Nigerian music icon Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, ushered in a fresh era of sound and emotional exploration with the release of his fifth studio album, ‘More Love, Less Ego’, in late 2022. The highly anticipated project was met with critical acclaim, both in Nigeria and around the world, as fans and music critics hailed the album for its sonic maturity, smooth production, and lyrical vulnerability.
Coming off the heels of the global success of his 2020 project, ‘Made in Lagos’, which featured the Grammy-nominated single “Essence”, Wizkid had big shoes to fill—his own. However, with ‘More Love, Less Ego’ (often abbreviated as MLLE), he managed not only to meet expectations but also to expand his artistry, diving into themes of love, self-awareness, emotional growth, and spiritual healing, all while staying true to his Afrobeats roots.
The Build-Up: Anticipation Meets Intentionality
Before the album’s release, Wizkid teased fans with cryptic messages, social media snippets, and subtle announcements. The anticipation reached fever pitch, especially after he dropped the lead single “Bad To Me” in September 2022, which instantly trended across social media platforms and climbed major charts across Africa and the UK.
However, unlike the dance-floor-ready rhythms of some of his earlier works, the tone and message of ‘More Love, Less Ego’ promised something deeper. Wizkid had hinted that this album was about embracing vulnerability, shedding the distractions of fame, and choosing love over pride—hence the title.
This theme of emotional maturity, particularly for a male artist in the traditionally bravado-heavy music space, struck a chord with audiences globally.
A Star-Studded Tracklist with Global Collaborations
‘More Love, Less Ego’ features 13 tracks and includes collaborations with a diverse lineup of international and African artists. These collaborators enriched the sound and further amplified the album’s global appeal.
Key features include:
-
Skepta, the British-Nigerian grime artist, on “Wow”
-
Naira Marley, known for his street-pop style, on the same track
-
Ayra Starr, the fast-rising Mavin Records sensation, on “2 Sugar”
-
Don Toliver, the American rapper-singer, on “Special”
-
Skillibeng and Shenseea, Jamaican artists, on “Slip N Slide”
These partnerships not only broadened the album’s sonic palette but also highlighted Wizkid’s role as a cultural bridge-builder between Afrobeats and other global music genres like dancehall, grime, R&B, and trap.
Exploring Themes of Love, Ego, and Self-Reflection
True to its title, ‘More Love, Less Ego’ presents a softer, introspective side of Wizkid. In tracks like “Balance,” “Frames (Who’s Gonna Know),” and “Everyday,” the singer sheds his signature swagger for smoother vocals and more emotional storytelling.
Lyrically, the album navigates themes such as:
-
Letting go of pride in romantic relationships
-
Embracing emotional vulnerability as strength
-
Expressing affection freely without fear of judgment
-
Healing and spiritual grounding through love
While love remains a central theme—as in much of Wizkid’s music—the emphasis here is not just on desire or sensuality but also on emotional honesty and intentional connection.
A Sonic Masterclass in Production
One of the strongest points of the album is its production quality. Longtime collaborators like P2J, who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of ‘Made in Lagos’, returned to work on this album. They brought in soft percussion, mellow basslines, and lush instrumental layering that gave the songs a meditative, almost hypnotic quality.
There’s a deliberate choice to keep the album mid-tempo and minimalistic, allowing Wizkid’s voice to float effortlessly over the beats. This sonic direction aligns perfectly with the album’s message: less noise, less ego, more soul.
Producers such as Julz, Sarz, and Kel P also contributed, ensuring the project maintained a polished and coherent feel throughout.
Global Reception and Chart Performance
Upon release, ‘More Love, Less Ego’ received widespread acclaim from both African and international media outlets. Renowned music critics from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, The Guardian UK, and NME described the album as “sonically cohesive,” “emotionally resonant,” and “a bold step forward for Wizkid.”
In terms of chart performance:
-
The album debuted on Apple Music Top Albums in over 20 countries.
-
It reached No. 1 in Nigeria, Ghana, and several Caribbean nations.
-
Tracks like “2 Sugar” and “Wow” entered the UK Afrobeats Chart Top 10.
-
On Spotify, it amassed tens of millions of streams within the first week.
-
On Audiomack and Boomplay, the album was heavily streamed across African markets, showcasing Wizkid’s continental appeal.
The project also sparked massive conversations on social media, with hashtags like #MoreLoveLessEgo, #MLLE, and #WizkidAlbum trending for days post-release.
Reaffirming Wizkid’s Global Status
With ‘More Love, Less Ego,’ Wizkid has reinforced his reputation as not just a Nigerian superstar, but a global music icon. His ability to evolve without losing his identity has made him a standout in a rapidly expanding Afrobeats industry.
He continues to be a major force in introducing African music to global platforms—headlining major concerts in New York’s Madison Square Garden, London’s O2 Arena, and other international venues. His consistent ability to merge commercial success with artistic integrity sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
The Emotional Core of the Album: Love as a Revolutionary Act
Beyond the beats and features, ‘More Love, Less Ego’ delivers an important message in today’s often cynical world: choosing love, empathy, and emotional honesty is a revolutionary act. Especially for young African men who are often taught to hide vulnerability, Wizkid’s approach feels refreshing and necessary.
In an interview, he shared, “It’s easy to be cold, to protect your ego. But that blocks real connection. I wanted to speak from the heart this time.” That statement captures the essence of the project—music that is both feel-good and feel-deep.
Legacy and Influence
As one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats, Wizkid has continually evolved with each album. From the dance-heavy ‘Superstar’ to the emotionally rich ‘Made in Lagos’, and now the introspective ‘More Love, Less Ego’, his discography reflects growth and artistic courage.
The influence of MLLE is already visible, with younger artists beginning to explore more introspective and minimalist themes in their music. The album sets a new standard—not only in production and songwriting but in emotional vulnerability—paving the way for Afrobeats to embrace a broader range of human expression.
Final Thoughts: A Gentle Masterpiece with Lasting Impact
‘More Love, Less Ego’ is not just an album—it’s a personal statement, a cultural moment, and a quiet revolution. Wizkid used his platform to challenge the stereotypes of masculinity, to promote emotional growth, and to inspire a generation of fans to lead with love, not pride.
In doing so, he created one of the most significant Afrobeats albums in recent memory—a gentle masterpiece that will resonate for years to come.
