amapiano
Page: 2
Last December, the Recording Academy convened a listening session of artists, label executives and stakeholders both in the United States and across Africa to discuss the rising influence of music coming from the continent. The meeting, which lasted several hours, was a key part of the process that led to the addition of a category that will be presented for the first time at the 66th Grammy Awards on Feb. 4: best African music performance.
“There’s a threshold that you like to see for a genre of music before it actually could make for a healthy category,” says academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who led the meeting alongside global music genre manager Shawn Thwaites. “When you talk about music coming from Africa, you’re seeing Afrobeats grow, you’re seeing amapiano and other genres coming out of the continent over the last three to five years. That started the discussions around, ‘Is it the right time?’ ”
The new category reflects the exploding commercial and cultural appeal of music by African artists in the United States. Its growth over the past few years has been almost linear: Davido’s 2017 single “Fall” was the first Nigerian song to be certified gold in the United States by the RIAA in 2020; Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” became the first Afropop song to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021; Burna Boy’s Love, Damini debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 in 2022, becoming the highest-charting Afro-fusion album in chart history; and in May, Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down” became the first song to ever top both the U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Pop Airplay charts and peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100. (“Calm Down” was released too early to be eligible.)
“I don’t think currently there’s better or more advanced music being made anywhere outside the continent,” says Seni Saraki, CEO and editor in chief of The NATIVE Networks, the Lagos, Nigeria-based media and content company that launched a joint venture with Def Jam in September 2022. “From what we call Afrobeats — which is, really, just popular music from Nigeria — through amapiano, the rap music, Afropop, I genuinely think this is some of the most exciting music in the world right now. And the academy is becoming cognizant of that.”
The new category is also an attempt to address some of the controversy that has arisen around the global music album award, renamed from best world music album in 2020 due to “connotations of colonialism,” but still seen as little more than a catchall for non-Western music. As the music industry has itself become more global, the academy recognized that the time had come to offer a home for music from the African continent. But it also goes beyond the popularity of Afrobeats, which itself is more of an umbrella term: The academy listed some 30 different genres that could qualify for the category, including alté, fuji and high life.
“People know about Afrobeats and they’re learning about amapiano, but they don’t realize there are so many other genres on the continent that are underserved, and they can’t just be put in a bulk category called ‘world music,’ ” says Tina Davis, president of EMPIRE, which has invested heavily in African music and artists. “And much respect to the Recording Academy because they actually took the time to want to find out. [Mason] went to the continent to just learn more about it.”
The industry has also taken notice. In the past few years, an explosion of new signings, joint ventures and licensing deals for African artists and labels from U.S.-based companies and distributors has brought a new generation of stars like Rema, Asake and Ayra Starr to join the continent’s established hit-makers. “There was a time a few years ago when I was at RCA and it seemed like we were the only ones on it,” says Def Jam chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun, who signed Tems and worked closely with Wizkid and Davido while an A&R executive at RCA and has since signed Adekunle Gold and Stonebwoy to Def Jam. “Now every week, there’s another label signing someone. The budgets are open.”
“I think you see more labels paying attention to it, you see the marketplace paying more attention to it; there’s a spotlight on it,” RCA co-president John Fleckenstein says. “The Grammys are the big leagues of awards, one of those artistic validations that many artists dream about. It’s a bit of an awakening that we are more global than we’ve ever been.”
There is, however, a little reticence around the new category; in the past, artists from genres like hip-hop, R&B and some of the Latin sectors have looked at the genre categories as boxes that merely nod to their music while gatekeeping them from the more prestigious general-field categories like song, record or album of the year. Further, a category called best African music performance, while welcome, is itself incredibly broad, covering a continent with 54 countries and 1.4 billion people.
“It’s a really important moment for the Grammys,” says Temi Adeniji, managing director of Warner Music Africa and senior vp of strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa. “But then the next step is, how do you actually roll this thing out? Even regionally — East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa — it would be great to see a diversity of nominees, and that would reflect a real understanding from the Grammys of how large the continent is and how diverse the sounds are that are coming out.”
Talks of additional categories around African music, as well as a possible African Grammys, could be part of a future that Mason says this category is just the start of. “We want to serve music people, regardless of where they are,” he says. “I don’t know what that means yet, but we will continue to try and make sure that we are reaching as many music people regardless of their geography.”
The Potential Nominees?
Five songs that are in strong contention for a nod for the inaugural best African music performance Grammy.
Wizkid feat. Ayra Starr, “2 Sugar” (Starboy/RCA)
[embedded content]
Following the crossover success of his “Essence” (featuring Tems) was this breakout hit from the Nigerian superstar’s More Love, Less Ego album, featuring a powerful vocal from Starr, who is herself blossoming into a major force in African music.
Libianca, “People” (5K/RCA)
[embedded content]
With an arresting, emotional vocal performance, the 22-year-old Cameroonian American singer — who previously appeared on season 21 of The Voice — has captivated fans and the industry alike. “People” spawned remixes by artists such as Ayra Starr, Omah Lay and Becky G on the way to a long-running No. 2 peak on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (Davido Music Worldwide/RCA)
[embedded content]
The lead single from one of the year’s best albums in any genre, “Unavailable” showcases Davido at his irresistible best, combining Magicsticks’ amapiano production with a slick verse from South Africa’s Musa Keys to craft one of 2023’s more enduring anthems.
Adekunle Gold feat. Zinoleesky, “Party No Dey Stop” (Def Jam)
[embedded content]
Insistent, urgent and eminently catchy, Gold’s debut Def Jam single blends the street melodies of fellow Nigerian Zinoleesky with his own knack for songwriting for a club banger with substance. It’s aspirational yet relatable, much like the album on which it appears.
