The story of Afrobeats sensation Khaid is a powerful Nigerian tale of raw talent triumphing over adversity. It's not merely about a gifted singer but about a young man who nurtured his dreams amidst the grease and grit of a mechanic's workshop in Ojo, Lagos. Today, he stands as one of the most exciting voices in the industry, a journey forged through sheer determination, faith, and an unforgettable vocal style.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon on 10 December 2004, the artist known as Khaid grew up in a large, bustling family of ten children in Lagos. As the sixth child, he learned early the need to carve out his own identity. Life in the Ojo area was challenging, a place where aspirations could easily be extinguished by daily hardships.
Before the spotlight found him, Khaid's reality was one of wrenches and engines. He worked as a mechanic, his hands often stained with grease as he repaired vehicles. This labor was his means to support his family and, crucially, to fund his budding music career. His passion for music was unwavering; he would freestyle and sing melodies over the hum of car engines, a diamond in the rough awaiting discovery.
His big break arrived when popular content creator Sydney Talker recognized his extraordinary potential. Seeing far more than just a singer, Sydney Talker envisioned a superstar and subsequently signed Khaid as the flagship artist for his imprint, Neville Records, in January 2022.
Education and Musical Ascent
Khaid's formal education took a backseat to his musical ambitions and financial constraints. He attended Ola Greater Tomorrow Secondary School in the Shibiri-Ojo area of Lagos, completing his WAEC exams in early 2024. In a candid interview, he revealed he had to pause his schooling at one point because he couldn't afford the fees, sometimes choosing to spend his limited funds on studio sessions instead. As of 2026, the 21-year-old star has not pursued a university degree, partly due to his reservations about the Nigerian university entrance system.
Khaid's career exploded onto the scene with his 2022 debut single, "With You", which peaked at number 48 on the Nigeria TurnTable chart. This was swiftly followed by his debut EP, "DIVERSITY", and a string of successful releases. His momentum was cemented with the Rexxie-produced track "Amala" featuring Zlatan and his sophomore EP, "Emotions", which housed the massive hit "Jolie"—a song that peaked at number 7 and earned praise from Davido.
By early 2026, Khaid boasts impressive metrics: over 2.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 500 million cumulative streams across all platforms. His YouTube channel has surpassed 206 million views.
Health Crisis, Net Worth, and Personal Life
The young star faced a severe health scare in 2024 when he was hospitalized for several months battling bacteremia, a serious blood infection affecting his lungs and collarbone. After a grueling period, he made a triumphant return in July 2024, expressing gratitude to God and his fans. This experience added depth to his later music, such as the 2025 release "PRAY" with Carter Efe.
Financially, Khaid's success is reflected in an estimated net worth of $100,000 USD, accrued from streaming royalties, performances, and brand endorsements linked to his work with Neville Records. He has also made headlines for his acquisitions, including purchasing a Porsche for himself in 2023 and gifting a Lexus SUV to his mentor, Sydney Talker, in 2024.
On the awards front, Khaid has been recognized as an Apple Music "Up Next" artist and an Africa Rising Artist. He has received nominations for The Headies Rookie of the Year (2023) and Next Rated (2025) categories.
His personal life, particularly his relationship status, fuels much fan curiosity. He was rumoured to be dating former BBNaija winner Phyna in early 2024, and later, in mid-2025, was publicly linked to the sister of Sydney Talker. However, Khaid generally maintains a private stance on his romantic life.
The Neville Records Saga and Future
The professional relationship between Khaid and Neville Records became a topic of intense speculation in 2025. Khaid posted cryptic messages on social media about seeking "freedom" and requested legal assistance for "personal matters," leading fans to speculate about contract disputes. He also unfollowed Sydney Talker on Instagram, further fueling rumours of a rift.
Despite the public conjecture and online activity, no official statement confirming a split or change in their contractual agreement was made by the end of 2025. The story of Khaid—from the dusty streets of Ojo to the pinnacle of Afrobeats—remains a compelling narrative of resilience. With his talent and proven hit-making ability, the industry eagerly watches for the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
