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Joro (Wizkid song)

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"Joro"
Single by Wizkid
Released1 October 2019 (2019-10-01)
Recorded2019
GenreAfrobeats
Length4:22
Label
Songwriter(s)
Lyricist(s)
  • Ayodeji Balogun
  • Onozutu Ezra Enesi
Producer(s)Northboi
Wizkid singles chronology
"Ghetto Love"
(2019) 		"Joro"
(2019) 		"Smile"
(2020)
Music video
"Joro" on YouTube

"Joro" is a song recorded by Nigerian singer-songwriter Wizkid, released on October 1, 2019, by Starboy Records and RCA as part of the promotional singles for his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos (2020). Produced by Northboi, the track is a mid-tempo Afrobeat song that blends pulsating rhythms with Wizkid's signature melodies and smooth vocals.[1][2]

The song's lyrics explore love, devotion, and sensuality themes, set against a vibrant instrumental backdrop. Its title, "Joro," is a Yoruba word that loosely translates to "forever" or "enjoyment," which is reflected in the romantic tone of the song.

The accompanying music video was directed by Adriaan Louw and features Wizkid alongside Georgia Curtis. It broke records on Vevo and YouTube in Nigeria, garnering almost 10 million views within its first month.[3] In 2022, the track received Gold certification in Canada, signifying over 40,000 units sold in sales.[4] The track also continues to perform strongly on YouTube, amassing over 291 million views, placing it among the most-watched African music videos. The music video for the song received nominations at The Headies Award 2020, including Song Of The Year.[5]

Background and release

Wizkid officially announced the release of his single "Joro" via his social media accounts on June 17, 2019, teasing fans with snippets of the song and its accompanying visuals and cover art.[6] This announcement followed weeks of anticipation, as he had previously hinted at new music in the lead-up to Nigeria’s Independence Day.[7][8] He shared posts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, including a tweet reading, "Love you guys more! Sorry for the wait. Another jam next week!", generating significant buzz among his followers.[9]

Avatar of ⚡️ZeZeLA⚡️
Avatar of ⚡️ZeZeLA⚡️
 ⚡️ZeZeLA⚡️
@Vlackhoudini
 Twitter logo, a stylized blue bird

Guy wizkid is evil he would just drop bomb and go and hide without performing for us here in abuja guy December too far 😭😭😭😭❤

2 October 2019[10]

The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement from fans and fellow artists, many of whom took to social media to express their eagerness. Hashtags like #Joro and #Wizkid dominated Nigerian and international trends on Twitter, underscoring the anticipation for the track. Some fans praised the teaser visuals, describing them as vibrant and captivating, while others speculated about the song's themes and connection to Wizkid’s upcoming album, Made in Lagos.[11]

"Joro" was released on October 1, 2019, strategically timed to coincide with Nigeria's Independence Day, emphasizing Wizkid's pride in his cultural heritage.[12] The song was one of the lead singles for his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos.[13]

Concept and inspiration

"Joro"
A 28-second sample of the chorus from "Joro", where Wizkid is singing the Chorus after the Intro of backing vocals "towards a very luscious wall of sound".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Wizkid described "Joro" as a celebration of love and intimacy, drawing inspiration from the richness of Afrobeat rhythms and themes of devotion. The title, "Joro," comes from Yoruba, a prominent language in Nigeria,[14] underscoring Wizkid's commitment to infusing his music with African cultural elements. The word loosely translates to "forever" or "enjoyment," reflecting the song’s romantic undertones.[15]

"Joro" was produced by Northboi, a Nigerian music producer known for crafting intricate Afrobeat instrumentals. Northboi had previously collaborated with Wizkid on the 2018 single "Soco," which was both a commercial and critical success. For "Joro," he employed a fusion of rhythmic percussion, haunting synth melodies, and subtle electronic elements to create a hypnotic, groove-driven sound.[16] Wizkid recorded "Joro" during a series of studio sessions for his fourth album, Made in Lagos. He described the process as particularly intuitive, with the song's melodies and lyrics emerging naturally during the recording session. The creative synergy between Wizkid and Northboi was instrumental in shaping the track's vibrant and dynamic energy.[15]

Commercial performance

Wizkid's Joro has achieved significant success since its release in September 2019, both in Nigeria and on the international stage. In February 2022, it was certified Gold in Canada by Music Canada, recognizing over 40,000 units sold.[4] In the United States, Joro reached another milestone in November 2024, becoming eligible for Gold certification by the RIAA after surpassing 500,000 units in sales.[17][18][19] The track has also accumulated over 125 million streams on Spotify and more than 290 million views on YouTube.[17]

On a global scale, Joro has been instrumental in amplifying the reach of Afrobeats, highlighting the genre's growing influence on the international music landscape. It played a significant role in establishing Wizkid as one of Africa's most certified/best-selling artists, with numerous certifications across major music markets.[20]

Certifications

Certifications for Joro
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[21] Gold 40,000‡
France (SNEP)[22] Gold 100,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[23] Platinum 20,000‡
Belgium (BEA)[24] Gold 20,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[25] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[26] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Accolades

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2020 The Headies 2020 Best Pop Single Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated
Song of The Year Nominated

Music video

Georgia Curtis appears spellbound by a red light.