Asake feat. Olamide, “Amapiano” (YBNL/EMPIRE)
[embedded content]
Asake’s meteoric rise over the past few years led to a headlining slot at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in September. This track, alongside label boss and Nigerian music legend Olamide, is among his best, celebrating his trademark amapiano vibe and orchestral backing vocals, yet elevating both artists.
This story will appear in the Oct. 7, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Fall is here, and so is a fresh crop of African music releases that’ll help you get into the swing of the new season.
Juls, one of the most sought-after modern Afrobeats producers, tries his hand at palmwine music — which incorporates Portuguese guitars brought from sailors, local West African melodies and Trinidadian calypso rhythms and is named after the traditional homebrew made from the sap of special palm trees — with his latest EP Palmwine Diaries Vol. 1. Rising Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK also introduces more listeners around the globe to his “okporoko rhythms,” his self-defined genre that blends hip-hop, grime, Afrobeat and progressive R&B.
Meanwhile, young singer Khaid drops another melodic banger, budding superstar Ayra Starr gets more personal than ever (without dropping the energy), BNXN releases another slow-burning single and the fusion of Afrobeats and Latin music continues with another potential hit from Feid and Rema.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and kick off the new fall season with our latest Spotify playlist below.
Ruger, “Tour”
[embedded content]
The Afro-dancehall star reassures his mother that he’s doing well for himself and he’s only concerned about his money on “Tour,” the trap-tinged opener to his latest album RU the World. Ruger recorded “Tour” while shortly after wrapping up his tours in the U.S., Europe and Canada, and he revealed that his righthand producer Kukbeatz “made this beat in the toilet.” But regardless of where the song was made, Ruger’s here to remind everyone that he’s made it.
Patoranking feat. Zion Foster, “Woman of the Year”
[embedded content]
Following his and Wande Coal’s 2014 Afropop hit “My Woman, My Everything,” Patoranking delivers yet another sweet ode to women who deserve to be celebrated for their everyday contributions to others’ lives. With a sultry verse from British-Nigerian singer Zion Foster, and Dhannyjazz’s sumptuous saxophone leading the production, the Nigerian star serenades the only lady in his life as a way of thanking her for everything she does for him.
ODUMODUBLVCK, “MC OLUOMO”
[embedded content]
The Nigerian rapper gives us a taste of his upcoming EZIOKWU mixtape, due Oct. 6 via NATIVE Records/Def Jam, with his invigorating new single. “MC OLUOMO” first samples a video of a fan jokingly taunting the MC by yelling “Odumodu, on your feet, run!” after the fleeing MC during an event at Lagos State University (LASU). But his hustle, even in the literal sense, comes from his hard work, and he wouldn’t be able to get to the bag without it. ODUMODUBLVCK delivers this message over a flamenco-esque drill beat, a taste of his unique “okporoko rhythms.”
Juls, “Palmwine Riddim”
[embedded content]
British-Ghanaian producer Juls set out on a mission to bring his Ghanaian motherland back into the conversation about African popular music with his six-song set, Palmwine Diaries Vol. 1. The first single, “Palmwine Riddim,” is a lilting, laid-back instrumental that pays homage to highlife’s jazzy horns, and even though it incorporates Juls’ harmonies, he lets the music do most of the talking and solidifies its timelessness.
June Freedom, “Say Salud”
[embedded content]
The Cape Verdean American artist’s newest single deserves a toast. “Say Salud” is as refreshing as the Dom Pérignon, DeLeón or whatever drink you should be sipping on while getting lost in its irresistible rhythm. “Go-golo, go-golo, go-golo, ah/ You cool my temperature/ Making me sweat like you drippin’ agua/ Hamduli-hamdulilah,” Freedom sings, mesmerized by the way a woman moves (because who could stay still to this song?).
Khaid, “No Time”
[embedded content]
Khaid is not reinventing the wheel, but the teenager’s output this year is full of earworm melodies that are irresistible, and his voice has an emotional maturity beyond his years. “No Time” continues his hot streak, which dates back to 2022, and it’s a worthy addition to a catalog that is growing with one formidable banger after another. It should be exciting to see where he goes from here.
BNXN, “Sweet Tea”
[embedded content]
BNXN’s work this year has included a series of slow burners, and this one fits the bill as well, with an understated, almost wistful vocal propelled by contemplative production. But his songs often have the ability to fly under the radar until you wonder what, exactly, you’ve spent all day humming, only to revisit them and realize you’ve connected with them on an almost subconscious level. His songs demand repeat listens, and the rewards more than not reveal themselves.
Feid & Rema, “Bubalu”
[embedded content]
The fusion of Afrobeats and Latin music, in the broader senses of each, has been steadily gaining in popularity for months now, and this collaboration between two young yet established hitmakers from each sector was always likely to spark interest. But the result is something special, a danceable backbeat with vibes that are through the roof, which should find a home on plenty of dance floors even as the weather gets colder. This heralds a strong future for collaborations like these.
NSG, “NELLA ROSE”
[embedded content]
The latest single from the London-based six-piece group has plenty of energy and a fusion vibe, bringing in some amapiano drums to a distinctly British flair, and combining a wordless singalong hook with rapped verses in this cut named for the famous Belgian YouTuber. With a debut album out next month, the group has plenty more where that came from.
