If there were any doubts that 2026 would be the year of the collaborative project, Jogodo has officially silenced them. The lead single from Wizkid and Asake’s forthcoming joint EP, REAL (Vol. 1), Jogodo is a masterclass in stylistic fusion. It marks the first time these two giants have shared a headline on a full project, following their palpable chemistry on 2024’s MMS and Bad Girl. The track represents a bridge between two eras of Afrobeats: the refined, global sophistication of Wizkid’s Starboy era and the high-octane, street-fused Fuji energy that Asake has used to conquer the world.
Production-wise, Jogodo is a departure from the frantic amapiano loops. Instead, it leans into a soulful, rhythm-forward groove characterized by pulsing percussion and rich brass arrangements. The beat feels expensive, providing a lush backdrop for the artists to trade verses in a relaxed, almost conversational flow. There is a perceptible maturity in the sound, a confident restraint that allows the instruments to breathe while maintaining a steady, infectious bounce that is as suitable for a lounge as it is for a festival stage.
The title Jogodo (a slang term often associated with intoxication or a state of being “high”) sets the stage for a track that celebrates late-night release and social freedom. Performed in a blend of Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba, the lyrics are lighthearted and rhythmic, focusing on the magnetism of the dancefloor and the pursuit of a good time. Wizkid delivers his lines with his signature effortless cool, while Asake adds a layer of his amazing vibe, his multi-tracked vocals creating a choral effect that has become his sonic thumbprint. It’s a song for the unbothered, a sonic representation of a no-stress lifestyle.
As a lead single, Jogodo does exactly what it needs to: it generates immense heat for the parent project, REAL (Vol. 1), which is scheduled to drop on January 23rd. By choosing a track that prioritizes vibe and melody over aggressive chart-chasing, Wizkid and Asake are signalling that this EP is a creative passion project. It feels like an organic link-up between two artists who genuinely respect each other. For the fans, Jogodo is a cultural event that confirms Afrobeats’ “Big 3” era is evolving to be more collaborative and less competitive.
Listen to Jogodo here.
