The collaboration of Wizkid and Asake on the arrival of REAL, Vol. 1, is a cultural state of the union for Afrobeats in 2026. The Afrobeats stars teamed up for a highly anticipated collaborative EP titled REAL, Vol. 1, officially released on January 23, 2026. REAL brings together four tracks, marking the first full extended play from the two Afrobeat singers.
After years of teasing fans with the collaborative gem MMS and the recent chart-dominating Jogodo, Wizkid and Asake have finally consolidated their chemistry into a focused four-track EP. The four tracks REAL combines are "Turbulence", "Jogodo", "Iskolodo", and "Alaye". These tracks blend lush Afro-fusion, rhythmic beats, and dynamic energy reflective of both artists’ styles.
The EP was executively produced by Magicsticks, with contributions from 4Tunes and LOL, and released through Starboy Entertainment, Giran Republic, and Empire Distribution. Ahead of the full release, Jogodo, which is the most listened-to among the tracks, dropped on January 16, 2026.
After the single was released, it quickly broke streaming records to achieve over 1.38 million streams in a single day on Spotify Nigeria, the highest for any collaborative track on the platform, and set new first-week streaming benchmarks.
Musically, REAL, Vol. 1 mixes elements of Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, amapiano, and other rhythmic influences, with critics and fans focusing on the chemistry between Wizkid’s smooth melodic delivery and Asake’s vibrant, energetic vocal style. According to NotJustOk, the project represents a bridge between two definitive eras of the genre: the refined, global polish of Wizkid’s Made In Lagos legacy and the high-octane, Fuji-infused street energy that has made Asake an international phenomenon.
Lyrically, and at its core, the EP leans into the idea of living “real”, a theme that mirrors Wizkid and Asake’s shared roots in Surulere and Lagos Island, as well as the respect they clearly have for each other. Instead of revisiting stories of hardship, the music reflects a different phase of their journey—one defined by arrival, clarity, and the discipline it takes to remain at the top.
Their lyrics move fluidly between Yoruba and Pidgin, carried by an easy confidence that feels unforced, almost effortless. The focus isn’t on chasing hits but on creating a mood, and that calm assurance is what makes the project resonate so strongly. Beyond the music itself, REAL, Vol. 1 feels like a statement about where Afrobeats is headed. It shows what can happen when major artists come together with shared purpose rather than competition.
The EP captures a genre growing more comfortable with collaboration and collective excellence, and in doing so, it sets a new benchmark for joint projects in 2026. For listeners, it stands as a clear reminder that Wizkid and Asake aren’t just part of the conversation, they’re helping define the standard.
