by Otolorin Olabode

Last year, Ayodeji Balogun better known by his stage name, Wizkid bought a house in L.A in what was purported by Media Houses to be the most expensive and biggest house ever bought by a Nigerian artiste . It was in that period He recorded his part in “One Dance”. Shortly afterwards, He went on a world tour to several countries which included The Netherlands, Congo, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Cyprus and several other countries. He returned home with Davido after they both performed at a show in a Congo. However, it didn’t take long before He returned to the US where He has been recording with several foreign artistes and also inked the deal with Sony. For instance, he featured on Justine Skye‘s “U Don’t Know”, Zara Larsson’s “Sundown”, Kranium’s “Can’t Believe” and also recorded a song with Diplo, Jidenna and French Montana. He also made finishing touches to his third studio album “Sounds From The Other Sounds” which is scheduled to be released towards the end of the year.

However, a larger percentage of his fans believes Wizkid needs to return home so as to claim bragging rights as Nigeria’s Biggest artiste. Wizkid seems to have lost popularity ratings among Nigerians especially those on the streets as many believed he has had to change his sound just to appeal to his American fans. Recent checks on his last two songs, “Sweet Love” and “Come Closer” sees Wizkid trying to sound Caribbean –The Jamaican Sound. His fans want the return of the Starboy –The usual Afro-Beat club-banging sound.

Moreover, Wizkid needs to return home because his Nigerian fans made him who He is right now. Why is he trying to place his American fans over them? He needs to realise that there is no place like home. Many think Wizkid is now proud for him to have thought of staging a “Homecoming Concert”. So, you’re a foreigner now, Wizkid? You need to identify with your roots!

Furthermore, Wizkid needs to come home because of his finances. Imagine, the Starboy has not been booked for any event yet in 2017. His last show was in December 2016 at the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged. Many Event organisers are sceptical of booking Wizkid given the fact that they’ll have to pay for his flight tickets, accommodation and other irrelevant costs. The more reason they’re settling for homegrown artistes like Davido, Falz and Olamide.

Lastly  Wizkid on a lighter mood, you need to come back home because you simply miss home. You miss the times you spent at Quilox and Club Escape. You miss Lagos.  If there’s any clause in the Sony contract you signed stipulating you not to go to Nigeria, try and re-negotiate just like Davido did.

Op–ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija

Otolorin Olabode is a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He is a Creative writer and also a seasoned content writer. He handles Latest9ja, a news and entertainment website.  Instagram: @ viewsfromthebod .