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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMade in Lagos is narrow in its sonic approach, but for good reason. Where previous projects were outsized cocktails of club bangers and experimental pursuits, WizKid\u2019s measured take on his fourth album betrays refined maturity. His sounds are familiar, his delivery sure. And the sincerity bleeds through the songwriting. \u201cInna inna inna, I know say dey go pray on my downfall\/I\u2019m still a winner winner,\u201d he asserts early on, as horns travel through the winding melodies of \u201cReckless.\u201d Wizkid\u2019s delivery of patois and pidgin English interpolating with lush saxophone instantly set this apart. He has refined his approach, finding comfort in exploring the intersection of two sound cultures: Lagos exuberance meets Jamaican rhythms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For a project dedicated to the Nigerian city and its country, the core of Made in Lagos highlights the cultural exchange between Africa and the Caribbean. For many generations, the music of Lagos has enjoyed a healthy Island influence. From reggae to dancehall, to soca, local creatives in Lagos chop and mix music along a wide spectrum of Island sound cultures. Lagos might have birthed WizKid, but Kingston provides the inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
True cross-cultural explosion happens within the bounce and deep drumming of \u201cMighty Wine.\u201d You are instantly transported into a late night in a small club in Victoria Island, bodies gyrating from joy. Damian Marley\u2019s gratitude and introspective verse elevate \u201cBlessed\u201d into an anthem fit for those windy sunsets driving through the incessant honking cars of Lagos Island. On the ground, Lagos might be a city of struggle and shadows, but its very heart is aspirational, and to survive its horrors is to be blessed. WizKid captures the feeling of escapism on the hook: \u201cSay tonight man no go stress o\/Say tonight, me and my guys we go jam gbedu.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other collaborators elevate their records, playing on their strengths in a diverse fashion. H.E.R. redirects flowing positivity into romance on fan-favorite, \u201cSmile.\u201d The mid-tempo reggae production attracted local criticism for its cultural detachment and simplicity when it was released in July. A poignant music video might have softened that stance, but within the full project, its familiarity feels like home. Ella Mai\u2019s openness makes for the perfect duet, bringing a slow burn to the R&B standout \u201cPiece of Me.\u201d \u201cMeet me for lobby o, I know nobody can satisfy ya,\u201d WizKid brags. Alternative Nigerian vocalist Tay Iwar\u2019s sunny infusion of tropical fun over lush instrumentals on \u201cTrue Love\u201d provides a highlight, while rising singer Tems continues her steady ascension with a sultry performance on \u201cEssence.\u201d Despite a pedestrian chorus, Burna Boy still rings in the party on \u201cGinger\u201d amid rolling drums and exaggerated promises to a lover. Skepta relives his \u201cBad Energy\u201d success on \u201cLongtime,\u201d and even though the new collaboration drags uncomfortably, a little d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu can be excused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made in Lagos doesn\u2019t pretend to dig deeper than escapism and a bit of symbolism. Love and gratitude drive the affair forward, with rich approaches to its mid-tempo production. With 10 years of African success under his belt, WizKid\u2019s play for increased global reach is transforming his artistry. The beauty and novelty within Made in Lagos is a consequence of that metamorphosis. For African artists pushing for crossover success, a full Afrobeats takeover of the Hot 100 remains the Holy Grail. WizKid\u2019s latest is a fine addition to make that a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Originally published at pitchfork.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Joey Akan The Afrobeats star balances the formula to unite home and abroad with big pop songs that can compete across cultures and an underlying theme that embraces his roots. It\u2019s been 10 years…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3423,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[6],"tags":[978],"class_list":["post-3422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment-art-culture","tag-wizkid"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/towncryyers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Wizkid-820x1024.jpg?resize=820%2C1024&ssl=1\")
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