{{Infobox album | name = Sad Romance | type = studio | artist = CKay | cover = Sad Romance.jpg | alt = | released = 23 September 2022 | recorded = | studio = | genre = Afrobeats | length = 37:10 | label = * Warner Music Africa | producer = {{hlist|CKay|P2J|Christer|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|BMH|Charlie Handsome|Hoskins|Ramoni|Abidoza|Sarz|Blaisebeatz}} | prev_title = | prev_year = | year = 2022 | next_title = Emotions | next_year = 2024 | misc = {{Singles | name = Sad Romance | type = studio | single1 = Emiliana | single1date = 3 December 2021 | single2 = Watawi | single2date = 17 June 2022 | single3 = You | single3date = 26 August 2022 | single4 = Mmadu | single4date = 21 September 2022 }} }}
'''''Sad Romance''''' is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer CKay. It was released by Warner Music Africa on 23 September 2022. The album features guest appearances from Ayra Starr, Davido, Focalistic, Abidoza, Mayra Andrade, and Ronisia, and was executive produced by CKay. Following the release of the album CKay embarked on the Sad Romance North America Tour (2022).<ref name="Pulse Nigeria">{{Cite news |last1=Adebiyi |first1=Adeayo |title=Ckay drops dates for 'Sad Romance' North America Album Tour |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/ckay-drops-dates-for-sad-romance-north-america-album-tour/dvg7ydc |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en |date=24 August 2022}}</ref>
It was produced primarily by CKay, with production from P2J, Christer, Abayomi Ilerioluwa, BMH, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Ramoni, Abidoza, Sarz, and Blaisebeatz. The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Lyrically, ''Sad Romance'' communicates with elements associate with love, lust, commitment, pleasure, and pain. The album was supported with a bonus track titled "Love Nwantiti".
==Background and promotion== On 3 November 2021, CKay spoke to ''Billboard'' writer Darlene Aderoju about his upcoming album. He stated that he wanted to collaborate with R&B artists like SZA, Summer Walker, and Chris Brown, as well as pop stars like Chris Martin and Billie Eilish,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Aderoju |first=Darlene |title=Chartbreaker: Inside CKay's Global Success With a Years-Old Hit |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ckay-love-nwantiti-chartbreaker-november-2021/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=3 November 2021}}</ref> and said: "My album is going to be my best work because I’m going to put my whole soul and essence into it."<ref>{{cite web |title="My Album is Going to Be My Best Work Yet" - CKay Tells Billboard |url=https://notjustok.com/news/ckay-discusses-new-album-on-billboard-chartbreaker/ |website=NotjustOk |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=4 November 2021}}</ref> He tweet on 22 May 2022, "My album will make history".<ref>{{Cite news |title=My album'll make history, Ckay boasts |url=https://punchng.com/my-albumll-make-history-ckay-boasts/ |newspaper=The Punch|access-date=7 November 2022 |date=25 May 2022}}</ref>
Speaking with ''Guardian Life'' magazine, CKay said, "My music is greatly inspired by how I'm feeling at the moment. If I've just broken up, that is what you're going to hear, the vibe of someone that's dealing with heartbreak; and if I'm in an emotional place, you’re going to hear it in the music."<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ckay Teases Debut Album 'Sad Romance' |url=https://guardian.ng/life/ckay-teases-debut-album-sad-romance/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=7 November 2022 |date=23 August 2022}}</ref> He released "You"<ref>{{cite web |last1=Esomnofu |first1=Emmanuel |title=Best New Music: CKay embodies the sad thrill of toxic relationship on "you" |url=http://thenativemag.com/best-new-music-ckay-you/ |website=The NATIVE |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=30 August 2022}}</ref> and "Mmadu"<ref>{{Cite news |title=DOWNLOAD: Ckay gushes over lover in 'Mmadu' |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/download-ckay-mmadu/ |newspaper=TheCable|access-date=7 November 2022 |date=21 September 2022}}</ref> as promotional singles ahead of the release of ''Sad Romance''. On 24 August 2022, CKay announced tour dates for Sad Romance North America Tour to begin on 1 October and end on 28 October 2022.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria" />
