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Wizkid is one of Nigeria’s most successful music artists and a pioneer of international collaborations, long before they became a common trend among Nigerian singers.
This article explores how international collaborations have shaped Wizkid’s music career and highlights some of his biggest global hits.
Before diving into the main discussion, let’s take a brief look at the renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter.
Wizkid, a globally recognized artist, began his professional music career in 2009 after signing with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), a Nigerian record label founded by Banky W and Tunde Demuren in 2002.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known as Wizkid, released his debut album, Superstar, in 2011. His immense talent has kept him among Nigeria’s most successful music artists for over a decade.
Over the years, Wizkid has consistently delivered numerous music projects, including singles, EPs, and albums. Beyond his groundbreaking debut, he has released several other notable projects that have solidified his status as a global music icon.
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On September 17, 2014, Wizkid released his studio album Ayo.On July 14, 2017, he followed up with Sounds from the Other Side.On October 30, 2020, he dropped the critically acclaimed Made in Lagos album.On November 11, 2022, Wizkid unveiled More Love, Less Ego.On December 21, 2023, he released the S2 EP.
On October 18th 2024, Wizkid released the song “Piece of My Heart” featuring American singer and songwriter Brent Faiyaz. The song is off the forthcoming album Morayo which will be released on November 22nd 2024.
Today, October 15, 2024, Wizkid released “Dance,” the second single from his forthcoming album, Morayo. The song made history by reaching number one on the Nigeria Apple Music chart within just 8 hours of its release, becoming the fastest track to claim the top spot on the platform.
Wizkid has reached millions of fans in Nigeria and gained popularity across the globe. He has performed in numerous locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries in the Americas, Europe, and beyond.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun has received numerous local and international accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His achievements include prestigious awards such as the Grammy Award, BET Award, MTV Europe Music Award, iHeartRadio Music Award, The Future Awards Africa Prize, The Headies, NAACP Image Award, Soul Train Music Award, and more.
With over 156 local and international awards, Wizkid is recognized as Africa’s Most Awarded Artiste. His global success, combined with his influence in the Nigerian music scene, has solidified his status as a superstar. His numerous international collaborations have further expanded his reach and popularity in countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and beyond.
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Top 10 International Collaborations of Wizkid: A List of His Biggest
In Nigeria’s competitive music industry, international collaborations have become a hallmark of success. To be regarded as a top-tier artist, it is almost essential to secure at least two or three global partnerships.
As the industry’s standards continue to rise, international collaborations have become a benchmark for measuring an artist’s influence and relevance. Without them, it is difficult to be considered one of the best in the game.
Wizkid is a pioneer in this space, being one of the first Nigerian artists to embrace international collaborations. His efforts not only elevated his career but also raised the standard of the Nigerian music industry. Today, almost every leading Nigerian artist boasts at least one or two international collaborations, a testament to the path blazed by artists like Wizkid.
Drake – One Dance Featuring Wizkid and Kyla Reid
As of this writing, “One Dance” remains the biggest song by Canadian rapper Drake, with over 3.2 billion streams.
The hit single, featuring Wizkid and Kyla Reid, is from Drake’s album Views, which was released on April 29, 2016. However, “One Dance” was released earlier, on April 5, 2016.
The track earned numerous accolades, including:
- Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Song (2017)
- Echo Award for Song of the Year (2017)
- iHeartRadio Music Award for Most Thumbed Up Song of the Year (2017)
- Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song (Audio) (2017)
These achievements solidify One Dance as a timeless global hit.
See the audio and video below;
Beyoncé – Brown Skin Girl Featuring Blue Ivy Carter, Saint Jhn and Wizkid
“Brown Skin Girl” is one of the standout tracks from Beyoncé’s album The Lion King: The Gift, released on July 23, 2019. The song received widespread acclaim and garnered numerous international awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Music Video.
Wizkid’s contribution to this song played a significant role in its success, further cementing it as one of his most impactful international collaborations.
Skepta – Energy (Stay Far Away) Featuring Wizkid
Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., better known as Skepta, featured Wizkid on the track “Energy (Stay Far Away)”, released on June 20, 2018. Skepta, one of the most successful British grime MCs, rappers, record producers, and DJs, teamed up with Wizkid for this hit.
Produced by Sarz, the song spent 15 weeks on the UK Singles Chart and was later certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Chris Brown – Call Me Everyday Featuring Wizkid
Famous American singer and songwriter Chris Brown features Wizkid on the track “Call Me Everyday” off his album “Breezy” released in the year 2022.
Chris Brown and Wizkid’s hit collaboration, “Call Me Every Day”, has officially earned Platinum certification in the United States after surpassing 1 million units sold.
Wizkid – Come Closer- Featuring Drake
Wizkid released the hit song “Come Closer”, featuring popular Canadian rapper Drake, as part of his Sounds from the Other Side album, which dropped on July 14, 2017. “Come Closer” became one of Wizkid’s biggest and most successful international collaborations.
The track was nominated for several local and international awards, eventually winning The Headies Award for Best Music Video and The Headies Award for Viewer’s Choice.
In July 2016, British-Nigerian rapper Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, better known as Tinie Tempah, released the video for his track “Mamacita”, featuring Wizkid, the lead act of Star Boy.
The music video was shot in the Dominican Republic.
Wale – My Love ft. Major Lazer, WizKid, & Dua Lipa
Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known by his stage name Wale, is an American rapper. In 2017, Wale dropped the official video to ‘My love’ featuring Major Lazer, Wizkid and English singer Dua Lipa. The song blends a mix of Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop, showcasing the talents of these global artists in a vibrant collaboration.
Wizkid – Blessed Featuring Damian Marley
“Blessed”, featuring Damian Marley, is one of Wizkid’s biggest international collaborations. Released as part of his Made In Lagos album on October 30, 2020, the song stands out as one of the most important singles from the album.
Over the years, Wizkid has gained global recognition for his unique music style, leading him to tour several countries across Europe, America, and other continents. He has collaborated with numerous international artists, including Akon, Beyoncé, Skepta, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, French Montana, Kojo Funds, and many more. These collaborations have solidified his place as a global music icon.
WizKid – Essence ft. Justin Bieber, Tems
On the remix to his October 2020 hit song, “Essence” featuring Tems, Wizkid in the year 2021 recruited famous Canadian singer Justin Bieber on the “Essence” Remix (Made In Lagos Delute).
Dj Maphorisa – Soweto Baby feat Wizkid & Dj Buckz
“Soweto Baby” is a track by DJ Maphorisa, featuring Wizkid and DJ Buckz. The song blends Afrobeat with South African elements, creating a vibrant, catchy tune that highlights the international synergy between the artists. It showcases Wizkid’s signature sound while also highlighting DJ Maphorisa’s influence in South African music.
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