Mother to International Afrobeats Star Wizkid Unexpectedly Dies

Instagram @wizkidayo

The mother to the popular Nigerian Afrobeats musician Wizkid, Jane Dolapo Balogun, has died, reports have confirmed.

The singer’s manager, Sunday Aare, confirmed the news to BusinessDay shortly after her passing. Her cause of death has not been released to the public.

In 2014, the Essence artist penned a heartfelt song for his mother called Joy. In the lyrics, he sings:

Mama had me / She was definitely smiling / Finally a boy / She was very very happy / She prayed for those with the love of her life eh / She called me grace / She called me blessing /

She looked into my eyes / Called me love of her life / I wish I could go back and feel what she felt / But she goes on her knees / And tell God what she felt eh \

The song continues:

When I was a little boy / Mama told me / My boy chase your dreams / And keep believing / And the sky will be your beginning / When I was a little boy / Mama told me / My boy chase your dreams / And keep believing / And your peak will be your beginning

Shortly after the news was announced, scores of fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their condolences to Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun.

“Wizkid loved his mother so much… the pain of losing a Parent is indescribable.”

“He definitely loves his mom so much and he doesn’t even hide that fact. May almighty God console you Wizkid.”

“Throwback To When Wizkid Said He Flew His Mom & Dad To Dubai To Celebrate His Essence & MIL Wins.”

“Davido sending Love and Prayers to Wizkid over the loss of his mother.”