African Fresh Picks
It’s the end of March, and suddenly it’s already a quarter of the way through 2025. How did that happen? We’re not sure, but there’s been plenty of good music from Africa to get us through so far.
After collaborating with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and renowned Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz, Jorja Smith gets (back) together with South African DJ/producers Major League Djz on the hypnotic Afro house banger “Come With Me.” And alté producer Genio Bambino has been helping rising Nigerian stars from DEELA to Moyoswlrd cultivate their sound — with the latter recently releasing her eclectic eight-track EP First Ep!c.
Not only that, but a couple of veterans return with new albums — particularly Ruger and Joeboy, both of whom have singles that made the cut this month — while now-reliable hitmakers Khaid and Young Jonn also put out new tracks worth hearing.
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We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and enjoy some springtime tunes with our Spotify playlist below.
NSG, “A.L.Y.B.H.B.”
British Afroswing collective NSG knows we’re about to be outside bumping “A.L.Y.B.H.B.,” from its latest album The Big 6. The irresistible track’s singalong “hey, ho!” and titular “act like you’ve been here before!” chants, paired with LP producer 4Play’s groovy, sun-soaked rhythm, is sure to become the next go-to banger at day parties this spring and summer.
Efosa & Sparbz, “SKIN”
British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Efosa and his right-hand producer/manager Sparbz heat things up again on their latest sexy number “SKIN.” “Your waistline tells a story/ Whine on me till the night’s complete/ Lemme whisper in your ear/ ‘Baby, leave with me,’” Efosa croons in the second verse. His soothing voice draws listeners dangerously close, while Sparbz’s spine-chilling synth riffs heighten the erotic sensation.
Moyoswrld, Mofe. & Genio Bambino, “Pocket Money”
Alté artist Moyoswrld links with one of the scene’s most esteemed producers, Genio Bambino, and viral “Prince of Egypt” singer Mofe. on the kaleidoscopic “Pocket Money” cut from her latest EP First Ep!c. Moyoswlrd and Mofe. swap verses about being deep in their bag over Genio and Zamir’s frenetic production, characterized by laser beam-like synths and a booming bassline that makes listeners feel like they’re zooming through the track’s one-minute, 23-second runtime.
Kelvyn Boy, “Break It”
Ghanaian Afropop star Kelvyn Boy is getting the baddies to “Break It” down for him on this sensual dancefloor-filler. If your name is Ayisha, Kilisha, Amina, Abena, Maria or Monica, you better “go down (break it)” to Anel Worldwide’s bouncy beat, like Kelvyn Boy calls them out to do on the chorus.
Major League DJz feat. Jorja Smith, “Come With Me”
Jorja Smith is no stranger to collaborating with African musicians, from showing off her chemistry with Burna Boy on the sensual “Gum Body” from his 2018 album African Giant and the sweltering 2019 single “Be Honest” to linking with GuiltyBeatz on the slinky “All Of This” in 2021 (which South African DJ/producers like Major League Djz remixed).
So it comes as no surprise that the soulful English singer reunited with Major League Djz on “Come With Me.” The amapiano ambassadors trade their signature sound for an Afro house-focused approach, while Smith anchors the buoyant track with her comforting, resonant vocals. “We knew we wanted to step into the electronic space in a way that still felt authentic to who we are, and this track was the perfect balance,” Major League Djz says in a press release, adding that the duo had “been wanting to work with Jorja on an original track for a while and now the timing feels perfect.”
Khaid, “FOR YOU”
Still young, Khaid has cornered the market in super-melodic Afropop with a string of extremely catchy singles over the past few years, and “FOR YOU” adds to that lineage with a breezy paean to a lover who remains just out of reach. The song’s video seems to position it as one designed to showcase, or kick off, a dance craze — but the young singer’s vocals are just as enticing, hopefully heralding a new full project from him.
Ruger, “Toro (A Colors Show)”
The “Asiwaju” hitmaker’s voice is one of the most distinctive on the scene right now, with his almost understated delivery sometimes overshadowing his lyricism. But here it’s the overall melodies that shine through, similar to some of his bigger singles, as he leans into the laid-back vibe to croon over the hook rather than delving too deep into the topic of a broken relationship.
