Connect with us

Celebrity News

Wizkid’s Musical Journey: What you don’t know

Published

on

In the global music scene, few artists have achieved the level of success and influence that Wizkid has. From his early beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming one of the most recognized faces of Afrobeats worldwide, Wizkid’s journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and visionary approach to music.

This article takes an in-depth look at Wizkid’s evolution from his breakout single “Holla at Your Boy” to his current status as a global music icon, examining his musical growth, influence on Afrobeats, and contributions to the global music industry.

Early Beginnings:

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria, started his musical journey at a young age. Raised in Surulere, a district in Lagos, Wizkid was exposed to a variety of music genres, including reggae, fuji, and hip-hop.

His love for music led him to form a group called “Glorious Five” with some friends when he was just 11 years old. Although the group did not achieve commercial success, it was a crucial starting point for Wizkid, who soon began to hone his skills as a solo artist.

In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), a move that would prove to be pivotal in his career. Under EME, Wizkid released his debut single “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010.

 

The song quickly became a hit, it marked Wizkid’s entry into the Nigerian music industry. “Holla at Your Boy” earned him several awards and nominations, and it was clear that a new star was on the rise.

The Superstar Era:

Following the success of “Holla at Your Boy,” Wizkid released his debut studio album, Superstar, in 2011. The album was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Tease Me/Bad Guys,” “Pakurumo,” and “Don’t Dull.”

Superstar solidified Wizkid’s place in the Nigerian music industry and introduced him as one of the leading voices of the Afrobeats genre.

Afrobeats, a genre that blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds like hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B, was beginning to gain international attention, and Wizkid was at the forefront of this movement.

His ability to fuse local and global influences in his music made him a standout artist, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.

During this period, Wizkid’s collaborations with other Nigerian artists, including Wande Coal, D’banj, and Ice Prince, further expanded his reach and influence. His music was characterized by its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and infectious beats, which resonated with a broad audience.

Breaking International Barriers:

Wizkid’s journey to global stardom took a significant leap in 2016 with his feature on Drake’s hit single “One Dance.” The song, which topped charts in over 15 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, introduced Wizkid to a global audience.

“One Dance” became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, and Wizkid’s contribution to the track was widely recognized.

Following the success of “One Dance,” Wizkid continued to collaborate with international artists, including Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Major Lazer, and Skepta. These collaborations not only expanded his global reach but also helped to further popularize

Afrobeats around the world.

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

31 − = thirty

Celebrity News

Annie Macaulay’s Bold Comeback: A Statement Look and a New Chapter

Published

on

Yesterday, Annie Macaulay made a notable  return to Instagram, reminding everyone that she is still a force to be reckoned with. With her structured camel blazer jacket, paired with neutral-toned pants and a fitted top, styled by Medlin Boss. Her comeback was more than just fashion. It was a statement. A declaration of strength, confidence, and a woman reclaiming her narrative after a public and emotional separation from legendary musician 2Baba.

If you scroll on the post you would also see a video with herself and daughter singing You and Me by Tems, telling us that she still got love inside. The image spoke louder than any caption could. It told the story of a woman stepping back into the world, not as someone’s wife, but as herself, Annie Macaulay.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Long before she became Mrs. Idibia, Annie was just a young girl from Eket, Akwa Ibom, who moved to Lagos with dreams bigger than the city itself. Raised by a single mother after her parents’ divorce, she learned resilience early on. Despite the financial struggles faced while growing up, she pursued her education, first studying Computer Science at Lagos State University before switching to Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos.

Her journey into the entertainment world began with modeling and pageantry. She participated in the Queen of All Nations beauty contest, where she emerged as a runner-up, opening doors for her in Nollywood. However, her true breakout moment came when she starred as the love interest in the iconic African Queen music video. That video, which introduced 2Baba’s music to a global audience, also cemented Annie as a household name.

Strong Queen Annie

Strong woman Annie

Love, Marriage, and Public Scrutiny

Annie and 2Baba’s love story was the kind you would find in romance novels, deep, complicated, and widely watched. They first met in 1999 when Annie was just 15. Their connection was instant but far from easy. Over the years, 2Baba’s success and personal life played out in the public eye, including his relationships with other women and the children he fathered before finally choosing Annie, which made the society tag him as Father Abraham. (Father of many nations)

In 2012, they tied the knot in a fairytale wedding in Dubai, and Annie became the woman who stood beside one of Africa’s biggest music legends. Through all the highs and lows, betrayals, reconciliations, and the constant media attention, she remained his biggest supporter. We can indeed say she truly loved 2Baba, some even say she lost herself while in love with him. But love alone isn’t always enough.

 

Annie Macaulay

Annie Macaulay

The Separation and Reinvention

Earlier this year, the couple announced their separation, shocking fans but not necessarily surprising them. Rumors of strain in their marriage had circulated over the years, and Annie herself had spoken about the challenges of being with a man loved by so many.

Now, with her return to Instagram and her subtle but powerful wardrobe choices, Annie seems to be signaling a shift. The brown structured blazer, bold yet sophisticated, mirrors her journey, soft yet strong, elegant yet commanding. By reverting to her maiden name, she is embracing a new identity, one that honors her past but does not confine her to it.

Annie’s story teaches us that identity is not solely defined by our relationships. She was a force before she was a wife, and she remains one even after. Reinvention isn’t about erasing the past, it’s about taking the lessons and moving forward with grace and confidence.

