AZIZZ’s "INAMORATA" Is the Afro-Fusion Album That Redefines Modern Romance

AZIZZ’s new album INAMORATA is a robust, soul-soaked offering that sits somewhere between romance and reality. Raised in Lagos and based in Chicago, AZIZZ draws from both worlds to craft a deeply personal and culturally resonant record. With elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and Afro-fusion, this project offers a refreshing take on modern intimacy.

INAMORATA does not rely on hype or gimmicks. It invites listeners into AZIZZ’s world with grace and sincerity. Each track feels like a page from a handwritten journal. The melodies are smooth and hypnotic. The lyrics reflect vulnerability and self-awareness. And the production is luxurious without ever feeling overdone. Throughout the album, AZIZZ explores every facet of love. Not just romance but everything that surrounds it. Lust. Confusion.

Healing. Gratitude. The project feels like a timeline of emotional growth. Some tracks simmer with sensuality, while others float with a sense of release. Whether it is the burn of obsession or the stillness of companionship, AZIZZ captures it honestly. One of the album’s greatest strengths is its cohesion. The songs are distinct but woven together by a common thread.

From track one to the closer, the energy builds naturally. Vocals remain front and center, with harmonies and rhythms that enhance the emotion rather than distract from it.AZIZZ’s versatility is clear. He is not boxed into a single vibe or tempo. Instead, he moves freely between softness and confidence. This is an artist who understands his voice, both musically and emotionally. INAMORATA is more than an album. It is a statement of intention.

It showcases AZIZZ’s artistic identity and hints at a global trajectory. In a genre that often chases trends, AZIZZ is building something timeless.

INAMORATA is a very emotionally layered project. What sparked the idea for the album?

Man, this is a great question. My lady, of course, these are just ballads that I wrote in honor of her because she’s really a genuine and dope person that offers a lot to the world. I would say unknowingly, movies probably played a role too. I’m a big movie person, and I wasn’t always a fan of Rom-coms like that. But that changed after watching a few really good ones. The one that comes to mind at the moment is “Ghost of my girlfriend's past” with Mathew McConaughey. Man, it was so good! Probably a bit cheesy, but I still love it. That made me realize love sometimes isn’t a linear path; it can be topsy-turvy.

You explore so many different moods on this record. How did you choose which stories to tell?

With this approach, I chose to go with things that felt natural to me. An example of that would be my song Gorgeous. That whole song was built on reassurance, because women need that sometimes. So I approached the album from an angle of paying attention to my surroundings and visualizing what black love looks like. That may look different for everyone, but this is just how I see it in her. I specifically tailored some songs around love languages (Piece of Me, Yes Indeed) because I knew it would draw people in, and they might relate to the feeling of yearning for someone to love or to be loved.

The fusion of Afrobeats and R&B feels seamless. What artists or sounds inspired this direction?

So this answer is a bit long lol but I’ll say it started in Nigeria for sure. I think Wande Coal did it for a lot of me and my friends; he was just superior. If we take it further back, I’ll say Styl Plus as well. This is one of my favorite “boy bands” from Nigeria. Their song Olufunmi definitely went triple platinum in the streets. Now if we switch over to the US, it would be Chris brown, T-Pain, Brent Faiyaz, The Weeknd, Drake, and just a whole lot of 90s R&B to be honest. I always felt like the merger of Afrobeats and R&B was right for me because I get to put a twist on Afrobeats with my own flavor. I do other things as well, but this is definitely my bread and butter because of my songwriting ability.

What was the most challenging track to finish and why?

So I wouldn’t say any track was overly difficult for me because I always approach music from an angle of fun. I love to enjoy myself while making music. They were fairly easy to write and record. Me and my guy, Ro Moore, and I at Feature Form Studios have a pretty good synergy, so we work well together. I will say the hook of “Piece of me” was a bit difficult because I wanted to sing everything in one take lol, but I had to do it in 2, because that made it sound more relaxed and controlled.

What do you hope this album says about who you are as an artist and as a man?

I hope this album lets people know that there are many layers to Azizz as an artist, and talking about love and intimacy will always be a topic I enjoy. I hope you take something away from it, even if you just like one song. That’s ok with me. I hope this album sparks a new love interest in someone’s life or rekindles an old flame. And what do I hope this album says about me as a man? I’m going to quote Rock Steady for this one: “You know imma a lover, not a fighter” lol. Just kidding, I hope this album speaks for me as a man that it’s okay to want love and have the wisdom to hold onto it when it finds you.