Release and Overview
Wizkid released his sixth studio album, Morayo, on November 22, 2024. Produced under RCA Records and Starboy Entertainment, the album beautifully fuses Afropop and R&B influences with Yoruba percussive elements. Featuring collaborations with Asake, Anaïs Cardot, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola, Morayo offers a dynamic and soulful musical journey.
Background and Inspiration
The album’s title, Morayo, pays homage to Wizkid’s late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023. The Yoruba name “Morayo,” meaning “I see joy,” reflects the emotional depth and themes of the project. The cover art features a cropped image of his mother, underscoring the personal and heartfelt nature of the album.
Promotion and Lead Singles
To promote Morayo, Wizkid released two standout singles:
- “Piece of My Heart” (featuring Brent Faiyaz)
- “Kese (Dance)”
Both tracks broke records for the largest single debut in Spotify Nigeria’s history, setting the tone for the album’s success. Wizkid officially announced Morayo on July 4, 2024, a meaningful date coinciding with his mother’s birthday.
Critical Reception
Morayo has received a mix of critical reviews, highlighting its emotional sincerity and cultural significance while noting some areas for growth. Key insights include:
- Rolling Stone praised the album as “a lovely evolution of Wizkid’s sound,” but remarked that it occasionally feels like “a superstar on autopilot.”
- Philemon Jacob (African Folder) rated the album 7/10, describing it as smooth but not groundbreaking.
- Damilare Abioye (Nigerian Entertainment Today) celebrated the album’s heartfelt dedication, calling it “a love letter to his mother” and emphasizing its emotional resonance.
Artists: Wizkid
Album: Morayo
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 320kbps
Genre: Afrobeats
Year: 2024
Tracklist:
- Troubled Mind
- Karamo
- Kese (Dance)
- Bad Girl (feat. Asake)
- Time
- Piece of My Heart (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
- Break Me Down
- Bend
- A Million Blessings
- Après Minuit (feat. Tiakola)
- Bad For You (feat. Jazmine Sullivan)
- Soji
- Don’t Care
- Slow (feat. Anais Cardot)
- Lose
- Pray
Links
Stream now.
Themes and Legacy
At its core, Morayo explores themes of love, legacy, and personal reflection. It serves as a deeply moving tribute to Wizkid’s mother while showcasing his ability to blend cultural authenticity with global appeal.