Wizkid Headlines Afro Beat Plus Fest as He Celebrates 15 years in music.

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, closed the 2026 edition of Afro Plus Fest with a headline performance in Maryland, United States, on September 6. The performance also marked the singer’s 15th anniversary in the music industry.

The three-day festival, held from September 4 to 6 at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland, featured African, Caribbean and international music stars. Wizkid headlined the final night after performances by several other major artistes.

His appearance carried particular significance: it came 15 years after he rose to prominence in 2011 with his debut album, Superstar, featuring the hit single “Holla at Your Boy.”

##A Journey That Began in 2011

Wizkid’s music career began long before he gained international recognition. But the release of Superstar introduced him to a wider Nigerian audience and established him as one of the country’s promising young talents.

Over the years, he has built an impressive catalogue, releasing successful albums including Ayo, Sounds from the Other Side, Made in Lagos, More Love, Less Ego and Morayo.

His international breakthrough gained further momentum through his collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on “One Dance”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016.

In 2021, he also earned a Grammy Award for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”, further cementing his place in the international music industry.

##A Performance Filled With Career Highlights

At Afro Plus Fest, Wizkid performed songs spanning different stages of his career.

His set included popular records such as “In My Bed”, “Daddy Yo”, “Bad to Me”, “Slow Down”, “Caro”, “Essence”, “Alaye”, “Jogodo”, “Money Constant” and “Ojuelegba”.

The selection traced the different periods of his musical journey, giving fans a chance to enjoy both older favourites and more recent releases.

His collaboration with Tems on “Essence” remains one of his most widely recognised international records. The song achieved significant global success and helped bring Afrobeats to an even wider audience.

##Why Wizkid Remains Relevant

Fifteen years after his breakthrough, Wizkid continues to command attention in both the Nigerian and international music scenes.

His ability to collaborate with artistes from different musical backgrounds, maintain a successful catalogue and connect with audiences beyond Africa has helped sustain his relevance.

His influence is also evident in Afrobeats’ growing international recognition. The genre has gained considerable attention through collaborations, international performances and streaming platforms.

More Than Just Another Festival Performance

Afro Plus Fest 2026 featured several notable performers, including Davido, Alkaline, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Olamide and Adekunle Gold.

Davido headlined opening night, Jamaican dancehall artiste Alkaline performed on the second day, and Wizkid took centre stage on the final night.

The festival’s expanded three-day format reflected growing international interest in African, Caribbean and hip-hop music.

For Wizkid, closing the festival meant more than delivering another headline performance. It offered a chance to celebrate 15 years of musical growth, international recognition and influence.

From releasing “Holla at Your Boy” in 2011 to performing on international stages, his journey reflects the expanding reach of Nigerian music.

Fifteen years on, Wizkid remains a key figure in the Afrobeats movement, with a musical legacy that continues to reach audiences around the world.