In December 2025, Afrobeats icons Asake and Wizkid appeared on the "Close Friends Only" video podcast by Instagram, marking a historic cultural link-up that redefined the boundaries of artist collaboration in the digital age. The event served as both a deeply personal look into their friendship and a high-stakes launchpad for their joint project, REAL (Vol. 1). Event Breakdown: "Close Friends Only" The episode, released across YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram on December 18, 2025, featured a rare, unfiltered sit-down between "Mr. Money" and "Big Wiz". Speed Round Revelations: The duo engaged in a playful "Speed Round," where Wizkid named Asake's song "Remember" as his all-time favorite, even jokingly requesting Asake to perform it at his future wedding. The "Collapse" Theory: Asake introduced a new perspective on their chemistry, describing some of their collaborations as a "collapse"—where their individual artistic energies merge so completely that they create a singular, new sound. AI and Future Tech: Moving beyond music, they discussed their embrace of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for enhancing productivity and creative experimentation in the studio. Personal Priorities: At this stage in their careers, they shared that their focus has shifted toward family, faith, and peace of mind.
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The Core Announcement: REAL (Vol. 1) The centerpiece of the event was the official confirmation of their joint EP, REAL (Vol. 1), scheduled for a late December 2025 release. Creative Synergy: The EP blends Wizkid's global Afropop sophistication with Asake's signature street-choir bounce and high-energy fuji influences. Lead Snippet: Fans were treated to an exclusive preview of a high-energy track titled "Jogodo," which immediately went viral on social media. Analysis of Significance The collaboration represents a "cultural reset" for the Afrobeats genre. Historically, top-tier Nigerian artists have focused on solo LPs or single-track features. A full-length joint project from two generational leaders like Wizkid (a global pioneer) and Asake (the dominant force of the new "street-pop" era) signals a new era of artistic unity. Impact on the Music Industry Market Dominance: Following a year where Wizkid's Morayo and Asake's Lungu Boy topped global charts, this joint venture is positioned to dominate "Detty December" festivities across Africa and the diaspora. Direct Fan Connection: By using Instagram’s "Close Friends" format, the artists bypassed traditional media, leveraging a sense of digital intimacy to build unprecedented hype for the project. Grammy Momentum: Coming off their 2024 Grammy nomination for the track "MMS," this EP is already being discussed by critics as a potential frontrunner for 2026 global music awards.
