Wizkid Exposes Industry Truths: “Artists Used to Sleep Outside My Gate Desperate for a Collab!”

Nigerian music icon Ayo Balogun, famously known as Wizkid, revealed a startling reality about his early days of success—countless artists camped outside his home, eagerly hoping to snag a collaboration. In a resurfaced interview, the Essence hitmaker painted a vivid picture of desperate musicians lingering by his gate, driven by their desire to tap into his rising star power.

As one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, Wizkid has consistently supported fellow artists since his meteoric rise in 2010. He has lent his talent to the likes of Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, and Olamide, becoming a catalyst for their success. However, he candidly expressed that despite his willingness to uplift others, gratitude in the industry is often fleeting.

Highlighting the lack of acknowledgment, Wizkid shared an anecdote of offering a female singer a rare 10% discount on a feature—yet even this gesture went unappreciated. His revelation underscores a darker side of the music industry, where favors are quickly forgotten, and loyalty is scarce.

This revelation has reignited conversations among fans and critics about the pressure successful artists face and the unseen struggles behind the scenes. As Wizkid continues to dominate global charts, his words offer a rare glimpse into the realities of fame, success, and the burdens of generosity.

Watch the full clip below to catch Wizkid’s unfiltered thoughts: