Album assessment: "Morayo" by Wizkid - Celebrating the rhythm of the dancefloor
Title: Grooving Through Grief: Wizkid's 'Morayo' Album Review
In a mesmerizing musical journey, Nigerian sensation Wizkid gracefully transforms from a regional banger-maker to an international powerhouse. His latest offering, 'Morayo', released on November 22, 2024, under Starboy, Sony Music International, and RCA Records, continues this enchanting journey. The album, named in honor of his dear mother, Jane Dolapo Balogun[1][4], seamlessly blends traditional Afrobeats with an anthemic sound, creating a captivating ode to the dancefloor and a poignant homage to lost love.
Kicking off with the introspective 'Troubled Mind', Wizkid masterfully revisits his musical roots. The track beautifully combines the rhythmic bounce of highlife with somber undertones as Wizkid laments, "Right now, me jus wan vibes and ting / But my troubled mind wan sing." Despite grappling with grief, the singer infuses his sorrow with an infectious energy that will have you dancing from the first beat.
The album then transitions seamlessly into a high-energy, dance-worthy section. Fun and experimentally driven, this portion builds upon the effortless aura of 'More Life, Less Ego' while boldly exploring new territories such as Afro-piano and pop-garage. Standout collaborations with Asake, TiaKola, Jasmine Sullivan, and others make 'Morayo' an unforgettable sonic adventure.
As the record progresses, it transforms into a sultry R&B segment. 'A Million Blessings' flows with gentle pianos and soulful strings as Wizkid expresses gratitude and resilience. However, the singer does not linger too long in this mellower sound, as evidenced by the jubilant neo-soul gem 'Bad For You' featuring Jasmine Sullivan.
The album concludes on a heartfelt note with 'Pray', a poignant yet uplifting track. Despite the tragedy of losing his mother, Wizkid remains hopeful, singing, "My mama pray for me / And, I know, the heavens dey for me / And Jah make a way for me." The closure emphasizes the healing power of music and Wizkid's ability to find catharsis on the dancefloor, even through his greatest trials.
In summary, Wizkid's 'Morayo' is an emotional exploration, crafted with the same jovial spirit and exceptional storytelling that has made him a titan in the music industry. The album's expansion into new musical territories and its heartfelt tribute to his late mother make it a standout addition to Wizkid's discography.
References
[1] NME.com, Wizkid - 'Morayo' album review: an ode to the dancefloor, https://www.nme.com/reviews/music/wizkid-morayo-3753625[4] Billboard.com, Wizkid Fetes Late Mom Jane Balogun on New Album 'Morayo' - Billboard, https://www.billboard.com/music/wizkid/news/wizkid-fetes-late-mother-jane-balogun-on-new-album-morayo-1235061312/[5] Pitchfork.com, Wizkid Drops 'Morayo' Album, https://pitchfork.com/news/wizkid-d walked-morayo-album/
"Wizkid's 'Morayo' album, a blend of Afrobeats, pop-garage, and anthemic sound, offers an unforgettable sonic adventure, turning grief into infectious energy on the dancefloor."
"The collaborative nature of 'Morayo' elevates it, with standout collaborations from Asake, TiaKola, Jasmine Sullivan, and others, making it a remarkable addition to Wizkid's musical offerings."
