Ayo (album)

Ayo
Studio album by Wizkid
Released September 17, 2014
Recorded 2012–2014
Genre
Length 71:00
Label Starboy Entertainment
Empire Mates Entertainment
Producer
Wizkid chronology
Empire Mates State of Mind
(2012)Empire Mates State of Mind2012		 Ayo
(2014)		 Sounds from the Other Side
(2017)Sounds from the Other Side2017
Singles from Ayo
  1. "Jaiye Jaiye"
    Released: May 2, 2013
  2. "On Top Your Matter"
    Released: October 25, 2013[1]
  3. "One Question"
    Released: February 14, 2014[2]
  4. "Joy"
    Released: June 9, 2014[3]
  5. "Bombay"
    Released: June 9, 2014[3]
  6. "Show You The Money"
    Released: July 16, 2014[4]

Ayo (Yoruba: Joy; stylized as Ayọ (Joy)) is the self-titled second studio album by Nigerian recording artist Wizkid. It was released on September 17, 2014, by Starboy Entertainment and Empire Mates Entertainment.[5] It is the follow-up to his debut album, Superstar (2011). The long-awaited album was postponed twice due to difficulty in track selection.[6] Preceding the album's release were the singles "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay" and "Show You The Money". As one of the executive producers of the album, Wizkid collaborated with record producers such as Sarz, Shizzi, Uhuru, Del B, Dokta Frabz, Maleek Berry, Legendury Beatz and Spellz. The album features guest appearances from Femi Kuti, Seyi Shay, Yemi Sax, Akon, Banky W., Phyno, Tyga and Wale. Upon its release, Ayo was met with mixed reviews from music critics who had a difference of opinion about the album. Some critics complimented the album's production, song arrangement, and sound quality, while others were disenchanted with its lyrical theme.

Background and development

Wizkid started recording the album after the release of the compilation album, Empire Mates State of Mind (2012). The album was initially meant to be a mixtape. In an interview with Nonny Orakwue of MTV's The Wrap Up, Wizkid said that the mixtape would include production work from Rodney Rhymez and Maleek Berry, as well as a guest appearance from Wale.[7] Wizkid later told Ok!Nigeria TV that the mixtape would feature Tinie Tempah and would be released in April 2013.[8] On April 9, 2013, Wizkid announced via Twitter that he would release the mixtape after he released his album on June 12.[9] On June 26, 2013, Wizkid posted a picture on Instagram revealing most of the album's track list.[10] The photo revealed features with Femi Kuti, Efya, Don Jazzy, Seyi Shay and Banky W..[11] In October 2013, Banky W. revealed the album's title and commented on the delayed album. He told HipTV that the album would be titled Chosen.[12] In December 2013, Wizkid spoke to iCR8Media about the album and said he worked with Don Jazzy, Dokta Frabz, Legendury Beatz, Maleek Berry, Spellz and Sarz on the production side of things. He also said he collaborated with Olamide, Efya, Seyi Shay, Shaydee, Banky W., L.A.X and Dammy Krane.[13] In May 2014, Wizkid told Fuse that the album would drop on June 12, 2014, a day that acknowledges the annulled June 12, 1993 Nigerian presidential election. Wizkid also told Fuse that the album would be self-titled Ayo, meaning Joy.[14]

On September 6, 2013, Wizkid revealed the album's official cover and track list on Instagram. A week earlier, he told Olisa Adibua that the album would be his last body of work under Empire Mates Entertainment.[15][16]

Promotion

To promote the album, Wizkid released several promotional singles and headlined different concerts. On July 29, 2013, he released his first ever collaboration with Wale titled "Drop". The song was produced by Legendury Beatz.[17] Wizkid's second collaborative single with Wale, titled "Nobody But You", was released on October 24, 2013. The song was produced by Maleek Berry.[18] On December 17, 2013, he premiered his Legendury Beatz-produced "Eledumare", which was performed at the 2013 Felabration concert.[19] On March 24, 2014, MTV Base reported that Wizkid was invited as a special guest for some shows in Tinie Tempah's tour of the UK in 2014.[20]

