Released on November 22, 2024, Morayo is a deeply personal project dedicated to Wizkid’s late mother, reflecting his growth as an artist and individual. It blends Afrobeat with global influences, featuring 16 tracks and collaborations with artists like Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola. The album is hailed for its introspective themes and innovative production.
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Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Troubled Mind
The album opens with the voice of the legendary K1 De Ultimate, praising Wizkid and saying the whole Nigerian entertainment industry sends their greetings. Troubled mind is a reflective, downtempo track that delves into grief and healing. He addresses mental health and resilience with lyrics "Say, the blood for my eye and the pain for my mind, mo le ṣàlàyé". Wizkid’s minimalist delivery emphasizes emotional depth, setting the tone for a heartfelt album.
2. Karamo
Pakuromo 2.0? A celebration of joy and African pride, "Karamo" showcases intricate Afrobeat percussion with an infectious chorus that evokes dancing. It reflects the Afrobeat culture, where dancing is not just entertainment but an expression of happiness and connection
3. Kese (Dance)
Dance, Gbedu! We all agree that Wizkid is a party freak. Local or International, Ibrahim just wants to "Sha manya" and "Spray the money plenty". A vibrant party anthem, blending Afrobeat and highlife influences, perfect for celebrations. Kese (Dance) is already a fan-favorite on streaming platforms.
4. Bad Girl (ft. Asake)
This duo first gave us MMS and the country turned upside down. Now they're back with a club banger. Wizkid and Asake deliver a blend of Afrobeat and Fuji, creating a raw yet melodic vibe that connects traditional Nigerian sounds with global music. Let's leave Wizkid for a sec. We really want to know the girl that makes Asake have headache and need a massage. We've also been trying to find the meaning of "Two for front, somersault". This song is for all bad girls all over the world. "If you do my own I got you" (winks eye)
5. Time
Wizkid takes us on a love trip from here. This soulful piece explores themes of love and sex backed by smooth guitar riffs and calming rhythms. Wizkid blends romantic imagery with informal expressions. The song revolves around deep affection, intimacy, and emotional vulnerability. Wizkid expresses his love and devotion, emphasizing how this connection keeps his spirit alive. The tone is passionate, sensual, and uplifting.
6. Piece of My Heart (ft. Brent Faiyaz)
If there was a duo we never thought we needed, it's Big Wiz and Sonder Son. A standout R&B collaboration, this track combines Wizkid’s melodic Afrobeat flow with Brent Faiyaz’s sultry vocals for a cross-continental hit. Piece of My Heart showcases the artists' musical chemistry and their ability to create a captivating and emotional listening experience. The love trip continues.
7. Break Me Down
A raw and vulnerable track that explores love’s challenges, backed by mellow production that accentuates Wizkid’s emotional delivery. Wizkid explores the tension between desire and emotional openness, asking how the other person can "break him down" while revealing his devotion. The song combines seductive energy with introspective reflection.
8. Bend
This song doesn't need any explanation. Club-ready, this shina-inspired track, features pulsating beats and a carefree vibe, making it perfect for dance floors globally. According to Wizkid at his only-female album release party in London, he says " I made this song specially for your nyash. So when you hear this song just shake your nyash, shake your nyash".
P.S: shina informally means sex, sexual pleasure
9. A Million Blessings
First off, P2J is genius. The transition from Bend to this song was extremely exquisite. A spiritually uplifting track that fuses gratitude with celebration, radiating positivity and hope. In the chorus, Wizkid calls on God ("Ọlọrun") for more blessings, repeating his gratitude and acknowledging the favor in his life. In the second verse, the reference to "nine lives" suggests his ability to overcome obstacles, while the "bad vibe" in the form of opposition is something he's learned to rise above. The line "big bag for the stress" alludes to both the wealth he’s accumulated and the hardships he’s faced. The track is an anthem of success, self-confidence, and perseverance, with Wizkid embracing both the rewards of his hard work and the challenges he's overcome.
10. Après Minuit (ft. Tiakola)
Tiakola almost snatched this song from Wizkid but e too sure for Baba Bolu. The title translates to "After Midnight," and the song exudes a sensual, late-night energy, combining elements of Afrobeat and French rap with smooth, atmospheric vibes. The French-Nigerian crossover delivers urban vibes with a sleek production, highlighting Tiakola's harmonies alongside Wizkid’s verses. "Après Minuit" is one of the standout tracks for its cross-cultural fusion, much like Made in Lagos introduced various international sounds.
