Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has left fans and critics buzzing after deleting all posts from his Instagram account. The move, which wiped clean the profile of an artist with a staggering 18.1 million followers, has ignited a flurry of reactions online. While some view it as a calculated publicity stunt, others see it as a misstep in an era where strategic branding is more critical than ever.
The action has raised questions about Wizkid’s motives, with many speculating whether this was a deliberate attempt to generate buzz or simply a personal decision unrelated to public perception. Social media users have been quick to weigh in, dissecting the implications of such a bold move in today’s digital age. Among the voices chiming in is Theoon Sage, a social media user who offered a scathing critique of what he perceives as outdated tactics.
Sage framed Wizkid’s post-clearing strategy as a dated PR gimmick, reminiscent of trends that were more prevalent in 2018 but have since lost their luster. He argued that such moves no longer resonate effectively in a world saturated with content and rapidly evolving audience expectations. “This kind of stunt, where posts are deleted and accounts are unfollowed to attract attention, was more common in 2018 but has lost its effectiveness,” Sage wrote. His commentary didn’t stop there; he went on to suggest that Wizkid’s approach lacked sophistication compared to other artists navigating the global stage.
To drive his point home, Sage contrasted Wizkid’s actions with those of Burna Boy, another heavyweight in the Afrobeat genre. He highlighted Burna Boy’s ability to command attention through creative storytelling and dramatic moments—such as controversies involving social media personalities or altering album artwork for impact. According to Sage, these strategies reflect a deeper understanding of modern PR principles, making them more effective in capturing public interest.
Davido, another prominent figure in Nigerian music, also earned praise from Sage, who lauded the singer’s well-thought-out promotional campaigns. Sage urged Wizkid to take cues from Davido’s playbook, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance in crafting impactful narratives. “Afrobeat’s global rise means Nigerian artists can no longer afford to be careless or outdated in their approach,” he stated. Sage further encouraged artists to mature in their professional strategies, advocating for collaboration with songwriters and PR experts to elevate their brands.
The conversation quickly gained traction, drawing diverse opinions from fans and industry observers alike. Some echoed Sage’s sentiments, agreeing that Wizkid’s recent move felt underwhelming and out of sync with current trends. Others, however, defended the artist, arguing that comparing him to peers like Burna Boy and Davido overlooks his unique journey and accomplishments. One commenter, @jigsaw_1225, cautioned against undermining Burna Boy’s achievements by placing him in the same category as other artists, stating, “No compare Burna Boy to any Nigerian artists abeg..don’t disrespect him.”
Meanwhile, @talesbyblessing questioned the growing trend of artists deleting their social media posts altogether. “Telling Wizkid to learn from others is wrong, but what is making our artists delete all their social media posts?” they asked, hinting at a broader pattern within the industry. For context, several musicians worldwide have adopted similar tactics, often using blank slates to signal new beginnings or major announcements. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains debatable, especially when executed without clear intent or follow-through.
Other responses ranged from skepticism to outright dismissal of the significance of Wizkid’s decision. User @berrypondiz01 accused the artist of relying on clout-driven antics, writing, “The only thing Wizkid does best is to drag Davido for clout and PR for album.” This remark reflects a recurring narrative among fans who sometimes perceive rivalry between top-tier Nigerian artists as a ploy for engagement rather than genuine competition.
On the flip side, some defended the move as a legitimate PR strategy, pointing out that it succeeded in sparking widespread discussion. As @k_wheelzbeat noted, “It’s PR. It’s working like we are all typing right now.” This perspective highlights the undeniable truth that even polarizing actions can achieve their goal of keeping an artist relevant in the public eye.
Despite the mixed reactions, one cannot ignore the larger implications of Wizkid’s decision. With Afrobeat gaining unprecedented international recognition, Nigerian artists are under increasing pressure to adopt polished and innovative approaches to branding. The days of relying solely on talent to sustain relevance are fading, replaced by demands for strategic marketing and consistent engagement with global audiences.
Wizkid, as one of the pioneers of Afrobeat’s mainstream success, occupies a unique position in this landscape. His influence extends far beyond Nigeria, having collaborated with global icons like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber. Yet, maintaining that level of visibility requires adaptability and foresight—qualities that some believe may have been lacking in this instance.
As debates continue to unfold, one thing is certain: Wizkid’s decision to clear his Instagram account has placed him squarely back in the spotlight. Whether intentional or not, the move underscores the delicate balance artists must strike between authenticity and strategic self-promotion. In an industry driven by image and perception, every action carries weight—and Wizkid’s latest gambit serves as a reminder of just how closely the public scrutinizes its favorite stars.
Ultimately, the incident raises important questions about the future of artist branding in Nigeria and beyond. Should artists prioritize creativity over convention? How can they leverage social media without falling into predictable patterns? And most importantly, how do they ensure their actions align with their long-term goals rather than fleeting trends?
For now, fans eagerly await Wizkid’s next steps. Will he resurface with a groundbreaking announcement or project? Or will this moment fade into obscurity, remembered only as a curious footnote in his storied career? Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: Wizkid knows how to keep people talking—and in the fast-paced world of entertainment, that alone is a form of power.
