In the world of marketing, where attention spans are fleeting and competition is fierce, the...
When you talk of Afrobeat in this century, Wizkid is among the top 10 musicians to come to mind. Wizkid is one of the most successful African artists of all time.
He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, and his music has been streamed billions of times. What is the secret to his success? In this article, we will explore five branding lessons that businesses can learn from Wizkid.
Who is Wizkid?
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, better known by his stage name Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on July 16, 1990.
He started his music career at a young age, forming a group called the Glorious Five with some of his church friends. The group released an album in 2008, but it did not achieve much success. In 2009, Wizkid signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment.
Wizkid’s career took off after he released his debut single, “Holla at Your Boy,” in 2010. The song was a huge success, and it helped launch Wizkid’s career as a solo artist. He has since released several other hit singles, including “Tease Me,” “Love My Baby,” and “Ojuelegba.”
Wizkid has also released several successful albums, including Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014), and Made in Lagos (2020). He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, a BET Award, and several African Music Awards.
He is one of the most successful African artists of all time, and he has helped put Afrobeat music on the map. He has inspired a generation of musicians, and he is a true icon of African music.
5 Branding Lessons That Businesses Could Learn from Wizkid
1: Be authentic.
One of the most important branding lessons that businesses can learn from Wizkid is to be authentic. Wizkid is known for being himself, both in his music and in his personal life.
He is not afraid to be vulnerable or to express his emotions. This authenticity has helped him connect with fans on a deeper level.
In the business world, authenticity is just as important. Consumers can spot a fake a mile away. If you try to be someone you’re not, people will see right through you. Be genuine and transparent in your branding, and people will be drawn to you.
2: Stay true to your roots
Another branding lesson that businesses can learn from Wizkid is to stay true to their roots. Wizkid is proud of his Nigerian heritage, and he incorporates elements of African culture into his music.
He often sings in his native language, Yoruba, and incorporates traditional African instruments into his music. He has also collaborated with other African artists and performed at major African festivals. This has helped him build a global fanbase that is drawn to his unique and authentic brand.
In the business world, it’s important to stay true to your core values. What makes your business unique? What sets you apart from the competition? Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on what you do best and let your passion shine through.
3: Be consistent.
Wizkid has been a consistent force in the music industry for over a decade. He has released six studio albums, all of which have been successful. He has had over 20 number-one singles in Nigeria, and his music has been streamed billions of times on streaming platforms.
He has also won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award. This consistency has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful and respected artists in Africa and helped him stay relevant and keep his fans engaged. Businesses should strive for the same level of consistency in their branding.
Your brand should be consistent across all channels, from your website to your social media to your marketing materials. Make sure your messaging is clear and concise and that your brand personality is consistent no matter where it’s expressed.
4: Partner with the right people
Wizkid has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Drake and Beyoncé. These partnerships have helped him reach a wider audience and gain exposure to new fans. Businesses can learn from Wizkid’s example and partner with other brands that complement their own.
When choosing partners, it’s important to find brands that share your values and target audience. You should also make sure that the partnership is mutually beneficial. Both brands should get something out of the deal.
5: Never give up
Wizkid has faced many challenges throughout his career, but he has never given up on his dreams. He grew up in poverty in Lagos, Nigeria, and didn’t have access to formal music training. However, he was determined to become a musician, so he taught himself how to play the guitar and sing.
Before he finally signed with a record label, he had received numerous rejections, but he never gave up on his dreams. He has also faced discrimination because of his race and ethnicity, but he has never let that stop him from achieving his goals.
Businesses should learn from Wizkid’s example and never give up on their goals. There will be setbacks along the way, but if you keep working hard and never give up, you will eventually achieve your dreams.
Conclusion
Wizkid is a successful artist who has built a strong brand by being authentic, staying true to his roots, being consistent, partnering with the right people, and never giving up. Businesses can learn from Wizkid’s example and build their own strong brands by following these tips.