==Release== In late 2021, CKay released "Emiliana", following the success of his sleeper hit "Love Nwantiti", which earned him his first ''Billboard'' chart entry. On 1 April 2022, he released the music video for "Emiliana", directed by Ahmed Mosh.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ideozu |first1=Thelma |title=CKay Continues Winning Streak With Release of New 'Emiliana' Video |url=https://culturecustodian.com/ckay-continues-winning-streak-with-release-of-new-emiliana-video/ |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=1 April 2022}}</ref> "Emiliana" peaked at number one for seven consecutive weeks on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.<ref name="UK Afrobeats">{{cite web |title=Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/afrobeats-chart/20211212/afrobeat/ |website=www.officialcharts.com |access-date=30 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> On 6 December 2021, it was named song of the day by ''The Native'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Songs of the Day: New Music from Guchi, Zlatan, DJ Spinall & More |url=https://thenativemag.com/songs-of-the-day-guchi-zlatan-spinall/ |website=The NATIVE |access-date=30 December 2021 |date=6 December 2021}}</ref> It debuted at number forty-four on the ''TurnTable'' Top 50 on 13 December,<ref name="Turntable charts">{{cite web |title=Turntable Top 50 |url=https://turntablecharts.com/Charts/Top50 |publisher=TurnTable charts |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128232425/https://turntablecharts.com/Charts/Top50 |archive-date=2022-01-28 }}</ref> and reached number five on 24 January 2022.<ref name="Turntable charts" /> On 29 March 2022, the track debuted at number ten on the newly launched Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Cusson |first1=Michael |title=Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-u-s-afrobeats-songs/2022-03-29/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=29 March 2022}}</ref>
On 17 June 2022, CKay released "Watawi", accompanied by a music video directed by Dalia Dias in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch Latest English Official Music Video Song 'Watawi' Sung By CKay Featuring Davido, Focalistic And Abidoza {{!}} English Video Songs - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/english/watch-latest-english-official-music-video-song-watawi-sung-by-ckay-featuring-davido-focalistic-and-abidoza/videoshow/92388771.cms |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 26 June 2022, the record peaked at number six on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=UK Afrobeats Singles Chart |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/afrobeats-chart/20220626/afrobeat/ |website=www.officialcharts.com |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 28 June 2022, "Watawi" debuted at number 13 on the Nigeria ''TurnTable'' Top 50<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Moore |title=TurnTable Top 50: Asake scores another No. 1 with "Peace Be Unto You" |url=https://thenativemag.com/asake-pbuy-turntable-top-50/ |website=The NATIVE |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=28 June 2022}}</ref> and number 21 on the US ''Billboard'' Afrobeats Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Cusson |first1=Michael |title=Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-u-s-afrobeats-songs/2022-07-02/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=7 November 2022 |date=29 March 2022}}</ref> In 2022, "Watawi" was shortlisted on ''OkayAfrica'' Heat of the Week.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 6 Songs You Need to Hear This Week |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/afrobeats-songs-davido-ckay-tekno/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=29 June 2022 |language=en |date=24 June 2022}}</ref>
===Deluxe edition=== On 5 May 2023, CKay released "HALLELUJAH", featuring ex-label mate Blaqbonez,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Omenye |first1=Alex |title=Ckay, Blaqbonez Give Thanks to God In "Hallelujah" |url=https://culturecustodian.com/ckay-blaqbonez-give-thanks-to-god-in-hallelujah/ |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |access-date=16 June 2023 |date=8 May 2023}}</ref> as the first single off the deluxe studio album. On 20 May 2023, "HALLELUJAH" debuted at number 26 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Cusson |first1=Michael |title=Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-u-s-afrobeats-songs/2023-05-20/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 June 2023 |date=29 March 2022}}</ref> Which eventually earned Blaqbonez his first career debut on the chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blaqbonez Records His First Debut On The Billboard Charts |url=https://notjustok.com/news/blaqbonez-records-his-first-debut-on-the-billboard-charts/ |website=NotjustOk |access-date=16 June 2023 |date=18 May 2023}}</ref> On 5 June 2023, "HALLELUJAH" peaked at number 9 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 chart.