Wizkid’s ‘Morayo’ Explores Love, Loss and Life

In the wake of his mother’s passing in August 2023, Wizkid became vocal about dedicating a tribute project to her, the late Mrs. J.M. (Juliana Morayo) Balogun. Over the years, beyond the rumours of his boundless love for her, Wizkid has often expressed his deep affection and reverence for his mother through his music. On songs like “Mummy Mi,” from his sophomore album “Ayo (Joy),” he eulogises her, recounting her role as a mother from conception. On the Spellz-produced track, he not only pledges undying love but promises to give her the moon, delivering heartfelt lyrics over an upbeat production meant to command the dance floor. Similarly, on “Joy,” the 18th track of the same album, Wizkid chronicles his journey from birth to stardom; he quickly introduces the concept of the song, the reason behind his name ‘Ayo‘, a Yoruba word for ‘Joy’ and the resulting events of his arrival into the Balogun family.

Following his mom’s death and subsequent funeral, the reclusive and mysterious Wizkid persona was displaced in the advent of ‘Morayo’, giving way to an emotionally upset side of Wizkid. The album rollout saw multiple listening parties, event appearances, and two contrasting lead singles released a month apart. The tracks—“Piece of My Heart” and “Kese (Dance)”—hinted at the possibility of an eclectic project, one where Wizkid skilfully navigates diverse genres grounded in Afrobeats.

Ranging from melancholic depths to upbeat party rhythms, ‘Morayo’ captures sonic facets of Wizkid’s past and present, all arranged with lush production. The sequencing of tracks was tailored in terms of tempo or otherwise tied together thematically, allowing for a smooth listen.

The album opens with “Troubled Mind,” unexpectedly featuring the golden vocals of Nigerian Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate and his live band eulogising Wizkid, paving way to the melodies of a taking drum and trumpet. Here, Wizkid acknowledges his inner turmoil, suggesting that creating ‘Morayo’ isn’t just an artistic endeavour or a tribute but also a means of escape. This explains why he didn’t set out to make a 16-track album with pensive grief as a theme but rather to find relief through music. It also explains why songs like Kese (Dance), A Million Blessings, Bad For You, and Lose showcase different aspects of Wizkid.

The project continues with groovy records like ‘Karamo’ the dance-floor-ready “Kese (Dance),” and the Asake-assisted “Bad Girl.” On ‘Bad Girl’—a stark difference from their sombre collaboration earlier in the year—both artists exhibited a slicker chemistry with a cyclic delivery that hugs the production. Much of the refinement in ‘Morayo’ can be attributed to the contributions of other brilliant creatives involved in the execution process.

Shifting gears, the soulful R&B ballad “Time” offers a reprieve from the gyration-heavy tracks, drawing listeners into a more serene Afrobeats and R&B soundscape. “Piece of My Heart” stands out as a masterful performance of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B, a sublime melding of both worlds. Similarly, “Break Me Down” fuses these styles with dancehall influences and DAMEDAME’s evocative vocals, resulting in a compelling record. On this track, Wizkid describes a sensual arrangement with a love interest, where emotional detachment is evident, yet their physical intimacy is electrifying.

Teased alongside tracks like “Soji” and “Kese (Dance)” at the UK listening party, “Bend” was designed as a club disruptor, particularly for the women who love to party. The lively track spills seamlessly into “A Million Blessings,” a boastful, introspective track produced by P2J and The Elements, where Wizkid confidently dismisses any competition, wielding his lyrics like championship belts.

The silky “Après Minuit” (French for “After Midnight”) is bound to be a listener’s favourite, with its sonorous opening by Wizkid and Tiakola’s enchanting vocals. Both artists express their desires to their respective love interests. As it closes, Jazmine Sullivan‘s voice can be heard opening on the passionate ‘Bad For You‘, followed by Wizkid’s coo. The synergy between her and Wizkid, particularly in the second and third verses, makes it difficult to believe this is their first collaboration on a single. It’s the kind of tipping that every great, timeless music carries.