By Oratokhai Jesusemen O.
On June 12, 2011, 20-year-old Wizkid released his debut album ‘Superstar’, a milestone that would significantly impact the Nigerian music landscape. This week, as we celebrate the 13th anniversary of this classic debut on Afrobeats Throwback, we reflect on how ‘Superstar’ inspired a generation.
Before ‘Superstar’, Wizkid gave listeners a taste of his talent with the new school Afropop record ‘Holla At Your Boy’. The song quickly captivated a generation of teenage listeners born in the mid-90s who were yearning for an artist they could relate to. Wizkid’s youthful appearance and fresh sound were perfectly showcased in the Patrick Elis-directed music video for ‘Holla At Your Boy’.
Set in a high school, the video captured Wizkid’s embodiment of the new generation’s swag. Sporting pencil jeans, a cool T-shirt with a rosary, stylish sneakers, and a fly cap, he rode a cool bicycle, hung out with a cool squad, and dated the prettiest girl in school. This portrayal resonated deeply with teenage Nigerian listeners, establishing Wizkid as the epitome of cool and forming the core of his fanbase.
Before Wizkid’s rise, Nigerian mainstream music had seen stars who altered the soundscape. Wande Coal’s 2009 debut album ‘Mushin 2 Mohits’ laid a blueprint that influenced many, including Wizkid. However, with ‘Superstar’, Wizkid redefined Nigerian pop music by delivering Afropop records that balanced cultural familiarity with a contemporary, youthful energy. Collaborating with era-defining producers like Samklef, Wizkid crafted a modern and refreshingly youthful take on Nigerian pop, propelling him to superstardom.
‘Superstar’ featured hit records such as ‘Tease Me’, the Fuji-inspired ‘Pakurumo’, the heartwarming ‘Gidi Girl’, the anthemic ‘Don’t Dull’, the positive ‘Oluwa Lo Ni’, and the sweet melodies of ‘Love My Baby’. These tracks, characterized by the youthful energy of a 20-year-old, resonated with both a young audience and an older generation, earning widespread admiration.
The 17-track album set the stage for Wizkid’s transformation from a rookie to a music star. Remarkably, Wizkid bypassed the usual gap between debut and stardom, achieving immediate success. The album’s impact was felt quickly, inspiring other artists like Davido, who credited Wizkid’s success as a major influence in his own music career.
Sonically, ‘Superstar’ shaped a new generation of artists, influencing their styles and approaches with Wizkid’s melodies and flows. The Nigerian music industry has since seen the emergence of young talents like Omah Lay and Rema, whose debuts echo Wizkid’s breakthrough. Even South African global sensation Tyla has cited Wizkid as a major influence.
Thirteen years after its release, ‘Superstar’ remains a foundational work in the Afropop genre, its influence clearly visible in today’s music landscape.
