Sarz, best known as the producer behind the Afrobeats smash “Monalisa” with Lojay (later joined by Chris Brown), has revealed the official tracklist for his upcoming album Protect Sarz at All Costs—and it is stacked.
The project, set to arrive on Sep. 26, brings Sarz back together with Asake and Wizkid, while also introducing a new collaboration with dancehall artist Skillibeng on a track called “Getting Paid.” A fresh wave of rising voices fill the lineup on “Mademoiselle,” which features Rolling Stone Future 25 artist Odumodublvck, Shallipopi of “Laho” fame, Francophone singer Theodora (spotlighted in July’s Made in Africa column), and Lebanese-American-Canadian vocalist Zenia, who has previously worked with Sarz on “Times Two” and “Hesitiate.” The album also includes contributions from Wurld, Ndlovu Choir, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Teni, Libianca, and Victony. The full tracklist can be seen below.
Protect Sarz at All Costs will also highlight already-released singles, including “Happiness” with Asake and Gunna, which landed at Number 14 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2024, as well as “Billions” featuring Lojay, which dropped earlier this year.
“When I started working on this album, I didn’t just want features for the sake of names,” Sarz explained to Rolling Stone. “I wanted voices that would elevate the vision. Every artist on Protect Sarz at All Costs brings something deeply personal and distinct to the table. It had to feel right sonically and spiritually. Some collaborations came from years of chemistry, others were brand new sparks. What excites me most is seeing fans discover who’s on each track and hearing how seamlessly these worlds collide. It’s not just a lineup. It’s a global conversation through music.”
Born Osabuohien Osaretin, Sarz has shaped the sound of Afrobeats with unforgettable productions like Niniola’s “Maradona,” Mr Eazi’s Accra to Lagos, and “Trobul” with Wurld. He also helped carry the genre beyond Africa’s borders, contributing as a composer on Beyoncé’s “Find Your Way Back” and Drake’s “One Dance” with Wizkid and Kyla, alongside Nineteen85, 40, and DJ Maphorisa.
His creative relationship with Wizkid has spanned more than a decade, from 2014’s “Jaiye Jaiye” with Femi Kuti, to 2017’s “Come Closer” with Drake, to 2020’s “Longtime.” Beyond his own catalog, Sarz has invested in the next generation of talent through his Sarz Academy initiative, where he has mentored emerging producers and industry creatives. Kel-P, who has since become a top Afrobeats producer himself, credits Sarz as an important mentor in his career.
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