Music

Wizkid and Asake ‘Get Real’ on Their Chart-Topping Hot New EP ‘Real, Vol.1’

4 February

It has been two years since we last saw a collaboration between two of Afrobeat’ biggest superstars, Wizkid and Asake. Their previous joint efforts “Bad Girl” from Wizkid’s Morayo album and “MMS” from Asake’s Lungu Boy immediately became fan favorites, largely because of how effortlessly both artists combined their individual styles. So, when news broke in December 2025 that Wizkid and Asake would be releasing a collaborative body of work together, it felt less like a surprise and more like a moment fans had been waiting for.

Both artists have publicly shown admiration for each other, and over the years their chemistry has been evident, whether through studio clips, their instagram close friends podcast episode, performances, or casual interactions. Naturally, excitement around the announcement was high. At the same time, there was a quiet sense of skepticism among some listeners not because of doubt in their talent, but because collaborations of this scale sometimes fail to materialize fully. Thankfully, REAL did arrive.

The EP credits Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, and Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, as songwriters, with production handled primarily by Magicsticks. The project is short and contains four tracks running just over ten minutes but within that limited runtime, it offers a clear sonic direction. The sound leans heavily into mid-tempo rhythms, polished production, and an atmosphere that feels relaxed, indulgent, and confident.

The Tracks

Turbulence, the opening track, immediately sets the tone for the EP. Both artists reflect on a lifestyle built on luxury, freedom, and excess, a life that feels intoxicating but also slightly detached. The production and visuals are smooth yet dark, soothing without being entirely comforting. It’s the kind of opener that eases you into the project rather than demanding attention, and it works well in establishing the mood Wizkid and Asake want to maintain throughout the EP.

Jogodo, the lead single, arrived ahead of the full project and gave listeners an early sense of what to expect. The song centres on love, sensual desire, and reassurance. Asake leans into vivid descriptions of intimacy and longing, while Wizkid plays his familiar role using wealth, success, and calm confidence as tools of attraction. The dynamic between them here feels natural, almost effortless, and it’s easy to understand why this track was chosen as the EP’s introduction to the public.

Iskolodo stands out sonically. Built on the back of drums, keys, and a beautiful Latin vocal sample, the track feels easy, smooth, and subtly layered. Wizkid reflects on how his expensive, lavish lifestyle has affected his emotional connections and relationships, while Asake positions himself clearly as the dominant figure, both lyrically and energetically. There’s a quiet confidence running through the song that doesn’t feel forced, and it’s one of the moments where the EP feels most intentional.

Alaye, the final track feels like a vehicle designed solely for celebration. It’s unapologetically a party record made for nights where excess isn’t just expected, but encouraged. The lyrics reinforce this idea of going all out: “Agbada pelu diamond on my neck / the party no fit dull, ajeh / ball like Ronaldo.” It’s carefree, flashy, and very much in line with the image both artists have cultivated over the years.

From a numbers and history standpoint, REAL has already made its mark, becoming the first Afrobeat EP to reach number one on the UK Apple Albums chart. That achievement alone speaks to the global power Wizkid and Asake hold, both individually and together.
However, while the project success is undeniable, reactions to REAL have been mixed. The issue is not that the EP isn’t good because it is. The production is clean, the performances are confident, and the chemistry is evident. The real concern for some listeners is that the project doesn’t feel different. In terms of sound, writing, and overall creative direction, REAL largely stays within the boundaries of the current Afropop scene.

Magicsticks deserves credit for the sonic choices made on the EP, but even with those moments of finesse, the writing and creative risks feel minimal. For two artists known for experimentation and pushing beyond expectations, REAL feels surprisingly safe. It mirrors sounds that already exist rather than carving out something entirely new.

Wizkid delivers his signature calm, polished presence, while Asake brings his familiar spicy energy through local ‘Yoruba’ dialect, slang, and rhythmic phrasing. Together, they sound good undeniably, but the project does not stretch either artist creatively in the way many expected. Whether that safety is a strength or a weakness depends on the listener, but it does feel unexpected given their track records.

Still, REAL succeeds in one important area: it reinforces the strength of Wizkid and Asake’s partnership. The chemistry is real, the fans are satisfied, and the EP keeps both artists firmly in good standing with their audiences. More importantly, it builds anticipation for what comes next especially Asake’s fifth studio album, where listeners will likely be hoping to see him return to a more daring and experimental space.