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official Nigeria Top 100 |url=https://www.turntablecharts.com/charts/1 |website=TurnTable Charts |publisher=TurnTable |access-date=16 June 2023}}</ref> On 10 June 2023, he announced #HallelujahOpenVerse challenge and promise to award 2 winners $2500 each.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Arunaye |first1=Newton |title=Download CKay – "Hallelujah (Open Verse) Instrumental", Join #HallelujahOpenVerse To Win $2500 |url=https://legit9ja.com/2023/06/download-ckay-hallelujah-open-verse-instrumental-join.html |website=LEGIT9JA |access-date=16 June 2023 |date=13 June 2023}}</ref>
On 2 June 2023, CKay released "nwayi",<ref>{{cite web |title=CKay plays the heartbroken heartthrob on "nwayi" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/06/02/ckay-nwayi-sad-romance-deluxe-island |website=The FADER |access-date=16 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> as the second single off the deluxe studio album. on 16 June 2023, he released the deluxe studio album for ''Sad Romance'',<ref name="BellaNaija">{{cite web |title=CKay releases Highly Anticipated Deluxe Edition of "Sad Romance" |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/06/ckay-sad-romance-deluxe/ |website=BellaNaija |access-date=16 June 2023 |date=16 June 2023}}</ref> produced primarily by CKay, along with production from BMH, Sakhile, and Magicsticks. The deluxe edition features guest appearances from Blaqbonez, Joeboy, and Tekno.<ref name="BellaNaija" />
==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | align=right | rev1 = ''Pulse Nigeria'' | rev1Score = 8.0/10 | rev2 = ''The Native'' | rev2Score = 7.7/10 | rev3 = Afrocritik | rev3score = 7.1/10<ref name=Afro/> }} ''Sad Romance'' received generally positive reviews from music critics. In a review for ''Pulse Nigeria'', Adeayo Adebiyi said that ''Sad Romance'' "is a nice album created with the intention of consolidating CKay's success abroad and reinstating his status has a sound connoisseur in Afrobeats. However, as far as Afrobeats goes, Afro-Emo is not a mainstream sound and it's uncertain just how much this project can change that."<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 1">{{Cite news |last1=Adebiyi |first1=Adeayo |title=CKay explores Love, Pleasure, and Pain in 'Sad Romance' [Pulse Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-review-of-ckays-sad-romance-album/8s540j0 |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en |date=28 September 2022}}</ref> In a review for ''The Native'', Dennis Ade Peter said "There will always be a question of whether CKay played it a little too safe on his debut LP, the ultimate context of the album is in its contribution to any mythos the singer and producer might hope to have, beyond the ubiquity of a few singles. ''Sad Romance'' doesn't deliver the sort of romance-themed tragedy you might want to glean from the title, just a few tragic moments and more blue-eyed ones that help bolster CKay as one of the best troubadours working in Nigerian pop today."<ref name="The NATIVE">{{cite web |last1=Peter |first1=Dennis Ade |title=Review: Ckay's 'Sad Romance' |url=https://thenativemag.com/featured/review-ckays-sad-romance/ |website=The NATIVE |access-date=7 November 2022}}</ref> Emmanuel Daraloye of Afrocritik noted that "[a] listen through this LP would obliterate doubts of willful naysayers."<ref name=Afro>{{cite web|url=https://www.afrocritik.com/ckay-solidifies-with-sad-romance-lp/|title=CKay solidifies his impressive growth with ''Sad Romance'' lp|date=9 October 2022|website=AfroCritik|access-date=31 December 2022|first=Emmanuel|last=Daraloye}}</ref>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = ''Sad Romance'' standard edition | extra_column = Producer(s) | title_width = 30% | writing_width = 40% | extra_width = 100%
| title1 = You | writer1 = Chukwuka Ekweani | extra1 = Christer | length1 = 2:55
| title2 = Mmadu | writer2 = Ekweani | extra2 = {{hlist|CKay|P2J}} | length2 = 3:14
| title3 = Leave Me Alone | writer3 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|Charlie Handsome|Hoskins}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|Charlie Handsome|Hoskins}} | length3 = 2:54
