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In a year of some of the brightest African music stars dropping some of the best work of their careers, this month saw Nigerian superstar Wizkid throw his hat into the ring.
“Mama call me, ‘Ayo Balogun, they can never find another you,’” Wizkid sings on the heartfelt closing track “Pray” from his sixth studio album Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba and is dedicated to and named after his late mother. The 16-track project finds the Starboy balancing that joy and grief over impeccable genre-hopping production. And following his 2021 debut album Sounds of My World, Juls, a key hitmaker behind Afrobeats heavyweights like Wiz, Burna Boy and Mr. Eazi, draws inspiration from his travels around the world to unify the Black diaspora through his expert fusion of South Africa’s amapiano, Ghanaian highlife, Jamaica’s dancehall, U.K. rap and more on his sophomore album Peace and Love.
But that’s not all. There have been plenty of great tracks released this month, and several that mix and match genre, instrumentation and tradition in ways that bring out new and innovative sounds, really emphasizing the fusion element of the burgeoning Afrofusion movement — new songs from Fave, Nasty C and Lekaa Beats, King Promise and E’Major all fit the bill in different ways.
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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 kick off Thanksgiving break with our Spotify playlist below.
Fave, “Lose My Mind”
The rising Afrofusion star (real name Godsfavour) remains anchored in her faith on “Lose My Mind” from her second EP Dutty Love. The gospel-tinged record is powered by producer Hylander’s skittering drums and Fave’s unshakable conviction that God will keep her sane and on a steady path. “‘Lose My Mind’ is really just one of my many odes to God. He’s such a wonder,” she told Wonderland.
JayO, “High Heels”
JayO adds extra pep to your long-legged step in “High Heels” from the British Nigerian singer-songwriter’s debut EP WHOSDAT. “The way you look in them high heels/ It’s keeping me on my toes,” he cleverly croons about a woman whose spellbinding composure makes JayO struggle to keep his. Ideally, you would strut to JayO and RZ’s scintillating syncopated beats while wearing your favorite stilettos.
Wizkid, “Bend”
Wizkid reflects on love, the loss of his mother and his musical legacy on his new album Morayo. On the highlight track “Bend,” Wiz taps into a nostalgic flow and commands us to dance with his enticing “Bend your body, kọ jó” hook on the Afrobeats club banger. Helmed by Made in Lagos executive producer P2J (who also produced the majority of Morayo) and Gaetan Judd, “Bend” invites you to get lost in its carefree rhythm characterized by bustling percussion.
Juls feat. Nkosazana Daughter, “Muntuwam”
The British Ghanaian hitmaker celebrates his 10-year musical career with a sonic odyssey across the Black Atlantic on his latest album Peace and Love. Crashing waves and chirping seagulls bookend its closing track “Muntuwam,” where Juls dips his toes in private school piano, a soulful amapiano subgenre that accentuates the South African sound’s jazz roots, and enlists popular South African singer-songwriter Nkosazana Daughter’s to add an authentic, breezy flare. “The meaning of the song is ‘the love is right in front of you, I’m here when you need me,’” he told Wonderland.
Nasty C & Lekaa Beats feat. Tiwa Savage, “One Time”
One month after dropping their genre-bending joint EP Confuse the Enemy, Nasty C and Lekaa Beats ran it back in the studio for the Reloaded version. Tiwa Savage blesses us on the smooth track “One Time,” where the South African MC has Hennessy to thank for an unforgettable night that the Afrobeats queen promises will not happen again, with the sweeping violins in Lekaa’s production heightening the drama.
Lil Kesh feat. Fireboy DML & Ayo Maff, “Vex for You”
Lil Kesh has made a name for himself with a series of brash, high-energy songs, particularly in the past few years, so this one is a change of pace for him: more contemplative, laid back and emotional, with an introspective and almost desperately romantic hook. Ayo Maff and Fireboy both slide in easily with the vibe — thematically, it’s right in Fireboy’s wheelhouse, for one — and help round out Kesh’s latest.
