Wizkid x Asake’s Bad Girl: A glimpse of magic, but it is not enough

15 hours ago 3

When two of the world’s hottest Afrobeats artists, like Wizkid and Asake, join forces on a track, expectations soar.

The idea of the duo collaborating is a dream for fans of the genre. Both artists have revolutionized Afrobeats in their unique ways, and their paths to stardom share a striking similarity: meteoric rises powered by distinct, genre-bending styles that dominate charts and playlists worldwide.

Their latest offering, Bad Girl, from Wizkid’s sixth studio album Morayo, is one such collaboration. Produced by the talented P Priime, the track delivers a vibrant beat with enough bounce to dominate TikTok challenges and Instagram reels for the next few months.

Yet, for all its hype and potential virality, Bad Girl doesn’t quite hit the heights of their last collaboration which is still fresh in our memory.

I ask myself, have they set the bar too high? It’s hard to ignore the shadow of MMS—their earlier collaboration on Asake’s album Lungu Boy—looming over Bad Girl. MMS was a standout, earning a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, cementing its place as an instant classic. Bad Girl would struggle to reach the same cultural and sonic impact.

This dynamic mirrors what happened when Wizkid and Burna Boy teamed up for Balon d’Or. Following the success of Ginger on Wizkid’s Made in Lagos, fans anticipated another chart-topper. Instead, Balon d’Or left many yearning for the spark of their earlier synergy. The takeaway?

Lightning doesn’t always strike twice, even for giants.

While Bad Girl might not fit seamlessly into the same levels as MMS, it’s not without its charms. P Prime’s production is infectious, creating a vibe that feels ripe for social media moments. Its potential to rack up streams is undeniable, thanks in part to the combined star power of Wizkid and Asake. After all, these are two of the most streamed African artists globally, and their influence ensures that even a “lesser” track won’t go unnoticed.

The undeniable chemistry between these two artists hints at untapped potential. Bad Girl might not be their definitive masterpiece, but it could be a stepping stone toward something greater. Wizkid and Asake both have experience crafting Extended Plays; Wizkid’s Soundman Vol. 1 and Asake’s Ololade EP are prime examples.

So here’s a thought for the duo: Why not bless Afrobeats lovers with a full collaborative EP? It’s a prospect that would undoubtedly shake the industry and solidify their alliance as one for the ages.

For now, Bad Girl is a reminder of the magic these two can create, even if it doesn’t fully dazzle. It’s a track with enough fire to warm us up while we wait for the next big thing from Wizkid and Asake.