Ayra Starr, “Rhythm & Blues”
[embedded content]
After a breakout year-plus, the young singer decided to show off a more vulnerable side on her latest single. But don’t look at it as a simple R&B love song — there’s plenty of spark and even an urgent vibe to this one, as she sings about the type of relationship that provides energy and creativity rather than stress or anxiety. Perhaps the best thing about Starr’s growing catalog is that there are no limits to her sound — she’s succeeding on her own terms. This one reinforces that notion.
The summer may be winding down, but the Afrobeats release schedule has barely let up — and August has proven to be another big month, with major albums from superstars like Burna Boy and Olamide, plus EPs from Uncle Waffles and Kelvyn Boy, among others.
And that hectic schedule of great new music is unlikely to end soon, with forthcoming albums from the likes of Teni and Muzi — both of whom also have new tracks out this month — on the way, among many others. Before the Headie Awards this weekend — airing Sept. 3, with Burna Boy, Asake and Rema leading the nominations — there’s plenty of new music to check out.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and find your new end-of-summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist below.
Uncle Waffles feat. Tony Duardo, Manana & Lusanda, “Echoes”
[embedded content]
The “princess of amapiano” returns with her second EP Solace, a tranquil, ethereal experience compared to her “very upbeat and explosive” debut EP Asylum, she described in a press release. Its lead single and first track, “Echoes,” envelops listeners in an array of mesmerizing harmonies from eSwatini-born singer Manana and South African singer Lusanda about wishing to patch up an old relationship (“Echoes/ ‘Cause this heart is hollow/ Empty from the hole you left,” Manana croons), and scintillating production from Waffles and frequent collaborator Tony Duardo.
Muzi, “eMtunzini”
[embedded content]
South African artist and producer Muzi plans on traveling down memory lane (in his family’s Toyota Cressida) for his upcoming album uMuzi, due Oct. 13 via Fool’s Gold Records. But for his first stop, the sun-soaked lead single “eMtunzini,” Muzi retells his parents’ love story, and his own origin story, while weaving in between his native Zulu and English. The impassioned, exhilarating house production and deep vocals repeating “Feel like we’re a vibe/ Feel like we should spend more time” make “eMtunzini” a prime addition to anyone’s roadtrip playlist.
Lord Afrixana feat. Firefly, “Pillow”
[embedded content]
After writing for Beyoncé, Davido and more, rising Ghanaian singer-songwriter Lord Afrixana is making a name for himself on his Protect the Culture/Warner Records debut Ghana Must Go. On highlight track “Pillow,” he comforts his love interest by promising to be the kind of man her ex never was while Firefly challenges whether he’s ready to provide the kind of loving she requires in her arousing retort.
Black Sherif, “YAYA”
[embedded content]
From the Ghanaian rapper’s introspective two-pack Take Care of Yourself Blacko, the single “YAYA” tells the story of strife, staying true to oneself despite the fame and success and searching for peace through the lens of Black Sherif’s alter ego, “a rebel who gave fate a chance and is in search of healing,” according to a press release.
Burna Boy, “City Boys”
[embedded content]
Move over City Girls, because Burna has something for the “City Boys” on his latest album I Told Them…. He starts the Jeremih-sampling track with audio from British rapper J Hus’ Instagram story, where he dismantles his “ugly” perception of himself and rather praises himself as “sexy.” The monologue sets the tone for the braggadocious anthem, where Burna blends his signature Afro-fusion with U.S. hip-hop (that’s amplified throughout the album as well as in his “City Boys” TikTok challenge). He even acknowledges fans’ misinterpretation (“I need a boat and shy hoes”) of his chant-worthy chorus from last summer’s smash “Last Last” (“I need Igbo and shyo”), proving that the Nigerian hitmaker’s fingers remain on the pulse of what’s hot in the culture.
Burna Boy feat. Seyi Vibez, “Giza”
[embedded content]
On an album in which he reaches across the Atlantic more than ever, it’s the song where he links up with Nigerian street king Seyi Vibez that stands out the most. There’s something about the distinct style that Seyi has been delivering over the past 18 months that is both raw and engaging, and Burna taps into his soundscape to deliver one of the best tracks on I Told Them… It may not have the U.S.-leaning pop appeal of other records on the project, but it’s arguably the most captivating.
Olamide, “Problem”
[embedded content]
If Unruly, as he’s threatened, is Olamide’s last album, it’s both a triumphant finale and a shame that he won’t continue to deliver tracks like the single “Problem” — one of the best distillations of his strengths that he’s put out across his illustrious career. Produced by Magicsticks, the beat itself is infectious, and Olamide’s delivery, particularly on the hook, is carefree and effortless. It’s easily the best track off the album.
Olamide, “Life Goes On”
[embedded content]
Unruly can be broken down into three parts — two five-song solo sections from the YBNL boss that bookend a slew of top-shelf collaborations. And the back end of the album has a number of tracks that stand out and tie the whole project together — “Supplier” and “Street Jam” could easily be included here, too — but “Life Goes On” is another of the best tracks of his career, combining his melodic flows and rapped verses, and serving as a farewell of sorts if this is, indeed, his final project. Let’s hope that’s not actually the case.
Kelvyn Boy feat. Babyboy AV, “Roma”
[embedded content]
Ghanaian singer Kelvyn Boy has a history of slipping effortlessly through various genres, and “Roma” sees him dipping into highlife styles for a breezy track that could be the perfect send off to the summertime. The major key instrumentation gives it an irresistible quality, and it’s an easy highlight off his great new EP For the Kulture.
