Wizkid’s Silence Explained: Associate Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind US Tour Cancellation

 

The music world was recently thrown into a whirlwind of speculation when Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Wizkid abruptly pulled the plug on several of his highly-anticipated U.S. tour dates. Scheduled performances in major cities such as Atlanta, New York, and Houston were suddenly scrubbed from the calendar, leaving fans bewildered and disappointed.

Amid growing curiosity and concern, one of the singer’s closest confidants, Godson, stepped forward to provide a glimpse into the emotionally charged reason behind the decision. During an impromptu Q&A session on social media, Godson responded candidly to a fan who pleaded for insight into the abrupt cancellations.

“Please why did Wizkid cancel his shows? Shed more light,” the fan asked, reflecting the sentiment of thousands across the globe.

The answer was both heartfelt and sobering. Godson revealed that the megastar is still deeply grieving the loss of his mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun, who passed away in 2023. According to him, Wizkid’s emotional well-being remains fragile, and he lacks the necessary support system to navigate this painful period in his life.

“Add him to prayers personally,” Godson urged. “I think that nigga still grieving and nobody is helping him achieve this sad.”

The rawness of Godson’s response pulled back the curtain on the often-unseen emotional toll that fame and public expectations can take on artists. While fans may see the glamour, wealth, and worldwide acclaim, the internal battles many stars face behind closed doors often go unnoticed.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, had maintained a relatively low profile since his mother’s passing, offering only glimpses of his emotional state through sporadic social media updates and rare public appearances. For many, the cancellation of his upcoming concerts was just a business decision, perhaps a rescheduling due to logistics. But Godson’s revelation has recontextualized the narrative, exposing a much deeper and more personal reason behind the silence.

The affected tour dates — June 5 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, June 7 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, and June 19 at Houston’s Toyota Center — were part of a broader tour expected to cement Wizkid’s dominance in the global Afrobeat scene. The cancellations, however, signal that personal healing has taken precedence over professional milestones, at least for now.

Many fans have responded with compassion and understanding since Godson’s post, flooding social media with messages of support. The hashtag #PrayForWizkid began trending within hours of the revelation, as admirers from across the world took a moment to send positive energy and love to the grieving artist.

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and for someone like Wizkid — constantly in the public eye and expected to be a source of joy for millions — the burden of maintaining a cheerful persona can be overwhelming. The death of a parent is never easy, but when compounded by the pressures of international stardom, it can be an emotionally paralyzing experience.

Jane Dolapo Balogun was not just a mother to Wizkid; she was a cornerstone in his life. Known for her unwavering support during his early days in Surulere, Lagos, and through his rise to global stardom, her presence was a grounding force for the singer. Losing her, by all accounts, left a gaping void in his personal and emotional life.

While Godson’s remarks offer clarity, they also raise questions about the emotional infrastructure available to high-profile entertainers. How well are they supported? Who stands by them when the applause fades and the spotlight dims? In Wizkid’s case, Godson’s comment that “nobody is helping him” is a haunting reminder that fame does not guarantee emotional support.

The incident has also reignited conversations about mental health in the African entertainment industry — a topic still riddled with stigma and underreporting. Wizkid’s situation may become a powerful catalyst for more open dialogue about grief, trauma, and the need for psychological support among artists and public figures.

For now, fans will have to wait for new tour dates or announcements. But perhaps more importantly, they are being called to extend empathy to an artist who, despite his larger-than-life presence on stage, is still just a human being off it — dealing with the same sorrow and vulnerability as anyone else.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder that the show doesn’t always have to go on, and sometimes, it’s okay to pause, mourn, and heal.