala while Kehinde Oretimehin and Deji Aremu directed the music for this beautiful production.

“The quality of storytelling and performance in Dear Kaffy is excellent, it sells itself,” says Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder of BAP Productions. “This play gives a voice to the everyday African woman while celebrating her strength and vulnerability. We are honoured to bring it back home for Easter.”

Now, the story returns to where it all began, Lagos, bringing with it a renewed energy and even more to look out for, building on the emotional richness that left audiences spellbound across two nations. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or coming back for another laugh and cry, Dear Kaffy promises a soulful, hilarious, and unforgettable Easter experience. Get your tickets at www.terrakulture.com.