Superstar (Wizkid album)

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This article is about Wizkid's debut studio album. For other uses, see Superstar (disambiguation).
Superstar
Studio album by Wizkid
Released June 12, 2011
Recorded 2009-2011
Genre Afrobeat, Afropop
Length 60:56
Label Empire Mates Entertainment
Producer Samklef, E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny (Masterkraft) Nweke, Q-Beats, Banky W, and Vebee
Wizkid chronology

Lil Prinz
(2001)		 Superstar
(2011)		 Chosen
(TBA)
Singles from Superstar
  1. "Holla at Your Boy"
    Released: January 2, 2010[1]
  2. "Tease Me/Bad Guys"
    Released: April 2, 2010[2]
  3. "Don't Dull"
    Released: December 4, 2010[3]
  4. "Love My Baby"
    Released: August 29, 2011
    (video release)
  5. "Pakurumo"
    Released: December 10, 2011
    (video release)
  6. "Oluwa Lo Ni"
    Released: July 17, 2012
    (video release)

Superstar is the debut studio album by Nigerian recording artist Wizkid, released on June 12, 2011 under Empire Mates Entertainment.[4] The album's production was handled by Samklef, E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Sunny (Masterkraft) Nweke, Q-Beats, Banky W, and Vebee.[5] It features guest appearances by Wande Coal,[6] D'Prince,[7] Banky W,[8] and Skales.[9] The album was supported by six singles—Holla at Your Boy","Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull", "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo", and "Oluwa Lo Ni".

It is the second best selling album on NotJustOk, a website tagged as the "leader in Nigerian music online".[10] Moreover, it was the most highly anticipated Nigerian album of 2011.

Background

In an interview with Factory78 TV, Wizkid briefly commented on the release timeframe of Superstar. He said:
"Actually, the album was suppose to drop on Valentine's Day but due to lots of preparation for this show, I couldn't finish up work with the album. Trust me, I record everyday. I have close to 22 songs without featuring anybody. I am going to feature my guys and have an international act bless it as well. In a couple of weeks, the album is going to be ready and it's going to drop in March."[11]

Composition

Musical style

Superstar incorporates elements of R&B, Dancehall, and Reggae. Although the album has a predominant Afrobeat sound, the sound of the aforementioned genres are evident throughout the album, specifically on "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Gidi Girl", and "Slow Whine".

Lyrical themes

The album's themes deal primarily with starting from the bottom and reaching to the top, i.e. from grass to grace. On the song "No Lele", Wizkid talks about his hussle and how he had to work hard to succeed. On "Say My Name", he talks about his success and how everyone now "calls his name". On "Wad Up", he reminisced about the times he used to get insulted by people who called him dirty. On "Shout Out", he thanked everyone who helped him become successful. In a nutshell, Wizkid describes his early life, particularly the hardships he endured and how he triumphant and made a name for himself. Wizkid also made reference to God, the almighty, who is constantly helping him reach great heights.

Singles

On January 2, 2010, "Holla at Your Boy", the album's first single was released. The music video for the single was shot at Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos. Skales and Ice Prince made cameo appearances in the video[12]

On April 2, 2010, Wizkid and EME released the second single titled "Tease Me/Bad Guys". The music video for the single was directed by Kemi Adetiba and shot at Aqua Nightclub in Abuja.[13] On December 4, 2010, Wizkid released the album's third single, "Don't Dull". Akon was featured on the remix which was leaked on October 26, 2011.[14]

On August 29, 2011, the album's fourth single, "Love My Baby (Wizkid song)", was released. On December 10, 2011, the music video for the fifth single, "Pakurumo", was released. It features cameo appearances from Pasuma, Ali Baba, Tee-A, Funke Akindele, Skales, Lynxx, Davido, Banky W, Pope Da Hitman, Tiwa Savage, Mo'cheddah and Ice Prince made cameo appearances in the music video.[15]

On July 17, 2012, the music video for the six single, "Oluwa Lo Ni", shot in 3D by Eban Olivier of Mushroom Productions, was released onto YouTube at a total length of 3 minutes and 26 seconds.[16]

Accolades

Superstar received numerous accolades. The album lived up to its hype in the end as it garnered the "Best Album of the Year" award at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. It was nominated for "Album of the Year" at the 2012 Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies).[17] The album's massive singles enabled Wizkid to win several local and international awards across the globe.

