With today marking Nigerian Independence Day, consider queuing up the latest single from Afrobeats phenom WizKid. Yesterday, Wiz dropped off the intimate "Joro," complete with candlelit visuals and a loosely conceptual story. Sonically, the track is closer to a slow-burner, with softly strummed guitars and an emphasis on repetition. The man known as Starboy wastes little time or space, hovering over the rhythm with a delicate, yet confident approach. As evidenced by the video, his delivery mirrors the wooing process, trading in bombast for a more personal approach.
At this stage, Afrobeats have entered the North American mainstream, and WizKid stands as one of the movement's enduring pioneers. There's a certain excitement that surrounds his releases that may be lost upon those unfamiliar, but it exists nonetheless. Should you be keen on expanding your musical palette, give "Joro" a spin. A slow-jam with no shortage of sensuality. What do you think about this one?