Champz
Written by: Abdulmusqit Idowu
In the fast-paced world of Nigerian music, the weight of a name can either be a golden parachute or a heavy anchor. For Boluwatife Balogun, known to the world as Champz, the name “Balogun” carries the resonance of global superstardom.
Yet, at just 14 years old, Champz is making one thing crystal clear: he isn’t here to inhabit his father’s shadow; he’s here to build his own empire.
Champz didn’t just stumble into the studio. By the age of 10, he was already sharpening his pen.
He spent four years honing a sound that eventually culminated in his 2025 professional debut, the EP “Champion Sound.”
The industry reaction was nothing short of seismic. Within weeks of its release, Champz became the youngest artist in history to top the Apple Music Nigeria Top Album Charts, charted in 16+ countries, over 20 Million streams on all platforms, 1M+ Spotify monthly listeners.
It wasn’t a “legacy win” fueled by sentiment; it was a victory driven by a sophisticated, fusion-heavy sound that resonated with a new generation of listeners.
What sets Champz apart isn’t just his age, but his musical maturity.
He describes his work as a bridge between musical tenets, a fusion that marries the rhythmic pulse of Afrobeats with the gritty, lyrical dexterity of UK rap.
His influences are telling. While he respects the foundations laid by the pioneers before him, he draws his primary inspiration from the likes of J-Hus and Clavish
The most recurring question following Champz’s rise is how he handles the pressure of being Wizkid’s first son. In an industry where comparisons are weaponized, Champz has maintained a refreshing level of poise.
In an exclusive interview with Glitch Africa, he has gone on stating he feels no pressure. To Champz, the success of his father is a blueprint of what is possible, not a standard he is forced to replicate.
By choosing a distinct sonic lane, leaning more into the “Fusion/Rap” space than pure “Afropop”he has effectively decoupled his artistry from his lineage. He isn’t competing with the “Starboy”; he is busy being the “Champ.”
Watch his full performance of Champiano, Grind and Champion Sound here:
Executive Producer: Best Amakhian
Editor-In-Chief: Gift Israel
Visual Director: Daniel Adewoye
Written by: Abdulmuqsit Idowu
Cinematography: Tobi Babatunde, Debo Babatunde
