Morayo (album)

Morayo
Studio album by Wizkid
Released	22 November 2024 (2024-11-22)
Genre	Afrobeats R&B
Length	47:18
Language	English Yoruba Nigerian Pidgin
Label	RCA Starboy
Producer	AoD Ari PenSmith Marco Bernardis Brent Faiyaz Damedame* Dpat The Elements Gaetan Judd P2J P.Priime Sammy Soso T.Y. Jake
Wizkid chronology
S2 (2023) Morayo (2024)
Singles from Morayo
"Piece of My Heart" Released: 18 October 2024 "Kese (Dance)" Released: 15 November 2024

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, with contributions from others. The album was promoted by two singles, "Piece of My Heart" with Brent Faiyaz and "Kese (Dance)".

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]

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]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
African Folder	7/10[5]
The Native	8.3/10[6]
NotJustOk	7.0/10[7]
Pulse Nigeria	7.0/10[8]
Premium Times	7/10[9]
Rolling Stone	[10]
NME	[11]
Clash	8/10[12]
Afrocritik	7.8/10[13]

Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described Morayo as a continuation of the lush R&B fusion the artist has embraced since Made in Lagos (2020), 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."^[8]

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."^[10]

Philemon Jacob of African Folder described the album as an "offering of a superstar who has come to terms with his legacy." He claims the album is neither groundbreaking nor unimpressive. Even though the project is smooth and easy to listen to, Jacob believes it will undoubtedly fall below the expectations of those who wanted Wizkid to head in a new direction. He gave it a 7.o rating in his review. ^[5]

Damilare Abioye of Nigerian Entertainment Today praised Morayo as a deeply personal and culturally rooted album, blending Afropop and R&B influences with Yoruba percussive elements to honor Wizkid's late mother. Abioye described the project as “a love letter to his mother, his legacy, and his roots,” highlighting tracks like "Karamo," "Kese (Dance)," and "Pray" for their emotional and rhythmic depth. The review noted that Morayo showcases an artist reclaiming his sound and evolving through grief and reflection.^[14]

Nosakhale Akhimien of Premium Times described the album as a reflective and emotionally rich album that balances personal themes of love, loss, and legacy with his signature laid-back sound. While collaborations and polished production shine, tracks like "Bend" and "Don’t Care" feel overly familiar, limiting innovation. Akhimien noted, "Morayo is not Wizkid’s most groundbreaking work, but it’s a heartfelt celebration of his roots, artistry, and enduring legacy," rating it 7/10.^[9]

Boluwatife Adeyemi of the Native praised its lush production and familiar themes of love, lust, and excess, though it noted a lack of innovation in Wizkid's recent work. The album's highlights include the cinematic "A Million Blessings," where Wizkid reflects on his journey, and collaborative tracks like "Piece of My Heart" with Brent Faiyaz and "Bad For You" with Jazmine Sullivan. While it didn't fully explore its potential as a tribute to Wizkid’s late mother, Adeyemi commended its intricate sound, giving it an 8.3/10, stating, “On Morayo, Wizkid seems to find solace in what works.”^[6]

Ademoye Afeez of NotJustOk highlighted the album as a showcase of his artistic evolution, blending his signature soulful and romantic sounds with vibrant Afrobeats energy. While the project offers standout tracks like "Kese" and "Piece of My Heart," and reflects on his career milestones, it fell short of thematic cohesion and didn’t reach the groundbreaking heights of Made in Lagos. Afeez rated the album 7.0, calling it "a solid addition to Wizkid’s catalogue" but not a standout in 2024.^[7]

Notes

• ^{^[a]} signifies an additional producer.
• "Piece of My Heart" contains samples of "Can It All Be So Simple" by Wu-Tang Clan and "The Way We Were" by Gladys Knight & the Pips.^[15]

Musicians

• Wizkid – vocals
• Moses Olukayode – drums on "Troubled Mind" and "Kese (Dance)"
• Ife Ogunjobi – trumpet on "Karamo"
• Gaetan Judd – guitar on "Kese (Dance)"
• Marco Bernardis – saxophone on "Kese (Dance)"
• Dayna J. Fisher – bass on "Time"
• AoD – guitar on "Time"

Technical

• Dale Becker – mastering
• Sam Harper – mixing, engineering
• Adam Lunn – engineering on "Bend"
• Adam Burt – engineering assistance
• Brandon Hernandez – engineering assistance
• Noah McCorkle – engineering assistance