Teni, “Lanke”
[embedded content]
Sometimes it feels like Teni can do everything; all three singles she’s released this year are wildly different from each other, and each are great in their own way. The latest, “Lanke,” is the most carefree and outwardly joyous, as expressed in its hook and its gleeful new music video, out today. “Feel good, regardless of what life throws at you,” she said about the track. “Omo Lanke is someone that owns a wheelbarrow. You never see a person that owns a wheel barrow drive straight. Good or bad, we stay pushing, we don’t stop, we keep going. We appreciate the good, we learn from the bad.”
(from left to right) Jonathan Bekele and Spinall at WORLD AFRIKA X AFROLITUATION party at Chinatown Country Club in Boston, Massachusetts on March 24, 2023.
@ntalani_
“An event whose culture and influence reaches far and wide across the globe” – Jonathan Bekele, founder of WORLD AFRIKA
Year started: 2022
Partners: EthioBoyzEnt (partner), NuWave Collective (partner), SuperSmashBroz (DJ/partner), King Collins (DJ)
Primary city: Boston
Main venue(s): Garage, Spirit of Boston, Shojo
What inspired you to come up with this party?
Before the pandemic, I created Anbessa. It was supposed to be a company that [had] different branches like events, clothing, miscellaneous things. It’s obviously based on our culture, the lion is embedded in Ethiopian culture. In the clothing brand, on the back of the T-shirts, you’ll see WORLD AFRIKA. The reason why I spell it WORLD AFRIKA with a “K” is because, initially, the name of Africa was with a “k” from the native countries, before colonization. Ethiopians never got colonized, so I was like, “I would love to keep that same identity with this.”
Back in March of last year, there was a need for a real curated event of experience in the city that focused around Afrobeats in Boston. My one-year anniversary with the clothing brand with the WORLD AFRIKA slogan on it was coming up in April. So I was like, “Let me just throw my first WORLD AFRIKA party.” I had SuperSmashBroz DJing, and it was received well. It gave a different feeling, like they felt like they were back home. And that’s what I want to bring: I want to make people walk out of the party and be like, “OK, I’m buying my ticket for December.”
How did you come up with its name?
When I was creating the T-shirts, one T-shirt [has] two women that graduated from the airline academy in Ethiopia and they have a lion right in front of them, which is the ambessa. And WORLD AFRIKA was [about] traveling around the world because it was based on the aviation thing. Ethiopian Airlines was the first airline in Africa that was really able to travel across. And the second T-shirt was a lion literally walking past an Ethiopian Airlines plane. So that’s where it stemmed from. WORLD AFRIKA is a connection of all the different countries and just grouping them together.
Who typically attends?
Obviously, my Habeshas support. There’s a huge West African population here — a lot of my friends are Nigerian — and Cape Verdeans. Anybody who’s from Cape Verde, all of their people for some reason immigrated to Massachusetts or Rhode Island. The second [WORLD AFRIKA party] was on a yacht in the middle of Boston Harbor that held like 650 people. It was like three levels, different DJs. And the bottom floor was Cape Verdean DJs. But then you’ll also see groups of Asian people that just want to show up and party, dance. You’ll see a bunch of white people slide up. But I would say for the most part, it’s West Africans, East Africans, Cape Verdeans. We did an amapiano party one time, and hella South Africans popped up.
Where does this typically take place or where has it taken place before?
The first venue I did was Garage. The second one was called Spirit of Boston. The funny thing is Garage is closed, Spirit of Boston actually caught on fire two months ago — so they are no longer operational. I went to Addis, and I did two WORLD AFRIKAs over there at Midtown Ultra Lounge right on Bole. One of my good friends, his name is Nate Enzo, owns it. He was like, “What do you think about doing it over here?” And I was like, “Yeah, why not? This will pay for my trip, basically.” So I did it over there, sold out both times. And I didn’t really realize the impact of what I had until that happened in Addis. Because when it happened it in Addis, and when I did the yacht event, I was like, “D–n, this is not just a Boston thing. It’s becoming more than that.”
At the top of 2023, I’ve been at this venue called Shojo. And they’ve been my most consistent venue. So I did one right before I went to Ethiopia, and I’ve done one every single month, so February, March, April, I’ve been there. I also did one in D.C. first week of March. That was nice. I have a lot of connects in D.C. One of my friends, he owns a lounge, and he was just like, “Why don’t you try doing it over here?” And I was like, “Yeah, why not?” And it did really well. I was like, “D–n, if I start out in these small spaces or mid-sized spaces, whether it be New York, Atlanta, L.A., the world will come organically.”
Why does your party stand out?
I’m able to connect with people, I’m very personable. And I’m very good with business. Dami came to me back in March, and Dami was like, “Hey, Spinall wants to come to Boston.” I know they couldn’t find a venue. Essentially, they came to me, and I had a venue already locked for WORLD AFRIKA that I was going to do on my own. Personally, I could have just done the event and probably took all that money to the head. But I thought bigger — because I was like, “OK, if I have Spinall and I work with Afrolituation and Dami and all of them, this would be great for the brand going forward.”
I think [it’s because of] those collabs and those teams I put together. I really work hard day by day making sure everything is exquisite from the beginning to the end. And I’m always asking people throughout the event, like, “You need anything? You having a good time?” People feel at home there. People leave the event wanting more, and wanting to buy that ticket back home, whether it’s West Africa, North Africa, South Africa, East Africa, Central. That’s my mission to drive that idea home.
Recall your favorite memory at one of your parties.