| title4 = You Cheated, I Cheated Too | writer4 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|Jonathan Awote-Mensah}} | extra4 = {{hlist|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|CKay}} | length4 = 2:12
| title5 = Come Close | note5 = featuring Ayra Starr | writer5 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe|Raymond Inana}} | extra5 = {{hlist|CKay|Ramoni}} | length5 = 3:27
| title6 = Watawi | note6 = featuring Davido, Focalistic, and Abidoza | writer6 = {{hlist|Ekweani|David Adeleke|Lethabo Sebetso|Amogelang Chabangu}} | extra6 = Abidoza | length6 = 4:48
| title7 = Soja | writer7 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Osabuohien Osaretin}} | extra7 = Sarz | length7 = 2:50
| title8 = Samson and Delilah | note8 = featuring Mayra Andrade | writer8 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Mayra Andrade}} | extra8 = CKay | length8 = 3:12
| title9 = By Now | writer9 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Marcel Akunwata}} | extra9 = Blaisebeatz | length9 = 2:44
| title10 = Emiliana | writer10 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Bolatito Obisanya}} | extra10 = {{hlist|Tempoe|CKay|BMH}} | length10 = 2:44
| title11 = Lose You | note11 = featuring Ronisia | writer11 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Abayomi Ilerioluwa|Le Marabout|Varso|Diakite Mohamed Cedric Malick}} | extra11 = Abayomi Ilerioluwa | length11 = 3:06
}} {{Track listing | headline = Bonus | extra_column = Producer(s) | title_width = 30% | writing_width = 40% | extra_width = 100% | total_length = 37:10
| title12 = Love Nwantiti (acoustic version) | writer12 = Ekweani | extra12 = CKay | length12 = 3:04
}}
===Sad Romance (Deluxe)=== {{Track listing | headline = Deluxe edition | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 12:07 | title_width = 30% | writing_width = 40% | extra_width = 100%
| title13 = capture my soul | note13 = featuring Joeboy | writer13 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Joseph Akinwale}} | extra13 = {{hlist|CKay|BMH}} | length13 = 3:31
| title14 = nwayi | writer14 = Ekweani | extra14 = {{hlist|CKay|BMH}} | length14 = 3:04
| title15 = NNEKA | note15 = featuring Tekno | writer15 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Augustine Miles Kelechi}} | extra15 = {{hlist|Sakhile|CKay}} | length15 = 3:15
| title16 = HALLELUJAH | note16 = featuring Blaqbonez | writer16 = {{hlist|Ekweani|Emeka Akumefule}} | extra16 = Magicsticks | length16 = 2:17 }}
== Accolades == {| class="wikitable" !Year !Awards ceremony !Category !Result !Ref. |- |rowspan="1" |2023 |29th South African Music Awards |Rest Of Africa Artist |{{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |title=SAMAs 2023: All the winners |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/samas-2023-all-winners |website=Music In Africa |access-date=14 December 2023 |language=en |date=18 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Maako |first1=Compiled by Keitumetse |title=AKA, K.O lead Sama 2023 nominees as show heads to KZN |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/aka-ko-lead-sama-2023-nominees-as-show-heads-to-kzn-20231003 |magazine=Life |access-date=3 October 2023}}</ref> |}
==Charts== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center" |+ Chart performance for ''Sad Romance'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2022) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|France|88|artist=CKay|album=Sad Romance|rowheader=true|accessdate=November 7, 2022}} |- ! scope="row"| Nigeria Albums (''TurnTable'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Nigeria Top 50 Albums |url=https://www.turntablecharts.com/charts/2 |website=www.turntablecharts.com |publisher=TurnTable Charts |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref> | 29 |- ! scope="row"| Nigeria Alternative Albums (''TurnTable'')<ref>{{cite web |last1=Oriowo |first1=Ayomide |title=No. 1 on the Different Album Genre Charts This Week |url=https://www.turntablecharts.com/news/652 |website=www.turntablecharts.com |publisher=TurnTable |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> | 1 |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{CKay}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2022 debut albums Category:Igbo-language albums Category:Soul albums by Nigerian artists Category:Afro pop music albums Category:Albums produced by Blaisebeatz Category:Albums produced by Bigfish Category:CKay albums