Tag: REAL

When Wizkid and Asake announced REAL, Vol. 1, expectations were immediate and well anticipated. The collaboration brought together two artists operating at different but equally powerful ends of Afrobeats’ global spectrum; one a decade-long international force, the other one of the most dominant Nigerian hitmakers of the 2020s.

REAL, Vol. 1 has debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard World Albums chart, marking a major global chart moment for the joint EP and reinforcing Afrobeats’ sustained presence on international rankings.

The Billboard World Albums chart tracks the strongest-performing international projects in the United States each week. A Top 10 debut is significant particularly for a short collaborative EP because it reflects not only streaming traction, but real market penetration in one of music’s most competitive territories.

For REAL, Vol. 1 to open at No. 6 places it among the most successful African releases on the chart this year, and highlights the continued global appetite for Nigerian music beyond singles and playlist placements.

Rather than chasing crossover aesthetics, the project leans confidently into its Afrobeats foundation; a choice that appears to be resonating with listeners globally.

Released in January 2026, REAL, Vol. 1 is a concise four-track EP that thrives on chemistry and restraint. Wizkid’s melodic calm and Asake’s gritty, percussive delivery create a contrast that feels intentional rather than forced.

While REAL, Vol. 1 stands on its own, its Billboard entry also fits into a broader narrative around Wizkid’s relationship with the World Albums chart.

Since the release of Made in Lagos in 2020, Wizkid has remained a recurring presence on the chart through various projects, re-entries, and collaborative releases. With REAL, Vol. 1 charting in 2026, Wizkid has now recorded appearances on the Billboard World Albums chart across seven consecutive calendar years; a milestone that underscores his longevity and consistency on the global stage.

While Billboard does not always publish consolidated year-by-year streak summaries, the pattern of Wizkid’s chart activity across these years is well-documented through individual chart entries and reappearances.

For Asake, the EP adds another global credential to an already dominant run. 

As African artists continue to chart, tour, and collaborate at global scale, releases like REAL, Vol. 1 feel less like exceptions and more like markers of a maturing ecosystem.

Wizkid and Asake are commanding attention far beyond local borders as their collaboration, “Turbulence,” makes an immediate impact on the global stage.

The song has debuted at No. 2 on the Spotify Top Songs Debut Global chart, ranking as one of the most streamed new releases worldwide during its opening tracking period. The strong entry highlights the growing global demand for Afrobeats and reinforces both artists’ positions as international streaming forces.

Turbulence is not the only song gaining traction globally. Two other tracks, “Alaye” and “Iskolodo,” also debuted on the Spotify Top Songs Debut Global chart at No. 6 and No. 8 respectively.

Having three songs debut simultaneously within the global top ten reflects a high level of listener engagement across multiple regions and platforms. It also signals the expanding reach of Nigerian music beyond Africa and into key international markets.

Wizkid’s continued presence on global charts further cements his legacy as one of Afrobeats’ most influential exports. His music consistently resonates with audiences across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, years after his initial global breakthrough.

Asake’s rise has been equally remarkable. With back-to-back charting releases and strong streaming numbers, he has become one of the most listened-to African artists globally, representing a new generation of Afrobeats acts dominating digital platforms.

The global chart performance of Turbulence, Alaye, and Iskolodo is another clear indicator that Afrobeats has evolved into a truly global genre. Rather than crossing over occasionally, Nigerian artists are now debuting at the top end of worldwide charts alongside established international stars.

As streaming continues to shape global music consumption, milestones like this point to Afrobeats’ growing influence and staying power on the world stage.

Turbulence also debuted at No. 6 on the Spotify Top Songs Debut USA chart, further underlining its strong international reception.

Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid and Asake have officially released their highly anticipated collaborative project, REAL, Vol. 1, marking one of the most significant joint releases in Nigerian music in recent years.

