Sadiq Onifade (2 January 1987) known popularly known as WurlD, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born in

Lagos Lagos ( ; ), or Lagos City, is a large metropolitan city in southwestern Nigeria. With an upper population estimated above 21 million dwellers, it is the largest city in Nigeria, the most populous urban area on the African continent, and on ...

, Nigeria, WurlD relocated to

Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...

, Georgia to pursue a secondary education and record music. He describes his style of music as electro-fusion. He released his debut EP ''Evolution'' in 2013.

Early life

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, WurlD relocated to the US as a teenager and received his college education at

Georgia State University Georgia State University (Georgia State, State, or GSU) is a Public university, public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1913, it is one of the University System of Georgia's four research universities. It is al ...

, studying computer science. While in school, WurlD developed a serious interest in musical performance.

Career

In late 2012, WurlD released his first single, "Beyond Our Dreams" from his debut EP titled ''Evolution'', due summer 2013. Coinciding with the release,

SESAC SESAC is a for-profit performance-rights organization in the United States. Founded in 1930 as the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, it is the second-oldest performance-rights organization in the United States.

held an exclusive listening party at their Atlanta office for WurlD's forthcoming ''Evolution'' EP. By early 2013, WurlD was in the recording studio with

Mario Mario (; ) is a Character (arts), character created by the Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He is the star of the ''Mario (franchise), Mario'' franchise, a recurring character in the ''Donkey Kong'' franchise, and the mascot of the Ja ...

, writing songs for the R&B superstar's upcoming album. Shortly after, the music video for ''Evolution's'' second single, "Alive", produced by Black Shield Entertainment producer Hood Beatz, was premiered exclusively via

MTV MTV (an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group sub-division of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global. Launched on ...

: The Wrap Up on 2 May 2013. WurlD also teamed up with

Timbaland Timothy Zachery Mosley (born March 10, 1972), known professionally as Timbaland, is an American record producer and rapper. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he is widely acclaimed for his distinctive production work and "stuttering" rhythm ...

's artist, BK Brasco as a featured artist on "Beautiful Girls." He also appears in the song's video. In May 2016 WurlD released "Show You Off" an Afro-soul record featuring Walshy Fire of

Major Lazer Major Lazer is an American electronic dance music and DJ trio, which includes record producer Diplo, and DJs Walshy Fire and Ape Drums. They were founded in 2008 by Diplo and Switch, with Switch leaving after three years in 2011. He was the ...

and Afro-beat producer

Shizzi Oluwaseyi Akerele, popularly known as Shizzi, is a Nigerian platinum record producer, disc jockey and songwriter. Music career 2009–2015: Early life and career Shizzi started out as a drummer in church. He achieved recognition for his work on ...

. In June 2016 WurlD released the collaborative track "Better Days" with Sir Felix; it became the official anthem for DelfSail 2016. WurlD (Sadiq Onifade) co-wrote the hit song "Blow my Mind" by Davido featuring

Chris Brown Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A Pop music, pop and hip-hop-influenced contemporary R&B, R&B musician who works in a variety of genres, he has been called the "Honorific nic ...

in 2019. The song was produced by Davido's long-time collaborating producer Shizzi. In his interview with African Folder published in 2023, Wurld revealed he had wriiten over a million songs in the course of his career as a singer-songwriter.

Discography

Extended plays

Singles

Guest appearances

Awards and nominations

* In 2015 WurlD went certified Gold with his

Sony Music Sony Music Entertainment (SME), commonly known as Sony Music, is an American multinational music company owned by Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corporation. It is the recording division of Sony Music Group, with the other half being the ...

release track "Follow You" with Polish DJ, Gromee * In 2017, he received a nomination for ''Best Diaspora Act'' at the ''Nigerian Entertainment Award'' alongside Rotimi and

Wale Wale or WALE may refer to: Places * Wale, Devon, a hamlet in England * Wale, Tomaszów Mazowiecki County, a village in Poland People * Wale (surname) *Wale (rapper), stage name of American rapper Olubowale Victor Akintimehin Radio and televisi ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wurld 1987 births Living people Musicians from Lagos Nigerian soul musicians Nigerian male pop singers Nigerian male singer-songwriters 21st-century Nigerian singer-songwriters 21st-century Nigerian male singers Yoruba musicians Nigerian expatriates in the United States