On September 17, 2014, Wizkid released his sophomore album, Ayo, featuring the standout single “Ojuelegba,” which would go on to become a major hit.
The mid-tempo track, produced by Legendury Beatz, reflects Wizkid’s journey from the Ojuelegba area of Lagos to success, delivering its message of hope, perseverance, and gratitude in Pidgin English and Yoruba. The music video, directed by Clarence Peters, features Wizkid traveling through the streets of Ojuelegba in Lagos’ iconic yellow buses and visiting various landmarks in the area.
“Ojuelegba” gained significant recognition beyond Nigeria, catching the attention of British-Nigerian rapper Skepta and Canadian rapper Drake, who contributed to the unofficial remix. This exposure played a crucial role in the global ascent of Nigerian mainstream pop music, leading to Wizkid’s notable collaboration with Drake on the international hit “One Dance” the following year.
A decade after its release, “Ojuelegba” remains a seminal track in Nigerian music, having left a lasting impact on the industry and contributing to Afrobeats’ global success.
