Wizkid “S2” EP Review

S2 – EP

Wizkid

• Genre: Afrobeats
• Date: 24 Dec, 2023
• Content: Not-explicit
• Region: NGA
• Track(s): 4
• ℗ 2023 RCA Records, under exclusive license from Starboy Entertainment Ltd.

It’s finally here: Wizkid’s eagerly anticipated EP, “S2 (Soundman 2).”

Every song on the EP showcases Wizkid’s talent at fusing different sounds to produce something unique and irresistible. In addition, Wizkid doesn’t work alone on the EP—instead, he puts together a small group of colleagues. Notably, the EP includes two distinct tracks with features by Zlatan Ibile and Wande Coal.

The superb production quality of S2 (Soundman Vol. 2) was handled by the one and only P.Priime, a producer renowned for his exceptional beat-making skills. The producer is also credited for contributing his pen. With other side attractions in the mix, “S2” is a soothing, magnificent yet simple project.

EP Cover Art

This is a heavily edited studio picture of what appears to be Wiz in his signature bucket hat standing next to another guy whose form can’t be made out. This could point to how random the project might have come together. Wiz also hints at his already teased next studio album with “Untitled Project,” which is to probably mean that all about the album is done. All but its title.

Tracks and Features

Wizkid and his brother from another mother, Wande Coal, link yet again to create magic on the chill, melodious “Ololufe,” which begins the EP. Both artists sing the praises of their special maidens. While the song could really use much richer lyrics, especially because the two singers are heavyweight OGs, its stellar Amapiano production should receive major credit for smoothening the whole vibe. It’s either Wiz doesn’t feel his voice is as fire as it used to be (which would be a smelling lie) or he just doesn’t want to sing sing, because why exactly does he need auto-tune??

Reverting back to his “More Love Less Ego” flow, he brings us a bit closer to his day to day star life in “Diamonds.” Over the exquisitely produced beat by P.Priime, he tells us about all the fast-life highs and also balances it out with its lows. He uses the opportunity to encourage his listeners to keep going, looking forward to better days because that’s how he functions. Again, we ask, does Wizkid need auto-tune?!! We’re very sure that voice will not slide down his windpipe if he uses it! The man is just so lax with everything these days. We’re gradually accepting the repetitive, almost empty lyrics, but does he also have to starve the fans of proper singing too??

You’ll think you’ve heard the last of his auto-tuned renditions till “Energy” comes on. Beautiful melodies, yes. Great production, check. But that performance was just not giving ‘energy’ at all. As usual, the self-acclaimed Biggest Bird sings about the good life and having a good time with his pair of lepa (slim) and orobo (thick) babes. But throughout the song, he sings like he was really sleepy during song’s recording. It’s either that or he was high enough to touch the milky way. However, there’s something about how he uses that super lax voice to wax melodies in the chorus that makes you want to keep this song on aggressive repeat. Beautiful, beautiful production too.

Closing the EP with high vibrations and the Zanku Records boss, Zlatan Ibile in “IDK,” Wiz first takes us to the club before leading us to church with the apt introduction of the fine choral backup. This one is a most special record to Wiz because, according to him, this song was made barely days after he lost his mon. You could also hear some of that grief in his voice too. Then there’s Zlatan, who respectfully takes Wiz to the backseat, fires down on the beat and almost forgets brakes are still a thing. It was indeed a great business choice picking Ibile for an inspirational jam like this one. For the last time, Wizkid, you DO NOT need auto-tune.

Tracklist

NO	TITLE	TIME
1	Ololufe (feat. Wande Coal)	3:30
2	Diamonds	2:29
3	Energy	3:01
4	IDK (feat. Zlatan)	3:00

EP Theme

Gratitude and celebrating the soft life.

Production Credits

Big Fish, ElementZ, Olajumoke Olayiwola & P.Priime worked on the EP’s production.

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