Just four days before Wizkid’s sixth studio album “Morayo” would finally drop after several teasers from the musician, the third track off the project ‘Kese’ was already winning hearts as the song with the highest opening day streams on Spotify Nigeria hitting up to 1.5million plays by listeners.

“Morayo,” is not just an album though; it’s a deeply personal narrative that weaves the threads of love, loss, and legacy into a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.

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Released on November 22, 2024, it is a heartfelt tribute to Wizkid’s late mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun – 66 years old when she departed the earth. Picture a project that encapsulates the essence of reflection, as the artist delves into the depths of his soul to bring forth an album that is both intimate and universal.

The album cover itself is a poignant reminder of his journey, harking back to his Grammy-winning collaboration with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl, a track that celebrated African heritage and beauty.

So far, the reception to “Morayo” has been nothing short of phenomenal. Critics and fans alike have embraced the album with open arms, lauding it for its authenticity and the maturity that Wizkid brings to the table.

New York City-based Rolling Stone magazine described the album as a lovely evolution of the Made in Lagos (2020) sound, highlighting the lush production and the well-curated roster of guest artists.

If there was going to be any deeply personal body of work that the Nigerian pop singer Wizkid got the general nod for, it would be “Morayo”. It is a fact that despite several stars crowding the top spot when visualising global African artists, Wizkid is often found in a place of his own.

Here is a 16-track project with guest artists appearing in this order – Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Tiakola, Jazmine Sullivan, and France and Gabon-descent R&B singer Anaïs Cardot, although she is based in Canada. What sort of spark are the watchers getting seeing Wizkid during this new phase of reflection?

Apple Music has witnessed record-breaking success with “Morayo,” as all 16 tracks dominated the top spots on the platform and across regions of the world including the United Kingdom, a testament to Wizkid’s unwavering influence and the magnetic pull of his artistry.

The vibe that emanates from Wizkid during this reflective phase is one of introspection and growth. It’s a phase where the artist is not only looking back at his roots but also forward to the legacy he wishes to leave behind.

Fans and watchers are resonating with this vibe, finding pieces of their own stories within the melodies and lyrics of “Morayo.”

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Collaborating artists have taken to social media to express their excitement and pride in being part of this project. Their posts reflect a collective appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to an album that is more than just music—it’s a piece of Wizkid’s heart and history.

The social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and fellow artists alike celebrating the collaborative spirit that “Morayo” embodies. Based on what Friday evening’s trends show on X, there is particular love for Bad Girl which was recorded with Asake.

Listeners on the social media platform were touched by the connection between super musicians that have both sold out the O2 Arena painting the view of a very fun-filled life with a bad girl from Barbados, as the opening line read. 

As the album continues to break records and touch hearts, it stands as a reminder that music, at its core, is about connection—connecting with oneself, with others, and with the world at large.

Wizkid has once again proven that he is not just an artist; he is a storyteller, a healer, and a visionary. And “Morayo” is his ode to the enduring power of love and legacy. A personal deep dive into the RCA Records-published music tells the true story.

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Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.