Morayo (album)
| Morayo | ||||
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| Released | 22 November 2024 | |||
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| Length | 47:18 | |||
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| Wizkid chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Morayo | ||||
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Morayo is the sixth studio album by Nigerian singer Wizkid. It was released on 22 November 2024 through RCA Records and Starboy Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Asake, Anaïs Cardot, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tiakola. Production was primarily handled by P2J and P.Priime, with contributions from others. The album was promoted by two singles, "Piece of My Heart" with Brent Faiyaz and "Kese (Dance)".
Background
[edit]The album's title and cover are dedicated to Wizkid's late mother, who passed away in London in August 2023. Morayo is the middle name of his mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun, and is the Yoruba word for "I see joy".[1] The album cover is a cropped image of his mother.[2]
Release and promotion
[edit]On 4 July 2024, his mother's birthday, Wizkid confirmed the album's existence on Twitter.
MORAYO!! Best album I ever made!! Now listen! It’s only up from here! ❤️🦅
On 18 October 2024, Wizkid released the single "Piece of My Heart" with Brent Faiyaz. Less than a month later, this was followed by "Kese (Dance)". Both singles broke the record for the biggest single debut in Spotify Nigeria history.[3] On 8 November, Wizkid revealed the album cover and release date.[4]
Critical reception
[edit]Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described Morayo as a continuation of the lush R&B fusion the artist has embraced since Made in Lagos, with stellar production that doesn’t demand much of him. Though not his most compelling work, the album has "something in it for everyone," offering introspection, Afrobeats, and sensual R&B moments. Adebiyi rated the album 7.0/10, noting that "Wizkid makes it clear that this is his world, and listeners will either have to fit in or not."[5]
Mankaprr Conteh of Rolling Stone described the album as a "lovely evolution" of the "Made in Lagos" sound, blending lush production with cultural authenticity and heartfelt dedication to his late mother. While the album showcases standout moments with Jazmine Sullivan, Asake, and Tiakola, it sometimes feels like a "superstar on autopilot" with reused refrains and a soft, cyclical flow that prioritizes feeling over innovation. Conteh noted that Morayo is less a packed punch and more "like a warm hug."[6]
Commercial performance
[edit]Upon the album's release, it received Spotify's biggest album debut by an African artist.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Mamo, Heran (2024-11-22). "Wizkid Releases 'Morayo' Album: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel. "Wizkid's 'Morayo' Is Finally Here - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ Grant, Shawn (2024-11-23). "Wizkid Releases Highly Personal Sixth Studio Album 'Morayo' in Tribute to Late Mother". thesource.com. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ "Wizkid Announces New Album 'Morayo' / Reveals Cover & Release Date - That Grape Juice". thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (2024-11-22). "'Morayo': It's Wizkid's world, you either fit in or not [Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (2024-11-22). "On 'Morayo' Wizkid is Just Doing What Works for Him". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
- ^ "Wizkid's 'Morayo' earns the biggest streaming debut for an album by an African act in Spotify history". Twitter. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.