Zlatan feat. FOLA, “Get Better”
A contemplative cut that is almost a prayer over the understated production, the track centers largely on FOLA’s plaintive hook, which buffers Zlatan’s more aspirational and energetic verses. The two blend voices effortlessly near the end, and produce another step forward in each of their respective careers.
Joeboy, “Taxi Driver”
Joeboy’s latest album, Viva Lavida, picks up where his 2023 effort Body & Soul left off, showcasing the Nigerian singer’s silky smooth voice and layered vocal production. This track is a standout on what is generally another great album from him, with features from the legend Olamide and rising voice Qing Madi, among others, and this one layers a classic Afrobeats drum pattern with a plodding groove, letting his voice lead the charge.
Young Jonn, “Only Fans”
At this point, the super-producer has fully made the successful transition to leading artist, with his 2024 Jiggy Forever album pulling together the long string of bangers he’s released into one cohesive place last year. “Only Fans” now continues that streak with an almost luxurious new hit, more in the pocket than some of his more uptempo songs like “Sharpally” and “Xtra Cool,” but one that serves as a deserved victory lap given the past decade of Jonn’s work. Performing as an artist now, in addition to his lauded production, he’s here to stay.
African female artists have been killing it this month. A week after Ayra Starr dropped her new single “All the Love,” she became the first African female artist to win best international artist and first female artist to win best African music act in 16 years at the 2025 MOBO Awards. And Tems‘ record-breaking domination continues, with her becoming the first Nigerian to win two Grammys, after taking home the trophy for best African music performance with her “Love Me JeJe” single, becoming the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership when she joined San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner, performing at Aston Martin’s 2025 F1 livery unveiling in London and becoming the first African female artist to have a song hit 1 billion Spotify streams with Future‘s “WAIT FOR U,” also featuring Drake.
Just days after Tems made Spotify history, Tyla became the first unaccompanied African soloist to enter Spotify’s Billions Club with her 2023 breakout smash “Water,” and she’s been making a major foray into the fashion world by covering British Vogue and signing an endorsement deal with Nike. And Qing Madi — who’s been featured on countless publications’ Artists to Watch lists this year, including Billboard‘s — asserts her dominance while diving deeper into the intricate matters of the heart with her debut album I Am the Blueprint. “You can tell that this is coming from a teenager, someone who’s lived a certain life and is trying to open her heart to the public,” she told Billboard in her recent African Rookie of the Month interview.
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British-Nigerian quiet storm icon Sade‘s power remains potent, as Rema sampled “Is it a Crime?” on his latest single “Baby (Is it a Crime),” which he confirmed was coming when he was photographed leaving Amoeba Records in Hollywood, Calif. with the English band’s Promise vinyl. “Baby (Is it a Crime)” peaked at No. 3 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs and No. 4 on World Digital Song Sales.
And there is plenty more that has happened in an action-packed month, with big new singles from the likes of Black Sherif, L.A.X., Shallipopi and an energetic new EP from Seyi Vibez, among others. We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and catch a vibe with our Spotify playlist below.
Rema, “Baby (Is It a Crime)”
Three months after Rema set the internet ablaze with his sizzling snippet of “Baby (Is It a Crime)” — which samples Sade’s 1985 smooth jazz classic “Is it a Crime?” — he finally dropped the full single. Produced by P. Prime, Sade’s soulful, timeless vocals weave in with Rema’s suave, refreshing vocals in this sultry Afrobeats banger as he reminds his lover that he treasures her and will even shower her with treasures (“Buy you a Birkin matching my AP color,” he sings in the third verse). “I’m a huge fan of Sade. I like the peace her vocals give me. I was just in the studio, and I talked to my boy like, ‘Let’s see how we sample some of her stuff.’ Played around with a couple of stuff until we found this one,” the Heis hitmaker told Complex on the 2025 Grammys red carpet.
Qing Madi, “Feeling Alright”
Qing Madi expresses unwavering love on her “Feeling Alright” standout track from her debut album I Am the Blueprint. As a young woman navigating money and fame, Madi reflects how much heedfulness and resilience romance requires over Wademix and Ozediku’s feelgood production. “It’s an anthem about loyalty and the quiet strength found in standing by a friend or significant other, irrespective of the circumstances,” she explained on Instagram.
