Morayo: A Look at Wizkid's 2024 Album

In memory of his mother, Ayodele Balogun, A.K.A BigWiz, but we'll leave it at Wizkid – for those who still calls him that. Deciding to immortalize his mother, Wizkid released yet another masterpiece album Morayo, in honour of her.

It’s not a surprise as Wizkid has been very vocal about his love for his mother, whom he adore as his first love.  In fact, Wizkid displayed his affection for his mother as he goshes over her during a conversation on a banking commercial. 

Captivating the global audiences yet again with this new album, Morayo's release has fans eagerly exploring the new sounds and musical trajectory wizkid had taken. With Morayo, Wizkid builds on his already impressive career, offering listeners a fresh experience while staying true to his Afrobeat roots.

The album promises a rich blend of traditional and modern elements, making it a highly anticipated addition to his discography. The excitement surrounding Morayo is palpable, as fans and critics alike delve into the tracks that highlight

 Wizkid's versatility and innovative spirit.

Starting with his debut album, Superstar in 2011, Wizkid's musical journey has been one of constant growth and exploration. With the release of Morayo, we see a seamless blend of traditional Afrobeats mixed with elements of soul, R&B, and dancehall.

This mixture is described as having a maturity and cultural authenticity, reflecting a beautiful evolution of the Made in Lagos sound. Morayo signifies a new chapter in Wizkid's career, building upon his previous work and demonstrating an evolution in his musical direction.

 Morayo’s Track Highlights

Morayo is packed with standout tracks that showcase Wizkid's versatility and creative prowess. Among the highlights is "Piece of My Heart," featuring Brent Faiyaz. This track smoothly blends R&B vibes with Afrobeats, creating an irresistible groove.Another standout is "Bad Girl," featuring Asake, which presents an energetic Afrobeats fusion that is sure to get listeners moving. These collaborations with talented artists contribute to the album's dynamic range and appeal.

Below is a table detailing each track, including songwriters, producers, featured artists, and additional information:

 Production and Influences

The production quality of Morayo stands out as some of the best in Wizkid's career. The album's production was overseen by Afrobeats maven P2J, and others who has helped craft a sound that is both rich and immersive.

Real instrumentation plays a significant role in Morayo's sound, with elements like the trumpet on "Karamo," talking drums on "Kese (Dance)," and soulful piano on "Time" enhancing the listening experience. This blend of traditional and modern influences creates a unique and captivating soundscape.

 Reactions from Fans

The initial response to Morayo has been overwhelmingly positive. The album has received a perfect 10/10 rating, praised for its depth, diversity, and artistry. Fans have been particularly drawn to tracks like "Piece of My Heart" and "Dance," which are already making waves and earning widespread attention. These tracks stand out for their catchy beats and thoughtful production. The album's reception among critics and fans alike underscores its impact and artistic value.

In resonance to Wizkid’s claim that Morayo is the Best album he ever made, his fans have these to say; 

Iseunife The First @Shawnifee said on X; ‘Wizkid gave us Fuji, Afrobeats, Pop, RnB, French Pop, Hip hop, Soul, Highlife on one album. Morayo is a masterpiece! Big Wiz is exactly who he thinks he is!”

Viviz Afrobeats reviewer @Justvibes_Vivz added; ‘Morayo gets better with every single listen’ 

Monumental for Wizkid as fans choses Morayo as This Week’s Favorite New Music in an All-Genre Poll, according to Billboard. 

 Morayo’s Streams and Record Achieved Soo Far

ChartsAFrica dislclosed that Wizkid’s Morayo has surpassed 94.4M+ streams across Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Audiomack within 72 hours of its release. In addition to that the album is now charting in 104 countries on Apple Music and stands at 1 in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon and Sierra Leone, Album Talks confirmed. 

Still smashing records, Morayo’s Bad Girl is now charting at number 75 on Apple Music Top 100 Daily Global Chart, Number 1 on Nigeria’s Apple Music Top 100, Top 25 on London Apple Music Chart, Top 100 on the UK Apple Music Chart and also making waves in Europe, the album is at Number 3 on the European Apple Music Album Chart. 

