In an exclusive interview, Chief Munir Balogun, father of Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, speaks about the family’s commitment to philanthropy, his advice to his son on dealing with attacks from Davido’s supporters, and how they are coping with the loss of his wife.
Philanthropy at the Heart of the Balogun Family Chief Balogun is no stranger to generosity. Recently, he gained attention for consistently giving back to his former community in Surulere, Lagos. Despite having moved to Tafawa Balewa, Chief Balogun frequently visits Small London, where his brother lives, and often lends a helping hand to those in need.
“My son, Wizkid, and I share the belief that we must give back to the community. It’s not something anyone has to tell us to do; it’s part of who we are as a family. When people say they’ve not eaten, it touches me deeply. I can’t stand to see people suffer, so I give what I can. It’s what our religion teaches us, and it’s what I’ve always practiced, even when we had little.”
Wizkid himself has credited his father’s example as the inspiration behind his own charitable efforts. Chief Balogun’s consistent generosity serves as a model for his son, who continues to invest in the lives of those from his childhood neighborhood.
Fatherly Advice on the Wizkid-Davido Feud When asked about the ongoing banter between Wizkid and Davido, Chief Balogun revealed that he has spoken to his son about the issue.
“I’ve seen what people are saying online, and I told my son not to pay attention to it. Those who are Davido’s supporters are just looking for ways to get money. They say whatever they think will help them. I advised Wizkid to take it easy and ignore them because it’s not worth his time or energy. The fans will always have something to say, but we can’t give them power over us.”
Coping with Loss Chief Balogun also shared a personal reflection on losing his wife, who passed away recently. “It’s not easy, and of course, there’s no replacing her,” he said. “I don’t have another wife, and the pain is hard to describe. But we know that man proposes, and God disposes. We trust God’s will in everything.”
Despite the challenges, the Balogun family continues to draw strength from one another and their shared faith. Chief Balogun remains grounded in his role as the family’s patriarch, offering guidance to his son, Wizkid, and maintaining their tradition of generosity.
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