Nigerian Afrobeat star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, will headline the CANEX 2025 Mega Concert in Algeria today, September 5, the organisers have announced.
The show forms part of the wider CANEX 2025 exhibition, which brings together Africa’s defence and security industries alongside cultural showcases, making it both an innovation fair and a celebration of African artistry.
The concert will feature top performers from Algeria, South Africa, Congo, Kenya, and other African countries, but organisers say Wizkid’s appearance will be the major highlight.
“Renowned for his infectious Afrobeat rhythms, chart-topping hits, and magnetic stage presence, Wizkid has become one of Africa’s most celebrated music icons,” CANEX officials said in a statement.
“At CANEX, his music will bring unmatched energy, signature Afrobeat grooves, and a celebration of African culture that promises to unite audiences and create unforgettable live moments.”
Speculation on social media suggests Wizkid could earn as much as ₦6.4 billion ($4.2 million) for the performance. The organisers, however, have not officially confirmed the figure.
Posts on platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have amplified the claim, with fan accounts insisting the singer is being paid record-breaking sums.
Wizkid is no stranger to high-profile bookings. In 2018, he reportedly earned about 50 million Indian Rupees (₦245.9 million) to perform at a royal wedding in Jodhpur, India. More recently, he headlined the AIA Sound Festival in Denmark in August 2025, reportedly pocketing $3 million, while his sold-out Madison Square Garden show in New York in June 2025 grossed an estimated $1 million in ticket sales.
His other global performances, including at London’s O2 Arena and Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, have cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential and highest-paid entertainers.
Reflecting on his international rise, a music analyst in Lagos told reporters: “Wizkid isn’t just performing; he’s carrying Afrobeat to global platforms. His booking fees show how valuable African music has become on the world stage.”
