Wizkid honors late mother, continues Afrobeats evolution with ‘Morayo’ album

Afrobeats star Wizkid has released his sixth studio album, Morayo, a deeply personal project that combines his signature Afrobeats style with poignant reflections on loss and legacy. The album is named after Wizkid’s late mother, who passed away in 2023, and features an emotional tribute to her in the opening track, “Troubled Mind.” While the album touches on his grief, it also delivers a collection of lively, danceable Afrobeats tracks, showcasing his growth as an artist.

Opening with the emotional tribute “Troubled Mind,” which features a performance by Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde at his mother’s burial, Morayo delves into the emotions surrounding Wizkid’s loss. However, the album quickly shifts gears, offering upbeat tracks like “Kese (Dance),” “Karamo,” and “Bend,” that satisfy fans who have longed for the energetic Afrobeats sound that Wizkid first made his name with.

The 16-track album is rooted in familiar Afrobeats rhythms, with lush production from long-time collaborator P2J, who contributed to 14 of the songs. Tracks like “Bad Girl,” featuring Asake, and “A Million Blessings” continue Wizkid’s exploration of R&B and Dancehall, while collaborations with artists such as Tay Iwar and Aylo offer smooth, introspective moments that highlight his versatility.

While Morayo satisfies fans craving Wizkid’s earlier Afrobeats sound, it also embraces the fusion of R&B and Afrobeats that has characterized his recent work. On tracks like “Time,” “POMH,” and “Break Me Down,” Wizkid delivers the smooth, mid-tempo melodies that have become a staple of his style. “Bad For You,” featuring Jasmine Sullivan, blends R&B with ragga and is expected to resonate with American audiences.

The album also features international collaborations, including “Apres Minuit” with French artist Tiakola, signaling Wizkid’s continued push into global markets. In addition, the sensual duet “Slow” with Anaïs Cardot adds a dreamy, intimate touch to the project.

While Morayo has been praised for its seamless production and emotional depth, some fans have expressed disappointment that it doesn’t introduce a new direction for Wizkid, following the underwhelming response to his previous album, More Love, Less Ego. Instead, Morayo seems to refine and adjust his recent sound, offering more of the R&B fusion that has defined his music since 2020.

The album closes with “Pray,” a track in which Wizkid reflects on his rise to fame and celebrates his success, reaffirming his resolve to continue thriving in the music industry. Morayo is both a tribute to his late mother and a testament to Wizkid’s artistry, blending emotional depth with the infectious rhythms that have made him a global superstar.