Sadiq Onifade (2 January 1987), popularly known as WurlD, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, WurlD relocated to Atlanta, 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, 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 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, 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: The Wrap Up on 2 May 2013. WurlD also teamed up with Timbaland'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 and Afro-beat producer Shizzi. 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 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 Title Album details Evolution Released: 20 August 2013 Label: Wurld Music Entertainment Formats: Digital Download Love is Contagious Released: 28 March 2019 Label: Universal Music Nigeria Formats: Digital DownloadI love girls with Trobul (Wurld & Sarz) Released: 8 November 2019 Label: WEAREGVDS/1789 Formats: Digital DownloadAfrosoul Released: May 15, 2020 Label: WEAREGVDS/IMMENSUM MUSIC Formats: Digital Download
Singles Year TitleChart positions Album 2012 "Beyond Our Dreams"———Evolution (EP)2013 "Alive"———"All Night" ————2015 "Follow You" ——11Chapter One "Who Do You Love" ———"Summer Yours"————2016"Show You Off" ————2017 "All Night 2017" ———Chapter One"Mother's Prayer"————"All I Need"————2018"Trobul"———I LOVE GIRLS WITH TROBUL (EP)
Guest appearances Year Title Other performer(s) Album 2013 "Beautiful Girls" BK Brasco TBA2015"Let You Go"LeriqThe Lost SoundsNetflix n ChillB.O.B & London Jae 2016"Fantasies"B.O.B & Scotty ATLThe Cooligan"Let It Rain"B.O.B & Scotty ATLLive & DirectBetter DaysSir Felix $till AwareTrinidad James & Scotty ATL2017I KnowB.O.BEtherFake FriendsB.O.B2019Sweet in the middleDavido & Naira Marley & Zlatan IbileA Good Time
Awards and nominations
In 2015 WurlD went certified Gold with his Sony Music 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.
YearEventPrizeRecipientResultRef2019The HeadiesBest Vocal Performance (Male)"Wishes and Butterflies"Best R&B SingleHip Hop World RevelationHimself
References