The four-track EP brings together two of Africa’s most dominant hitmakers, blending Wizkid’s smooth, global Afrobeats sound with Asake’s raw, street-rooted energy 

REAL, Vol. 1 is a compact but tightly curated EP that showcases both artists at their most confident. The project features the following tracks:

• Turbulence
• Jogodo
• Iskolodo
• Alaye

Rather than chasing trends, the EP leans into rhythm, melody, and atmosphere staying true to the distinct identities that have made Wizkid and Asake two of the most streamed African artists of the past decade.

“Jogodo” Sets the Tone for the Project

Leading the EP is “Jogodo,” the breakout single that had already ignited massive attention ahead of the project’s full release. Since dropping, the song has gone on to deliver one of the biggest commercial performances for a Nigerian collaboration in recent memory.

“Jogodo” recorded a historic debut on Spotify Nigeria, pulling in over 1.3 million streams within its first 24 hours, making it the biggest opening day ever for a collaborative track on the platform. The momentum didn’t slow down, as the record crossed 5 million streams within its first week, setting a new benchmark for weekly streaming in Nigeria.

Beyond streaming numbers, “Jogodo” quickly asserted its dominance across major platforms:

• The track reached No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria and Spotify Nigeria, maintaining a strong daily streaming pace.
• Internationally, “Jogodo” entered the Spotify Global Daily Top 100, signalling growing global interest beyond Africa.
• The song also gained traction on global Shazam charts, highlighting organic discovery outside its core market.

Wizkid, one of Afrobeats’ most influential global figures, and Asake, arguably the genre’s most disruptive force of the last three years, have aligned at the peak of their powers.

With “Jogodo” already setting records and the EP now fully available, REAL, Vol. 1 is expected to dominate conversations, playlists, and charts in the coming weeks further reinforcing Afrobeats’ global momentum in 2026.

Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Asake officially kick off their first joint project with the release of “Jogodo”, the lead single from their upcoming EP titled REAL (Vol. 1). Set to drop on January 23, 2026, this collaboration marks a historic moment in the Nigerian music scene, bringing together two of the country’s most influential artists.

The announcement has sparked excitement across social media, with fans praising the chemistry between Wizkid’s smooth Afropop sound and Asake’s energetic street‑influenced rhythms.

“Jogodo” is the first taste of what listeners can expect from the joint EP. The track blends Asake’s rhythmic, chant-heavy style with Wizkid’s signature smooth vocals, creating a unique sound that is both catchy and culturally resonant.

The song has already started trending on streaming platforms, currently ranking at No. 7 Apple Music NG proving that fans are eager for more from the duo.

It’s a high-energy track that perfectly captures the strengths of both artists, giving a glimpse into the direction of REAL (Vol. 1)

About the EP: REAL (Vol. 1)

The full EP, REAL (Vol. 1), will feature multiple tracks highlighting the duo’s distinct musical styles. The project is expected to combine street-inspired Afrobeat grooves with global pop elements, appealing to both Nigerian and international audiences.

This marks the first full-length collaborative EP between Wizkid and Asake, building on previous successful features like Asake on Wizkid’s Morayo album (“Bad Girl”) and Wizkid on Asake’s 2024 hit “MMS.” These past collaborations set the stage for a deeper and more cohesive project.

Wizkid has been a global Afrobeats ambassador for over a decade, known for hits like Essence, Ojuelegba, and his latest Morayo album. His collaborations with international artists have helped bring Nigerian music to a worldwide audience.

Asake, on the other hand, has quickly risen to become one of Nigeria’s most exciting acts, known for his energetic delivery and street-to-mainstream appeal. With hits like Omo Ope and MMS, Asake has solidified his position as a rising star with a unique sound that complements Wizkid’s style.

Fan Reactions

The release of “Jogodo” has already dominated Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, with fans sharing clips, reactions, and remixes. Some have even called it the “collaboration of the year”, highlighting the seamless synergy between the two artists.

With the EP’s release just days away, fans can expect more chart-topping singles and innovative Afrobeats sounds. “Jogodo” sets the tone for an exciting project that merges global pop sensibilities with Nigerian street energy.