Wizkid and Asake Release REAL, Vol. 1 EP with Record-Breaking Debut
Global Afrobeats icons Wizkid and Asake have officially launched their highly anticipated joint EP, titled REAL, Vol. 1, which dropped at midnight on January 23, 2026. This four-track project represents the first complete collaborative effort from the duo, arriving at a time when both artists are at the peak of their visibility, streaming dominance, and cultural impact within the Lagos music scene and internationally.
Chart-Topping Success and Production Details
REAL, Vol. 1 made an immediate impact by debuting at number one on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart. It achieved this milestone within just five hours of release, setting a new record as the fastest midnight release to reach the top spot in the platform's history. The EP features production from renowned producers Magicsticks, l.o.l., and 4Tunes, crafting a cohesive Afro-fusion sound that emphasizes rhythm, restraint, and melody.
The tracklist includes:
- "Turbulence"
- "Jogodo"
- "Iskolodo"
- "Alaye"
The 'Jogodo' Effect and Streaming Records
The lead single, "Jogodo," released ahead of the EP, has already rewritten streaming records in Nigeria. Within its first week, it garnered over 5 million streams on Spotify Nigeria, with two days still remaining in the tracking period, surpassing Davido's "With You" featuring Omah Lay. In its first 24 hours, "Jogodo" pulled in 1.38 million streams, making it the second-highest opening day on Spotify Nigeria, behind only Wizkid's "Kese (Dance)." Additionally, it became the fastest African song to surpass 10 million streams on Spotify globally.
Sound Overview and Artistic Chemistry
The EP opens with "Turbulence," which sets the tone with well-arranged percussion and restrained vocal delivery, easing listeners into the project's sonic direction. "Jogodo" leans into groove-heavy rhythms, while "Iskolodo" experiments with tempo shifts and sparse melodies. Closing track "Alaye" brings the EP to a relaxed finish, built around rhythm and repetition rather than structured songwriting.
Throughout the EP, Wizkid and Asake trade verses with excellent chemistry. Their vocals remain distinct yet complementary, allowing each artist's style to shine individually while fitting seamlessly into the overall flow of the project. The sequencing is tight, with tracks blending naturally into one another, enhancing the EP's listen-through quality rather than functioning as isolated singles.
Background and Career Context
First teased during a joint interview in 2025, REAL, Vol. 1 follows a series of successful collaborations between the two artists, including the Grammy-nominated "MMS." The EP arrives after weeks of speculation and social media buildup, culminating in a release that prioritizes cohesion over excess. The focus track "Turbulence" is the only one accompanied by a music video.
This release brings together two artists at different but intersecting points in their careers. Wizkid, a Grammy winner with a 17-year run as one of Afrobeats' most influential global figures, meets Asake's rapid rise over the past five years as one of Nigeria's most commercially successful and sonically consistent acts. Together, they deliver a project that reflects experience, momentum, and confidence without overstatement.
REAL, Vol. 1 stands as a defining collaboration, not just in scale but in execution, reinforcing both artists' positions in African music's ongoing global expansion.