My favorite memory was we were in Addis, and K-Meta put on a song called “WATAWI” [by CKay feat. Davido, Focalistic and Abidoza]. I’m standing on a couch in the middle of the party. A lot of people don’t know this song. But he didn’t realize at that moment that that was my favorite song of the year. And as the song is playing, I’m screaming the lyrics. At the same time, I’m taking a video and I’m turning, turning, turning and the whole place was filled up. All my friends from the Bay, all my friends from D.C., all my friends from Dallas, New York, Boston, all over the place [were] just mingling and having a great time.
In my mind, I was like, “OK, this is lit. I’m here. And I’m here to stay.” This is something that can be for real for real going forward. I had a serious in-my-head moment of like, “I could do this every week here.” And the funny thing was I did it back-to-back weeks, and they were both sold out. Typically, I take a month off to do it. But because I was in Addis and my time there was limited, I did it back-to-back weeks, and both weeks were sold out. And I was like, “No way! This is for real!”
As the sun’s long-awaited arrival signals the beginning of summer, we’ve been turning the volume up on the latest releases from African artists worldwide for this season’s new soundtrack. Ghanaian-American Afropop star Amaarae and Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse Asake dropped flashy, boundary-pushing albums with Fountain Baby and Work of Art, respectively. But they’re not alone — both Omah Lay and Ckay dropped off deluxe editions of their recent albums with additional tracks, while Zinoleesky and Fireboy DML released eye-catching singles to herald future releases.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and find your new summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist below.
Reekado Banks, Adekunle Gold & Maleek Berry, “Feel Different”
Nigerian singer Reekado Banks recruits Adekunle Gold and Maleek Berry for the feel-good single about a girl whose love makes them “Feel Different.” All three men try to convince themselves they’re better off alone – with Banks singing “If I fall again, I go look so dumb/ I no wan look so dumb/ So I will never never fall again” and Gold singing “Run, run, run, run/ I be running all alone” with a rock guitar hit underlining his point – but ultimately realize they’d go to great lengths just to be with her.
Bloody Civilian, “Escapism”
Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Bloody Civilian blends amapiano’s log drums with pitched-up EDM vocal chops on “Escapism,” the first track off her experimental debut EP Anger Management. The repetition of her airy “Shoulda smoked that s–t since morning” line creates a carefree mantra she uses to distract herself from the disorderly world around her. But it’s her lithe, pacifying voice that assures listeners they don’t need to turn to vices to find hope.
Amaarae, “Princess Going Digital”
Amaarae’s plea in “Princess Going Digital,” from her critically acclaimed sophomore album Fountain Baby, is crystal clear: “Take me out the streets.” The synth-heavy, crystalline pop track follows the singer as she finds a potential partner that could put an end to her BS-riddled search for love. Vocalist/producer Maesu – who was previously featured on Amaarae’s “Fantasy,” alongside CKay – echoes her sentiments (literally) while promising the princess whatever she wants – just as long as it’s not commitment. “You know it’s just game, girl, you know how it goes,” he sings.
Tay Iwar & Juls, “Summer Breeze”
Tay Iwar teams up with frequent collaborator Juls for the breezy ode to summer off his aptly titled EP Summer Breeze. On its title track, Iwar’s featherweight melodies float over Juls’ dizzying jazz saxophone riffs and scintillating percussion that’s reminiscent of palmwine music. Lyrics like “Tease me baby and turn me on” and “What a sweet release I need” suggest a “Summer Breeze” isn’t the only thing that gets Iwar going, but it’s certainly one of the most divine highlights of this time of year.
Asake, “Lonely at the Top”
Asake offers a bittersweet reflection on “Lonely at the Top,” from his highly anticipated sophomore album Work Of Art. With a backing choir and introspective instrumentation (courtesy of producer Blaisebeatz), the fast-rising star sings about his chasing his lofty dreams of superstardom, while putting on his blinders to avoid the naysayers — and understanding the isolation that comes with it. But Asake remains unfazed while pursuing success, because there can only be one Mr. Money Ginger.
Omah Lay, “reason”
Executing the tried-and-true strategy of capitalizing off a popular release with a deluxe edition, Omah Lay reissued last year’s Boy Alone with five new tracks, including the powerful, insistent “reason.” Kicking off with a palm-muted guitar riff, Omah Lay layers vocals to hypnotic effect, questioning existence and purpose on a track that is at once consistent with and a departure from what we’ve come to expect from him.
Fireboy DML, “YAWA”
Fusing some of his R&B grooves with amapiano drums and a layered, triumphant hook, Fireboy delivers one of his best singles of the year — which is saying something, considering his output so far. He kicks the track off with a few lines in English before slipping into Yoruba, where he flows more comfortably, and puts a ton of energy and passion into it, which comes out clearly on the track.
Asake, “Sunshine”
Asake’s Work of Art album speaks for itself, and is so cohesive that it’s difficult to single out individual tracks to shine a light on. Luckily, there’s plenty to choose from — and “Sunshine” has one of the more memorable hooks on the album, a song brimming with positivity and Asake’s trademark angelic choral flourishes. It’s sometimes remarkable how agile he is with his flows given the sheer weight of musicality that each of his tracks brings to bear, but he is a rare artist for whom seemingly everything works. Check out the full album if you don’t believe us.
Ckay, “nwayi”
Ckay has carved a lane, both melodically and with his subject matter, as the poster child for “emo Afrobeats” (hence the name of his album, Sad Romance) — and this track is right in the sweet spot, paved by his first two major hits, “Love Nwantiti” and “Emiliana.” He’s become truly adept at these breezy earworms laced with sweet nothings, and this is directly in that lineage.
