Once upon a time, when one said, “Nigeria is a blessed country,” the conversation centered on our lack of natural disasters or the abundance of natural resources. Yet, most would agree these advantages haven’t always been channeled into the advancement of the majority. Luckily for us, our grace extends far beyond resources—it flows richly into our creative industry.
Our music has gone global, topping international charts and putting Nigerian artists on stages worldwide. Wherever you go—be it the streets of Lagos, Parisian lounges, or packed New York clubs—you’ll find our Naija vibes infusing the atmosphere. These beats, from Afrobeat to Amapiano, are impossible to resist. And speaking of resistance, no one can resist the magic of Wizkid—our very own Big Wiz.
Big Wiz’s newly released album, Morayo, does not “fall our hand.” In fact, it (the gbedus) has us raising those hands in the air, grooving and moving kesekese to the seamless fusion of Naija’s finest sounds. Wizkid masterfully blends elements of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti’s legacy with the infectious rhythms of fuji and the genre-bending innovation that has defined his sound. This is not just music, it’s a celebration of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going – a journey through eras and styles, all laced with that signature “Big Wiz magic.”
A Genre-Hopping Experience
If there’s one thing Morayo delivers, it’s versatility. From amapiano-infused jams to French-inspired romantic ballads, Big Wiz takes us on a genre-hopping journey. You can almost feel the R&B vibes of yesteryears sprinkled across tracks while also catching a hint of new-school Afrobeats fire.
Take, for instance, “Piece of my heart,” and the hook of “Break me down”, which feels like a love letter to the golden days of R&B,(i mean, doesn’t it just remind you of Nelly’s “Dilemma) yet somehow retains that Naija flavor. Or “Bad Girl,” which could easily find a home on any global amapiano playlist. Wizkid is reminding us once again: he’s not confined to a single box. His music speaks many languages, not just in words but in rhythm, melody, and soul.
Star-Studded Collaborations and Fan Favorites
Wizkid’s Morayo is a masterclass in collaboration and artistry, featuring tracks that cater to a wide spectrum of listeners. Among the standout favorites is “Piece of My Heart,” featuring Brent Faiyaz, which has climbed to No. 4 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and No. 7 on the World Digital Song Sales Chart. This soulful blend of Wizkid’s charm and Brent’s smooth vocals resonates deeply with fans. Yet, every track from the album has captured hearts—Morayo dominated the Apple Music Nigeria charts, with all songs securing the top 17 positions within just 10 hours of release.
Adding to the album’s allure are the brilliant collaborations. Asake lends his streetwise energy to “Bad Girl,” creating a vibrant dance anthem. Tiakola’s appearance on “Après Minuit” bridges Afrobeats and French rap in a refreshing, genre-bending fusion. Meanwhile, Anaïs Cardot’s contribution to “Slow” delivers a sultry, intimate vibe that complements Wizkid’s versatility. Each collaboration enriches Morayo, ensuring there’s something for every listener and proving Wizkid’s ability to blend diverse styles while maintaining the essence of his signature sound.
Whether it’s the chart-topping “Piece of My Heart” or the genre-fluid brilliance of his other tracks, Morayo showcases Wizkid as an artist who knows no bounds, with every song a piece of the puzzle that fans can’t stop replaying.
Did Big Wiz Deliver?
Here’s the thing: when you’re as big as Wizkid, the bar is always set high. With Morayo, not only did he meet expectations, but he also took it a step further. This album isn’t just music; it’s a cultural export, another win for Nigeria on the global stage.
But how many of Wizkid’s influences can you identify on this album? From Fela to fuji legends, the album is an ode to the sounds that have shaped Nigerian music. Did Big Wiz do them justice?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What’s your favorite track on Morayo? How did the album make you feel? Let us know by joining the conversation on our social media pages.
Final Thoughts
Big Wiz didn’t just release an album; he reminded us of the limitless potential of Naija music. Morayo is proof that our sounds are timeless, boundary-breaking, and universally loved. It’s a reminder that Nigeria, in all its complexity, is a blessed country—not just for its resources but for its incredible talent.
So, whether you’re streaming it in Lagos traffic or dancing to it at a house party in London, one thing’s for sure: Morayo is an album for the ages.
Listen here: