After mixed reactions to his last two albums, More Love, Less Ego (2022) and S2 (2023), Nigerian music icon Wizkid is set to release his sixth studio album, Morayo, aiming for both a sonic revival and broader acclaim. The hype around Morayo grew as Wizkid announced an upcoming single titled Piece of My Heart, a collaboration with American R&B singer Brent Faiyaz, showcasing a blend of Afrobeat and soulful R&B.
Reflecting on a career that spans over a decade, fans and industry insiders expect Morayo to showcase a mature, introspective Wizkid. As seen in Made in Lagos, his most successful album to date, Wizkid has embraced a more laid-back sound, rich in Afrobeat rhythms and soulful instrumentation.
With Morayo, listeners are anticipating a combination of “Joro-era” energy, “Blessed” vibes, and elements from his recent work like Frames, reflecting a seasoned artist’s life experiences, including his recent personal loss.
Perspectives from the Music Industry
Babalola Osogbiye, head of marketing for ONErpm Africa, sees Morayo as an opportunity for Wizkid to cement his global appeal, expecting “all shades of African music elements” that remain rooted in his culture but with universal accessibility, as seen in Essence.
Conversely, Moses Kusemi from Boomplay has more measured expectations. He notes Wizkid’s recent sound has become predictable, making him less eager but still curious about the album’s potential surprises.
Long-time fans in the Wizkid FC community remain optimistic. Basito, a dedicated fan, is confident Wizkid will deliver high-quality work, emphasizing the importance of global promotion to maximize its reach. Other fans, like Lasisi Farouk, expect Morayo to be a smooth mix of Afrobeats and jazz-like elements (saxophone, piano), crafted meticulously to resonate emotionally, especially with the inspiration of pain, pleasure, and love.
As Morayo unfolds, listeners can expect a fresh, soulful, and possibly genre-expansive addition to Wizkid’s discography, providing a balanced, introspective narrative that could appeal to both new listeners and long-time fans.
