Album Review: Wizkid's 'Morayo' - A Tribute to the Dancefloor Celebration
Rockin' back to Wizkid's latest tunes, the Nigerian superstar has kept the Afrobeats scene sizzling with his 2024 release, "Morayo." Stepping onto the global stage with 2021's "Made In Lagos," and then building momentum with 2022's "More Life, Less Ego," this new record keeps the good vibes flowing.
Let's dive right in! Kicking off with "Troubled Mind," the opening track will have you tapping your feet and feeling the beat in your bones. Highlife melodies get you in the groove for some dance-ready tunes. But when the beat drops, a more somber instrumental plays as Wizkid opens up about his struggles: "My troubled mind wants to sing."
Despite the weight of these emotions, Wizkid takes the stage with energy-filled anthems. Mixing tradition with modern twists, the dance section of "Morayo" is a testament to Wizkid's mastery of the Afro-piano genre. You'll find collabs with Asake and TiaKola, delivering crowd-pleasing hits like "Bad Girl" and "Break Me Down." The catchy "Bend" is a standout track where the hand drums take the lead, urging you to move your body.
Moving into the R&B section, "A Million Blessings" is a touching ode to gratitude and strength. The soothing tones of "Apres Minuit" featuring French rap sensation TiaKola combine seductive rhythms with Wizkid's relaxed flow. The collaboration with Jasmine Sullivan, "Bad For You," is an ode to love that serves as a refreshing taste of neo-soul.
wrapping up with the emotional "Pray," the album feels like both a dancefloor party and a heartfelt tribute. Wizkid handles the loss of his mother with grace, looking towards the future with optimism: "My mama prayed for me, and the heavens are mine." Through the highs and lows, "Morayo" offers a captivating blend of uplifting energy, deep emotion, and a charming tribute to his late mother.
- Record label: Starboy / Sony Music International / RCA Records
- Release date: November 22, 2024
This album review appeared first on NME.
"Wizkid's latest offering, 'Morayo,' is a captivating blend of pop, music, entertainment, and music, as the Nigerian superstar seamlessly merges traditional highlife melodies with modern dance beats in this Afrobeats masterpiece."
"With energetic anthems like 'Bad Girl' and 'Break Me Down,' and heartfelt ballads such as 'A Million Blessings' and the emotional closer 'Pray,' 'Morayo' showcases Wizkid's versatility in the Afro-piano genre, while also paying a touching tribute to his late mother."