King Promise, “Keep It Sexy”
King Promise has a knack for picking the right beats that both provide a high level of musicality and help support and accent his great vocals, and this latest single is no exception. Produced by Killbeatz, the all-Ghanaian collaboration blends in local highlife and hiplife sounds but has broader aspirations, and Promise’s melodies once again help set him apart from his peers. A fun Western-themed music video adds a different element, too, but it’s really the production that helps make this song stand out.
Wizkid feat. Asake, “Bad Girl”
Following on the heels of their latest link up — “MMS,” off Asake’s latest album Lungu Boy, which was just nominated for a Grammy for best African music performance — two of the leading lights of Nigerian music come back together for another joint track that brings out the best of both of them, with Asake and Wiz doubling each other’s lines on the hook. The two vibe so well together that they trade off effortlessly, which helps make this one feel like a true collaboration rather than two stars sending each other verses. From Wizkid’s latest album, this is a standout on an album that is full of them.
E’Major, “All the Love”
E’Major’s brand is truly fusion in every way: the mix of styles, instrumentation, percussion, flows, harmonies and melodies that he employs varies wildly from song to song, giving him a malleable quality, able to pull off anything he puts his mind to. His latest, “All the Love,” fits right into that canon, and lyrically serves as a love letter, with his vocals at times slipping into near-falsetto and back, bringing a joy into the song that also runs through his catalog.
Kizz Daniel & Adekunle Gold, “Pano Tona”
Another big star collaboration in a year that has been full of them, the song is largely helmed by Kizz Daniel, with a verse that emphasizes his individuality, before Adekunle Gold comes through with one that drips with braggadocio. There’s a magnetism to this song that demands repeated listens — one of the reasons this has taken off since it dropped just a few weeks ago.
Wizkid has released his sixth studio album Morayo on Friday (Nov. 22) via Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records. Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is dedicated to his later mother Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed away in August 2023. “Best album I ever made!! Now listen! It’s only up from here!” Wiz […]
Tyla dropped her new single “Tears” for Coke Studio 2024 on Wednesday (Nov. 20) via FAX and Epic Records. Produced by Stargate, the acoustic guitar-driven ballad strikes a chord with anyone who’s going through it and needs a shoulder to cry on. And the “Water” hitmaker sticks to her aquatic theme. “I’m a river you […]
Global Citizen has made two key appointments to their executive leadership team, the company tells Billboard. Katie Hill, senior vp of music, entertainment and artist relations, has been promoted to chief music and entertainment officer, while lfeoma Chuks-Adizue has been hired as Global Citizen’s first-ever MD in Africa.
Hill has been at the company since 2014, leading the music, entertainment and artist relations team in securing renowned acts for Global Citizen’s festivals and campaigns to support the international education and advocacy organization’s mission to end extreme poverty. She’s worked closely with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Finneas, Coldplay, BTS‘ Jung Kook, BLACKPINK‘s LISA and many more artists, as well as their management teams, to ensure Global Citizen’s mission is clear and accessible. She also developed the company’s Ambassadors and Advocates for Change program, which has built long-term partnerships with Usher, Hugh Jackman and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Global Citizen’s executive leadership team as Chief Music and Entertainment Officer. It’s been an honor to help build such an important movement, which truly leverages the power of music and entertainment to create positive change in the world,” Hill tells Billboard in a statement. “When I reflect on the impact that has been achieved over my last 10 years at Global Citizen, I am inspired by the passion and dedication of so many incredible artists and partners across the industry that have joined us in the fight to end extreme poverty. I can’t wait to build on this collaborative impact.”
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Chuks-Adizue will spearhead Global Citizen’s activities in Africa, implementing its strategy across the continent including the next installment of Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience. In November 23, Lamar and his company, pgLang, teamed up with Global Citizen to create Move Afrika, a first-of-its-kind touring circuit across Africa that aims at driving economic investment, creating jobs and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country. Lamar headlined Move Afrika: Rwanda in Kigali last December, with pgLang set to serve as the curator of Move Afrika until 2028. According to a press release, that event employed more than 1,000 Rwandans and engaged 75% local crew and production staff, with a specific focus on creating opportunities for skill development and international skill training. Ghana joined Rwanda as a host country for Move Afrika earlier this year.
