Risque, Experimental & Outstanding; Wizkid’s ‘More Love, Less Ego’ in three words…and more.

Everyone would agree this is the weirdest Wizkid album rollout. Not because there was any secrecy shrouding it, but because for the first time in a longtime, this is the Wizkid album with the most traditional rollout plan. Lead singles, album release date, media runs and everything in between for his latest offering ‘More Love, Less Ego.’

Many times as an artiste, there comes a point in your career where you peak. When you do, the question on the minds of people is if you are going to maintain, exceed or decline. This is probably what Wizkid faced getting into this album. After the incredible success of ‘Made In Lagos,’ all eyes seem to be on the Afrobeats superstar to see the next ace he has up his sleeve.

Two years since his last album, Wizkid finally releases his fifth studio LP called ‘More Love, Less Ego.’ Let’s dive into this body of work to answer the question posed at the outset.

‘Money & Love’ is a perfect album opener. Perfect because of the production. The disco-themed percussion and the bass guitar progression sort of eases you into the entire project. Content-wise, it’s a good prop up to the album title.

Track 2, ‘Balance’ has been touted by a number of people since the album’s release as one of the fan favorites. It also has the same production style as track 1. Getting to the end of the first verse, Wizkid debuts the first of many unique melodic patterns we would encounter in this album.

Next is ‘Bad To Me.’ Wizkid knew what he was doing when this song came out as the first lead single. It was ideal to condition fans that they were getting something different this time around, and something different, they got.

Track 4 features Ayra Starr. If there’s one thing Machala is known for, it’s his knack for taking people along on this legacy building journey he is on. He has no worries sharing the spotlight with his colleagues, especially our Queens and Princesses of Afrobeats. ‘2 Sugar’ seeks to replicate what he’s done in the past with the likes of Efya, Tiwa Savage and Tems.

‘Everyday’ is strong indication that this album is different from his past work. One thing we know about Wizkid is, no matter what he’s going through, he’s going to make time to light some of the good stuff up and keep for himself a fine thing.

Skillibeng and Shenseea are really proving beyond reasonable doubt their chemistry. Their effort on ‘Slip N Slide’ is comparable to what they both did on ‘Rain.’ But this time around, Wizkid was there to affix things faultlessly.

Let’s check out track 7. ‘Deep,’ is indeed deep. Wiz!? What are you going to put deep? Anyway, this is one of the songs with a lot of rhythm and melody. Wizkid was just showing off his prowess unapologetically.

‘Flower Pads’ borrows from track 7’s provocative and vulgar nature. This is also one of the songs people have been raving about since release. The meat is in the chorus and that Spanish soundbite.

Track 9 had me literally saying, “wow!” It seems deliberate that, all the bangers are being packed into the second half of the album. This combination is an impression of prime Messi, Suarez and Neymar during their Barca days. Who knew Wizkid, Skepta and Naira Marley could be recipe for such a potential hit record.

Track 10, ‘Pressure.’ Michael Jackson is that you!? Wizkid’s melodies on this song is mind-blowing, paired with arguably the best production on the entire project.

Following that, we have ‘Plenty Loving.’ Over here is a more chill song. Proper indication this rollercoaster is coming to an end.

The song with Don Toliver appears to me, to be the most intentional song. It sounds like two friends hitting each other up to hit the studio, with the thought of making exactly what ‘Special’ turned out to be. Let me take the chance to say this also; if you don’t regard Juls as African Music royalty already, this is your reminder to. This man’s productions over the years have been nothing short of amazing, and this song right here is extra verification.

Finally, there’s ‘Frames (Who’s Gonna Know). Wizkid saved the best for last in terms of his delivery, flow and vocal ability. Track 13 is a very sweet and smooth song. What a way to bring the curtains down on such a bewildering project.

Wizkid delivers yet again another masterclass. Who knew never heard intrinsic melodies bouncing off disco-themed beats could do the trick? Oh yes, no other person than Sir Big Wiz. How blessed we are to experience such a legacy being set by one of Afrobeats’ pioneers. He’s using each album to dictate the next phase and sound of the genre. I’m sure when Wizkid named this album ‘More Love, Less Ego,’ he had thoughts of delivering a solution to remedy the state of this world, but not in the way I imagined. If there’s going to be love, and people are going to be less egotistical, this change would have to start from people themselves. Reason why Wizkid sings about the perfect solution; sexual liberation.

So now what do you think? After Wizkid peaking on ‘Made In Lagos,’ do you see him maintaining, exceeding or declining with this album?