Wizkid "Soundman" Vol 2 Review: Hits & Misses

Wizkid Soundman Vol 2 Review: Hits & Misses

Here is a review of Soundman Vol 2 Extended Play by Wizkid.

Nigerian superstar Wizkid has released his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Soundman Vol. 2. The project, which is a follow-up to his 2019 EP Soundman Vol. 1, feature collaborations with Wande Coal, Zlatan Ibile, and P.Priime. Here is a review of Wikzid’s Soundman Vol 2

Wizkid Soundman Vol 2 Review

“Ololufe” ft. Wande Coal is that traditional love song that reminds us of a kind of a song that Wizkid would sing in a much better version in the early years of his career. This track sounds nice, but one thing really bothers this reviewer. Why is it an Amapiano sound? Can’t Nigerians make music anymore without Amapiano? This track needed no Amapiano influence because it’s more of an Afro R&B record with a need for more authentic lyricism. Don’t get it wrong, the song could be a potential jam, but the Amapiano production doesn’t just sound right. It doesn’t stick exactly, especially when the chorus comes in.

Wikzid Soundman Vol 2 reviews — Soundman Vol 2 Tracklist

Diamonds is that amazing Wizkid record that we’ve been waiting for! The intro alone is so soothing, and it sounds like the perfect love record and what you could listen to in a chill evening with your lover, or bask in as a single person. Wizkid’s lyrical dedication to this track makes it sound so original…something you do not get to hear regularly. Diamonds is an amazing record. Wizkid gave his all on this track.

Energy is that suave sultry record that the contemporary Wizkid is usually known for (especially in his previous LP- “More Love, Less Ego”. Soundman Vol 2 review shows that sure, while it’s not a standout record, it will have its moments from this EP because of its sheer unapologetic commitment to being a record for a sexy moment; when you are feeling yourself. So yes, it will find its moment because it’s a highly relatable song.

On IDK ft. Zlatan, this reviewer does not know where to place the song. The lyrics are personal, and Zlatan Ibile goes hard on this collaboration feature that reminds us of when he was featured on “Killin Dem” by Burna Boy. Zlatan Ibile makes the song way better than it would have been.

Two things: This song is actually good, and it deserves its standout moments from the Extended play, but it may never have it; one, the placing slightly indicates that it might not have been considered “important” enough as the other songs. Sure, the intention is to make it a song of appreciation so it could serve as the Soundman Vol 2 EP closer, but it would have been way better if it even opened the EP rather than closing it.

Wikzid: Soundman Vol 2 Review

One thing is clear, Wizkid has not lost his touch. His songs still bear that juice that could make you realize that you‘re listening to good music. But one cannot but wonder if the artist is already so comfortable with his success that it becomes almost impossible for him to make ground-breaking music or evolve his artistry anymore,

Soundman Vol 2 review shows that is an interesting EP, sure, but Wizkid needs to put out something more cultural-shifting that indicates that his artistry is actually evolving and his songs are not predictable.

Rating: 6.7/10

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Background

Singer/songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (aka Wizkid) is one of Nigeria’s biggest R&B crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chris Brown, among others.

He first found regional success in 2011 with the massively popular single “Holla at Your Boy,” which appeared on his debut album, Superstar.

Wizkid went global in 2016 after his collaboration with Drake, “One Dance,” soared to number one in 15 countries, resulting in a multi-album deal with , which issued his Caribbean-influenced major-label debut, “Sounds from the Other Side”, in 2017.

3Balogun began his career in music when he was just 11 years old. His first record, Lil Prinz, was recorded in 2001 in collaboration with Glorious Five, a group consisting of Balogun and his friends from church.

In 2006, he started pursuing music full-time, at first collaborating with various Nigerian pop acts including OJB Jezreel, Naeto C, and Banky W By 2011, he was ready to record his debut studio album as a solo artist; Superstar was released by Empire Mates Entertainment to great critical and public acclaim across Africa, propelling Wizkid to stardom in his home country.

After multiple delays and label disagreements, he released his sophomore studio album, “Ayo”, in 2014. The record featured a multitude of guest appearances, including a spot from Femi Kuti . It also featured Balogun’s global breakthrough track “Ojuelegba.”

Not only did the single cement his status as one of Nigeria’s biggest pop acts, it was also picked up and remixed by and , thrusting Wizkid into the international spotlight. In return, he appeared on Drake’s 2016 smash single “One Dance.”

In March 2017, Wizkid signed a major deal with RCA and Sony International , which would release his third LP, “Sounds from the Other Side”, later that year. A handful of singles appeared in advance of the album, including “Sweet Love” and the Drake assisted “Come Closer.”

In October 2018, Wizkid issued a pair of singles, “Master Groove” and “Fever,” to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day. The following year, he joined Beyonce and Saint Jhn for The Lion King: The Gift track “Brown Skin Girl” and released his own single, “Joro.”

The EP “Soundman Vol.1” was issued by Balogun’s “Starboy Entertainment” imprint in 2019. Following his involvement in the successful protests to scrap Nigeria’s controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Wizkid’s fourth album, “Made in Lagos”, arrived in October 2020.