Let’s Talk — Will WizKid’s Made In Lagos Live Up To The Hype?

Posted by E.L.E.X on July 02 2020 under Celebrities

Wizkid’s Made In Lagos has gotten a release date after two years of waiting. The question is, will it be worth the wait and will it live up to the hype?

The frenzy was all over social media yesterday when WizKid announced the date for his album release. The excitement. Leaps of Joy in every tweet.

We’re eventually getting that album from WizKid. But then, there are a few asterisks.

The last time WizKid dropped an album, I could remember how I felt—listening to tracks that dwelled on emotion, on love, and happiness. The smoothness that serenaded Picture Perfect, bouncy beats on Sexy, and the mash-up vibes of Daddy Yo.

The 12-track album, Sounds From The Other Side tasted differently with what we’ve been consuming from WizKid prior to that year. On SFTOS, the Starboy was experimenting. Secluding from the domes of Afrobeats.

To me, SFTOS was perfect. To others, it was not. The album was dumped down. WizKid crucified and his countrymen labeled it as a “trash” album. Perhaps, WizKid did too much, fusing sounds from their other side and not from his side.

Afrobeats was missing, people said, and the Starboy had to calm down people’s angst with his December return. Releasing Manya for the period.

Will We See A Repeat Of This On Made In Lagos?

One can’t predict an artist’s sound direction these days save for Naira Marley and Zlatan. His last project, Soundman, allowed a peek into expansive sonic palette WizKid possesses. He’s good, no doubt.

Judging by the sound direction that has characterized his recent releases, we might see more Afrobeats and Afropop records. Meaning there could be a stark contrast to what we heard on SFTOS.

Or there could be a repeat of that.

Collaborations with Ella Mai, HER, Tay Iwar indicate we might get those love-driven records much similar to what we heard on SFTOS.

Yet, it’s WizKid’s chance of redemption. The success of this project hinges on the impact of individual tracks on the album and how listeners will be receptive to them. After teasing it for two years, will it be worth the wait?

The probability of a Grammy win also exists. Especially as the recording academy has opened up space for submissions. The outreach of this project and impact on those who listen will help decide if WizKid will edge his compatriot Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, who also have albums coming out in bringing the gong home.

To you,