Singles

On May 2, 2013, Wizkid released the album's lead single, "Jaiye Jaiye", featuring Grammy nominated Nigerian musician Femi Kuti. The song was produced by Sarz and mastered by Foster Zeeno.[21][22] The music video for "Jaiye Jaiye" was released onto YouTube on October 26, 2013, at a total length of 4 minutes an 11 seconds. The video was shot and directed by Sesan in Lagos.[23]

"On Top Your Matter" was released as the second single on October 25, 2013.[1] It was produced by Del B. The music video for the song was shot and directed in Johannesburg by Sesan.[24] On February 14, 2014, Wizkid released "One Question" as the album's third single. The song features saxophonists Yemi Sax and was produced by Dokta Frabz. It was released to celebrate Valentine's Day 2014.[25] Wizkid performed the song for BBC's Destination Africa in March 2014.

On June 9, 2014, "Joy" and "Bombay" were released simultaneously as the album's fourth and fifth singles. Both songs were produced by Dokta Frabz. Wizkid performed a cover of Bob Marley and the Wailers' "No Woman, No Cry" song at Koga Studios for BBC's Destination Africa, and merged "Joy" with the cover.[26] On June 13, 2014, the music video for "Bombay" was released onto YouTube at a total length of 3 minutes and 23 seconds.[27]

On July 16, 2014, "Show You the Money" was released as the sixth single. The song was produced by Shizzi. The music video for the song, which was directed by Patrick Elis, features cameo appearances from Ehiz and Dokta Frabz. Lekan Oladimeji of P.M. News gave the video a 6.5 out of 10 rating, adding that "though a video that lacks a sense of direction, low creativity and could have been achieved with next to no technical know how, it remains a video you might want to see time and over again as there’s always something to smile about."[28]

Bonus song and other releases

"Caro", the collaborative single by Wizkid and L.A.X, was added to the album as a bonus. The song was produced by Legendury Beatz. The music video, shot and directed in London by Moe Musa, was uploaded onto YouTube on August 20, 2013.[29] "Caro" was nominated in the Hottest Single of the Year category at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[30] It was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards.[31] On September 22, 2014, Wizkid released the music video for the song "In My Bed", which was shot and directed in Miami by Soto Jose.[32] The following month, on The Tide's Top 10 Songs Of The Week, "In My Bed" charted at number five.[33] The music video for the song "Ojuelegba" was released on January 5, 2015; it was shot and directed in Lagos by Clarence Peters.[34]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
LobatanA[35]
Nigerian Entertainment Today
TooXclusive
NotJustOk4.5/10

The album has received generally mixed reviews from music critics and consumers. Oscar Okeke of Lobatan gave the album an A rating, concluding: "Whatever the criticism on the depth of his lyrical content , it is near impossible to fault Wizkid on his mastery of rhythm and his understanding of the audience he plays to. His eponymously titled album ‘AYO’ Wizkid reminds us why he has earned our respect and why he continues to rule over the realm of sound, money and girls."[35] Tola Sarumi of NotJustOk assigned a rating of 4.5 out of 10 stars, adding that the album relies profoundly on the popularity of previously released content.[36] The duo at Should You Bump This described the album as lacking direction, as well as referring to it as a "sack of undiluted disappointment."[37] Jim Donnett of TooXclusive gave the album 2 stars and described it as "weak".[38]

Ayomide Tayo of Nigerian Entertainment Today gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, concluding: "On ‘Ayo (Joy)’, Wizkid shows that he either doesn’t have what it fully takes to make creative gambles for an artiste of his calibre or he is pretty much comfortable in flogging a dead horse until it has no more skin or flesh. Whatever the case maybe, his highly anticipated second album delivers little joy to his fans who have waited so long."[39] Dayo Showemimo of Nigerian Entertainment Today gave the album 3.5 stars, stating that "Wizkid remains the same old Wizkid we all know on this album, the style of singing is the same, no wow factor, no climax, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing spectacular in Wizkid’s delivery."[40] Rolling Stone magazine included the album on its list of the "15 Great Albums You Didn't Hear in 2014", and stated that Wizkid "uses deft, nimble flows to glide over complex beats and he writes hooks that will keep you humming for weeks."[41][42]

Accolades

Ayo won Best R&B/Pop Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2015.[43][44] The album was also nominated for Album of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[45]

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2015 The Headies Best R&B/Pop Album Won
Album of the Year Nominated
Nigeria Entertainment Awards Album of the Year Nominated

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Jaiye Jaiye" (featuring Femi Kuti)Ayodeji BalogunSarz4:06
2."Show You The Money"BalogunShizzi3:11
3."In My Bed"BalogunUhuru3:50
4."Mummy Mi"BalogunSpellz3:17
5."Ojuelegba"BalogunLegendury Beatz3:36
6."Kind Love"BalogunDel B3:51
7."On Top Your Matter"BalogunDel B4:44
8."In Love" (featuring Seyi Shay)
  • Balogun
  • Deborah Joshua
Spellz3:21
9."For You" (featuring Akon)
  • Balogun
  • Aliaune Thiam
Uhuru3:57
10."Dutty Whine" (featuring Banky W.)
  • Balogun
  • Banky Wellington
Legendury Beatz4:13
11."Kilofe"BalogunSarz2:29
12."Omalicha"BalogunLegendury Beatz3:22
13."Bombay" (featuring Phyno)
  • Balogun
  • Azubuike Nelson
Dokta Frabz3:20
14."One Question" (featuring Yemi Sax)BalogunDokta Frabz4:55
15."Celebrate"BalogunShizzi3:34
16."Show You The Money" (remix; featuring Tyga)
  • Balogun
  • Michael Nguyen-Stevenson
Shizzi4:13
17."Murder" (featuring Wale)
  • Balogun
  • Olubowale Akintimehin
Maleek Berry4:02
18."Joy"BalogunDokta Frabz3:15

Personnel

Credits adapted from the back cover of Ayo

  • Ayodeji Balogun – main artist, executive producer, writer, performer
  • Segun Demuren – executive producer
  • Banky Wellington – executive producer, featured artist, writer
  • Osaretin "Sarz" Osabuohien – producer
  • Sheyi "Shizzi" Akerele – producer
  • Uhuru – producer
  • Del B – producer
  • Dokta Frabz – producer
  • Maleek Berry – producer
  • Legendury Beatz – producer
  • Ben'Jamin "Spellz" Obadje – producer
  • Femi Kuti – featured artist
  • Yemi Sax – featured artist
  • Deborah Joshua – featured artist, writer
  • Aliaune Thiam – featured artist, writer
  • Azubuike Nelson – featured artist, writer
  • Michael Nguyen-Stevenson – featured artist, writer
  • Olubowale Akintimehin – featured artist, writer

Release history

Country/Digital platform Date Version Format Label
  • iTunes
 September 17, 2014 Standard

