Lagos, Nigeria – October 11, 2025 – In a bold flex that’s reigniting debates across Afrobeats and beyond, global superstar Wizkid has declared himself the undisputed “001” of the music industry, dismissing any challengers with his signature swagger: “Baba is whomever he says he is.” The Starboy’s unapologetic proclamation, dropped via a cryptic social media post, has fans chanting in agreement while critics cry foul—proving once again that Wizkid’s aura remains untouchable.
The 34-year-old Grammy winner, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has long embodied the essence of “Baba”—a Yoruba term of endearment and respect for elders or masters. In his latest X (formerly Twitter) thread, Wizkid reflected on his two-decade reign, from mixtape hustles to arena-filling tours. “From the streets to the world stage, I’ve built this empire. 001? That’s me. Baba is whomever he says he is—no debates,” he wrote, accompanied by a throwback photo of himself in a simple white tee, mic in hand, evoking his raw beginnings. The post, timestamped late Thursday, exploded with over 50,000 likes in hours, spawning memes, fan edits, and a fresh wave of #Wizkid001 hashtags.
This isn’t Wizkid’s first time staking his claim as the industry’s pioneer. Back in 2023, he sparked a mini-feud by dubbing himself Afrobeats’ originator amid a subtle jab at peers, but this declaration feels more triumphant than combative. Sources close to the singer say it’s tied to the buzz around his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Morayo, named after his late mother and teased with snippets of soulful, guitar-driven tracks. “It’s a reminder: He’s not just an artist; he’s the blueprint,” one insider shared. “After hits like ‘Essence’ and sold-out O2 residencies, who else could say this without backlash?”
The statement has polarized the timeline. Die-hard FC (Football Club, Wizkid’s fanbase) flooded replies with fire emojis and lyrics from “Ojuelegba,” hailing him as the “African Giant” Davido once claimed. “Baba don talk, case closed! 001 forever,” tweeted one supporter. Yet, rivals’ stans weren’t silent—Burna Boy’s fans pointed to his own “African Giant” moniker, while