It is said that music is a universal language that has the ability to break down barriers and connect even the most distant of people.
To that point, the list of American musicians that have managed to garner global impact is extensive; legendary acts like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Prince, Britney Spears, Jimi Hendrix, and Jay Z have infiltrated the headphones and speakers of fans in other countries, but Americans have given international artists a much tougher time breaking in.
Wizkid, a rising Nigerian pop musician talked to REVOLT about why he thinks international, namely African, artists have a tough time making it to the mainstream American airwaves, as well as his predictions for the World Cup (“I’m just praying for Nigeria to win”).
“In Africa, at the type of studios we record in, we don’t have the same software to mix our records properly,” said Wizkid of the difference between American and African sonics, which could lead to a lack of attention given to artists from overseas, though Wizkid is striking out on his own, revealing, “I’ve been blessed to record in the U.K. and the U.S. and my stuff is getting mixed properly. I’m working with top producers on my project so I just feel like with that… my sound is going to get recognition out here.
As for his goals in breaking through to the U.S. market, Wizkid asserted he “really just want to cross that bridge and make music that people can actually relate to out here, and that Africa as well can relate to.”
One of Wizkid’s biggest hits in his homeland of Nigeria is called “Caro.” In the video for the track, he searches for the perfect woman… who is of course named Caro. We asked Wiz if he found her and he laughed and told us that although he’s met some beautiful women since spending more time in L.A., but is still searching.