References

  1. 1 2 "Wizkid – On Top Your Matter (Prod. Del’B)". NotjustOk. 25 October 2013. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  2. ↑ "Wizkid ft. Yemi Sax – One Question (Prod. Dr Frabz)". NotjustOk. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Wizkid – JOY / Bombay ft. Phyno (Prod. Dr Frabz)". NotjustOk. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  4. ↑ Oke, Olufunmilayo (17 July 2014). "Wizkid ‘Show You The Money’". Okay Africa. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "Ayo by Wizkid". iTunes.apple.com. iTunes. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  6. ↑ Alawode, Abisola (27 June 2014). "When Will WizKid Release Another Album?". Leadership Newspaper. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  7. ↑ "Interview: Wizkid". MTV.co.uk. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  8. ↑ Onos, O (19 March 2013). "It’s Your Boy, Wizzy! Watch Wizkid’s Exclusive Interview with OK! Nigeria TV at Disturbing London HQ". Bellanaija. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  9. ↑ "Wizkid to drop New Album on June 12". Premium Times. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  10. ↑ "Wizkid reveals album details". MTV Base. 26 June 2013. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Morgan, Femi (29 June 2013). "Wizkid reveals album tracklist". DStv. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  12. ↑ "The album is on the way!". MTV Base. 3 October 2013. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  13. ↑ "VIDEO: iCR8Media Meets Wizkid". Jaguda. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  14. ↑ "Exclusive: Wizkid’s Self-titled Album ‘AYO’ To Drop June 12, 2014 + Signs New Deal With Hennessy". Fuse. 15 May 2014. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  15. ↑ Opeoluwani, Akintayo (6 September 2014). "Wizkid's EME Last Album Is Out: See!". Daily Times of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  16. ↑ Akan, Joey (2 September 2014). "Wizkid To Release 3 Music Compilations In 2 Years". Pulse. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  17. ↑ Goddard, Kevin (29 July 2013). "Wizkid - Drop Feat. Wale". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  18. ↑ "Wizkid – Nobody But You Ft. Wale". NotjustOK. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  19. ↑ Bey, Audu. "Wizkid ‘Eledumare’". Okay Africa. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  20. ↑ "Tinie invites Wiz as guess for his London shows.". MTV Base. 24 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 May 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  21. ↑ "New Music: WizKid – Jaiye Jaiye ft. Femi Kuti". Jaguda. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  22. ↑ "360Recommends: Wizkid – Jaiye Jaiye ft Femi Kuti". Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  23. ↑ "Wizkid Drops ‘Jaiye Jaiye’ Video Featuring Femi Kuti". ChannelsTV. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  24. ↑ Klein, Alyssa (14 February 2014). "Watch Wizkid’s Joburg Love Video For ‘On Top Your Matter’". Okay Africa. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  25. ↑ "New Music: Wizkid Feat. Yemi Sax – One Question". Bellanaija. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  26. ↑ Roberts-Mensah, Jacob (24 March 2014). "Wizkid Performs ‘Joy/No Woman No Cry’ On BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Live Lounge". Okay Africa. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  27. ↑ "Download Two New Wizkid Tracks ‘Joy’ + ‘Bombay ft. Phyno’". Okay Africa. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  28. ↑ Oladimeji, Lekan (16 August 2014). "Show You The Money — Wizkid". P.M. News. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  29. ↑ ""I Want To Spend All My Pepper"/Watch Star Boy Feat. L.A.X. & Wizkid – Caro". BellaNaija. 20 August 2013. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  30. ↑ Abimboye, Micheal (31 May 2014). "Pop duo, Skuki, reject Nigerian Entertainment Awards nomination". Premium Times. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  31. ↑ "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  32. ↑ "New Video: Wizkid – In My Bed". Bellanaija. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  33. ↑ "Top 10 Songs Of The Week". The Tide. Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Rivers State Newspaper Corporation. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  34. ↑ "Wizkid Releases The Visuals For ‘Ojuelegba’". OkayAfrica. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  35. 1 2 Okeke, Oscar (22 September 2014). "The 5 Wicked truths about Wizkid’s AYO: Album Review". Lobatan. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  36. ↑ "Album Review: Wizkid – Ayo". NotJustOk. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  37. ↑ "Should You Bump This – Music Review: Wizkid – Ayo (Joy)". BellaNaija. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  38. ↑ Donnett, Jim (29 September 2014). "ALBUM REVIEW: Wizkid – AYO (Joy)". TooXclusive. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  39. ↑ Tayo, Ayomide (29 September 2014). "Wizkid’s second album delivers little ‘Joy’". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  40. ↑ Showemimo, Dayo (27 September 2014). "Wizkid ‘The predictable kid’ [Album Review]". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  41. ↑ Egbejule, Eromo (21 May 2017). "How Nigeria’s Wizkid fashioned a new sound that won global appeal". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  42. ↑ "15 Great Albums You Didn't Hear in 2014". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  43. ↑ Adeleke, Shayo (30 September 2015). "The Headies Awards 2015– Full Nominees List". 36NG. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  44. ↑ Abulude, Samuel (6 January 2016). "Olamide, Timi Dakolo, YCee Win Big At HEADIES 2015". Leadership Newspaper. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  45. ↑ "The Nigeria Entertainment Awards Announce 2015 Nominees". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
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