Wizkid: The World Is Yours But…

You’ve read hundreds of articles about Wizkid but not this. He is Africa’s biggest music export at the present moment. Ayodeji Balogun always knew he was destined for great things, and it’s been evident in his lyrics. Yes, I’ve heard so much about Nigerian artistes dreaming of winning Grammys. However, this young chap might just be the first to actually achieve that; time shall tell. Being on the number one single and album in the whole world is proof that our flag bearer is making us proud. In fact, as you’re reading this, tell me you’re not happy for WizKid? Following Drake’s decision to jump on his hit track, “Ojuelegba”, it’s been a roller coaster ride for the Starboy CEO. I’m sure the 26-year-old King of Africa never believed with the OvO rapper would be a stepping stone to being featured on a song that would top the charts worldwide for over five weeks and counting. Has Wizkid crossed over? If you ask me, it’s a big YES. His name is literally on everyone’s lips both home and abroad, touring Europe and America, meeting the names that matter. Not just meeting them and taking pics but actually making music with them. What a time to be alive! As a strong Wizzy stan and an ardent music lover, I’m sure you’d agree that if there was a time the young man actually needs songwriters it is actually right now. Representing not just a country but a continent requires more than just “Yaga” and ” Iyeyeye”. We love it, but it just might not cut it internationally. His new exposure needs to lead to his growth lyrically. And the easiest way out of this is to get song writers. The importance of good song writing for his brand now can not be over emphasized.


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One of the biggest mistakes most musicians make is they think they can write when they really can’t. Don’t get me wrong here, there’s a difference between a great musician and a great songwriter. Baba Wizzy can’t write to save a fish from drowning and if you’re really being honest with yourself, you’d agree with me. He has to look critically at hiring the best hands considering the group of people in his current circle. He should invest in song writing as much as he’s investing in producers and new artistes. A musician should always serve the song, not the other way round. To get this cross over thing right, he has to be able to make music his new audiences can properly relate with and be part of. Signing Efya to his label just might be a positive sign.

 Another area I think is important is management. He needs the best team NOW. He needs people around him who won’t just tell him what he wants to hear because of who he is, but a group of people whose minds and vision are entwined with his. A team who sees where he should be in the next six months, two years and possibly five years. There should be a plan that is five steps and devoid of errors and silly mistakes. The music industry in other parts of the world isn’t the music industry in Lagos. Mistakes aren’t forgiven easily.