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

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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.

 

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Stephanie Coker Welcomes Second 

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Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun has welcomed her second child, another daughter, marking a joyful new chapter for her family. The TV host and entrepreneur shared the news on Instagram, where fans and colleagues flooded her page with congratulatory messages.

Stephanie Coker – Instagram

In her post, Stephanie revealed that the journey to this moment took time and faith. “After five years of waiting, praying, and hoping, our August visitor finally arrived,” she wrote, introducing her newborn daughter, Morayo Anaya Olabisi Abisola Anjolaoluwa. The caption was brief, heartfelt, sincere, and filled with gratitude.

The photos she shared were simple yet tender: a sleeping baby wrapped in white, her tiny hand resting beside a nameplate. It was a quiet announcement that reflected how deeply personal the moment was for the Cokers.

Stephanie Coker – Instagram

Her husband, Olumide Aderinokun, also shared the good news, describing their new daughter as a blessing that came at the perfect time. The couple, who married in 2016, welcomed their first child, Ariella, in 2019.

What made Stephanie’s announcement stand out was its honesty. In a space where celebrity reveals often feel rehearsed, hers felt genuine and grounded. It reflected what many parents quietly understand: that the longer the wait, the more profound the relief.

Stephanie Coker – Instagram

The post quickly spread across entertainment platforms, sparking warm reactions from fans who praised her openness. It also reminded many that even public figures face private battles away from the spotlight.

For Stephanie, this moment goes beyond family growth. It represents patience, endurance, and the quiet strength that comes from holding on to hope.

Welcome, baby Morayo.

 

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Hilda’s Record-Breaking Jollof Festival

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Chef Hilda Baci turned Lagos into a giant kitchen on Friday when the World Jollof Festival lit up the Eko Hotel Car Park B. Part record attempt, part cultural celebration, the event drew thousands who came to witness one of the most ambitious cooking feats ever attempted in Nigeria.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

Her goal was audacious: to cook the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice ever made. A custom-built pot, six metres wide and six metres tall, was rolled in for the challenge. It was originally designed to hold 250 bags of rice. With smoke rising and the massive cauldron heating up, the crowd pressed forward, eager to see whether she could pull it off.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

Among those who came to cheer her on were some of Nigeria’s familiar faces. Actress Funke Akindele and Jemima Osunde were spotted around the giant pot, offering encouragement. Dancer Kaffy joined in the excitement, while DJ Peller added to the festival’s energy. Influencers including Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, Folagade Banks and Vicky James shared live updates from the ground, ensuring the spectacle reached far beyond Lagos.

After nine hours of steady cooking, Baci completed the challenge. Instead of the planned 250 bags, she managed 200. The effort produced more than 14,000 kilograms of jollof rice. Volunteers worked quickly once the food was ready, handing out over 30,000 takeaway packs to a delighted audience at no cost.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

The day, however, was not without setbacks. During the weighing process, the giant pot gave way while being lifted by a crane. It collapsed under its own weight. The accident forced organisers to scale back the rice used, but Baci and her team pressed on, determined to finish. The determination drew loud cheers from the crowd, who applauded her resilience as much as her cooking.

Photo: @hildabaci-Instagram

What remains uncertain is how Guinness World Records will judge the attempt. The collapse of the pot raises questions about whether the technical requirements were fully met, and official verification is still pending.

Photo: @jeo_graphy_-Instagram

Still, the festival itself was a triumph. Beyond the numbers and the chase for a world record, the gathering reminded everyone why jollof rice holds such a special place in Nigerian culture. It brought together thousands of people from different walks of life, from celebrities to everyday Lagosians, to share in food, music and pride.

Whether or not Guinness gives its stamp of approval, Hilda Baci has already shown that Nigerian cuisine can command a global spotlight. A pot of jollof rice, no matter how massive, can still bring people together.

 

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Tyla Makes VMA History in Vintage Chanel and Pandora Jewels

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards belonged to Tyla. With “Push 2 Start,” she became the first artist to win Best Afrobeats two years in a row, a moment that showed her rise from breakout star to one of Afrobeats’ leading names worldwide. Her win placed Afrobeats firmly on the global stage, with African stars now shaping the direction of pop culture.

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Tyla’s win carried the pride of the continent, but her presence on the red carpet made just as much noise. Styled by Ron Hartleben, she arrived in a 1993 vintage Chanel corset top, worn as a cream-and-black micro-mini dress. The look was balanced with fitted black shorts, a modern twist that allowed the outfit to move between daring and clean. Around her waist, gold chain echoing the layered necklaces and heavy medallions at her neckline.

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Her partnership with Pandora was on full display as she stacked bracelets, rings, and anklets, turning jewelry into a language of detail and weight. On her feet, she chose black Louboutin pumps, a classic contrast to the rest of the look.

The beauty direction was just as deliberate: a side-parted bob, natural-toned glam and a bold green manicure  gave the look a sharp twist, showing that Tyla knows how to finish off her fashion moments.

Getty images

It was a red-carpet appearance that felt from the past yet modern, drawing from fashion history while signaling the assurance of an artist who knows she’s making history herself. The award was one part of the night. The other was seeing Tyla step onto the carpet and stage with the same assurance— an artist shaping Afrobeats.

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