In a candid conversation that has sparked widespread debate, two of Nigeria's biggest music exports, Wizkid and Asake, have publicly endorsed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a creative tool in the arts. The stars shared their views during an appearance on the popular Instagram podcast, 'Close Friends Only', which aired on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and is now available on YouTube.
Beyond the Hits: A Glimpse into Creative Synergy
The podcast episode offered fans an intimate look at the artists' creative process, coming just ahead of the highly anticipated release of their joint project, 'REAL (Vol. 1)' EP, expected later in December. The duo reflected on their successful collaboration, 'MMS', from Asake's August album 'Lungu Boy', with Asake revealing he specifically desired Wizkid's input for the track's emotional depth. Both artists expressed mutual admiration and confidence in their hit-making chemistry, even as the music industry's landscape continues to evolve.
AI as the Future's Creative Enhancer
The discussion took a futuristic turn when the topic shifted to technology. Wizkid recounted being impressed by an artist who used AI to generate cinematic-quality images. "I bumped into this guy... He makes, like, cool images with AI. Like everything he makes with AI, it's just cinematic, and it looks good," Wizkid shared, noting he directly messaged the creator to praise his work.
When Asake probed if he would shoot an AI-generated music video, Wizkid responded with openness but caution. "I'm open to whatever... If it comes out amazing. When we create things with AI, I don't think it's advisable to always rely on AI. I think making our own content and enhancing that s*** with AI is the future," he stated, clearly framing AI as a supplement to human creativity, not a substitute.
Asake, emphasizing his love for live performance and the collaborative creative journey, also acknowledged AI's value. "I love AI. I won't lie. If AI can go perform for me, and they pay the money to my account, I don't mind," he quipped, highlighting a pragmatic, if amused, perspective on the technology's potential.
A Polarizing Endorsement in a Shifting Industry
The endorsement from artists of this caliber arrives at a tense moment in global music. The use of AI has become increasingly prevalent, with AI-generated songs charting on the Billboard in 2025 and AI artists securing major record deals. This has led to polarized reactions within the industry.
In Nigeria, the AI debate was recently fueled by the viral AI version of Fave's hit 'Intentions', created by Urban Chords. Unlike many artists who issue takedowns, Fave collaborated with the AI choir, a move that divided public opinion. Many fear AI poses an active threat to human creatives, which explains the mixed reactions to clips of Wizkid and Asake's comments shared by music platform Album Talks on X (formerly Twitter).
However, the stance taken by Wizkid and Asake aligns with a growing industry trend. Major labels like Sony Music, Warner Records, and Universal Music Group are already forming strategic partnerships with AI companies, signaling an irreversible shift. The conversation is no longer about outright rejection but about finding a balance—deploying AI as a tool while safeguarding artistic control and revenue.
The future of music will likely be shaped by this nuanced approach: a blend of acceptance for AI's capabilities and caution regarding its implications, as exemplified by Nigeria's top-tier artists looking toward the next frontier.
