Wizkid’s coronation as an undisputed Afrobeats icon took place ten years after his debut single. Global stars such as Justin Bieber and Damian Marley, as well as emerging artists
(see:Terns and producer P2J) assisted Wizkid’s fourth album Made in Lagos in striking a sonic balance that electrified fans at home and abroad, and unlocked new dimensions to his signature Afro-fusion.
“That’s where I come from.
And you already know it’s time for me to show the world what else we actually need right now “Wizkid stated. “And that is a lot of love. I’m reminding myself, the rest of the world, and everyone.”
The task is made easier on More Love, Less Ego because P2J is back by his side. Their percussive, midtempo palette is a rich, winning combination, and the duo lean into it here, with Wizkid’s pillowy vocals and the bright, unifying themes of passion and celebration serving as perfect complements.
However, as the title suggests, the album’s 13 tracks reveal a more emotionally exposed artist. “I want to be my best self all of the time, he says. “I’m doing my best to demonstrate how God has blessed me with this talent and what I can do with it.
And I’m here on Earth to take this to the next level.”
As Wizkid’s Grammy-nominated “Essence” catalyzed Tems’ thrilling rise, Ayra Starr is the beneficiary of the Starboy’s magic touch on “2 Sugar,” a sultry, toe-tapping duet. It’s far from the only creative collaboration.
Wizkid’s cultural crosswinds feature Jamaica’s breakout stars Shenseea and Skillibeng (“Slip N Slide”) as well as British Nigerians Skepta and Naira Marley (“Wow”) in a confident display of the diaspora’s effortless genre-fusing. Meanwhile, Wizkid explores Amapiano on album highlight “Plenty Loving,” indicating another rich area for Wizkid to mine in the future.
“”I’ve been partying to amapiano for the past couple months—traveling, doing shows, touring,” he says. I’ve been making that [sound] with [DJ] Maphorisa in South Africa for years. So I made something I really like and just put it out there. I can do amapiano, Mali music, and sounds from anywhere because I’m African.”
Enjoy The 13 solid songs below:
