When Wizard Chan and Joeboy first collaborated on Loner (Alone) off the former’s debut project, The Messenger, the effortlessness of their chemistry was immediately evident. Despite their contrasting styles, both artists complement each other beautifully, a synergy that carries through on follow-up collaborations like Heal on Healers Chapel and I’ll Be Okay on Viva La Vida. In a review of the latter published on African Folder, this writer suggested that both artists further explore this dynamic in the form of an eight-track EP.
On March 18, 2026, the duo released their joint project, Agaba Romantic. While it falls just one track short of the eight-track affair previously envisioned, it still offers a satisfying exploration of their effortless chemistry. The project sees both artists merge the core elements of their distinct artistries: Wizard Chan brings the musical intentionality and cultural depth that define his work, while Joeboy supplies the romance. Together, they deliver a compelling blend that captures the best of both worlds.
The duo immerse themselves in smooth Highlife guitars on the opening record, conveying the comfort of a relationship that feels like home. Through compelling songwriting, the duo, assisted by the talented Braye, paints a picture of a romantic paradise tied to the presence of their partner, with her absence swiftly followed by disorientation and darkness. In a world where the common sentiment is that there is a dearth of yearners, the trio embody true yearners, delivering a record built around longing and dependence.
The Highlife cut 100 Metres is unrestrained joy as the duo capture the feeling of being swept off balance, while Woman offers a modern take on Konto as they try to win over a woman he finds attractive and captivating. Joeboy attempts to affirm his loyalty with lines like “Papi dey with you for life” while Wizard Chan conveys the depth of his attraction through imagery and metaphors.
On the Reggae Love Sick Crazy, the duo deliver a record about the all-consuming nature of romantic devotion. Joined by Qing Madi, who delivers a performance that elevates the record, they express a deep commitment to one person, described as a once-in-a-lifetime connection.
The project shifts away from it’s heavy romance themes to more introspective matters. South-South indigenous gyration forms the sonic architecture of Lazarus, a motivational anthem of of survival and resilience. “A winner is a loser that kept trying” sings Wizard Chan as he attempts to pass a message a that continuing to try makes you a winner in disguise. The already released Loner (alone) surprisingly finds a place on this album. While surprising, it’s placement on this album makes sense tactically and sonically. It’s a hit collaboration that has the potential to reach more ears while travelling on the vehicle of this project while it’s slow-burning, mid-tempo rhythm fits the overall nature of this project.
Forever, a motivational record about persistence and spiritual grounding, closes out the project.
This project offers everything one could ask for from a collaboration of this magnitude. Two kindred spirits making music for the love of it. Their chemistry shines remarkably as they combine strong elements of their distinct styles to great effect. The project offers sonic and thematic diversity held up by rich melodies, strong songwriting and suitable production. Despite its diverse production styles, the project achieves cohesion thanks to fine sequencing that tells a two-act story of romantic immersion (Fall back in your arms, Woman, Love Sick Crazy, and 100 Meters) and self-definition ( Loner, Lazarus and Forever) tied together by the consistent artistic chemistry of Wizard Chan and Joeboy.