Zinoleesky, “A1 (Feeling Disorder)”
Brisk to the point of breathless is the Zinoleesky flow, and “A1” is the latest entry in his ever-growing canon. Built around a conflicted story of sex and love — or one instead of the other — the song hurtles into a bridge with brief introspection (“I’m emotionally downcast…”) before picking the pace up right where it left off, with a beat that propels him further every second. There’s a self-assurance to his flow that comes across on every track of his — “A1” is up there among his best.
It’s come to the end of May, which can only mean one thing: Summertime has arrived. And with it, we have a new crop of songs by a slew of African artists that are set to dominate playlists across several continents for the next few months.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Whether it’s amapiano, Afropop, R&B, neo-soul, highlife or just uncategorizably beautiful music, there’s more that’s come out this month that we could include here. But to try to help you cut through that flood of feel-good vibes, there are a few songs that have particularly caught our ears — by the likes of Teni, Tyla & Ayra Starr, Asake & Olamide, Kizz Daniel, Kwesi Arthur and Oxlade & Flavour.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and catch a vibe with us by listening to our Spotify playlist below.
Tyla & Ayra Starr, “Girl Next Door”
Africa’s Gen-Z It-girls Tyla and Ayra Starr come together to caution their wandering lovers not to leave them for the “Girl Next Door” in their first collaboration. Both artists somehow keep their cool, as Tyla touts her many options and Ayra warns, “And you know I won’t waste no time/ I can have another you by 9.” But their passionate plea in the repeating chorus (“Don’t you leave me for the girl next door, girl next door”) revs up the sizzling amapiano-meets-R&B beat (courtesy of producer P.Priime) that’s prime for getting any party started this summer.
Tay Iwar & Twelve XII, “Undercover Lover”
Tay Iwar injects his silver-tongued, neo-soul sound into “Undercover Lover,” which finds him and fellow Nigerian artist Twelve XII detailing their dalliance with a beautiful woman. Lyrics like “Somethin’ good for the moment/ Just for the moment” and “Her personality no matter at all/ ‘Cause she’s lookin’ so fine” make it crystal clear they’re not looking for anything serious, and the groovy, atmospheric production further emphasizes the chill vibes.
Teni, “No Days Off”
Teni has taken “No Days Off,” as evident by her latest single. The Nigerian artist raps about her homies (Tobi, Bunmi, Brenda and Wale), hometowns (Lagos and Atlanta) and everything else in her life that she’s had to leave to the sidelines for her career. In a press release, Teni explains that “No Days Off” started as a freestyle and “was made everywhere in the world – that’s why it really is called ‘No Days Off.’ It was made in Lagos, it was made in LA, some parts of it were also made in Cape Town.” She invites listeners to her own world by enveloping them in a kaleidoscopic sound comprised of airy synth melodies and frenetic Afropop percussion that will have anyone yelling, “Motherf–ker, will you come on play that sh– back!” by the end of the track.
Asake & Olamide, “Amapiano”
Asake links up with his YBNL Nation boss Olamide on this scorching “Amapiano” club banger. He salutes the South African house genre for being a “big vibe” while adding his own spin to it, from the lively violin and saxophone to the larger-than-life crowd vocals. Meanwhile, Olamide flexes his mesmerizing flow when he raps, “One thing I know, I’m happy I know/ Amapiano, all of my P I know.” “Amapiano” will accompany Asake’s previously released singles “Yoga” and “2:30” on his upcoming sophomore album, Work of Art, due June 16 via YBNL Nation and EMPIRE.
Nonso Amadi, “Paper”
Amadi reflects on his personal and artistic growth “from seeds to a flower, uncoiling naturally for you,” according to a press release, on his debut album When It Blooms. On the highlight track “Paper,” the Canadian-based Nigerian singer makes the case for why he deserves a bigger bag. And regardless of renowned Nigerian producer London’s scintillating, playful percussion, Amadi’s clearly not playing when it comes to his paper as he sings, “Tell me why the hell you calling/ I don’t wanna know what you’re talking/ When I see the cash am all in.”
Iyanya & BNXN, “Sinner”
A seductive song in both lyric and feel, this collab between Iyanya and BNXN has an alluring aspect to it that is hard to get out of your head — and a falsetto hook that is somehow even more of an earworm than the verses, perfect for a late night vibe that still keeps you moving. Also check out BNXN’s single “Pray” — its choral and orchestral feel fills the soul, and it just barely missed out on inclusion here.
Oxlade & Flavour, “OVAMI”
Oxlade already landed a huge hit this year with “Ku Lo Sa,” and “OVAMI” is in a similar vein, with his soulful vocals soaring above the production. Bringing in veteran vocalist Flavour to add a different element to the second verse was another smart move; Flavour had another great song in the last two years with “Levels,” and he fits in seamlessly here. Essentially a love song, it transcends with its irresistible melodies.
Kwesi Arthur, “Penny”
This one from the Ghanaian rapper is a laid back groove about the come up, thinking back to the days when he didn’t have any cash and now looking around and realizing that not only are those distant memories, but that there isn’t really a limit to how far things can go. What makes this one stand out is that the sentiment doesn’t feel flamboyant or boastful, but more matter-of-fact — this is going to happen, but let’s just keep in mind how far we’ve come.
King Promise, “Terminator”
An ode to finding peace in life — despite what the title may imply — “Terminator” is a melting pot of styles and languages, with a simple overriding message clearly articulated in the second verse: “And my happiness comes first/ I never come life to stress, yeah.” The Ghanaian nails the mix of production and lyricism that gets the feel across almost effortlessly — that being the goal, in the end, of course.
