Big Wiz as he’s now being called haven’t always been the moniker of the Starboy. Ayo Balogun has always been Wizkid the global icon who started his craft as an unknown artist from the streets of Ojuelegba.
2baba, Dbanj, and P Square held it down for many years we thought their passage will be the height of Nigerian music never to be seen again but boy, how wrong were we.
America returnee and RnB singing sensation Banky W started his record label EME and signed young acts Skales and Wizkid calling them his retirement plan. Little did we know the man saw the future before we all did. And what will evolve right in front of our eyes is a legend who has gone ahead to have global dominance and change the modern Afrobeats genre to what has gone on to inspire a new generation of music producers and lovers.
In recent history of the Nigerian music scene few debut albums can be said to stand the test of time. 2face, Dbanj, Psquare, Wande Coal, M.I, Sean Tizzle, Kiss Daniel, 9ice and few others all belong to a special class of artists whose debut album became classic that still define their musical career till date.
One outstanding one however is the ‘Super Star’ album by Wizkid released 10 years ago. The birth of this album has not only made Wizkid an international music star of repute but also have gone on to influence numerous artists and also breed new sounds that we all are proud to call the Naija sound.
In honor of this groundbreaking album, here are 10 music careers that were inspired by the game changing Super Star album;
1- Mr Eazi
The Nigerian singer, one of the artists Wizkid signed up to his Starboy Entertainment imprint and the continent’s breakout star in 2016, has this to say about Wizkid.
“Wizkid is one of the most talented artists ever out of Africa, he is blessed with the melodies, but most of all he works hard. His work rate even pushes me to go harder.”
“With someone like Wiz representing Africa, it will invariably lead people to check out other African music and that’s a positive for new acts,” he added.
2, Maleek Berry
British Nigerian born music producer and singer; Maleek Berry came into music prominence amongst Nigerians with his massive hit The Matter which he had in collaboration with the Star Boy Wiz. Of Wizkid, Maleek had this to say;
“As soon as I met Wiz, we clicked straight away. The first day I met him he jumped on three of my beats, freestyle on the spot.”
Safe to say Wizkid is a genius.
3. L.A.X
Once signed to Wizkid’s record label, Rasaki has this to say about the Starboy and how it is working with him; “Everything Wizkid was doing, I was watching. I learnt how to record more than one song in a day from Wizkid. He’d record 3 to 4 songs in a day and all the songs are bangers.”
4. Samklef
With production credits for the Super star album, Samklef had his musical spring to bounce on off the star boy. Although they had a falling out later, Samklef later revealed that fighting with Wizkid is the most stupid thing he has have ever done.
5. Terri
A student mastering his craft under the tutelage of Wizkid himself. Starboy Terri as he loves to be called said; “I learn from Wizkid who is the biggest artist of his generation and who has been here for 10 years. He has seen everything and that helps me professionally and personally.
6. Reekado Banks
Known for hit songs like katapot, Chop Am, Standard and Oluwa Ni. Reekado has always been a strong comparison with Wizkid based on their similar style and delivery. Though a brief fallen apart because of what Wizkid termed insensitivity. Reekado still remains an admirer of the Star Boy.
7. Ceeza Milli
Ceeza Milli is one of the brightest prospects in Nigerian music. A listen to his songs might make you question if he is not actually Wizkid. The similarity in voice is overwhelming.
8. Burna boy
Writing on his pag犀利士5mg e, the Odogwu said of his contemporary “You have nothing to prove again” suggesting that from the days of Super star album to Wizkid’s latest offering “Made in Lagos” Wizkid has set the pace and done everything to seal his influence and place in history.
9. Rema
Although he placed a public disclaimer about not being the new Wizzy, Rema’s sound and persona reeks of the Starboy and it’s only normal for fans to always liken his style and music to that of Big Wiz.
10. Omah Lay
He may have said he only wants to be known to be himself and no other artist, but it can’t be denied that the influence of Wizkid can be felt all over his sound. Being fond of Big Wiz as well has made the Port Harcourt born artist a reference point for who may likely pick the baton to continue the race for the next generation of talented Nigerian act.
With many more successful projects expected from Big Wiz, the super star album deserves the accolades and a special seat at the table of Nigerian music royalty for being a timeless piece of artistic creative body of work.
– Kofoworola kayode
