Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a global superstar from Nigeria, dominating the Afrobeat scene and crossing over into mainstream pop. His unique Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop blend has earned him international recognition. From Grammy nominations to collaborations with global icons like Drake, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown, Wizkid has solidified himself as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports.
Over the years, Wizkid has picked up several nicknames that reflect his rise to stardom, unique sound, and larger-than-life personality. Let’s look at the most popular and significant nicknames that capture different aspects of Wizkid’s journey.
The following are some of the most notable nicknames for Wizkid:
1. Starboy
Arguably the most popular and official nickname, “Starboy” signifies Wizkid’s meteoric rise in music. It’s also the name of his record label, Starboy Entertainment, cementing his identity as a leading figure in Afrobeats.
2. Machala
“Machala” is a Nigerian slang term meaning “boss” or “king,” and it’s one of Wizkid’s fan-given nicknames. It highlights his dominance in the music industry and the respect he commands from his peers and fans alike. In 2022, Carter Efe and Berri Tiga released a record titled “Machala” as a hommage to Wizkid. The song peaked at 14th position on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart. It peaked at 1st position on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100 chart.
3. Big Wiz
As Wizkid grew older and more influential, fans started calling him “Big Wiz” to reflect his transition from a young, budding artist to an industry heavyweight. The name symbolizes his maturity and experience, as well as his status as a legend in the game.
4. Wizzy
Wizzy is a variation of his stage name, Wizkid. It is a casual and affectionate nickname often used by his fans and industry friends. “Wizzy” represents the artist’s playful and youthful side and his ability to constantly evolve his sound.
5. Baba Nla
“Baba Nla” translates to “Big Boss” or “Great One” in Yoruba, and it’s another nickname that reinforces Wizkid’s supremacy in the African music scene. He even released a hit single titled Baba Nla to celebrate this persona.
6. Young Pablo
This nickname refers to Wizkid’s ambition and influence, often drawing comparisons to historical figures of power and success. “Young Pablo” speaks to his ability to shape trends and influence the music landscape globally.
About to make history!! Listen!! Young Pablo not here for joke ting! It's game time!! 😈😈
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) May 8, 2016
7. Daddy Yo
“Daddy Yo” became a global sensation after Wizkid’s track of the same name went viral. His female fans often use it to acknowledge his smooth charm and charismatic stage presence.
8. Lion
This fan-given nickname emerged on social media, likening Wizkid to a lion for his strength, leadership, and dominance in the industry. It also signifies his fearlessness in pushing the boundaries of African music. Quite a number of Nigerian artists address Wizkid as “Lion.” Some older variations of the nickname are Wiz Lion and Wizzy Lion.
9. Ojuelegba Boy
Named after his hit song Ojuelegba, this nickname highlights Wizkid’s humble beginnings. Ojuelegba is a neighborhood in Lagos where Wizkid grew up, and fans often use this name to show their admiration for his journey from the streets of Lagos to the global stage.
10. Eagle
Eagle is used to signify that Wizkid is the biggest Nigerian artist by his fans. The Eagle emoji is also the emoji used by his fans to describe him on X. The saying “The Eagle has landed” translates to “The King is Here.”
The eagle has landed.
Wizkid currently back in Lagos 🇳🇬 🦅
— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) October 10, 2023
11. G.O.A.T
G.O.A.T means Greatest of All Time. Wizkid, being called GOAT or MY GOAT, acknowledges his supremacy over his current peers and sometimes the musicians who preceded him. Generally, you will hear Burna Boy and Davido fans also refer to their artiste as the G.O.A.T.
12. Baba Zion
Baba Zion is a cultural nickname. In Nigeria, it is a custom to nickname a man after his first child. So, Baba Zion translates to the Father of Zion. You must have peeped that Wizkid has a child named Zion by now. So, the “Baba Zion” nickname acknowledges his position as a parent.
13. Real African Giant
Though this nickname is more commonly associated with fellow artist Burna Boy, Wizkid’s fans sometimes refer to him as an “African Giant” or “The Real African Giant” to emphasize his global dominance in Afrobeats and his role in representing Africa on the international stage.
Wizkid is the real African giant tbh
— Chakra Khan🪬 (@GangsterAvenue) September 2, 2021
14. The King of Afrobeat
As one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats, Wizkid has earned the title “The King of Afrobeat.” Fans and media alike use this name to show respect for his influence on the genre and his consistent hit-making ability.
15. Surulere Boy
“Surulere Boy” is another nod to Wizkid’s Lagos roots, specifically referencing the Surulere area where he spent part of his youth. The nickname is a celebration of his local identity and global success.
16. Golden Boy
Fans sometimes refer to Wizkid as the “Golden Boy” because of his consistent chart-topping hits and his ability to stay relevant in the music industry for over a decade. The name also speaks to his Midas touch, as every song he releases seems to become an instant hit.
17. The Prince of Afropop
Wizkid is often called “The Prince of Afropop” by those who recognize his ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary pop. This nickname solidifies his role in taking Afrobeat global and making it accessible to a wider audience.
What Do Wizkid’s Fans Call Themselves?
Wizkid’s fans proudly refer to themselves as “Wizkid FC,” which stands for Wizkid Fan Club. This fanbase is known for their loyalty, dedication, and vocal support for the artist on social media. They help amplify his music, support his ventures, and defend him in online debates, making them one of the most passionate fanbases in Africa.
Do you know any other nicknames people call Wizkid, or do you have some personal nicknames for him? Please drop them in the comments.
Sources:
- Wizkid Interview: YouTube
- Starboy – Weeknd vs Wizkid: Pulse Nigeria
- Wizkid Performance: Facebook
- Wizkid’s Influence – Africa Facts Zone: X (formerly Twitter)
- Wizkid’s Influence: X (formerly Twitter)