Kizz Daniel, “Shu-Peru”
The perennially upbeat Nigerian Afropop singer came through with another fun groove for the summertime, flipping Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop” in the process. As a thesis statement for an artist, does it get more appropriate than Kizz singing: “We are the happy people / We are the world”? It fits him perfectly.
As we get closer and closer to warmer weather, the song of the summer debate heats up. One of Billboard‘s front runners is Rema‘s “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez, but it’s not the only Afrobeats track that’s bound to bring people to the dancefloor all summer long.
The winner of our Song of the Summer Face-Off bracket game last year — Harry Styles‘ “Watermelon Sugar” — has found its African counterpart: Suté Iwar’s “SHUGA PEACH.” Listeners can sink their teeth into this juicy song, or sip on “Casamigos (Pour It In My Cup),” courtesy of Afro B and Sukihana. There’s also the breezy “Trumpet” from Olamide and Ckay, as well as Asake‘s amapiano dance floor banger “2:30” and the effortlessly gorgeous debut single from Inkabe Zezwe. But Davido‘s latest album, Timeless, ensures endless vibes that he explores through various triumphant sounds — and we clearly couldn’t get enough of it, considering we shouted out multiple tracks. Just try getting through the summer without dropping “In the Garden,” “Na Money” or “U (JUJU),” just to name a few.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and catch a vibe with us by listening to our Spotify playlist below.
Davido feat. Skepta, “U (JUJU)”
Davido and Skepta got their girls covered in the utterly enchanting “U (JUJU)” collaboration, from the former’s latest album, Timeless. The Afrobeats superstar worries if he’s stuck under a woman’s spell when he sings in the mesmerizing chorus, “You dey do me like juju, dey worry me” (a nice nod to Ice Prince’s 2011 track “Juju”), and promises her anything she so desires. Meanwhile, the British-Nigerian grime MC commends his partner for sticking by his side and reassures her he won’t leave hers.
Sukihana & Afro B, “Casamigos (Pour It in My Cup)”
British-Ivorian DJ/singer/songwriter Afro B and American rapper Sukihana craft a refreshing summer vibe with “Casamigos (Pour It in My Cup).” While blending his instantly party-starting vocals with her seductive, smooth melodies that slip right off her tongue, “Casamigos” isn’t just an ode to George Clooney’s ultra-premium tequila brand, but just a little taste of warmer weather and the frivolousness that it brings. Once the song’s amapiano production (courtesy of Team Solut and co-producer Oghenekevwe Bojeghre) takes hold of the song toward the end, it’ll have everyone in a chokehold.
L.A.X, “Zaza”
Afrobeats star L.A.X only provides the best vibes, as confirmed by his new album No Bad Vibes. On its highlight track “Zaza,” he expresses his feelings for a woman while gassing her up (“On the dance floor you fire them/ On the finish line you finish them,” he boasts in the pre-chorus) – all while staying true to his characteristically laidback demeanor. “Zaza” will have any listener whining their hips to its mesmerizing, chugging beat pattern (courtesy of Clemzy).
Suté Iwar, “SHUGA PEACH”
For those craving another “Watermelon Sugar”-like summer anthem, look no further than Suté Iwar’s “SHUGA PEACH” highlight track from his new album, ULTRALIGHT. The Nigerian singer’s mouth waters at the sight of a “golden lady,” whom he later describes as his “favorite late-night craving” because… well, you get the picture. Iwar wrote on his Bandcamp page that ULTRALIGHT is a “journey that takes you through a range of emotions, from the high energy and excitement of life to the introspection and self-reflection that comes with it.” Listeners experience that entire range in the 3:51 runtime of “SHUGA PEACH,” as its tender keys and sultry saxophone runs accentuate Iwar’s carnal desires, while a wavy guitar and meditative beats introduce his self-aware rap about commitment in the track’s latter half.
Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo, Jelly Babie & Chley, “Babiee”
Ahead of her historic Coachella performance this month, rising amapiano star Uncle Waffles set a moody, yet mesmerizing tone on her new Asylum project. On the highlight track “Babiee” – alongside Tony Duardo, Jelly Babie and Chley – listeners tiptoe into Waffles’ world with the guidance of a pitter-pattering synth loop that’s supplemented by steadily building percussion. Babie seizes the song’s peak by praising two of South Africa’s house genres, bacardi and amapiano, before chanting hers and Waffles’ stage names until “Babiee” fizzles out in a hypnotic rhythm.
Davido feat. Morravey, “In the Garden”
A simple major-key guitar line, a stripped down drum pattern with a supplementary amapiano log drum and a positive vibe underlines this breezy, beautiful track from Timeless — but it is the power of Morravey’s voice that elevates this track into something special, and possibly the best song on the entire album. It’s at heart a wistful love song, but the driving hook — “I’ll change your status, yeah” — adds a coy determination to take the initiative, while Davido’s verse adds another layer of catchiness to a song that has the capacity to dig into your head and never leave.
Davido feat. The Cavemen. & Angélique Kidjo, “Na Money”
One of the best things about Davido’s Timeless album is how seamlessly he weaves together different styles, and “Na Money” is among the best examples, blending highlife with amapiano through this collaboration with Nigerian highlife duo The Cavemen. and iconic Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo. The result is a driving, upbeat song about the intersection of love and money, with a joyful hook and highlife horns underscoring the production. A standout for its departure from the rest of the record.
Asake, “2:30”
Asake has leaned deeply into amapiano in many of his biggest songs, and this latest single, which should be on his forthcoming next album, really drives home the point in an ode to the party life. Log drums propel the verses, while a typically-choral hook gives it some of the space and majesty that has come to define Asake’s biggest records. The only complaint — voiced with some humor by his fans online — is that the actual audio of the track isn’t even 2:30 long. And yet!