The music video for Wizkid's "Joro" was directed by South African filmmaker Adriaan Louw, known for his visually compelling storytelling. The video features a striking interplay of vibrant colors and dramatic lighting, enhancing the song's hypnotic Afrobeat rhythm. Shot in various locations, the video uses symbolic imagery to evoke themes of love, passion, and cultural pride, with Wizkid delivering his sultry lyrics against the backdrop of moody, candle-lit settings.[27]

A standout element of the video is its narrative centered on a model Georgia Curtis who appears spellbound by a red light, symbolizing the intoxicating effect of Wizkid's music.[28] The visuals highlight dance as an expression of emotion, with dynamic choreography complementing the rhythmic beats of the track. Wizkid's portrayal exudes charisma, blending seamlessly into the mystique of the storyline.[27] Upon its release, the "Joro" music video broke records in Nigeria, amassing nearly 10 million views within the first month.[3] As of 2024, the video has garnered over 291 million views on YouTube, solidifying its status as one of the most-watched African music videos. The video was also recognized at The Headies Award 2020, earning nominations for Best Music Video and Song of the Year.[5]

Controversy

The release of Wizkid's "Joro" was accompanied by a public dispute between Wizkid and producer Northboi, who crafted the track. He accused Wizkid of threatening him with a gun over contractual disputes.[29][30] Northboi alleged that Wizkid failed to properly credit and compensate him for his contributions, including "Joro" and other songs like "Fever."[31] This accusation sparked widespread discussion in the Nigerian music industry about the treatment of producers and their role in the creative process. Northboi further criticized Wizkid for allegedly being reluctant to pay for the beats he produced. The disagreement highlighted ongoing issues of recognition and fair compensation for producers within the Nigerian music ecosystem.[32]

References

  1. ^ "Wizkid Drops New Single 'Joro' - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  2. ^ "Wizkid drops new single "Joro"". The FADER. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  3. ^ a b "Wizkid's 'Joro' achieves milestones within one month of release | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  4. ^ a b "Wizkid's 'Joro' gets certified Gold in Canada | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  5. ^ a b "Headies nominations: Burna Boy, Davido, Fireboy, Wizkid get plenty nominations for Headies award 2020". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  6. ^ "Wizkid releases cover of new single Joro". Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  7. ^ "Wizkid Stirs Interest With Joro Artwork – Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2019-06-22. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  8. ^ Falade, Faderera (2019-09-27). "Wizkid Reveals When His New Song Will Be Released". Naija News. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  9. ^ "Wizkid shares release date of new single Joro". Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  10. ^ "Twitter reacts as Wizkid releases, 'Joro' | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  11. ^ "Twitter reacts as Wizkid releases, 'Joro' | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  12. ^ "Wizkid Kicks Off Nigerian Independence Day With New Song And Video 'Joro'". Essence. 2020-11-03. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  13. ^ "Wizkid releases, 'Joro' | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  14. ^ "Wizkid strikes again with smooth music video 'Joro'". PAM - Pan African Music. 2019-10-03. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  15. ^ a b "Interview: Wizkid on Pushing Nigerian Music Forward - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  16. ^ Alake, Motolani. "Northboi opens up on how he produced 'Joro' and Wizkid's reluctance to pay for beats [Interview] | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  17. ^ a b David, Obed (2024-11-02). "Wizkid's 'Joro' hits new milestone in America". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  18. ^ Clifford, Elizabeth (2024-11-05). "Wizkid's 'Joro' reaches 500,000 units sold in US, eligible for RIAA gold". NotjustOk. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  19. ^ "Wizkid's 'Joro' becomes reaches new milestone in the United States | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  20. ^ Muse, The (2024-11-08). "Wizkid's 'Joro' Hits New Milestone with RIAA Certification Eligibility". Urban Juice. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  21. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Wizkid – Joro". Music Canada. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  22. ^ "French single certifications – Wizkid – Joro" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  23. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Joro')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  24. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2023". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
  25. ^ "British single certifications – Wizkid – Joro". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
  26. ^ "American single certifications – Wizkid – Joro". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  27. ^ a b Native, The (2019-10-02). "The video for Wizkid's "Joro" celebrates his music's irresistible allure". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  28. ^ "Wizkid Startles with 'Joro' – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  29. ^ Soundcity (2019-10-06). "Northboi says Wizkid threatened him with a gun, denied him publishing for 'Joro'". Soundcity. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  30. ^ "Northboi opens up on how he produced 'Joro' and Wizkid's reluctance to pay for beats [Interview] | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  31. ^ "Video Northboi Talks Wizkid's Reluctance To Pay For Beats, Joro & More". Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  32. ^ Samuel, Olajide (2019-10-20). "Why I called out Wizkid- Northboi". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
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