The Merriam Webstar dictionary defines a ‘Whiz Kid’ as ‘a person who is unusually intelligent or successful especially at an early age’. This definition is the reality that defines the life and career of Nigerian music superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly called Wizkid.
But how have the top foreign acts such as Drake, Chris Brown, that the Nigerian singer has been rolling with helped grow the Starboy’s career internationally.
It all started when Chris Brown visited Nigeria in December 2012 for a show and Wizkid was assigned to perform alongside.
Chris Brown performed alongside Wizkid in Nigeria
Wizkid taught Chris Brown some Naija dance steps – even azonto, which Chris gladly danced to by following Wizzy’s steps.
Chris Brown went on to perform in Ghana and brought Wizkid out on stage AGAIN
Wizkid was later seen hanging out with singer, Chris Brown in the US back in 2014
Although it was then rumoured that Wizkid wrote a song for Rihanna –which we are yet to listen to.
Wizkid duets with Chris Brown, hangs out with Big Sean, TY Dolla $ign
Wiz was also in the studio with Ty Dolla $ign who gave him a shout out on Twitter back in 2014. For those who don’t know, Ty Dolla was as of then, a break through artist with the hit ‘Paranoid’. He is one of hip-hop’s most talented writers..He wrote Chris Brown’s hit,’Loyal’.
Wizkid since then created a bond with Chris Brown and even gave him a shoutout on his birthday by FaceTiming Breezy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/2TkItRG6wI/American producer, Swizz Beatz vibed to his ‘Ojuelegba’ song alongside his wife, Alicia Keys
Swizz said Wizkid was his favourite artiste at the time and even went to post his Ayo album cover.
https://www.instagram.com/p/5-IcIFSDMC/Then the story of Drake jumping on ‘Ojuelegba’
Wizkid and Drake.
Drake told FADER the reason why he jumped on the cover for ‘Ojuelegba’ with UK rap sensation, Skepta. According to Drizzy, ‘I just did it because I was in the moment. I wasn’t thinking like, ‘Oh man, I gotta get my brand up in Nigeria. Not to say that’s not important. I’m super-honored to be on that song.’
Afterwards, he was featured on Drake’s monster hit song ‘One Dance’
That was the story for Wizkid! Words are not enough to describe the heights he has gotten since the release of this song. The song set new records on Billboard chart for weeks, making it the longest-running No. 1 single in Digital Era.
In June 2016, Chris Brown invited Wizkid once again for his #OneHellofaNight European Tour.
Chris brown and Wizkid
The two as just as expected shut down the show as fans were seen screaming and vibing to Wizkid’s songs.
Then Shabba happened!
On July 2, 2016 Wizkid dropped what perhaps you might call the biggest collaboration of his career teaming up with American stars, Chris Brown, Trey Songz and French Montana on his new trap single titled ‘Shabba‘.
Wizkid finally met American producer, Swizz Beatz
The producer’s love for Wizkid‘s music apparently inspired a move to the studio as the duo have reportedly recorded a few songs together.
Wizkid brought Swizz out during his performance at One Africa Music Fest in New York.
Wizkid brought out Swizz Beatz at One Africa Music Fest.
We’ve got 99 questions for Wizkid and Justin Syke isn’t one!
With all of these people having helped push his career, the Starboy is now being linked with pretty American singer, Justine Skye – who is also signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation.
Bet Wiz and Skye wouldn’t be together if he hadn’t catapulted his way to international stardom *winks*.
Wizkid’s other top international collaboration include;
R Kelly ft. Wizkid ‘I just wanna thank you’
Jeremih ft. AKA, Wizkid and Ice Prince – Don’t Tell ‘Em (Afro-Remix)
Tinie Tempah ft. Wizkid (Mamacita)
Don’t Dull (Remix) ft. Akon
Wizkid Ft. Wale (Drop)
Wizkid Ft. Wale (Murder)
Source: TheNet