Beeztrap KOTM, Sarkodie & Kwesi Arthur, “BANG BANG BANG”
Beeztrap KOTM makes the club go “BANG BANG BANG” with fellow Ghanaian rappers Sarkodie and Kwesi Arthur. He interpolates R. Kelly’s 1996 Grammy-winning hit “I Believe I Can Fly” while flaunting his larger-than-life moves, and Sarkodie and Arthur’s distinct flows float over Kwame Agger’s spirited drill production.
Lojay, “Somebody Like You”
Lojay – who earned his first Grammy nomination this year for best African music performance with Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” also featuring Davido – searches for a different kind of validation by chasing “Somebody Like You,” the first single from his forthcoming debut album. His “Monalisa” collaborator Sarz’s sublime Afropop production sets up Lojay’s “Summertime in Abuja” opening line as he reminisces on past heartbreak and clings on to “the hope of healing and finding love again,” he said in a press release.
Ruger, “Jay Jay”
Ruger likens his slick, Lothario schemes to Nigerian football legend Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha’s Machiavellian dribbling and stepover tactics on his new single “Jay Jay.” The Afropop star cautions any girl who’s trying to get with him that he’s only here for a good time, not a long time, especially with the first lyric: “If ah girl worry me, I delete her/ Put her inside the bin bag.” But his right-hand producer Kukbeatz’s playful beat complements Ruger’s tongue-in-cheek bad boy nature.
Seyi Vibez, “SHAOLIN”
The Nigerian street MC returned with an insistent new EP, Children of Africa, and “SHAOLIN” is the undeniable breakout of the set. The track is bursting at the seams with barely-contained energy, a microcosm of his entire career to this point, and it has a frantic video that accompanies it perfectly.
L.A.X., “Lockdown”
L.A.X.’s sound is always defined by its musicality, and the layered guitars and horns on this track continue that tradition. “Lockdown” itself is a song about the highs and lows of love and the depth of emotion that comes with it; as a singer, he’s defining his lane with each release, showcasing a feel for melody that sets him apart from many of his peers.
Black Sherif & Fireboy DML, “So It Goes”
Black Sherif has been on a heater with his singles lately, as he gears up for his forthcoming album IRON BOY, and this collaboration with Fireboy DML softens some of his rougher edges without losing the depth of feeling he manages to convey consistently. Fireboy’s melodic flow complements him perfectly, too, and the hook is a memorable addition to his growing catalog.
ODUMODUBLVCK & Victony, “PITY THIS BOY”
A track that shows off another side of ODUMODUBLVCK, who has so far in his career defined himself through frenetic energy and breakneck verses, “PITY THIS BOY” finds him taking a deep breath and sitting in the pocket more, showcasing the versatility in his flows. And Victony — who broke out with the distinctive earworm “Soweto” in the last few years — helps to underline that vibe; the two have some of the most recognizable voices in the world of African music right now, and this link up puts a spotlight on each of them.
Shallipopi, “Laho”
There’s something sinister yet alluring about the feel of “Laho,” a track that almost oozes and seeps into the consciousness. Shallipopi exudes cool over the beat, not trying to do too much with it, which is what makes the listener keep coming back for more. He’s one of the more creative talents on the scene right now, and just about every release is worth dissecting at this point.
More African artists are coming for the global spotlight in 2025.
Qing Madi, who was featured on Billboard‘s 21 Under 21 list last year and has been featured on Spotify and Genius‘ 2025 Artists to Watch lists, readied fans for her debut album I Am the Blueprint, which dropped Friday (Jan. 31) with her romantic single “Akanchawa” arriving right in time for Valentine’s Day. Darkoo pays homage to P-Square and late 2000s Afrobeats on her new club jam “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club).” And Teni and Black Sherif get in their introspective bag with their new singles “Money” and “Lord I’m Amazed,” respectively.
We’ve also changed the name of our column from “Afrobeats Fresh Picks” to “African Fresh Picks,” to be more inclusive of artists coming out of the continent whose music exists beyond the borders of “Afrobeats.” While we’ve always featured African artists who’ve made alté, amapiano, highlife and more styles of music, we want that to be reflected in the title, too.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and get the new year started with our Spotify playlist below.
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Darkoo, “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club)”
Following her frothy summer banger “Favourite Girl” — which is nominated for song of the year at the 2025 MOBO Awards — British-Nigerian singer Darkoo gets the new year and all the parties started with “Focus on Me (All the Sexy Girls in the Club.)” The infectious waist-whining anthem samples P-Square’s 2009 hit “Gimmie Dat” for a nostalgic Afrobeats vibe, while the accompanying music video pays homage to the iconic Nigerian duo’s 2007 “Do Me” visual.
