Review: Wizkid cements his place as a global superstar with his new album Made In Lagos

: by Joe Sharratt; in Reviews; on 06 November 2020

WizKid, the alias of Lagos-born singer and songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is undeniably one of Nigeria’s biggest stars. Since his hit single Holla At Your Boy blew up back in 2011, and his smash hit collaboration with Drake – One Dance – went to number one in no fewer than fifteen countries in 2016, WizKid and his eclectic mix of R&B, Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, pop and hip hop has been on a collision course with global superstardom. With his new album Made In Lagos, it feels like he has finally fully arrived at that destination.

The first impression you get when you scan a copy of Made In Lagos, his fourth studio album, and his first since 2017’s Carribean-infused Sounds From The Other Side, is that WizKid is clearly a major player in the industry. The lineup of guest appearances here is pretty star-studded: Skepta, Damian Marley Burna Boy, and H.E.R. are just some of the musicians and singers WizKid collaborates with, having already worked with the likes of Beyonce, Akon, and Chris Brown.

New single Ginger featuring Burna Boy is an early highlight, a smooth Afrobeats affair, while Smile is a supremely catchy slice of reggae-tinged pop, elevated even further by the vocal interplay between WizKid and H.E.R.. Piece Of Me, with British soul singer Ella Mai, is an unexpected delight, complete with its tight beat layered with Flamenco-esque guitar flourishes and some of the best vocals on the album.

No Stress is a slick number with some risque lyrics, while Sweet One and True Love take the tempo down a notch or two with some sultry vibes. The production is incredibly refined throughout, and the overall impression Made In Lagos gives is one of absolute professionalism. It is an enormously accomplished record from a performer who seems to finally be ready to complete his transition into current pop royalty.

Made In Lagos tracklist:

1. Reckless

2. Ginger (featuring Burna Boy)

3. Longtime (featuring Skepta)

4. Mighty Wine

5. Blessed (featuring Damian Marley)

6. Smile (featuring H.E.R.)

7. Piece Of Meat (featuring Ella Mai)

8. No Stress

9. True Love (featuring Tay Iwar)

10. Sweet One

11. Essence (featuring Tems)