'I had no blueprint' - Wizkid’s bold claim on global stardom

Afrobeats superstar Wizkid is known for his cool, unbothered persona, but a recent preview of his upcoming HBO documentary, ‘Long Live Lagos,’ has sparked a heated debate. In a reflective moment, the artist declared, "There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself."

While this statement underscores his unique and meteoric rise, many fans and critics perceived it as dismissive of the mentors who paved his way, particularly fellow Nigerian artist Banky W, whose label gave Wizkid his first major platform.

This introspection is a hallmark of the Grammy Award-winning artiste. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun in the Surulere suburb of Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos, Wizkid has always projected a philosophy of self-assured focus.

The 35-year-old artist has consistently emphasized his singular vision, often affirming, “I’m not in competition with anybody. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself.”

This drive propelled him to global fame, culminating in international anthems like his 2016 hit song ‘One Dance’, which showcased the universal appeal of his sound.

Yet, a closer look reveals a deep reverence for his musical heritage. In the same ‘Long Live Lagos’ documentary, Wizkid pays homage to the legendary Fela Kuti, the creator of Afrobeat, as a foundational inspiration.

Wizkid stated: “Fela Kuti was instrumental. He made me believe that I could make music.” This acknowledgment adds nuance to Wizkid’s "no blueprint" claim, suggesting he had inspirations rather than a step-by-step guide.

In the documentary, Wizkid revealed that he believes music is “a powerful tool to survive” and “very important” in educating the world about African culture.

This belief is etched into the artist’s entire catalog. From the youthful energy of his debut album ‘Superstar’ to the mature, polished vibes of ‘Made in Lagos’, the ‘Ojuelegba’ hitmaker has consistently evolved.

That latter album produced the global hit “Essence,” which broke the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination, cementing Africa's place on the global music map.

Now, with ‘Long Live Lagos’ set to premiere on December 11, 2025, Wizkid reflects on the legacy of that self-built structure. His journey, from the streets of Ojuelegba to the world stage, is the story of an artist honoring his roots while fearlessly charting his own path—one global hit at a time.