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While much of the conversation surrounding Wizkid often centers on his competition with fellow artist Davido, residents of Somade Crescent in Surulere, Lagos—Wizkid's childhood neighborhood—offer a contrasting perspective that highlights the generosity and compassion of the Balogun family.
A recent viral video featured Wizkid’s father, Alhaji Munir Balogun, as he distributed money to individuals, generating considerable online discussion. Yet, for those familiar with the Balogun family, such acts of kindness are far from surprising.
Saturday PUNCH discovered that the family has long been recognized for their altruism and dedication to assisting others, qualities that residents assert were evident long before Wizkid rose to international stardom.
Mrs. Joy Oritsesan, chairperson of the Community Development Association for Somade Crescent, where the Baloguns once resided, characterized the family as exceptionally selfless. She noted that Wizkid’s parents consistently participated in community initiatives, readily offering support to their neighbors.
Oritsesan reminisced about how the family would often provide food and financial assistance to those in need, particularly the security personnel at the estate entrance.
“They were always willing to help, even when they didn’t have to,” Oritsesan said. “Wizkid and his parents treated everyone with a smile and respect. I’ve known them for years, and they’ve never looked down on anyone despite their status.”
Oritsesan recounted an occasion when Wizkid’s family generously provided N10,000 to over 50 children under the age of 12. She emphasized that this gesture of goodwill was motivated by a sincere wish to assist, rather than for the sake of gaining public attention, “It hurts me when people say negative things about them. They’re a good family, and it’s clear they’ve made a lasting impact on our community.”
The Chair of the CDA recounted several occasions when the Balogun family provided assistance to the community.
“Whenever we needed something on the street, we would reach out to them,” she said. “Even if Wizkid wasn’t around, we could always talk to his parents. They never turned us away. They were always willing to help.”
As per Oritsesan’s observations, Wizkid occasionally visits the community, which brings immense joy to the local residents, “Last December, he came and gave N10,000 to over 50 children under the age of 12. If a house had five children, that family received N50,000. They didn’t hand the money to me to distribute; they came themselves with their sister and shared it directly with the families. After finishing at Somade, they went to Small London to do the same.”
Oritsesan emphasized that, regardless of Wizkid's fame, the family's generosity has consistently endured, “Wizkid gives palliatives from time to time, and he visits the community at least three times a year. People often ask them for help, and no one ever comes back saying they weren’t assisted. I pray that the good that Wizkid and his family have done will multiply for them and their generations yet to come, in Jesus’ name.”
Kamil Ajiboluwa, the chairman of the Community Development Association in Small London, a neighborhood within Surulere, conveyed comparable feelings. He remarked that the community consistently felt a sense of excitement during visits from either Wizkid or his father, “His family has done a lot for us, but there are still some things we need,” Ajiboluwa said, appealing for assistance in providing solar lights for the community. “Some of the lights we have are no longer functioning, and there are areas that still need lighting.”
Ajiboluwa, along with many others, recognized the contributions made by the Baloguns throughout the years, “Wizkid’s father is a blessing to this community. We are always happy to see him and appreciate everything they’ve done for us.”
For numerous locals, Wizkid represents more than a worldwide music sensation; he embodies a figure from their formative years. Kehinde Adigun, a resident of Somade Crescent, fondly reflected on their youth, remembering the times they played together in the neighborhood.
“Wizkid grew up here. It’s been a while since he last visited, but whenever he does, he always plays with the children at our mini football pitch. He gives money to people and shares palliatives with the elderly.”
Adigun also recalled Wizkid’s consistent participation in the annual Shitta Carnival, where he would enthusiastically perform for the local community, “Last year, he couldn’t make it, and people were disappointed, but I’m sure it was because he was busy at the time,” he said.
A fellow citizen, Hassan Garba, conveyed his appreciation to Wizkid for consistently acknowledging his origins, “We grew up together, but now he’s a big man. People can’t just approach him like before, but if he sees us, he recognises us. He knows our brother Fago very well—they used to play together back in the day. He’s a good person, and he always remembers us.”
The Balogun family's philanthropy has made a significant impact on the inhabitants of Somade Crescent and Small London.
Their numerous acts of kindness—ranging from giving money to children, supplying food to security personnel, to assisting those in distress—have garnered them the affection and admiration of the local community.
As Wizkid's popularity continues to rise, the people of Surulere will fondly recall the young boy who once roamed their streets, along with his family, who consistently offered their support.
For these residents, Wizkid's father, Alhaji Balogun, is regarded as a true asset to the community, exemplifying the generosity that has characterized the Balogun family for many years.