Jane Balogun

Pastor
Jane Balogun
Born1959
Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Died18 August 2023(2023-08-18) (aged 63–64)
London
EducationUniversity of Lagos
Children
FamilyBalogun Family

Jane Dolapo Morayo Balogun (1959 – 18 August 2023) was a Nigerian pastor, entrepreneur and the mother of Afrobeats singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid. She was celebrated for her unwavering support of her son's musical journey and her role as a matriarch in the Balogun family.

Early life and education

Jane Dolapo Balogun hailed from the Shitta-Bey family in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. She earned a degree in Social Sciences from the University of Lagos.

Family and influence

Balogun was a mother to four children, including Wizkid. She played a pivotal role in nurturing her son's musical talents, encouraging his participation in the church choir and providing him with musical instruments. Wizkid has frequently acknowledged her as his primary inspiration and strength throughout his career.

Death and legacy

Jane Dolapo Balogun died on 18 August 2023, in London at the age of 64. Her funeral services were held on 12 and 13 October 2023, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David in Victoria Island, Lagos.

In her memory, Wizkid released his sixth studio album, Morayo, on 22 November 2024. The album's title, derived from his mother's middle name, serves as a heartfelt tribute to her enduring influence on his life and music. He also paid tribute to his mother with the song "Mummy Mi" on his 2014 album Ayo, where he expressed deep love and gratitude for her.

Cultural impact

Affectionately known as "Mama Wizkid" among fans, Jane Balogun's legacy extends beyond her family. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in shaping Wizkid's career, and Nigerian music culture at large.

References

  1. ↑ "5 Things You Didn't Know About Wizkid's Late Mother (Photos)". Humans. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  2. 1 2 Agbana, Rotimi (18 August 2023). "10 things to know about Wizkid's mum". The Punch. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  3. ↑ Obey, Yinka (13 July 2022). ""Thank You for Raising a Superstar": Wizkid's Manager Sunday Are Hails Singer's Mum on Her Birthday - Legit.ng". Legit.ng. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  4. ↑ Kassahun, Tomas (21 August 2023). "Wizkid's Mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, Has Died". Yahoo News. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  5. ↑ Sobowale, Adetutu (13 October 2023). "My mother's death, deepest pain I've ever felt in my life- Wizkid". The Punch. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  6. ↑ Eluemelem, Jennifer (18 August 2023). "Afrobeat star Wizkid loses mom". P.M. News. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  7. ↑ miftaudeenraji@vanguardngr.com (9 October 2023). "Wizkid's mother to be buried in Lagos Oct 12". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  8. ↑ Ibrahim, Aminu (18 August 2023). "Mahaifiyar Shahararren Mawakin Najeriya Wizkid Ta Riga Mu Gidan Gaskiya - Legit.ng". Legit.ng (in Hausa). Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  9. ↑ "Wizkid mum burial: Afrobeat star Wizkid: Wizkid bury im mama for Lagos". BBC News Pidgin. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  10. ↑ Ogunbewon, Adedamola (14 October 2023). "List of celebrities at Wizkid's mom's burial". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  11. ↑ "Wizkid releases sixth album 'Morayo' in tribute to late mother". Premium Times. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  12. ↑ Memon, Alishba (4 July 2024). ""My heart is broken forever!" — Wizkid pays tribute to his mother on her first posthumous birthday". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  13. ↑ Nation, The (17 October 2014). "Wizkid to star mum in Mummy Mi video". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  14. ↑ Ikeh, Chrysanthus (15 October 2014). "Wizkid to feature mother in 'Mummy Mi' video". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  15. ↑ "5 times Wizkid sang about his mother | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  16. ↑ Fasan, Yewande (30 March 2025). "Mother's Day: 10 songs that celebrates Mothers | The Nation". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  17. ↑ Agbana, Rotimi (18 August 2023). "10 things to know about Wizkid's mum". The Punch. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  18. ↑ "Davido, Olamide, Peter Obi, Tacha, others commiserate with Wizkid over his mum's demise".
  19. ↑ Azubuike, Emmanuel (18 August 2023). "Jane Dolapo Balogun: Fans Mourn as Wizkid Loses Mom". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2025.