11. Bad For You (ft. Jazmine Sullivan)
An Afrobeat-neosoul fusion, where Jazmine’s rich vocals and Wizkid’s laid-back delivery explore love’s complexities with grace. In "Bad For You", the chorus by Jazmine Sullivan conveys a sense of longing and irresistible attraction, even though both parties acknowledge that their relationship is not good for them. The lyrics "I know that you're bad for me, I'll be bad for you too" express a mutual recognition of the toxic dynamic, but the physical and emotional pull between them is too strong to resist. This track is a standout on Morayo, praised for its smooth fusion of Afrobeat and R&B, and for the vocal chemistry between Wizkid and Jazmine Sullivan.
12. Soji
Soji seems to have the makings of another infectious hit, blending intimate moments with the energy of Afrobeats. The repetition of catchy phrases in the chorus and the affectionate lyrics elevate the song, making it relatable to fans who appreciate Wizkid's smooth, engaging style. Soji presents a playful and intimate exploration of love and admiration. In the song, Wizkid expresses his deep affection for a woman who embodies the perfect balance of fun and sophistication.
13. Don’t Care
We all know Wizkid to be carefree. Mr Ayodeji Balogun no dey send anybody. "Don't Care" by Wizkid expresses a carefree attitude towards external judgment and negativity, embracing confidence and gratitude for life’s blessings. Wizkid begins by acknowledging that no matter how dark things get, his inner light can't be extinguished. Despite the transient nature of people and trends ("Many come and go"), Wizkid asserts his dedication to living life "on low," implying that he remains grounded and unaffected by the temporary noise around him. The repetition of "I don't care" in the chorus reinforces his unwavering mindset.
14. Slow (ft. Anaïs Cardot)
If you've been looking for the voice of the lady on Asake's "My Heart", we're here to introduce you to Anais Cardot, the French-Gabonese singer-songwriter, blending influences from both her French and African heritage. Slow" by Wizkid featuring Anaïs Cardot features smooth, romantic lyrics that emphasize taking time in a relationship, rejecting rush or pressure, and enjoying each other at a comfortable pace. Anaïs' chorus expresses the need for genuine love without playing games, suggesting that if the connection isn't sincere, it’s better to let go. Her lines "No ride or die, better love me or leave me" suggest she’s uninterested in superficial relationships. Both artists bring their unique style, with Anaïs adding her soulful touch and Wizkid maintaining his signature smooth flow.
15. Lose
As one of the more emotional tracks on the album, "Lose" offers a deep reflection on love and loss, making it a poignant addition to the project, which is a tribute to his late mother. The line "Run my race, yeah, I gotta run my race" highlights the theme of resilience, while "Elédùmarè, reduce my stress" calls on a higher power to ease his burdens. An emotional ballad exploring vulnerability, this track stands out for its deeply personal lyrics and stripped-down production.
16. Pray
This life ehn, "omo na long thing". The song, like much of Morayo, seems to be influenced by Wizkid's desire to reflect on his journey and connect emotionally with his audience. Wizkid acknowledges the hardships of his journey, including the persistence of "sapa" (poverty), but maintains a strong belief in divine intervention, praying to God to protect him and keep his success on course. In the pre-chorus and verses, Wizkid reflects on his rise from humble beginnings—moving from Shitta (a part of Lagos) to the more affluent Christ Avenue, symbolizing his rise in status. He recalls the early days of his career in 2011, noting that his success was always destined, and his mantra of "no opportunity will pass by" shows his relentless determination. The closing track is a spiritual reflection on life, blending Afrobeat and gospel elements for a powerful conclusion.
Wizkid’s Morayo is a masterful blend of introspection, innovation, and Afrobeat excellence, reflecting his evolution as an artist while maintaining his cultural roots. This album solidifies Wizkid’s place as a pioneer of Afrobeat while pushing his artistry to new depths. A solid 10/10. Reception has been positive, with critics highlighting its global appeal and refined artistry. Wizkid himself declared Morayo his best work, aiming to expand Afrobeats' reach even further.