Wizkid started as a church singer in Lagos at about 11 years old, performing with a group called Glorious Five before moving into local studio sessions under the name “Lil Prinz.” He spent his teenage years around studios like OJB Jezreel’s Point Beat, building experience and refining his sound.
He later met Banky W, joined E.M.E Records in 2009 (around age 18–19), and broke into mainstream fame in 2010 with “Holla at Your Boy.” The track made him a national star and marked the start of his professional music career before his later global success.
Wizkid (Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) started music as a church singer in Lagos, spent years recording in small studios, and later signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2009 under Banky W. His breakout came in 2010 with “Holla at Your Boy”, which turned him into a national star in Nigeria.
This article breaks down his early journey, using verified facts about his rise before fame.
Where did Wizkid start music from?
Wizkid started music in church in Lagos at around age 11. He grew up singing in a Pentecostal church where he joined a music group called Glorious Five. This group recorded early gospel songs that gave him his first recording experience.
At this stage, he was not thinking about fame. He was learning how to sing properly, write simple melodies, and perform in front of people.
He later moved from church music into local studios in Lagos, where his interest in secular music began to grow.
Did Wizkid have another stage name before fame?
Before “Wizkid” became a household name, he used the stage name “Lil Prinz”.
Under that name, he recorded early songs and worked on a small project that reportedly had several tracks. These recordings were not mainstream releases, but they helped him understand how studio sessions work.
He was also constantly present at OJB Jezreel’s Point Beat Studios in Lagos, trying to get studio time whenever possible. People in the industry often described him as someone who stayed around studios just to learn and observe.
How did Wizkid meet Banky W?
Wizkid’s connection to Banky W came through the Lagos music scene around Surulere, where young artists and producers interacted frequently.
Banky W, who was building his record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), noticed Wizkid’s voice, writing ability, and consistency in the studio environment.
He was later introduced into the E.M.E circle, where he began recording professionally and working closely with other upcoming artists under the label.
Did Wizkid really write songs for Banky W?
Yes Akon made the claim that Wizkid wrote songs for Banky W during his early years. Verified public records do not confirm specific credited songwriting for Banky W before Wizkid’s signing.
What is clear is that Wizkid spent time in E.M.E studios contributing creatively, learning production, and working with other artists under the label.
Banky W has spoken publicly about discovering Wizkid’s talent early and mentoring him through the development process that led to his first major release.
When did Wizkid sign with E.M.E?
Wizkid signed to Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. At that time, he was around 18 to 19 years old.
E.M.E was one of Nigeria’s rising record labels in the late 2000s, founded by Banky W and Tunde Demuren. The label focused on R&B and Afrobeats, giving young artists a structured platform.
This signing marked Wizkid’s shift from underground studio sessions to professional music production.
What was Wizkid’s first hit song?
Wizkid’s first major hit was “Holla at Your Boy”, released on January 2, 2010.
The song was produced by DJ Klem and Vebee. It quickly gained attention across Nigerian radio stations and youth culture spaces.
The track introduced Wizkid as a fresh voice in Afrobeats and positioned him as E.M.E’s breakout artist.
“Holla at Your Boy” also played a major role in earning him recognition at award shows, where he won the Next Rated category at The Headies.
What happened after “Holla at Your Boy”?
After his breakout single, Wizkid released more music under E.M.E, including “Tease Me / Bad Guys” and later his debut album “Superstar” (2011).
He collaborated with Banky W, Skales, and other E.M.E artists, building a strong fan base across Nigeria and beyond.
By 2014, Wizkid left E.M.E after completing his contract and began his independent journey, which later led to international success.
Why Wizkid’s early career still matters today
Wizkid’s early career shows how consistent studio work, early mentorship, and local exposure can shape a music career.
His path from church singer to E.M.E breakout artist reflects how many Afrobeats stars in Nigeria started from small beginnings before reaching global stages.
Related: Akon Claims Wizkid Was Writing Songs for Banky W at Age 14–15
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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