REVIEW: Wizkid’s ‘Soundman Vol. 2’ EP is not very impressive

BY EMMANUEL DARALOYE

Thirteen months ago, Wizkid, the Grammy winner, released his fifth studio album ‘More Love, Less Ego’, which was just an attempt to replicate the success of his iconic ‘Made in Lagos’. The failure of the project seems to have put the singer back into a creative relapse. After more than a year break, he makes a return with the release of the second volume of ‘Soundman, EP‘.

This EP features just two artistes with Wizkid singing alone on two songs. The days of crooning to win over lovers seem to have gone. Now, when you get to hear Wizkid, the message seeps in, and he sometimes articulates his lyrics well. No doubt, this EP is created for the Nigerian audience.

The 2010s lovers of Wizkid music complain about his last two albums, with some of them bemoaning his westernization. Right now, Baba Bolu is back to base.

‘Ololufe,’ the EP starter finds Wizkid squaring up with the brilliant Wande Coal. Over a piano-powered production, the two singers seem to pay homage to different girls. They call their names: Folashade, and Titilope. Wande Coal finds his way around this song more than Wiz. The sparse state of the lyrics allows the instrumentals to flow better.

Wizkid, however, gets his groove back on ‘Diamond.’ The EP kicks off properly with this track; the backup singer also helps by amplifying the message.

After cementing his relationship with Olamide, music producer P-Prime seems to have a new one with Wizkid. He was responsible for the production of the first three tracks on this EP. They are all up-tempo tracks.

‘Energy’ finds the singer in his unserious mode; one time he is serious with his lines, and the next minute, he poorly articulates his lines.

Zlatan Ibile outshines Wizkid on the last track ‘IDK’. He understands the assignment better. His intro and the first four lines are all shades of brilliance.

Love and grief are the dominant emotions in this EP, dictating the message Wizkid and his colleagues attempt to pass out to the fans. For the Nigerian audience, this is the comeback they have all been waiting for, it is also a reflection of the brilliance and talent of Wizkid.

3/5

Emmanuel Daraloye, a music critic and PR enthusiast can be contacted via 08066094201