Not just bthe album, but the Lead single, Piece of My Heart, which featured Brent Faiyaz has reached U.S Afrobeats Songs No. 4 position and its charting No 7 on World Digital Song Sales.

These momumental feats achieved within 3 days of Morayo's release, speaks of its global acceptance and another masterclass music from the StarBoy himself, BigWiz.

 Why Wizkid’s Kese(Dance) single was removed and restored on Apple Music

Wizkid's songs, Kese (Dance) disappeared on the Apple Music charts on November 18, 2024 over alleged streaming manipulation, others argued the disappearance was due to technical glitch. However, Apple neither denied nor confirmed any of these allegations as it restored the song 7 hours after its disappearance. 

Before it disappearance, Kese which was released as a single on the 15th of November, had reached an astounding listening record of 1,500,000 streams in the first 24 hours of its release and was NO 1 on Apple Music Nigeria Top 100. 

Reacting after Kese (Dance) was restored, Wizkid tweeted "lol this one be no ebuka o, kese jor!". The Afrobeat infused dance hall single quickly reclaim a spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 after its restoration on the Apple Music chart. 

 Morayo's Influence on the Music Industry

Wizkid's 2024 album, Morayo, stands as a significant milestone not just in his career but also in the Afrobeat genre. With its fusion of traditional African sounds and contemporary music elements, Morayo is setting new benchmarks in the global music scene. The album's rich and immersive sound, crafted under the guidance of P2J, P.Priime, and other creative directors has caught the attention of music enthusiasts and industry experts alike, leading to conversations about the evolution of Afrobeat and its growing influence worldwide.

Morayo's success demonstrates the genre's potential to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. By incorporating a diverse range of musical influences, from R&B to dancehall, Wizkid is paving the way for other Afrobeat artists to experiment and innovate. This album showcases how traditional African music can blend seamlessly with modern sounds, creating a product that is both authentic and globally appealing.

One of the most notable aspects of Morayo is its use of real instrumentation, such as the trumpet on "Karamo" and the talking drums on "Kese (Dance)." These elements not only enhance the album's authenticity but also highlight the importance of live instruments in contemporary music production. This focus on real instrumentation is likely to inspire other artists and producers to incorporate similar elements in their work, thereby enriching the overall music industry.

Collaborations with artists like Brent Faiyaz and Asake further emphasize Morayo's impact. These partnerships bring different musical styles and audiences together, fostering a more inclusive and expansive music community. By working with artists from various genres, Wizkid is helping to break down barriers and encourage a more collaborative approach to music-making.

The album's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and critics praising its depth and artistry. This acclaim is likely to encourage other artists to explore Afrobeat and its potential for innovation. As Afrobeat continues to gain traction on the global stage, Morayo will undoubtedly serve as a touchstone for future projects, influencing both new and established artists in their creative endeavors.

 Conclusion

Morayo demonstrates Wizkid's ability to fuse diverse musical elements into a cohesive and captivating project. The album highlights his ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat while staying true to its roots. Each track offers a unique blend of sounds that reflect his innovative spirit and cultural authenticity.

Wizkid's collaborations on Morayo, such as those with Brent Faiyaz and Asake, have not only broadened the album's appeal but also showcased the potential of cross-genre experimentation.

These partnerships enhance the album’s richness and signify a broader trend towards inclusivity and genre-blending in the music industry. The use of real instrumentation, including trumpets and talking drums, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the album. This approach sets Morayo apart in a digital age where electronic production often dominates, reminding listeners of the power of live music.

Overall, Morayo is a compelling reflection of Wizkid’s artistry and vision. It serves as a testament to his growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving musical landscape. The album’s positive reception underscores its significance and impact, solidifying Wizkid’s position as a leading figure in Afrobeat. As he continues to explore new musical territories, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate what he will offer next.