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Album of the Year Won[18]
Hip Hop World Awards (The Headies) Album of the Year Nominated

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Jaguda [19]
360nobs [20]
Nigerian Entertainment Today [21]
that1960chick [22]

Upon its release, Superstar received rave reviews from music critics. The album was reviewed by Jaguda, that1960chick, 360nobs, and theNetNigeria, four popular Nigerian websites. Jaguda gave the album a 7.0 out of 10, adding: "Overall this is solid debut album from WizKid. I expect this to sell well, to get WizKid a lot of shows, and to have a good number of commercial hits. This is an album every fan of Nigerian music should have. The hits on this album are numerous, and more than many other artists can wish for. I would’ve loved to see one or 2 more producers with different sounds on this, and maybe a girl featured on a track somewhere. In addition, with the way the songs are lined up it’s easy for the album to get boring listening from top to bottom without skipping tracks. Wizkid is obviously a talented kid, and one can expect that he will only get better from here."[19]

360nobs gave the album's versatility: 8/10, creativity: 7/10, Acceptance: 7/10, Lyrics: 6/10, Delivery: 8/10, Rhythm: 9/10, Originality: 6/10, Production: 8/10, Skip Factor: 8/10, and an overall verdict of 7.5 out of 10, adding: "Wizkid often describes himself as the young Fela but there’s nothing even remotely approaching politics on “SuperStar”, neither is his lyrical prowess near the Abami Eda’s. Luckily, he does know how to work the stage like Fela and whether we like it or not, Wizkid is a very talented (though obviously developing) artist with a fantastic voice who makes simply decent music. There is definitely enjoyment to be found on Wizkid’s debut album. “Superstar” is a tastefully-done Auto-Tuned take on an infused genre of RnB, Reggae and Dancehall, which will be catchy enough to keep people listening and dancing. Take my word for it, this album will get better with each listen. Wizkid can now decide to either chase pop success and end up the answer to a trivia question, or continue to develop as an artist (especially lyrically) to truly become the Superstar like Fela. Let’s all hope he chooses the latter, so that Nigerian and possibly Africa can have their own version of Chris Breezy (minus the woman battering). He certainly has the vocal range to create the true classic cuts we desire."[20]

Nigerian Entertainment Today assigned a rating of 3 out of 5, adding: "On Superstar, Wizkid compressed albums 2 and 3 of his career into one CD. A transition from teen heartthrob to a genuine contender in the space of 17 songs is no mean feat. It will be interesting to see which direction the young singer’s career takes from here but it’s pretty clear to see that Superstar could be the beginning of something very special in Nigerian music." [21]

That1960chick followed with a 6 out of 10.[22]

Track listing

No. TitleProducer(s) Length
1. "Say My Name"  
  • E. Kelly
 3:46
2. "No Lele"  
  • Sunny (Masterkraft) Nweke,
  • Banky W
 3:38
3. "Scatter The Floor"  
  • Jay Sleek
 3:41
4. "Pakurumo"  
  • Samklef
 3:32
5. "Slow Whine" (featuring Banky W)
  • Samklef
 4:00
6. "Love My Baby"  
  • Shizzi
 4:06
7. "Gidi Girl"  
  • DJ Klem (Knighthouse)
 4:10
8. "Oluwa Lo Ni"  
  • Jay Sleek
 3:24
9. "Don't Dull"  
  • Samklef
 4:39
10. "Tease Me/Bad Guys"  
  • Samklef
 3:08
11. "Eme Boyz" (featuring Skales & Banky W)
  • Sunny (Masterkraft) Nweke
 3:57
12. "What You Wanna Do?"  
  • Samklef
 3:19
13. "For Me" (featuring Wande Coal)
  • Jay Sleek
 3:45
14. "Holla at Your Boy"  
  • DJ Klem (Knighthouse) & Vebee
 4:21
15. "Wad Up" (featuring D'Prince)
  • Samklef
 3:26
16. "Shout Out"  
  • Q Beats
 2:44
17. "Wiz Party (Bonus Freestyle Leak)"    4:00
Total length:
 60:56
[23]