The loveliest part of her return is the love and support she has gotten from fans, each and everyone has been pouring out love through motivating words and also welcoming her back. Others also advised her not to grant interviews to any blogger or tv shows.

Before yesterday’s post, earlier on instagram Annie had posted a thank you message to appreciate everyone who had stood by her and supported her during this difficult time.

African Queen

African Queen

Own Your Narrative

No matter what life throws your way, never forget who you were before the world started calling you by another name. Whether in career, love, or personal growth, embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Like Annie, step back into the world with your head high, your style on point, and your confidence unshaken. The world is watching, give them a comeback worth remembering.

read also : Annie Idibia Biography: Early Life, Career, Marriage, and Children

Continue Reading

Celebrity News

HOW AYRA STARR FEELS ABOUT HER SONGS AFTER RECORDING

Published

on

“I usually don’t like my songs after I record it”. Ayra Starr, in her interview with Rolling Stone said each time she listens to her songs she feels they could have been better, and in my opinion, that is the trademark of greatness. However, she also said she felt different with her hit song ‘Woman Commando’ featuring Anita and Coco Jones. She emphasized that it sounds perfect each time she listens to it. This self-doubt is common among performers, who often rely on external validation to gauge their success.

Not liking your song after recording is a completely normal and in fact, good feeling. It shows you have more inside than you have given and the harder you push, the brighter your limelight becomes. And believe me, the moral support that comes from that kind of recognition is what keeps every public figure going. Every great artist finds this urge seemingly insatiable. Ayra Starr’s statement about feeling dissatisfied with her recordings is relatable, as it reflects a common experience among artists. It creates this incessant sense of improvement that will eventually get the audience screaming your name.

 

Ayra Starr is one artist that has been globally recognized and accepted due to her unbiased and unique ability to capture the attention of a worldwide audience, especially the young generation. Her songs tend to promote cultural significance, especially that of the African culture. With a mix of Afrobeat, R&B and pop, she brings out the beauty of African music on a global scale. This uniqueness can be seen in display in her popular hit song, Woman Commando, as an empowering Anthem that celebrates women’s power and strength. The vibe and energy of the song alone uplifts the spirit, bringing about the beautiful aura of feminism.

 

This and many more songs of Ayra Starr makes her a fast-growing artist with great influence in the music industry. You know what drove Ayra Starr to the level she is right now? It is the kind of thinking as such expressed above. That feeling of dissatisfaction after recording. The more effort she puts, the louder her voice becomes. What is more, there’s everything to love about Ayra Starr as far as music is concerned. Music is life!

Continue Reading

Celebrity News

Cultural Ambassador Dabota Lawson Takes a Seat at UK Parliament

Published

on

When Dabota Lawson, beauty queen turned Nigerian cultural ambassador and CEO of Dabota Cosmetics,  took her seat at the UK Parliament’s House of Lords, she didn’t just attend a meeting. She redefined African influence on the global stage.  

 

Dabota participated in the Global Rise of Nigerian Soft Power: Building Bridges Across Borders, a landmark event highlighting Nigeria’s booming creative economy. 

The former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (2010), now a respected entrepreneur and Cultural Ambassador, claiming her space at the table of elites during The Global Rise event, proving once again that African excellence belongs in every room where decisions are made.  

 

A Moment of Quiet Revolution

 

Dabota’s appearance at the House of Lords wasn’t just ceremonial, it was strategic. Alongside her friend and fellow industry leader Adeola Adeyemi (Diiadem), the celebrated celebrity stylist, Dabota represented the new face of Nigerian leadership: confident, accomplished, and unapologetically global.  

 

Dabota Lawson and her friend diadem at the UK Parliament

Dabota Lawson and Diadem

 

Dabota’s role was distinctly hers, a beauty mogul (Dabota Cosmetics) turned cultural diplomat, there to speak on Nigeria’s growing influence in business, beauty, and beyond.  

 

Why Her Presence Resonated

 

This wasn’t just another speaking engagement. Dabota’s seat at the UK Parliament symbolized:  

 

The rise of African soft power, No longer waiting for validation, Nigeria’s creatives and entrepreneurs are now setting the agenda.  

 

The power of reinvention, From pageant queen to parliament speaker, Dabota’s journey proves that influence evolves when purpose leads.  

 

A new era of representation, She wasn’t there as a token attendee but as a credible voice on trade, culture, and investment.  

 

What She Brought to the Table

 

Though full details of her speech aren’t public, insiders noted her key message:  

 

– “Nigerian beauty and creativity are economic forces.”

 

– “Partnerships should be mutual, not one-sided.” 

 

– “We’re not emerging; we’ve arrived.” 

 

Her poised delivery, combined with her signature blend of Nigerian heritage and contemporary style (likely a custom-designed ensemble), made it clear she wasn’t just participating in the conversation. She was leading it.  

 

Dabota Lawson in her classy suit I UK

Dabota Lawson

The Aftermath: What’s Next?

 

Events like this don’t just end when the speeches do. Dabota’s appearance has already sparked:  

 

– Increased interest in African beauty investments (with Dabota Cosmetics at the forefront).  

 

– Stronger UK-Africa trade discussions, particularly in the creative sector.  

 

– A renewed spotlight on Nigerian women shaping global industries.  

 

 

More Than a Seat, A Statement

 

Dabota Lawson didn’t just attend the UK Parliament, she owned the moment. And in doing so, she sent a message to every young Nigerian watching: Your ambition has no borders. Your voice belongs everywhere. 

 

Continue Reading

Trending