How Wizkid Marked 15 Years With Afro Plus Fest Headline

MAX FM News Desk
News & Current Affairs Writer, MAX 102.3 FM
Published: September 07, 2026

Grammy Award-winning Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, closed the 2026 edition of Afro Plus Fest in Maryland, United States, on Sunday, September 6. The performance also marked 15 years since the singer broke into the Nigerian music scene.

Wizkid headlined the final night of the three-day festival at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland. Consequently, his appearance carried added significance as he celebrated a career that has continued to evolve since his breakthrough in 2011.

Wizkid Celebrates 15 Years In Music

Wizkid first gained widespread recognition with “Holla at Your Boy,” the lead single from his 2011 debut album, Superstar. Since then, he has built a career that has taken Afrobeats to audiences far beyond Nigeria.

Over the years, the singer has released internationally recognised records, collaborated with major global artists and earned significant recognition for his contribution to African music. Most notably, he became a Grammy Award winner, further strengthening his position on the global music stage.

Therefore, his appearance at Afro Plus Fest offered more than a closing performance. It also provided a moment to reflect on a 15-year journey that began with Superstar and has since established Wizkid as one of Nigeria’s most prominent musical exports.

Meanwhile, Afro Plus Fest ran from September 4 to September 6 at the Northwest Stadium Complex. The festival brought together audiences in Maryland for a celebration of African music and culture, with Wizkid taking the headline slot on the final night.

For Wizkid, the timing added another layer to the performance. Fifteen years after Holla at Your Boy introduced him to a wider audience, he returned to the stage as an established international Afrobeats star.

Furthermore, his headline appearance comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to strengthen its presence across international markets. Nigerian artists now regularly headline major festivals and perform before audiences across Europe, North America and other parts of the world.

As Afro Plus Fest concluded its 2026 edition, Wizkid’s headline performance gave the festival a notable finale. More importantly, it highlighted the remarkable journey of an artist who has spent 15 years moving from a promising young act to one of Afrobeats’ most recognisable global names.