Personnel

  • Olubankole Wellington - Featured artist and producer
  • Raoul John Njeng-Njeng - Featured artist
  • Charles Enebeli - Featured artist
  • Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe - Featured artist
  • Samklef - Producer
  • E-Kelly - Producer
  • Jay Sleek - Producer
  • Shizzi - Producer
  • DJ Klem - Producer
  • Sunny (Masterkraft) Nweke - Producer
  • Q-Beats - Producer
  • Vebee - Producer

Release history

Region Date Format Label
iTunes July 1, 2011 CD, Digital download Empire Mates Entertainment
Nigeria June 12, 2011

References

  1. ↑ "WizKid – Holla At Your Boy". Jaguda. Retrieved 26 October 2013. 
  2. ↑ "WizKid – Tease Me/ Bad Guys [Freestyle]". Jaguda. Retrieved 26 October 2013. 
  3. ↑ "New Music: Wizkid – Don’t Dull". Bellanaija. Retrieved 26 October 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Wizkid’s "SuperStar" Album Cover & Tracklist". Korrectnation. Retrieved 22 August 2013. 
  5. ↑ VERSATILE, LT. "Wizkid’s "SuperStar" Album Cover & Tracklist". KorrectNation. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  6. ↑ "Music - For me (ft. Wande Coal) by Wizkid". COSON. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  7. ↑ "Wizkid ft D’Prince Wad Up". Afrobeat360. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  8. ↑ "Naijapals music / Wizkid ft Banky W - Slow Whine - Wizkid". NaijaPals. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  9. ↑ "Lyrics: Wizkid – EME Boyz ft. Skales & Banky W". FreeNaijaLyrics. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  10. ↑ Seriki, Faridah Demola. "WizKid’s Debut Album Second Best-Selling On NotJustOk - See more at: http://www.technesstivity.com/2011/06/wizkids-debut-album-second-best-selling-on-notjustok". Technesstivity. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  11. ↑ "FACTORY78 EXCLUSIVE - Wizkid interview.". YouTube. Retrieved 27 October 2013. 
  12. ↑ "360 Video Première: Wizkid – Holla At Your Boy". 360nobs. Retrieved 17 July 2013. 
  13. ↑ "New Video: Wizkid – Tease Me/Bad Guys". BellaNaija. Retrieved 17 July 2013. 
  14. ↑ "LEAK: AKON & Wizkid – Don’t Dull Remix". Notjustok. Retrieved 6 September 2013. 
  15. ↑ "BN Video Premiere: Wizkid – Pakurumo". BellaNaija. Retrieved 17 July 2013. 
  16. ↑ "VIDEO: Wizkid – Oluwa Lo Ni". NotJustOk. Retrieved 25 July 2013. 
  17. ↑ "Hip Hop World Awards, HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2012, Offical Winners list". HipHop World Magazine. Retrieved 23 November 2013. 
  18. ↑ "Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2012! All The Winners". Jaguda. Retrieved 30 June 2013. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Aribaba. "Album Review: WizKid – SuperStar | Track Pick – Call My Name". Jaguda. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Wizkid – SuperStar …Nigerian Listening E.A.R. (Essential Album Rating)". 360nobs. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Ladies Love Wizkid – The Superstar [Album Review]". theNetNigeria. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Album Review | Superstar - Wizkid". that1960chick. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
  23. ↑ "360Listening EAR: Wizkid – SuperStar". 360nobs. Retrieved 15 July 2013. 
Wizkid
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Chosen singles
Superstar singles
Empire Mates State of Mind singles
Starboy Entertainment singles
  • "Caro"
Maleek Berry featuring Wizkid singles
  • "New Bounce"
  • "Love You"
  • "The Matter"
Featured singles
  • "Slow Down"
  • "Sexy Mama"
  • "Aboki (Remix)"
  • "Fine Lady"
  • "Girl"
  • "No Fronting"
  • "Molowo Noni"
  • "Omo To Shan"
  • "Familiarity"
  • "Follow Me"
Promotional singles
Cameo appearances
Related articles
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