In her new role, Chuks-Adizue will oversee key partnerships that span business development, marketing, broadcast and event production, as well as Global Citizen’s Africa-based teams and operations. Based out of Global Citizen’s office in Lagos, Nigeria, Chuks-Adizue will also work closely with the company’s executive leadership in New York, playing an instrumental role in building relationships with private sector partners and within the philanthropic community.
“I’m honored to be joining the Global Citizen team in this newly created position to drive efforts and impact across Africa. Powered by everyday advocates, campaigns and events that span the world, Global Citizen’s efforts are critical to ending extreme poverty, and I’m humbled to bring my experience and leadership to this vital work,” says Chuks-Adizue. “I look forward to working with many fantastic partners to continue the momentum and growth of Move Afrika, the pioneering music touring circuit, and drive economic investment, job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities across the continent.”
Prior to joining Global Citizen, Chuks-Adizue served as executive director commercial at Chemical and Allied Products PLC (CAP PLC), a prominent paints manufacturer and distributor in Nigeria, and held key leadership roles at Procter & Gamble Nigeria and Cadbury Nigeria.
“Ifeoma’s extensive leadership experience, together with her passion for advocating for women and girls across Africa, perfectly aligns with Global Citizen’s mission,” adds Global Citizen president Liza Henshaw. “Her vast networks of relationships across various sectors will be instrumental in advancing our work across the African continent for years to come.”
Rema and Selena Gomez‘s remix video for the Afrobeats star’s 2022 single, “Calm Down” has crossed the one billion views mark on YouTube. The visual for the song that originally appeared on Nigerian singer Rema’s Feb. 2022 debut studio album, Rave & Roses, got a second life in August of that year when Gomez hopped into the visual for the sultry jam.
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In the video, both singers hang out in a living room with green walls and colorful tapestries, with Gomez dancing seductively behind a beaded curtain and shaking her hips alongside Rema as he sings, “I see this fine girl, for my party, she wear yellow/ Every other girl they dey do too much, but this girl mellow/ Naim, I dey find situation, I go use take tell am ‘Hello’/ Finally, I find way to talk to the girl, but she no wan’ follow.”
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Midway through, Gomez sidles up to Rema and adds, “Yeah, I know I look shy but for you i get down, woah/ And my hips make you cry when I’m moving around you/ Do it once, do it twice/ I push back you hold me tight.” The two then join forces on the chorus: “Baby, show me you can calm down, calm down/ Dance with me and take the lead now, lead now/ Got you so high that you can’t come down, come down” as the action turns to an all-white garage where the pair pose on a vintage roadster.
In addition to crossing the billion mark on YT, the song set all kinds or records during its chart run, including the longest run at the top of Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and first song in history to spend a year on that chart (currently at 138 weeks) and the record for the first African song to log a whole year (57 weeks total) on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also has the record for the most weeks ever spent on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, logging an unprecedented 64 weeks as of Jan. 20 of this year; “Calm Down” bested the previous record-holder, Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” which had 63 week at the top in 2022-2023.
Watch the “Calm Down” remix video below.
Ikenna Nwagboso, the co-founder/global head of label services and partnerships at emPawa Africa, will exit the company in January, it was announced Monday (Nov. 11)
Nwagboso launched the Nigeria-based talent incubation enterprise in 2018 alongside CEO/co-founder Mr. Eazi (real name Oluwatosin Ajibade). Since then, he’s overseen the signing and development of artists such as GuiltyBeatz, Joeboy, Tekno, Fave, King Promise, Minz, Xenia Manasseh, Nandy and Nezsa. In May, Tekno joined emPawa Africa as an investor and partner, and his Cartel Music label struck a joint venture with the company. Nwagboso has also secured crucial partnerships with Vydia, YouTube Music, Kobalt Music and Beyoncé‘s Parkwood Entertainment while spearheading the company’s flagship emPawa 100 and emPawa 30 campaigns, which are first-of-their-kind artist development programs that have launched the careers of 130 emerging artists across the continent.
“Ikenna has served emPawa with dedication over the past eight years, building some of the biggest new superstars in the industry,” Mr. Eazi said in a press release. “We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.”
