REAL, VOL 1: Wizkid x Asake's Sound of Unmet Expectations
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| Cover Art |
In science, like poles repel while unlike poles attract — a principle of magnetism. While in human psychology, like minds are drawn to one another. The famous "birds of a feather flock together" saying comes to mind. This does not oppose science, but when juxtaposed, adds more depth to how humans connect differently.
Similarly, the Nigerian entertainment industry, like many others, thrives on a scorekeeper's mindset — a calculated quid pro quo ecosystem. Apparently, this duo broke the label-politics jinx.
What began as admiration grew into mutual respect between Mr Money With The Vibe and Big Wiz. It eventually blossomed into a business collaboration. The synergy surprised fans who celebrated what once seemed unlikely but gave birth to 'REAL, Vol. 1'. However, it did not meet the standard set by the lead single, Jogodo. The four-track EP has MAGICSTICKS as the main producer, while he co-produced Turbulence & Iskolodo with 4TUNEZ & LOL respectively.
Jogodo, the lead single, energized their fan base and quickly became their favourite upon release. Riding that momentum, the EP follows. Jogodo is filled with Amapiano percussion, blending euphoria and street vibe, as the buzzing trumpet adds flavour to the interlude.
Turbulence, the opening track on the EP, sees Asake exploring an introspective theme as he states his principles. His vocals evoke a melancholic mood as he flows on the slow-tempo Afropop instrumental. Wizkid sings about his journey and family, while he mirrors part of Asake's theme. The log drums add an electrifying flavour to the track.
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| Asake and Wizkid |
Iskolodo opens with Amapiano log drums. It blends with traditional Yoruba percussion while the keys heighten the emotional texture. It later samples the 2025 Latin-pop record “Esto Se Pone Bueno (Extended)" by Los Chayanne. The Latin record drew inspiration from the 1988 original record by a well-known Puerto Rican singer, Chayanne. Asake and Wizkid center the song on carefree living. On the slow-paced instrumental, the artists celebrate living life to the fullest, embracing positive energy and enjoying wealth and success.
Alaye, the closing track opens with Wizkid's mild Yoruba chant as the humorous backup slates his vocals. Asake's verse and delivery disrupt the vocal synergy. The unnecessary breather weakens the flow as they both struggle with melodies. The theme revolves around overused tropes — clothes, money, women, and drugs.
They fall short on this project as it leans on hype rather than substance. Asake struggles to find his style even a few years after his debut, as Wizkid dabbles in his old style of relying heavily on his natural voice. He fails to explore new songwriting techniques or experiment with other sounds. His strength remains in familiar melodic patterns, evident in his 'Made In Lagos' album.
Not every long-awaited collaboration deserves to happen. Sometimes, anticipation is more beautiful than execution. This EP is a reminder that hype can sing louder than substance.
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Many thanks for the objective analysis and equipping your audience with musical vocabularies.🏆
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