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.
Spotify yesterday revealed a significant surge in heartbreak song streams in Nigeria during the Valentine’s Day season, with a 626 percent increase between 2022 and 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu.
Okumu said, “Spotify data reveals a surprising trend, a massive surge in heartbreak song streams.
“Nigerians are turning to their playlists to express their emotions, with a staggering 626 per cent overall growth in heartbreak streams from 2022 to 2024.
“This Valentine, the sound of love is accompanied by the sound of heartbreak, and the data shows it’s louder than ever before.”
She said on Valentine’s Day, most surprisingly, male listeners streamed heartbreak songs at a significantly higher rate than female listeners, with a 362 per cent increase compared to 169 per cent among women.
“This could suggest that men resonate with the feeling of heartbreak more and turn to music as a private outlet for processing emotions.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, when love is in the air, so is heartbreak and Nigerian men are pressing play on their pain more than expected.
“While Valentine’s Day is often celebrated with grand gestures, heartbreak is a common theme on Valentine’s Day -more than what’s publicly shown,” she said.
Nigerians will join their counterparts across the world to mark the 2025 Valentine’s today.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined MLS side San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner.
SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.
In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which, of course, has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation.”
Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Fashion and beauty entrepreneur, Toyin Lawani, has claimed she is enduring back pain and that her spine is degenerating.
Lawani revealed this in a video posted on social media last Tuesday.
In the clip, she opened up about her experience with epidural anesthesia, an injection administered to pregnant women in the spine to reduce pain during childbirth.
The mother of three claimed that since receiving the injection, she has not felt like herself.
She accused doctors of not fully informing women about the long-term side effects of epidurals.
According to Lawani, she received the anesthetic injection during the birth of her last two children.
She said, “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long-term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.
“Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breathe properly sometimes because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.
“They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had epidural because I had to undergo a surgery and I had no choice.
“See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”