Introduction
Wizkid, aka Starboy, is one of Africa’s biggest music exports, but his rise to fame didn’t happen overnight. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in Lagos, Nigeria, Wizkid grew up surrounded by music. His dad was a Muslim polygamist, and he has over 10 siblings from his dad’s three wives.
Wizkid’s Early Life and Musical Beginnings
As a kid, Wizkid was exposed to artists like King Sunny Ade, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. He started pursuing music seriously at age 11 and was in a group called the Glorious Five. They released one album before disbanding. At 15, Wizkid met OJB Jezreel, a producer who helped him record his first solo tracks.
In 2010, Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). His debut single “Holla at Your Boy” became an instant hit, earning him the Next Rated award at The Headies 2011. His debut studio album, Superstar, was released in 2011 and was an enormous success, cementing Wizkid as a force in the Afrobeat scene.
Wizkid left E.M.E in 2014 to start his own label, Starboy Entertainment. He continued to gain international fame through collaborations with stars like Drake, Chris Brown, and Beyoncé. His 2016 single “One Dance” featuring Drake became the most-streamed song on Spotify that year.
Wizkid is known for pioneering and popularizing Afrobeat, a fusion of West African musical styles and American genres like hip-hop and R&B. His catchy songs, charismatic stage presence, and dedication to promoting African music on a global scale have earned him recognition as an important figure in contemporary African pop culture.
How Much Is Wizkid’s Net Worth Today?
So just how much is Wizkid worth these days? According to Forbes, Wizkid’s net worth is estimated at $4 million US dollars as of 2020. The majority of this comes from:
Record Sales and Streaming
Wizkid’s music is streamed and purchased worldwide. His hit song “One Dance” featuring Drake has over 1 billion views on YouTube and streams. With several albums and millions of singles sold, streaming and downloads make up a huge portion of Wizkid’s income.
Live Performances
Wizkid frequently headlines or co-headlines major music festivals and tours around the world. He can make between $50,000 to $200,000 per show. His Starboy Fest tour in 2019 spanned North America and Europe. Live performances are a major money maker for Wizkid.
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Wizkid has endorsement deals with huge brands like Nike, Dolce & Gabbana, and Pepsi that earn him millions per year. He also has his own record label called Starboy Entertainment. Wizkid leverages his fame and influence into profitable business opportunities and partnerships.
Real Estate and Luxury Assets
Wizkid lives a life of luxury. He owns lavish homes in Lagos, London, and Los Angeles, high-end cars like a Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, as well as expensive jewelry and other luxury items. While assets don’t directly add to his net worth, they are an indication of his immense success and fortune.
At only 30 years old, Wizkid has already built an empire and established himself as an icon of Afropop music. If he continues at this pace, his $4 million net worth today could easily turn into $40 or even $400 million in the years to come. The future remains bright for the Starboy.
What Are Wizkid’s Main Sources of Income?
Wizkid earns income from various sources, including:
1. Music Sales
Wizkid makes a significant amount of money from selling his music. His albums, EPs, and singles are available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. As of 2021, Wizkid’s songs have over 3 billion plays on Spotify alone. With streaming royalties ranging from $0.006 to $0.0084 per play, Wizkid has likely earned millions from streaming. He also sells physical copies of his albums in stores across Africa, as well as digital downloads on platforms like iTunes.
2. Live Performances
Wizkid is an accomplished live performer and tours extensively. He frequently headlines or co-headlines major music festivals in Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond. Wizkid can earn between $50,000 to $200,000 per show. His major tours, like the Starboy Fest or Made in Lagos tour, span multiple cities and countries, earning him millions per tour. Sponsorships from brands like Pepsi, Ciroc, and Nike for his tours provide additional income.
3. Endorsements and Partnerships
Wizkid has endorsement deals and partnerships with major brands that contribute significantly to his net worth. He has had long-term deals with Pepsi, Ciroc, and Nike. These deals are estimated to be worth millions per year. Wizkid also does shorter campaigns and endorsements with brands like UBA Bank, Tecno Mobile, and Guinness Nigeria. Additionally, Wizkid invests in various businesses, including a sports management company and a music streaming service targeted at African music.
4. Business Ventures
Beyond music, Wizkid has various business interests and investments that generate income. This includes a record label called Starboy Entertainment, as well as investments in tech startups. Wizkid also owns a sports management company and has stakes in a music streaming service focused on African music. Though the financial details of these ventures are not public, they likely contribute to Wizkid’s net worth.
READ ALSO- PSquare Biography and Net Worth
Conclusion
In summary, Wizkid has built his fortune through music sales, live performances, endorsements, and business interests. His widespread popularity, charisma, and talent have allowed him to partner with major brands and invest in various entertainment ventures.
Leave a Reply