What I Advise Wizkid When Davido’s Supporters Attack Him – Father

In this interview, Chief Munir Balogun, the father of popular afrobeat star, Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, tells The Punch’s AYOOLA OLASUPO the motivation for the family’s generosity, his counsel to his son when attacked by Davido’s fans, among others

You’ve gained attention online for giving cash to people in your former community in Surulere, Lagos. Your son mentioned that you frequently visit and help the people there. What motivates you to do this?

We lived in Somade many years ago, but now we reside at Tafawa Balewa. I don’t go to Somade anymore. Instead, I visit a place called Small London in Surulere, where my brother, the father of the Surulere Local Government chairman, lives. I go there to spend time with him, and we sit down and talk. I haven’t visited Somade in years since we moved away.

You mentioned your house is in Tafawa Balewa and close to the mosque you attend. Can you explain why you continue to go there even though you’ve moved?

You know our house is in Tafawa Balewa and it is closer to that mosque. I’ve lived in that area before, but I have left the place. My daughter is still there, and everything is there. So why should I leave the area? I don’t give it to anybody, and we don’t rent it out so that is why I’m constantly there and I also told you that my brother is in Small London.

Wizkid, Oct. 2022.

In a post on Twitter, Wizkid said your generosity is also a motivation for his giving back to the people of his childhood community. What can you say to that?

That’s true. It’s important to give back to your community without being forced. Children often follow in the footsteps of their fathers. Some people have more than enough money but find it hard to part with even a little to help others. That’s not the case in our family. We are always willing to help with whatever we have. We can’t stand seeing people suffer, especially when someone says they haven’t eaten all day. Hearing that affects me deeply, and I feel compelled to help, at least by giving them something to eat. That’s just who we are. Even when things weren’t as good as they are now, we still gave what we could. I’m a Muslim, and my faith teaches us the importance of giving to others.

Now that Wizkid is successful and well-known, do you still advise him on certain things?

Absolutely. We talk very often, and he’s not far from me at all. He’s very close to his family and values family deeply. Whenever I need to discuss something with him, I just call, and he does the same. He’s always stayed connected to his family and considers us a priority.

Wizkid and Davido have had ongoing banter for a while now. What are your thoughts on the situation?

Yes, I’ve seen it. I came across it on Facebook or Instagram and read what people were saying.

What is your view on the situation, and have you given Wizkid any advice about it?

I have. I told my son not to pay attention to what Davido’s supporters are saying. They’re only looking for opportunities to get attention or money. They’re just trying to make a living off these things, and I advised him not to take it too seriously. I told him to remain calm and let it go, as there’s no point in engaging with them. I don’t blame them, but I’ve told my son to be the bigger person and ignore it.

       Davido joins Wizkid on stage.

You recently lost your wife. What do you miss most about her?