A heartwarming video of Nigerian superstar Wizkid dancing on stage with his mother has gone viral, sparking a heated debate among fans. The resurfaced clip comes in the wake of a controversial tweet by Wizkid, seemingly mocking Governor Ademola Adeleke, uncle of fellow musician Davido.
On October 2, 2024, social media platforms erupted with activity as a vintage video of Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, performing alongside his mother began circulating. The footage, believed to be from the early stages of Wizkid’s career, shows a markedly different side of the Grammy Award-winning artist.
In the video, a youthful Wizkid, sporting a boyish appearance and a higher-pitched voice, is seen mid-performance when he suddenly invites his mother to join him on stage. The duo then breaks into an impromptu dance, much to the delight of the cheering audience.
Lagos-based music historian, Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo, provides context: “This video likely dates back to around 2010-2011, when Wizkid was just beginning to make waves in the Nigerian music scene. It’s a beautiful snapshot of an artist on the cusp of stardom, still deeply connected to his roots.”
The video captures a touching moment between mother and son. As Wizkid and his mother move to the rhythm, their genuine smiles and easy synchronization speak volumes about their relationship.
Adeola Ojo, a longtime Wizkid fan who attended many of his early shows, recalls the energy of those performances: “Seeing Wizkid bring his mom on stage was always special. You could feel the pride radiating from her, and it just made everyone in the audience feel like part of one big family.”
After their dance, Wizkid and his mother share a warm embrace, a gesture that has resonated with many viewers of the resurfaced video.
The reemergence of this touching video comes at a time when Wizkid finds himself embroiled in controversy. On September 30, 2024, the artist posted a tweet that many interpreted as a dig at Governor Ademola Adeleke, uncle of fellow Nigerian music star Davido.
While the exact contents of the tweet have since been deleted, multiple sources report that Wizkid made a disparaging comment about not having an uncle who “dances like that,” an apparent reference to Governor Adeleke’s well-known penchant for dancing.
Social media analyst Chidi Okonkwo explains the impact of the tweet: “In the Nigerian music scene, where fan bases are incredibly loyal, any perceived slight against an artist or their family can quickly escalate. Wizkid’s tweet, whether intended as a joke or not, touched a nerve with Davido’s fans.”
The resurfaced video of Wizkid dancing with his mother has elicited a range of responses from fans and critics alike. Many see it as a humanizing moment for the artist, while others view it through the lens of the recent controversy.
This idiot @wizkidayo making mockery of Davido’s uncle dancing but look at this 😂😂
Walahi Ayo you’re a dull kid 😅😃 pic.twitter.com/3dafKI71wL
— OTUNBA (@ManLikeIcey) October 2, 2024
Twitter user @Spencer38340580 challenged Wizkid’s fans, saying: “Show us video of where Davido and he mama dae dance for stage.” This comment highlights the competitive nature of fan interactions in the Nigerian music industry.
On the other hand, @TeddyMicheal12 defended Wizkid: “I just know say your mama no born you well na why you don’t know the joy when mothers are happy.” This sentiment resonates with many who see the video as a celebration of maternal love.
Some fans, like @Ulomzy002, noted the stark difference between the Wizkid in the video and his current public persona: “Thank God for transformation. Wizkid will never do this again.” This comment speaks to the evolution of Wizkid’s image over the years.
The juxtaposition of the heartwarming dance video with the recent controversy raises interesting questions about the nature of celebrity, family relationships, and public perception in the digital age.
As the dust settles on this latest social media storm, questions remain about its long-term impact on Wizkid’s career and the broader Nigerian music landscape.
Music industry insider, Taiwo Adeyemi, speculates on the potential fallout: “These kinds of controversies can go either way. They might blow over quickly, or they could lead to more significant rifts between artists and fan bases. What’s clear is that in today’s social media-driven world, artists need to be increasingly mindful of their public statements.
For now, the resurfaced video serves as a poignant reminder of Wizkid’s journey from a young, upcoming artist to a global superstar. It also highlights the enduring importance of family support in navigating the often turbulent waters of fame.
The viral video of Wizkid dancing with his mother, juxtaposed against the backdrop of his recent controversial tweet, paints a complex picture of one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of public figures, showcasing both their vulnerabilities and their capacity for controversy.
As fans continue to debate and discuss, one thing remains clear: in the world of Nigerian music, the personal and the professional are often inextricably linked, creating a rich tapestry of interactions that extend far beyond the music itself.
