- Source: Joro (Wizkid song)
"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.
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. In 2022, the track received Gold certification in Canada, signifying over 40,000 units sold in sales. 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.
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. This announcement followed weeks of anticipation, as he had previously hinted at new music in the lead-up to Nigeria’s Independence Day. 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.
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.
"Joro" was released on October 1, 2019, strategically timed to coincide with Nigeria's Independence Day, emphasizing Wizkid's pride in his cultural heritage. The song was one of the lead singles for his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos.
Concept and inspiration
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, 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.
"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. 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.
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. 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. The track has also accumulated over 125 million streams on Spotify and more than 290 million views on YouTube.
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.
Certifications
Accolades
Credits and personnel
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Made in Lagos.
Primary Artist:
Wizkid
Songwriter(s):
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid)
Onozutu Ezra Enesi
Producer:
NorthBoi
Mixing and Mastering:
STG – mixing enginee
Record Label:
Starboy Entertainment
RCA
Additional Credits:
Video Director: Adriaan Louw
Production Design: Starboy Entertainment Team
Music video
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.
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. 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. Upon its release, the "Joro" music video broke records in Nigeria, amassing nearly 10 million views within the first month. 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.
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. Northboi alleged that Wizkid failed to properly credit and compensate him for his contributions, including "Joro" and other songs like "Fever." 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.