Afrobeats Heavyweights Wizkid and Asake Deliver the Vibes on Collaborative EP ‘REAL, Vol. 1’
The wait is officially over. In a move that has sent the global music scene into a frenzy, Afrobeats titans Wizkid and Asake have finally dropped their highly anticipated joint project, ‘REAL, Vol. 1.’ Released on January 23, 2026, the four-track EP marks the first full-length collaboration between the two superstars, bridging the gap between Wizkid’s smooth, legendary “Starboy” era and Asake’s high-octane, street-driven dominance.
A Partnership Built on Chemistry
The duo first teased the project during an Apple Music takeover in late 2025. While the release was initially expected in December, the short delay only served to heighten the stakes. The project follows the massive success of their previous collaborations, including the Grammy-nominated hit “MMS” from Asake’s Lungu Boy and the fan-favorite “Bad Girl.”
Produced largely by hitmaker Magicsticks, with additional touches from 4Tunes and lol, the EP is a masterclass in contemporary Afro-fusion. It blends traditional percussion-led rhythms with the atmospheric production that has become a staple for both artists.
The EP clocks in at roughly 10 minutes—a “short but sweet” delivery that focuses on rhythm, ease, and cultural confidence.
– Turbulence: The focus track, accompanied by a cinematic music video. It showcases edgy experimentation while maintaining a dance-ready core.
– Jogodo: The record-breaking lead single. Released on January 16, it shattered records on Spotify Nigeria with 1.388 million streams on its first day—the highest single-day total for any duo release in the region.
– Iskolodo: A groovy, Calypso-influenced cut that many critics are already hailing as the project’s standout vocal performance.
– Alaye: A high-energy closer that leans into the vibrant Lagos culture both artists call home.
‘REAL, Vol. 1’ is already a commercial juggernaut. Lead single “Jogodo” debuted at No. 1 in Nigeria and made a significant splash on the Spotify Global chart (peaking at No. 82 on launch day).
Critics have noted that while the EP prioritizes “vibes over depth,” its significance lies in the cross-generational dialogue. As Asake noted in a recent interview, the project was born from a place of “genuine friendship and mutual respect.” For Wizkid, it’s another intentional step in his legacy-building era; for Asake, it’s the perfect appetizer as fans await his fourth studio album, M$ney.
‘REAL, Vol. 1’ is available now on all major streaming platforms via Starboy Entertainment, GIRAN Republic, and EMPIRE.
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