Wizkid and Asake Real Vol. 1 EP Review: Star Power Meets Missed Potential

Nigerian Afro-Pop stars Wizkid and Asake finally teamed up for their long-awaited joint EP, Real Vol. 1, and the result is a mix of exciting chemistry and missed opportunities. Fans have been anticipating this collaboration ever since their 2024 features together—“MMS” from Asake’s Lungu Boy album and Wizkid’s “Bad Girl”—which highlighted their undeniable synergy.

The anticipation grew throughout 2025 as live performances of MMS continued to impress audiences, and excitement built for a full joint project. The EP was officially announced during an Apple Music Radio takeover in December 2024, with the lead single “Jogodo” releasing in mid-January, followed by the EP a week later.

“Jogodo” sets the tone with a lively, vibe-heavy beat, blending log-drum percussion and breezy Afrobeats grooves. Wizkid dives straight into the hook:

No be for here you go jogodo / Say tonight, you go dey know, know, know / Won fe pa mi with ogogoro / No be today we dey kpo, kpo / Omo, your body dey pololo (yeah)

A smooth saxophone line punctuates the chorus before Asake delivers his catchy verse. While enjoyable, the track sticks closely to familiar patterns and does not push the creative envelope expected from two of Afrobeats’ biggest names.

The opening track, “Turbulence,” shows the duo at their most reflective. Asake opens with verses about life struggles, ambition, and fleeting success before shifting into celebratory moments. Wizkid complements him with silky, effortless vocals, creating a sense of intimacy and shared experience. Their interplay echoes the charm of their earlier collaborations, proving the pair can still deliver memorable moments together.

One standout experiment comes on “Iskolodo,” a Caribbean-leaning blend of Latin Pop and Afrobeats. Sampling Chayanne’s 2025 rework of his 1988 hit “Esto Se Pone Bueno,” the track is bright and ambitious. Magicsticks and LOL’s production layers shimmering xylophone-like chords, gentle saxophone, and percussive shakers over the beat, creating a relaxed, sun-soaked vibe. Despite the layered instrumentation, the vocal delivery lacks urgency, leaving the track polished but slightly flat.

The EP closes with “Alaye,” a hypnotic, trance-infused record where Wizkid confidently navigates street-pop territory with Asake. The call-and-response hooks and pulsing Afro-House elements give it momentum, but Asake’s verse does not match the energy the track calls for, making the ending feel muted compared to the potential of the collaboration.

Throughout Real Vol. 1, Magicsticks emerges as the driving force behind the sound. His detailed instrumentation and layered production provide depth and cohesion, showing why he has become one of Afrobeats’ most sought-after producers.

However, despite the cultural importance of bringing two major artists together, the EP ultimately feels safe and predictable. The songs lean on familiar flows and melodies instead of taking risks, leaving a sense that the collaboration could have been more adventurous. Wizkid and Asake’s undeniable talent and chemistry set very high expectations, and the EP falls just short of delivering a groundbreaking project.

Commercially, Real Vol. 1 is likely to succeed due to their star power and fanbase loyalty. But artistically, it leaves room for growth. Fans can only hope that a potential Volume 2 will fully explore their combined creativity and deliver the bold, innovative music that two of Afrobeats’ biggest names are capable of producing.

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