- Afrobeats star singer Wizkid released his highly anticipated sixth studio album Morayo on November 22, 2024
- Morayo features Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Tiakola, Jazmine Sullivan and Anais Cardot.
- TheRadar reviewed the music project, highlighting different perspectives of the work of art
Grief, like every other human emotion, has no manual on how to feel it. It comes to us differently and to grieve a loved one, time is the only healer.
Afrobeats singer Ayodeji Balogun, famous as Wizkid, lost his mother, Morayo Jane Balogun, on August 18, 2023 and he described it as"the deepest pain I've ever felt in my life.” It was the most vulnerable state many fans found Wizkid. This was because of the bond he shared with his mom.
Much earlier, Wizkid had teased the title of his sixth studio album as Morayo. It was unsurprising that the album was inspired by and named after his late mother. Maybe it would be a way to bury grief in his lines and verses; maybe it would be his escape to mourn his beloved mother — nobody knew for sure.
Two lead singles Piece of My Heart, R&B mid-tempo, and Kese (Dance), Dancehall vibes, released off the album later hinted at what Morayo offered — grief, not joy.
On November 22, Wizkid’s 16-track Morayo album finally dropped after months of his gearing anticipation. The album release also followed its amplification by Wizkid’s cryptic social media teases and high-profile collaborations — Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Tiakola, Jazmine Sullivan and Anais Cardot.
For an album paying tribute to his late mum, many fans thought there would be dedicated tracks reminiscing her memories but that melancholic feeling was missing. Instead, the tracks mostly offered happiness and reflections on life, love and his legacy. Wizkid also offers a versatile part of himself with the fusion of genres he explored.
One may also argue that the album should be more introspective with a flood of melancholy to capture his pain but who are we to tell him how to grieve? He definitely knows better. Maybe, this is his way of honouring his late mother and ensconcing his pain.
On the record-breaking Morayo, Wizkid explores his versatility as one of Afrobeats most revered artistes. The album also captures the 34-year-old singer’s manual to grief—a blend of joy, celebration, gratitude and soft life.
Reviewing Wizkid’s ‘Morayo’ album
Troubled mind is the most introspective track you’ll find Wizkid on Morayo. The intro track welcomes listeners with its visceral African percussion and Juju synthesizers of Wasiu Ayinde’s rendition at Wizkid’s late mother’s burial ceremony.
It emphasises who the album pays tribute to and when Wizkid enters with his verse, it is slightly melancholic but reflective.
“Blood for my eyes, pain for my mind. One shot for mama, yeah I miss you,” —Wizkid hints on his grief.
However, he fails to delve into the intricacies but stays on the surface. Rather, the first four tracks are an ode to the dance floor. The happy and dance-inspired uptempo Karamo, Kese (Dance), Bend and Soji shake off melancholy and tell the feet to dance and wriggle in the abundance of joy and life.
Karamo for instance is nostalgic and reminds you of the days of Pakuromo—when Wizkid lured you to dance. Exploring traditional beats, Kese (Dance) invites you to the dance floor to dance away your sorrows. The heart-pounding rhythm is alive and happy.
Wizkid’s global status rests on his unique infusion of American Pop and RnB yet maintaining his Nigerian and cultural heritage. The exceptional singer weaves R&B in the most beautiful lines that spark love. Tracks like Time, Piece of My Heart, Break Me Down, Bad For You, Apres Minuit, and Slow prove that R&B is Wizkid’s forte.
It is an intentional art he has mastered over the years. Think of a quiet night, candle lights and dinner for two madly in love lovers, these songs are a perfect fit to set the mood. The creativity behind Piece of My Heart, which seamlessly blended like two different songs, won my heart to remain my best track on the album.
Asake and Wizkid’s collaboration, Bad Girl, shows how they are becoming a formidable force. Following in the footsteps of their MMS track together, the duo deliver again. Other notable collaborations for me were Tiakola and Brent Faiyaz’s tracks. Their presence added a depth of versatility. Meanwhile, Wizkid’s intentionality in choosing who to work with is above all, evident in the album.
Final thoughts on Wizkid’s ‘Morayo’ album
Who says happiness isn't also a way to grief? For Wizkid’s Morayo, he defined his vulnerability and grief in paying tribute to his deceased mother. Celebrating life, love and legacy, Wizkid immortalises his mother with an album, Morayo.
Though not his best work yet considering the success of his 4th studio project and critically acclaimed Made in Lagos, Wizkid’s Morayo promises to stand the test of time.
On Morayo, Wizkid is intentional about how he wants to honour the memories of his late mother, how he wants to grief her loss and what music is for him. I like to believe that it is part of his admirable traits to be authentic.
It is pertinent to know that grief can be expressed in many ways. Wizkid proved that on his own terms—through joy. It's either you accept it or you don't.
TheRadar Playlist: 10 classic RnB singles by Wizkid you can’t skip
TheRadar earlier spotlighted Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, who is undoubtedly exceptional with his distinct voice and unquestionable talent.
While the Essence crooner has made an indelible impact on the Nigerian and global music industry, it is critical to recognise that he does not exist in a vacuum as an artist.
Like every great singer, Wizkid’s music journey is a reflection of several influences from artistes and genres that have helped to shape his musical prowess over the years. On TheRadar’s playlist, we compiled the 10 best RnB singles of Wizkid we’ll always leave on repeat
