Sarz — Protect Sarz At All Costs: A statement.

When a producer who has crafted many of Afrobeats’ most iconic tracks—ranging from Wizkid’s crossover successes to Lojay’s breakout releases—steps into the foreground, anticipation leans toward grandeur. Protect Sarz At All Costs delivers; it’s a meticulously curated, feature‑rich declaration from Osabuohien “Sarz” Osaretin that casts him not merely as the mastermind behind the hits but as a builder of Afrobeats’ forthcoming wave.

Big picture: what this album is and why it matters

Protect Sarz At All Costs is the long‑awaited full‑length producer album from Sarz—a 10‑12 track collection (varying by platform) released in late September 2025—that reads as a worldwide Rolodex of collaborators: Wizkid, Asake, Gunna, Ayra Starr, Victony, Wurld, Skillibeng, among others. The launch was cinematic: official tracklist announcements, social media teasers, and prominent playlist placements from day one. Together these tactics transform the record from a mere novelty producer effort into a meticulously orchestrated Afrobeats showcase.

The sound — cinematic, rhythmic and endlessly adaptive

Where Sarz’s earlier hallmark was a sharp, percussive foundation behind other artists’ vocals, this time he expands into richer textures: choir swells, dancehall stabs, trap‑inspired hi‑hats, and orchestral flourishes that lend the album a widescreen aura. The first track, “Grateful” (feat. Wurld & the Ndlovu Youth Choir), immediately showcases that ambition—a grand, almost cinematic opening that feels like a producer’s overture. Throughout the record, Sarz alternates club‑ready beats with intimate R&B nuances, giving each collaborator a distinct niche within his sonic landscape.

Standout track: “Getting Paid” (ft. Asake, Wizkid, Skillibeng)

Listeners and chart data alike point to “Getting Paid” as the album’s immediate standout. Within 12 hours of release it already sits at No. 3 on the Apple Music NG Top Songs chart; the track’s star‑laden lineup—Asake’s buoyant energy, Wizkid’s seasoned entry, and Skillibeng’s raw dancehall flair—offers a blend that feels both commercial and kinetic. Early chart climbs and social buzz reveal the song rising and inspiring reaction videos across platforms; critics and fans are debating whether Wizkid’s verse is the highlight or if the track’s infectious groove is a product of the collective momentum of all three. That combination—star power plus a hook‑laden Sarz beat—mirrors the album’s core ethos.

Features that elevate — and a few surprises

A clear curatorial skill shines through: Sarz selects collaborators who enhance the sonic atmosphere instead of merely piling names for clicks. “Happiness” (Asake + Gunna) oscillates between Afrobeats swagger and an Atlanta‑inflected rhythm; “Grateful” employs a choir to elevate the emotional stakes; Victony’s feature on “Up” becomes an earworm that’s just as radio‑friendly as it is playlist‑friendly. The album’s breadth—dancehall, Afropop, gospel‑tinged choir passages, and straight‑up club bangers—keeps it from devolving into a one‑dimensional producer record.

Early reception: charts, tweets and hot takes

From social media to streaming charts, the album has sparked instant dialogue. Sarz’s own announcements and the record’s prominent placement on major streaming playlists propelled it to a high debut on Nigerian album charts and pushed singles into the Top 50/Top 100 on Apple Music Nigeria. Twitter/X and reaction channels oscillate between enthusiastic praise (fans lauding the production prowess and guest collaborations) and sharper critique—particularly some observers claiming that high‑profile guests occasionally outshine the producer’s own presence. That divide itself is revealing: an album that incites such debate has firmly positioned itself at the cultural epicenter.

Production notes — what Sarz proves here

Sarz has long been a technician; on Protect Sarz At All Costs he demonstrates storytelling prowess. The track order is intentional—cinematic opener, club‑centric middle, reflective closer—and subtle production touches (a choir here, an unexpected clave there) reward repeated listens. The record also serves as a showcase of contemporary Afrobeats production potential: partnering global guests while preserving rhythmic identity; blending acoustic and synthetic textures; and crafting a producer‑led album that still feels like a unified artistic statement.

Criticisms & caveats

No release of this magnitude is without flaws. Some critics contend that certain features come across as safe commercial