Qing Madi, “Akanchawa”
Qing Madi is giving all her love to someone special on “Akanchawa,” which arrived before she released her debut album I Am the Blueprint today via JTON Music. “Akanchawa” is an Igbo word meaning “good hands” or “hands that bring good things,” and she’s beyond grateful to have this love come into her life. And Marvey’s mellifluous production enhances the sweetness of the song.
Nasty C, “For Certain”
Nasty C gave his fans “a little gift” at the end of 2024: the sizzling single “For Certain.” The South African rapper touts his cool factor while reflecting on the importance of legacy when he asks, “What is your reason for breathin’?” and “What you go leave when you leavin’?” in the first verse.
Mabel & King Promise, “All Over You”
After collaborating with Afroswing king Kojo Funds and Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif last year, Mabel teams up with Ghanian singer-songwriter King Promise on the tantalizing record “All Over You.” The duo craves an intimate exploration of one another, as Mabel sings, “That pillow talk is talking, please tell me some more/ Hands on mine, skin to skin, eye to eye.” As a fan of Asake’s right-hand producer Magicsticks, Mabel traveled to Lagos to make the song with him, according to a press release, and he makes his signature log drum-infused percussion and compelling crowd vocals loud and clear on “All Over You.”
DeJ Loaf, Runtown & Libianca, “Up Or Down”
Def Loaf recruits Nigerian singer-songwriter Runtown and Cameroonian-American artist Libianca for “Up Or Down.” Producer Cheekychizzy’s pulsating rhythm sets the tone for the topsy-turvy tune, as the Detroit rapper sings about loyally waiting for someone to come back around. Meanwhile, Runtown wants a girl for a good time but not a long time, and Libianca croons about loving someone with commitment issues.
Teni, “Money”
“They say money don’t buy you happiness/ Money can’t buy you love/ Money don’t fill this emptiness/ But I want all the money in the world,” Teni croons on her latest single, a piano ballad that’s a departure from the bops on her fantastic last album, Tears of the Sun. But the stripped-down song instead serves as a showcase for her vocals and songwriting, a simple yet deeply affecting entry into her growing catalog.
Black Sherif, “Lord I’m Amazed”
The Ghanaian MC continues sketching the story of his life through his latest string of fantastic singles — many of which have appeared in this column — and “Lord I’m Amazed” is the latest in that lineage. This is more contemplative than some of his higher-energy cuts, but it’s exactly that that sets it apart, as Sherif takes a moment to step back and reflect on the blessings in his life and how far he’s come. Even when he departs from his usual flow, no one sounds like him right now, which is the highest praise for an artist of his caliber.
Andy S feat. Sarahmée, “Dracula”
The sheer ferocity that storms through from Côte d’Ivorian rapper Andy S. on this track spans languages — she raps primarily in French — and cultures, as she and Senegalese-Canadian MC Sarahmée rip through this track, bringing high drill energy over an understated beat. The song appears on Andy S.’s brand new EP Born Ready, which is six explosive tracks of all different vibes, and is a fascinating introduction to a bright and promising artist.
Krizbeatz & Tekno feat. taves & Adewale Ayuba, “The Roof”
Veteran producer Krizbeatz took a turn as artist with his new album Daddy Daycare, and he tapped longtime collaborator Tekno to helm this track alongside saves and Adewale Ayuba. The simple hook dominates, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the production that really takes center stage, pulling from traditional Afrobeats drums, R&B stylings, amapiano log drum accents and electro undertones to craft a constantly-mutating beat that provides the perfect platform for the vocalists to groove over.
Carter Efe & Khaid, “PRAY”
Carter Eye may be best known as a comedian — certainly that’s where much of his social media energy lies — but his forays into music have borne fruit, too, first with the Berri Tiga-assisted “Machala” a few years ago and now most recently with this new cut with Khaid, one of the best young vocalists and hitmakers to emerge in the past two years. There’s not much that Khaid touches that doesn’t become an immediate earworm, and “PRAY” is no different — the rising singer is destined for greatness sooner rather than later, as his catalog keeps growing with hit after hit.
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