In a move set to redefine the close of 2025, two giants of Afrobeats, Wizkid and Asake, have officially joined forces. The artists announced a collaborative EP titled REAL (Vol. 1), confirming the project during a special Apple Music Radio takeover in December 2025.
The Announcement That Shook The Industry
The confirmation came directly from the source. Sitting together in the Apple Music studios, Wizkid made the special announcement, stating, “Special announcement... 2025 Mr. Money [and] Big Wiz project. It's called REAL, and it drops this December. For the people.” Asake, nodding alongside him, added that the project would be “a movie,” hinting at its cinematic and culturally significant scope.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment, uniting Wizkid's globally refined sound with Asake's explosive, street-pop energy. The project promises to be more than just music; it is positioned as a major cultural event for Nigerian music and its global audience.
From Fan to Collaborator: Asake's Journey with Wizkid
In a candid cover interview for Office Magazine's December issue, Asake opened up about the profound personal significance of this collaboration. He revealed that his journey into music was almost accidental, initially aspiring to be a dancer or choreographer before university friends in 2013 led him to recording.
More importantly, Asake detailed the organic genesis of the REAL EP. He explained that it was born not from corporate strategy, but from genuine connection. “The first time we linked up, I think we were just having conversations like real life talk,” Asake shared. “We get to a point whereby I think he seen we have so much things that align us. And he asked me, it would be good for us to have a project together. That was the beginning of it.”
His admiration for Wizkid is deep-rooted. “I genuinely love Wizkid himself,” Asake said, paying tribute to the star's influence. “When I was coming up, I was part of the people that listened and see how great Wiz is. I respect what God has done for him... So every moment with Wiz is just a good moment for me.”
Mutual Respect and a Passing of the Baton
The admiration is powerfully mutual. During their Apple Music session, Wizkid was effusive in his praise for Asake, admitting that the 2022 hit ‘Omo Ope’ first made him a fan. He directly told Asake, “You are amazing; you have one of the most special voices from home [Africa] and in the world... You are a blessing to African music.”
This endorsement is seen by many as a symbolic passing of the baton from one of Nigeria's most iconic hitmakers to the genre's current reigning force. The camaraderie was further highlighted when Wizkid jokingly requested that Asake perform his 2023 smash ‘Remember’ at his future wedding.
The Stakes and The Sound of 'REAL'
The collaboration arrives as both artists ride massive waves of success in 2025. Wizkid's late 2024 album, Morayo, dominated streaming charts throughout the year, becoming the most-streamed album in Nigeria on Spotify and Apple Music. Asake, meanwhile, has continued his chart-topping streak, solidifying his unique sound as a global phenomenon.
Their previous collaborations—the Grammy-nominated “MMS” from Asake's 'Lungu Boy' (2024) and the fan-favourite “Bad Girl” from Wizkid's 'Morayo'—proved their chemistry. For Asake, the new EP is about authenticity. When asked to describe the project as a movie, he reiterated the title's meaning: “I think it's going to be real, just real people in one room. Genuine people, heart-to-heart conversation every time... I can just say real. That's the only way.”
Even amidst this colossal project, Asake remains focused on his craft. Reflecting on recent major performances, he noted the intense focus required on stage, often isolated from crowd noise by in-ear monitors. “The only thing I'm in control of is to deliver a good performance to people,” he stated, expressing gratitude for his rapid rise.
As for the fans' expectations, Asake is philosophical. “I don't live in the future, so anything people see they can take away from it. I'm okay with it. Anywhere the EP gets to is where it's supposed to be.” Given the unprecedented momentum of both artists, where it's supposed to be is almost certainly at the summit of the global music scene.
