Despite — or perhaps because of — his enormous achievements and accolades, Wizkid’s decision to never perform in Lagos, not only the city where he was born and raised but also the city where he rose to global prominence, is less delusory than it is oppressive. Despite the fact that he has earned his place as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian music, with a slew of awards including a Grammy, sold-out concerts, five studio albums, and chart-topping and ground-breaking songs. They say “let sleeping dogs lie,” but Machala has amassed a devoted following that is sleepless and never needs to lie — he lives in their hearts, they plot for him, and they pick fights with outliers.
Wizkid’s meteoric rise began on the streets of Lagos. Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun was born on July 16, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos State, into an interfaith family. Wizkid went to Ijebu Ode Grammar School and signed his first label contract with Empire Mates Music in 2009, while mingling with the industry’s elite — in Lagos, of course. With songs like ‘Ojuelegba’ and his album Made In Lagos, the singer has not shied away from expressing his admiration for the bustling city that inspired his Bildungsroman.
Ironically, while not yet at the pinnacle of his powers, the superstar has declared his intention to renege — or so it appears — on the oak that figured his acorn, contracting to the global stage and stretching further away from home.
Is this a plan to beat the drum for his beach concert? Artists, even those who don’t need to blow their trumpets to make a living, have been known to use creative marketing strategies to promote their work.
Or does Machala mean he won’t be performing in Lagos for the rest of the year? Time will tell.