Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, is one of Nigeria's most successful Afrobeat musicians. The award-winning artist has been releasing hit songs and albums for over a decade, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta. His smooth vocals, catchy melodies, and unique blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and hip-hop have earned him a massive fan base around the world.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at Wizkid's latest songs and albums, exploring what makes them so popular and delving into the themes and influences behind the music.
Made in Lagos (Album)
Wizkid's latest album, "Made in Lagos," was released on October 30, 2020, to critical acclaim. The album, which took over two years to complete, features collaborations with a range of international artists, including Damian Marley, Skepta, and H.E.R. "Made in Lagos" is a departure from Wizkid's earlier, more upbeat releases, with a mellow and introspective sound that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggle for success.
The album is a celebration of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, and the place where Wizkid was born and raised. In interviews, Wizkid has spoken about the importance of his hometown in shaping his music and his identity as an artist. "Made in Lagos" features a range of sounds and influences, from the reggae-inspired "Blessed," which features Damian Marley, to the jazz-infused "Ginger," which features Burna Boy.
Some of the standout tracks on the album include "Reckless," a romantic ballad with a catchy chorus, and "No Stress," a smooth and laid-back track that has become one of Wizkid's most popular songs. "Mighty Wine" and "Gyrate" are other popular tracks that showcase Wizkid's ability to blend different genres and create a unique sound.
MIL (EP)
In 2021, Wizkid surprised fans with the release of "MIL," a six-track EP that continues the mellow and introspective sound of "Made in Lagos." The EP, which features collaborations with producers like P2J and Blaq Jerzee, explores similar themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
"Mood," the opening track on the EP, is a slow-burning ballad that showcases Wizkid's vocal range. "Anoti," another standout track, has a more upbeat tempo and features a catchy chorus that has become a fan favorite.
"Essence" (feat. Tems)
One of Wizkid's most popular songs from 2021 is "Essence," which features Nigerian singer Tems. The song has a smooth and sultry beat that showcases Wizkid and Tems' vocal range, and has become a viral hit on social media. Fans from around the world have created dance videos to the song, with many praising its laid-back vibe and infectious melody.
"Steady" (Single)
In August 2021, Wizkid released "Steady," a single with a more upbeat and danceable sound than his previous releases. The song has a catchy chorus and features Wizkid's signature Afrobeat sound with a touch of dancehall. "Steady" has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising its infectious energy and upbeat tempo.
Influences and Collaborations
Wizkid's music is influenced by a range of genres and artists, from Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade to Michael Jackson and Kanye West. His collaborations with other artists have also been an important part of his career, allowing him to experiment with different sounds and reach new audiences.
In addition to his collaborations on "Made in Lagos," Wizkid has worked with a number of international artists over the years. In 2016, he collaborated with Drake on the hit song "One Dance," which topped the charts in several countries and helped to popularize Afrobeat around the world. He has also worked with Beyonce on the song "Brown Skin Girl," which was featured on the soundtrack for "The Lion King: The Gift."
Wizkid has also been vocal about his support for up-and-coming artists in Nigeria and around the world. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, he spoke about the importance of giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of musicians. "We need to give the young ones a chance, because they're the future," he said.
Conclusion
Wizkid's latest songs and albums showcase his growth as an artist and his ability to blend different sounds and genres. "Made in Lagos" and "MIL" explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, while songs like "Essence" and "Steady" showcase Wizkid's ability to create catchy melodies and infectious beats. With his unique sound and global fan base, Wizkid is sure to continue to make waves in the music industry for years to come.
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