Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely known as Wizkid, has sparked widespread discussion following a statement in which he revealed that his rise to fame occurred without a pre-defined plan or roadmap.
The Ojuelegba crooner, who gained prominence under the guidance and mentorship of renowned Nigerian singer Banky W, made the remark in a preview snippet from his highly anticipated HBO documentary, Long Live Lagos, which explores his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom.
In the clip, Wizkid said, “There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” suggesting that his career trajectory was largely self-directed and improvised rather than following a set formula. The statement has since triggered vigorous debate among fans, critics, and industry watchers on social media platforms, many of whom argue that it downplays the significant role played by Banky W and other veteran musicians who helped pave the way for Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
Despite the controversy, Wizkid acknowledged in other segments of the documentary that he drew inspiration from legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, highlighting that while he may have lacked a formal blueprint, he was influenced by the giants of Nigerian music who preceded him. He emphasized that building a personal structure was part of his journey to navigate the complex and competitive music industry independently.
Others highlighted that while Wizkid’s talent and creativity are undeniable, acknowledging mentors and industry veterans is essential in understanding the broader context of his success. Social media conversations also pointed out that his statement, though controversial, reflects a sentiment shared by many artists who navigate the industry with a mix of inspiration, personal strategy, and adaptation.
Long Live Lagos promises to offer a deeper look into Wizkid’s personal and professional life, his struggles, successes, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that contributed to his rise as one of Africa’s most recognized and influential music stars. The documentary, premiering on HBO on December 11th, is expected to provide fans with an unfiltered glimpse into Wizkid’s evolution as an artist and the challenges he faced in building a career without a traditional blueprint.
Watch video below…
New doc premiering on @HBO. Dec 11th! 🦅 #WizkidLongLiveLagos 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/zGcFx2duv1
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) November 24, 2025