Wizkid is not your conventional artist and like Aladdin’s magic mat, knows how to take you for a sweet ride, just like he did on “Made In Lagos”
When Wizkid revealed he had an album called “Made In Lagos” two years ago coming out, fans couldn’t be more excited but alas in his usual fashion kept postponing the album.
Though he released “Soundman Vol 1” in 2019, it wasn’t the food fans was waiting to feast on. Fast forward to July, 16th, he dropped “Smile” featuring H.E.R and the song was a surprise as it showed a different Wizkid than fans were already used to.
Though he showed a preview of the evolution and turn his artistry had taken in his previous album, “Sounds From The Other Side”, most fans were still waiting for the “Pakuromo, Jaiye, Jaiye, Ojuelegba, Don’t Dull” kind of sound we were used to from him.
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“No Stress” which was the second single revealed that this wouldn’t be business as usual. Then he dropped the whole 14-tracks album which caused mixed reviews.
The Major bone of contention was the change in sound as the album sounded like “Made In London” instead of “Made In Lagos”
However, one must take note that The name of the album isn’t exactly a reflection of his sound but instead a homage to his roots and the place that made him what he is.
The album is also a sign of growth that he has undergone over the years. A calmer, more matured and smarter artist who has finally found his harbour and wants to let down his anchor.
The album finally strikes the balance Wizkid was trying to get in “Sounds From the Other Side” where he tried to connect with the International Market but alienated his homegrown fanbase.
In this album, he gets personal and presents his case like a smart and cunning lawyer who knows “pieces of evidence” isn’t what always wins a case in court.
The Songs
In ‘Reckless’ the song which opens the album, he sings of his blessings and good vibes, he also makes sure the listeners understand why he deserves all the flowers he is getting.
On “Ginger” one of the highly anticipated songs from the album, Wizkid and Burna Boy gives us what fans have been hoping for, a collaboration.
Then he partners with his good friend, Skepta on ‘Longtime”, though the song is good, their partnership on “Energy” was way better.
On “Mighty Wine”, Wizkid tells his love interest to ‘dance’, he encourages her like a snake charmer plays his flute for a snake.
The heart of “Made In Lagos” is showcased on “Blessed” which features the talented Damian Marley.
Marley sings, “I might be rough around the edges, maybe yes. I keep it nappy and I do what makes me happy and nobody can deny me that I’m blessed…”
The lines are a representation of the man called Wizkid and the state of his mind. The song gives fans an insight into the changes that have occurred in his life and how he sees life now.
Sex is the main topic for “Piece of Me” as Wizkid and Ella Mia sends out the invitation with a guarantee to get full satisfaction.
Wizkid and Tay Iwar give us their meaning of “True Love” which involves a lot of physical bonding and mating.
Tems is a powerful singer, she proves this on songs like “Try Me” and “Damages”, then being featured on “Essence” would be an easy thing for her to murder- of which she does.
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The two marry their various genres together causing an offspring to form from the union.
On “Roma”, Terri re-introduces himself and proves again to be a good investment for the Starboy Entertainment label.
“Gyrate” sounds more of an album filler, nothing too serious, just light-hearted vibes just like good life is supposed to be.
On “Grace”, Wizkid gives us his personal musical version of the Lord’s prayer to round up the album.
Sound, themes, and Production.
On “Made In Lagos”, Wizkid isn’t interested in trying to create lambas and the Nigerian version of club worthy songs, he is accepting the new him and wants to lead the flow.
If Wizkid was the Disney character, Aladdin, the album is his Magic mat on which he takes you on a ride and shows a different perspective to music.
The album is definitely created to serve mostly the international market but this time, the Nigerian fanbase isn’t left behind but instead given a front-row seat to enjoy what is a Psychedelic movie.
The prominent themes from the album are “Vibes, Love, Money and a Free state of mind”. The album is a mirror that reflects the growth he has undertaken and how he sees the subjects in a different light.
Wizkid has grown from the young ambitious boy he was in 2010 when he dropped the “Superstar” album to a father of three, a label boss, and so many other roles he has undertaken over the years.
The change which has occurred in ten years is cataloged together into “Made In Lagos”.