Wizkid at 30: Here are 10 Starboy’s songs you should listen to on his birthday

At 30, Ayodeji Balogun, Nigerian Afropop singer better known as Wizkid, already has the music world at his feet.

Since featuring on ‘Fast Cars’, a song by M.I Abaga, a rapper, in 2009, the award-winning singer — born on July 16, 1990 — has taken the global music landscape by storm.

With a huge fanbase, slew of awards and honorary mentions, Starboy has etched his name on the sands of time as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.

As he marks his birthday, TheCable Lifestyle takes a look at 10 of the singer’s evergreen collection of songs.

‘Holla at Your Boy’

Wizkid’s journey to stardom owes much to ‘Holla at Your Boy’, his break out single, in 2010. The song fetched the ‘Fever’ crooner huge prominence and would emerge the lead single off ‘Superstar’, his debut album in 2011.

‘Ojuelegba’

‘Ojuelegba’ is one of his biggest tracks. Released in 2014, the song became a sensation among many Nigerians, especially those defying the odds to achieve their dreams.

It captures Wizkid’s struggles before fame and his experience on the streets of Ojuelegba, a hustling and bustling suburb in Lagos. The song snagged several awards, including ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2015 edition of the Headies.

‘Azonto’

Inspired by a Ghanaian music genre and dance, ‘Azonto’ was released in 2012. The song became a hit across several homes and social gatherings. It also earned the singer several nominations and awards, including ‘Most Gifted Video of the Year’ at the Channel O Music Video Awards in 2013.

‘Fever’

Like its name suggest, ‘Fever’ generated dust and reactions across social media platforms in 2018. The song reawakened the debate surrounding the seeming romantic relationship between Starboy and Tiwa Savage, who featured on the project.

‘Pakurumo’

‘Pakurumo’, a song off ‘Superstar’ album, was also among the singer’s hit projects. The song’s title was a prominent phrase among youths who translated it to mean being consistent in pursuit of one’s goals.

‘On Top Your Matter’

‘On Top Your Matter’, a song off Wizkid’s second album, is another popular work of the singer. The romantic project was fans’ go-to track, especially at events such as wedding ceremonies when it was released.

‘Love My Baby’

‘Love My Baby’ was another hit song off the singer’s debut album. The song was popular among youths and often played at social gatherings after its release.

‘African Bad Gyal’

‘African Bad Gyal’, released in 2017, was a song off Wizkid’s third album. The project, which featured Chris Brown, American singer, was widely accepted by many Nigerians and across the international landscape.

‘One Dance’

‘One Dance’, a song by Drake, Canadian rapper, marked a new dawn in Wizkid’s music career at the international level. The project, which also featured Kyla, a British singer, became a hit across the globe snagging several awards.

From topping Billboard charts for weeks to emerging as Spotify’s most streamed song in history, ‘One Dance’ was a huge success.

On a personal note, it won the Nigerian singer several honours including three Billboard Music Awards. Drake had in 2019 acknowledged the Nigerian for the success recorded by the song.

‘Come Closer’

‘Come Closer’, a hit single off ‘Sounds from the Other Side’, Wizkid’s third album, was another project that increased the singer’s global recognition.

The song, which featured Drake, instantly became fans’ favourite.