On November 11, 2025, a new voice quietly joined the Afrobeats conversation, but there was nothing small about it. Wizkid’s 14-year-old son, Boluwatife Balogun, known now as Champz, released his debut EP Champions Arrival, and the reaction across social media has been anything but mild.

While some listeners are still processing what the project really represents, one thing is clear: it’s a breath of fresh air. For a 14-year-old, this is bold work — confident, layered, and intentional. It’s the kind of project that makes you sit up because you can already hear the potential shaping into something special. The five-track EP feels like the first step in what could become a long, exciting career. It’s clean, sharp, and filled with the kind of lyrical bite and self-assurance most kids his age wouldn’t dare to attempt.

What’s most impressive is that he isn’t trying to sound older than he is; he’s simply finding his sound. There’s polish in his flow, with a clear UK rap influence, but also a grounding in Nigerian rhythm and swagger. It’s the kind of blend that shows how global Afrobeats has become, yet how personal it still feels when done right.

There’s also a lot of self-awareness in his writing. He knows exactly who he is, and he isn’t afraid to say it. On one track, he raps, “No need for introduction, y’all ni**as know that’s Champion Sound.” Then on another he says, “And they was calling me a nepo, I agree to disagree, everything I’m saying in my tracks is really me, my ni**a.” That kind of confidence to acknowledge the privilege and pressure of being Wizkid’s son while still claiming his own identity is amazing to see.

He even acknowledged he’s young, but in no rush. “I took time out to make my own lane, give me few years, bro,” he spits — a simple line that already sounds like prophecy. When asked about the project, Wizkid’s response was short but full of pride: “We love it, man. That’s my kid.” It’s a small moment, but it carries weight — a proud father seeing his legacy take shape in real time.

Music journalist Joey Akan captured the sentiment perfectly when he wrote:

“It’s my best new find. It’s sweet and familiar. UK-influenced, but the defiance is unmistakably Nigerian. You’d never tell that an early teenager did that, with flows that drip off the tongue, melody that rolls off with ease, and writing so beautiful, it rules.”

And honestly, he’s right. The EP might not be flawless,  it’s early, and there’s still growth to come, but it’s more than just potential; there are so many hidden gems that have not been tapped into yet. For someone this young to have that kind of pen, tone, and presence? You can only imagine what the next few years will look like.

The lyrics are bold, self-assured, and playful in that way teenage dreams often are. He calls himself “the champion,” ready to “switch things up”, and the conviction in his voice sells it. There’s a sense that he’s not trying to lean into his father’s shadow; he’s simply stepping into his own light.

In a genre that’s constantly evolving, where global audiences crave both freshness and authenticity, Champions Arrival feels like exactly what its title suggests: a statement of arrival. The start of something that, if nurtured, could grow into one of the most interesting artist stories in Afrobeats’ next decade.

So while there are debates on whether it’s “too early” or “too hyped,” the truth is that Champz is already on his way to playing in the big leagues. His bars hit, his melodies glide, and his energy is contagious. The champion is here, and he’s just getting started.

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