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**Album Review: Wizkid – *Morayo***  
**Rating: ★★★★★ (Genius)**  

 

Wizkid’s *Morayo* is not just another album in his storied discography; it’s an unflinching, celebratory, and deeply emotional exploration of love, loss, and joy. Released on November 22, 2024, *Morayo* marks Wizkid's sixth studio album, but more than just a continuation of his Afrobeat legacy, it feels like a personal revelation — a tribute to his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023. The album’s title, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, encapsulates the essence of this project: a complex journey from grief to triumph, with the healing power of music as its backbone.

 

Wizkid has always been a master of blending genres, infusing Afrobeat with dancehall, R&B, and pop, and *Morayo* is no exception. But here, he has crafted a sound that feels simultaneously grounded in his roots and expansive in its emotional reach. Every track is a reflection of his growth as an artist, as well as the growth of Afrobeat on the global stage.

 

**A Deep, Personal Statement**  

 

From the opening track, *Troubled Mind*, the mood is set: a melancholic, yet sensual reflection on inner conflict. It’s here that Wizkid invites us into his emotional world, grappling with the pains of loss and the tumult of fame. As the album unfolds, Wizkid weaves moments of introspection with celebratory tracks that evoke joy — the joy that is so deeply embedded in his mother’s legacy. Each song feels like an intimate confession or a shared moment of catharsis, and it’s clear that *Morayo* is as much a therapeutic process for him as it is an artistic one.

 

The album features standout collaborations that elevate the soundscape even further. *Piece of My Heart*, with Brent Faiyaz, is a sultry, R&B-tinged anthem of vulnerability and yearning. The two voices complement each other seamlessly, capturing the emotional rawness of the song. Similarly, *Bad Girl*, featuring Asake, injects an infectious energy, bridging Afrobeat with high-energy dance rhythms and unmistakable Nigerian flavor. Asake’s signature vocal texture pairs brilliantly with Wizkid’s laid-back swagger, creating a track that is destined to light up dancefloors worldwide.

 

But it’s not just the upbeat jams that define *Morayo*; it’s the quieter, more introspective moments that allow Wizkid to truly shine. *Bad For You*, with the incomparable Jazmine Sullivan, is a track that captures the tension between love and self-doubt, with both artists delivering soulful performances that cut through the noise. Sullivan’s voice soars in the chorus, and Wizkid’s delivery feels effortless, yet powerful, as if he’s finally found peace in the pain.

 

 

**A Global Fusion of Sounds**  

 

What stands out most about *Morayo* is its genre-blending nature. The album moves effortlessly between Afrobeat, pop, R&B, and even hints of electronic, all while maintaining an undeniable sense of authenticity. *Kese (Dance)* and *Soji* are infectious anthems that are destined to be heard across every corner of the globe, with their rhythms providing an irresistible pulse. Meanwhile, *Après Minuit*, featuring Tiakola, pulls in elements of French pop and Afro-fusion, giving listeners an electrifying moment of cross-cultural collaboration that feels both fresh and exhilarating.

 

Each track is meticulously crafted to create a sonic journey that spans from sultry late-night vibes to the kind of anthem you blast with friends at a party. There’s a sense of freedom in *Morayo*, a liberation from the constraints of genre and expectation. Tracks like *Bend* and *Time* embody a smooth, laid-back groove that showcases Wizkid’s maturation as an artist, balancing his international appeal with deep-rooted Afrobeat influences.

 

But it’s not all about collaborations or cross-genre exploration. Songs like *Lose* and *Pray* are quieter, reflective moments where Wizkid bares his soul. In *Lose*, there’s a palpable sense of resignation — a song that treads the line between loss and acceptance, encapsulating the emotional core of the album. And in *Pray*, Wizkid reflects on his journey, giving thanks for the blessings and lessons life has offered him, all while acknowledging the presence of his mother’s spirit in his work.

 

**The Legacy of *Morayo***

 

Wizkid has always been a boundary-pusher, but with *Morayo*, he is tapping into something deeper — a reflection of his personal life, his growth, and his unbreakable bond with his heritage. This album feels like a culmination of everything that has made Wizkid the international star that he is today, but also the start of something new. There’s a sense of optimism that runs through *Morayo*, a belief that joy can still be found even in the darkest of times. And in many ways, that joy is carried by the music itself, a testament to Wizkid’s unyielding spirit and his ability to connect with listeners from all walks of life.

 

As an artist, Wizkid continues to prove that Afrobeat is not just a genre but a cultural movement. With *Morayo*, he isn’t just making music for the charts; he’s making music that resonates on a deeply human level, bridging cultures, continents, and emotions. In a year marked by personal loss and global turmoil, *Morayo* feels like a beacon of hope — a sonic tapestry of love, life, and the unbreakable spirit of a son honoring his mother.

 

Ultimately, *Morayo* is an album that reaffirms Wizkid's place as one of the most significant artists of this generation. With its powerful emotional depth, stunning collaborations, and genre-defying sounds, *Morayo* isn’t just a great album; it’s an album for the ages — one that will be remembered for years to come as a moment of profound artistic achievement.