Real, Vol 1, is globally available and has gathered a positive reception in the US & UK markets.
The project is not even 30 days in, but has shattered and set the bar, the mood and the tone for the year. We can say we have the hit (gbedu) for the first quarter of 2026.
Turbulence, which is the first track on the project, comes off as a song for deep reflection. It’s reassuring and solemn. After the sad song comes the party starter, which doesn’t give you space to breathe.
Jogodo is already an earworm; I don’t think we need to expand on the addictiveness of this track. What we need to stress is how amazing it is to be able to consistently deliver crossover hits, which is Wizkid’s forté. Asake is coming with a different pattern, one of the prominent and distinct voices we have in the African music scene, and his delivery is perfectly supplemented on this track.
Iskolodo’s experimental output is one I have to clap for. As a music connoisseur myself, I’m all for experimenting. Now, let me explain, they both draw inspiration from South American and Cuban/Caribbean themes.
Slow and sensual Bachata/Mariachi music, with a touch of Africa.
With Alaye, they bring it home. To Africa. I can hear Jozi and Isale éko vibes on this particular track, and you can hear the amapiano log influence.
Alaye sounds like the soundtrack of Lagos.
I personally give this project a solid 9.5. Perfect way to start the year.
The project receives a global release under Starboy, with distribution handled by EMPIRE in collaboration with Giran Music.
