Turning Doubts into Drive: Wizkid on How He Uses Underestimation as Motivation

In a recent Instagram Live interview, Afrobeats superstar Wizkid shed light on his perspective when people underestimate him.

The “Joro” hitmaker revealed that instead of feeling discouraged, such underestimation actually fuels his drive and ambition.

Wizkid further explained, “I love it when people underestimate me, it fuels me more than anything else in the world.”

This isn’t the first time Wizkid has addressed doubters. In a past interview, he mentioned finding satisfaction in proving his abilities to those who initially questioned him.

Wizkid state;

“Some of the tough lessons that have shaped me to be the entrepreneur I am today is never to take (no) for an answer. When I started, I was probably the youngest person making music in Nigeria. And everywhere I went, I was the youngest person in the room.

I learnt not to accept ‘no’ for an answer and that has helped shape me into the man I am now. When I think about anything, I go for it. Of course, I have mentors such as Mr Tony Elemelu (Big Daddy), and I think everybody knows that.

Some of the business tips I learnt is to be open-minded and I always keep my ears to the ground because one does not know where a good business idea could come from. I also try to take my time before I make decisions. I have learnt to be diligent with my work, thanks to the people I look up to.

On the issue of being under constant pressure to prove myself, I’ll say that it actually fuels me more than anything in the world because I love it when people underestimate me. I just show you that I can do it. There is not much story behind my success, other than the fact that I personally decided that I wanted to be excellent.

I made up my mind to be an amazing artiste. Secondly, I don’t joke with my craft. I try as much as possible to always elevate my music, sound and business. I guess if one stays amazing towards one’s work, the world would steadily gravitate towards one. It is just hard work and persistency that has helped my music.”