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After Nwagboso leaves emPawa Africa at the top of next year, the Toronto-based executive will focus on developing artists through his new Image Ent./Exodus Music Group. Canadian artist Chrissy Spratt and British songwriter Geo are signed to the company, which is consulting on Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie’s upcoming debut album via S-Curve Records.
“I will continue to offer my advice to Eazi and the executive management team at emPawa, but it’s time to chart a new path. I am humbled and honored to have had the privilege to work with the artists and teams I’ve been fortunate to work with and lead. It’s all been a gift,” Nwagboso said in a statement.
Joeboy, whom Mr. Eazi and Nwagboso discovered as part of the emPawa 100 initiative, became the first artist to sign a publishing and distribution deal with the company in 2017. He left the company earlier this year to launch his own label, Young Legend, in partnership with Warner Records. In a statement, the “Sip (Alcohol)” singer credited Nwagboso with helping guide his career from an unknown artist to an international star.
“I’ve worked with Ikenna since the start of my career and he is one of the most reliable people when it comes to making sure his artists are provided with the best opportunities,” said Joeboy. “He is definitely one of the major game changers and role players to the African entertainment sector to the world. He has also been a very integral part of the foundation of my musical progress and growth.”
Seven months after Tyla released her self-titled debut album, which spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s World Albums chart, the popiano princess returned with the deluxe edition TYLA +. And after gaining co-signs from SZA, Ciara and more from his “Soh-Soh” cut from his Sunday’s At Zuri’s EP this summer, Afro-R&B artist Odeal is feeding his growing fanbase with more new songs.
And those are just two of the best tracks of the month in African music, which in this edition of the column spans from Nigeria to Ghana to Zimbabwe to South Africa and back again. There’s the deep baritone of the rapper Holy Ten, the distinctive crooning of Ckay and BNXN, the aggressive stylings of Black Sherif and Stonebwoy and a high-profile guest spot from Afro Raver Rema, among several others.
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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 catch a vibe with our latest Spotify playlist below.
Phyno, “It’s Nothing”
Nigerian rapper Phyno doesn’t come to play on “It’s Nothing,” the opening track of his fifth studio album Full Time Job. He proclaims how his money and legacy are untouchable in his infectious Igbo flow. And Major Bangz’s ’90s hip-hop-inspired production, interspersed with a triumphant horn section, gives Phyno extra pep in his step.
Tyla feat. Tony Duardo, Optimist & Maestro, “SHAKE AH”
Tyla already had our booties shaking to her breakthrough smash “Water” last summer, and she’s bringing us back to the dancefloor with “Shake Ah,” the first of three new songs featured on the deluxe edition of her eponymous debut album. With producer Tony Duardo (who frequently works with fellow amapiano star Uncle Waffles) and vocalists Optimist and Maestro in tow, the Grammy-winning artist stays true to her amapiano roots with the track’s bustling log drums and folk-tinged melody. “Too serious, too serious/ Hands on my hips, he don’t wanna let go,” she breathily coos. Only a handful of the lyrics are sung in English, proving that Tyla can continue breaking through the mainstream without breaking away from the sounds of her native South Africa.
Odeal, “Temptress”
Following the success of his viral “Soh Soh” single, Odeal keeps his momentum going while sonically slowing things down on his latest enchanting offering “Temptress.” He croons about being in love with a woman whose lifestyle (“purple lights,” “cash on the bedroom floor,” you get the picture) clearly indicates the feelings aren’t mutual, while cleverly interpolating Aaliyah’s “Boy, I gotta watch my back, ‘cause I’m not just anybody” line from the chorus of “Are You That Somebody.” (“Friends told me to watch my back, ‘cause I’m one of many bodies,” he sings.) And Harry Westlake’s ‘90s R&B-inspired production has listeners as deep in their feelings as Odeal is in his.
Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz, “Piece of My Heart”
Wizkid and Brent Faiyaz are a pair of amorous, yet slightly misleading heartthrobs on the sexy “Piece of My Heart” single, which arrives ahead of Wiz’s sixth studio album Morayo that’s due Nov. 22. Both artists remind their lovers how inseparable they are (“Nothing can tear us apart,” Faiyaz reassures before delivering the track’s titular line) over a sultry guitar hook and bubbling percussion. The Afrobeats superstar playfully nods to his and Drake’s Hot 100 No. 1 smash “One Dance” before the track slows down in its second half. Here, Wiz and Faiyaz croon about how hard it is for their women to catch feelings for them when they’re always catching flights. “Stressful, I know/ Every other day, another timezone,” Wiz expresses. Maybe having only a piece of their hearts isn’t enough.
Nasty C, Lekaa Beats, ODUMODUBLVCK & Chip, “Trouble”
South African rapper Nasty C and Nigerian producer Lekaa Beats blend hip-hop, trap, Afrobeats and amapiano on their joint EP Confuse the Enemy. On the highlight track “Trouble,” Nasty C emphasizes the “pressure” he’s facing from all corners of his life, while featured guests Nigerian MC ODUMODUBLVCK and UK rapper Chip spit verses about their own hardships and how their hustle helped them persevere (“That’s why I let my heart pour every time I rhyme/ ‘Cause I never know who’s listening to me on the other side,” Chips raps). And Lekaa’s affecting Afrofusion production makes those listening to “Trouble” feel at ease.
Holy Ten feat. MrCandy, “Kilimanjaro”
Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten’s deep baritone anchors this track off his new album Proud Father, with a plaintive acoustic guitar over a driving low-end beat providing a bouyant backbone for the song to soar. Alongside frequent collaborator MrCandy, who delivers a soaring guest verse, “Kilimanjaro” is a standout on the new album, which only suffers from being just 24 minutes long. The entire project is worth a listen.
Black Sherif, “Rebel Music”
Sherif’s aggressive vocal style is on full display on this latest single, with production that feels as big as his ambition and defies any easy categorization. There is something magnetic about Sherif’s confidence on the microphone, not the least because his lyrics center on defiance in the face of adversity and his own sheer force of will — not something to be taken lightly. If his last few singles are any indication, this next album will be an achievement.
BNXN & Rema, “Fi Kan We Kan”
Two of the most distinctive young voices in Nigeria teamed up for this new one, which features BNXN’s signature falsetto floating over the first verse and hook before Rema comes through and delivers a verse so slick that it’s hard to tell if he’s even taking a breath with a confidence that is infectious. The track grows in momentum throughout, with amapiano log drums becoming more pronounced as it goes along — with a cinematic music video that ties it all together.
Stonebwoy feat. Ir Sais, “Memories”
With an old school R&B feel, Ghana’s Stonebwoy delivers an infectious track that both shows off his vocal prowess and distinctive style, while Ir Sais croons over the hook. It’s a song that feels out of another place and time, but works because there’s nothing out like it right now — and is a great primer for his just-released album UP & RUNNIN6 which he dropped last week.
Ckay feat. The Cavemen., “Addicted”
Ckay’s emotional vocal stylings take a detour out of his usual minor-keyed environment into the much brighter highlife world of The Cavemen., resulting in a track that feels like watching an intimate performance at a late-night jazz club, something that’s completely different from what the young singer has done in the past. The band’s percussion gives the song a different vibe, while Ckay’s voice fits in effortlessly, for one of the strongest collaborations this year.
Wizkid has partnered with Brent Faiyaz on his new single “Piece of My Heart,” which was released on Friday (Oct. 18). It’s the lead single from Wizkid’s upcoming sixth studio album Morayo, which will be released on Nov. 22 via Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records. The two artists were recently spotted in London together, with Wiz […]
Tyla dropped the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album on Friday (Oct. 11) via FAX and Epic Records. The new version features three more songs: “Shake Ah,” featuring Tony Duardo, Optimist and Maestro, “Push 2 Start” and “Back to You.” The original version of Tyla was released on March 22, 2024. The 14-track project […]
Davido will celebrate his 32nd birthday in style this year. The Lagos-raised star is returning to his hometown of Atlanta for a Davido & Friends birthday bash concert on Nov. 21 at State Farm Arena. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Tickets for the concert presented by […]