In a move that has effectively paralyzed the African music charts, Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid and Asake released their long-anticipated collaborative EP, REAL, Vol. 1, on January 23, 2026. The four-track project is more than just a musical release; it is a seismic cultural event that cements a partnership between two of the genre's most influential era-defining stars. A Sonic Synergy Rooted in Lagos The EP, primarily produced by Magicsticks alongside Lolu and 4Tunes, delivers what critics are calling a "High-Luxe Amapiano" sound. The project leverages a sophisticated palette of log drums, lush strings, and brass arrangements that elevate the tracks beyond standard club anthems. "Turbulence": Serving as the focus track, this opener navigates themes of fame and the chaotic nature of life at the top. It arrived with a vibrant music video featuring the duo in a celebratory, maze-like setting. "Jogodo": Released a week prior as a lead single, the track shattered records by amassing 1.388 million streams in a single day on Spotify Nigeria, the highest ever for a collaborative release in the country. "Iskolodo": This track is a masterclass in melodic phrasing, blending Wizkid’s airy delivery with Asake’s textured, choral-style vocals over a Calypso-influenced groove. "Alaye": The upbeat closer provides propulsive energy designed for the dance floor, featuring an Afro-House adjacent production.
Critical Reception: Vibes Over Depth? While the project has been a commercial juggernaut, critics have been divided on its artistic ambition. Some reviews suggest the duo "delivered vibes, not depth," noting that the project prioritizes atmosphere and "intentional simplicity" over complex lyricism or creative risk-taking. According to The NATIVE, the EP feels like a "satisfying cross-generational dialogue" that celebrates their shared origins in Surulere and Lagos Island, even if it occasionally plays it safe. Chart Dominance and Global Reach The commercial impact of REAL, Vol. 1 was immediate and global: Spotify Records: The EP recorded 7.04 million streams globally on its opening day, with 4.51 million of those coming from Nigeria alone. UK Milestone: It became the first Afrobeats EP to peak at #1 on the UK Apple Albums Chart. Multi-National Success: Within 11 hours, the project hit #1 on Apple Music in 11 different countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. This release follows a historic year for both artists, with Wizkid recently becoming the first African artist to surpass 10 billion total streams on Spotify. As fans digest the four tracks, the "Vol. 1" tag has already sparked intense speculation regarding a follow-up project.
Uphorial
