Entertainment
Wizkid Rejects N25m Fee For International Show
Nigerian artist Wizkid has confirmed that money is not a problem to him, after reports claimed that he was offered (£50,000) N25m for an international show but rejected it saying his brand is not cheap. It had been rumored that Wizkid has been charging £100,000 for shows outside Nigeria for sometime now.
The deal was said to have been brokered by his international management “Disturbing London” affiliated to United Kingdom Pop star Tinie Tempah. Although Wizkid hasn’t said anything concerning the rumour yet, the news has gone viral in the social media.
Born on July 16th 1989, Ayo Balogum also known as Wizkid recorded his first album at the age of 11, the album was produced by one of the most celebrated music producers in the country-OJB Jezreel and it was a 7-track album that was released for his church in Lagos.
The 2006 album launch was well received by Ayo Balogun’s parents, friends and other artistes. Ayo Balogun’s growing passion for music and the use of his God given talent inspired him to get back into the studio and perfect his music acts. It was in 2006 that Ayo Balogun dropped his initial stage name – Lil Prinz and he began working with some of the best artistes in Nigeria today, these include Naeto C and Ikechukwu.
Since 2006, Wizkid songs enjoyed continuous radio plays while himself, enjoyed collaboration with the best artistes in Nigeria, but it was not until 2009 when this young talent got his first major break in the music industry-according to Wizkid twitter. His collaboration with one of Nigeria’s best rappers and MCs-MI Abaga, on “fast money fast cars” track drew major attention to Wizzy’s unique voice and style.
Ayo Balogun is also a song writer. A side being featured by so many established artists, Ayo Balogun also featured in several TV commercials, the most recent is the Pepsi Co-advert which also featured one of the best female performers – Tiwa Savage. His first TV commercial was “Turn by Turn” by Kel’s which became Barcelo’s radio jungle.
He signed a multi-million naira deal with the Empire Mates entertainment (EME), a recording label owned by versatile performer and one of the best R&B artistes cum producer and manager-Bank W, in 2009.
He has continued to release hit songs with EME records since 2009, his music career has gone beyond the chores of Nigerian borders especially with his numerous international stage performances and collaboration with international artistes such as Akon, Kardinal official and Young Jeezy to mention just a few.
In 2010, Ayo Balogun fully broke into the music industry with the release of his smash hit singles, “Don’t dull, “Holla at your boy,” and “Tease me.” Ayo Balogun’s Debut album – “Superstar” was released in 2011 and in June 2011 also, he performed several sold-out concerts in Nigeria, UK and the United States.
Wizkid’s Biography is not complete without making mention of some of his numerous awards. Ayo Balogun won the 2012 till date, he has 2010 till date, he has also won several other numerous awards in Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and the US.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’