Inkabi Zezwe (Big Zulu & Sjava), “Umbayimbayi”
South African rappers and singers Big Zulu and Sjava have linked up for a joint album under the duo moniker Inkabi Zezwe, with “Umbayimbayi” as the first single off that project — and from the opening notes the song unfurls as a gorgeous piano-based ballad that sonically cuts to the soul. The song has already been certified platinum in their home country, which is hardly surprising given its vibe — the Hammond organ flourishes as the song floats to its finish, emphasizing the emotion just as much as the duo’s voices. A special record.
Olamide feat. Ckay, “Trumpet”
A Nigerian hip-hop legend teaming up with one of the most successful young Nigerian singers of the past few years, this track was always going to catch the ear — and its plaintive piano base over some Afrobeats drums gives it an instantly catchy vibe. That it’s essentially a barely-disguised ode to beautiful women and the things they do makes the title amusing, but it’s a great, understated record (sonically, at least) and an absolute earworm.
March is coming to an end, and with it comes another installment of our Afrobeats Fresh Picks column, an endeavor that is heating up along with the weather.
At this point in the year, a quarter of the way through, there are already a handful of contenders for songs that will define the summer and carry us through all of 2023. But there’s also still plenty of room to pad out those playlists and a lot more music coming down the pipeline — including full albums from many of the artists who have been steadily building through singles in the first few months of this year.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The stars have been shining brighter together lately, from Major Lazer and Major League Djz‘s international alliance to the electric duo of Adekunle Gold and Zinoleesky to the triple team up of Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr and Young Jonn — in fact, this month’s edition features half collaborations and half solo tracks. Even songs we’ve previously featured, Libianca‘s “People” and Victony and Tempoe‘s “Soweto,” have added illustrious guests to new versions of their original tracks: Ayra Starr and Omah Lay on the former as well as Don Toliver and Rema on the latter. But there are plenty of solo gems from the likes of Amaarae, Bella Shmurda and Lil Kesh on the playlist, too, with plenty more deserving tracks just missing the cut.
Here, we’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and cue up our Spotify playlist below as you’re reading along.
Adekunle Gold feat. Zinoleesky, “Party No Dey Stop”
Adekunle Gold makes sure the “Party No Dey Stop” in his new up-tempo, Afropop single, which also marks his debut under Def Jam Recordings. Apart from his new major label deal, AG Baby flexes his co-sign from Oluwa (which means God in Yoruba) and his riches on the vivacious beat, co-produced by Kel-P and Monro, which ensures the vibes are not just immaculate but also eternal. He reflects on relying on God’s grace and having a good time alongside his fellow Agege native Zinoleesky, who’s featured on the track. “The world should be expecting madness from that guy – he’s so good,” Gold recently told Billboard. “I reached out to him, and then we got in the studio. In a matter of hours, we wrote his verse together and it was a banger.”
JayO, “22”
Rising North London-born, Nigerian singer JayO is the ultimate charmer in his sensual single “22,” which has an all-too-fitting Feb. 22 official release date. While scintillating snippets had been swarming TikTok before then – with “22” garnering almost 300,000 user-generated videos to date on the platform – the full 2-minute, 22-second single captures JayO’s explicit desires with a girl who’s (you guessed it) 22 years old and “too hot to handle,” as he croons over the lush R&B piano loop and sizzling percussion. While JayO can’t keep his hands off this girl, our ears can’t get enough of this song.
Amaarae, “Reckless & Sweet”
Amaarae delivers a “Reckless and Sweet” yet slightly savage offering from her forthcoming sophomore album Fountain Baby. The Ghanaian Afropop singer draws in (and calls out) her money-hungry admirer with the siren-like hook “Call me when the money come, come, come, come, come/ To the money I’ma run, run, run, run, run,” which sounds just as mesmerizing and attractive as Amaarae’s spending habits. Nothing less is expected from the “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” hitmaker, whose irresistible swagger can be found in the latest Mugler x H&M campaign or front row during Milan Fashion Week as she also builds up her name in the neighboring fashion world, where she can further relish in opulence.
Tay Iwar, “Healing”
Nigerian alté singer Tay Iwar provides himself with a musical antidote from a previous, harmful relationship on “Healing,” his first single of 2023. His hypnotizing, digitized “healing from your stress” hook floats above a bubbling percussive pattern that can wash anyone’s worries away with the simple press of the play button. But for Iwar himself, his healing journey doesn’t just involve uncomfortable revelations as to what went wrong, but also “[killing] all of my worries with champagne.” After being featured on “True Love” from Wizkid’s critically acclaimed Made in Lagos and co-writing/co-producing Burna Boy’s standout “Alone” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, Iwar continues to show his fans that he can lend his talents to the biggest stars while also being a star in his own right.
Major Lazer & Major League Djz feat. Brenda Fassie, “Mamgobhozi”
American EDM DJ trio Major Lazer and African DJ/producer duo Major League Djz join forces on their new amapiano album, Piano Republik. On the single “Mamgobhozi,” the late Queen of African Pop Brenda Fassie’s vocals come to life, via a sample of her 1997 hit “Vuli Ndlela,” adding an honorable touch to a project dedicated to celebrating the amapiano sound traveling across the globe from its native South African townships. “Brenda Fassie was not only an icon, but she inspired many Black South Africans to be their authentic selves,” Major League Djz say in a press statement. “’Vuli Ndlela’ is undoubtedly one of Brenda Fassie’s best bodies of work, holding the title of ‘Song of the Decade,’ and a song we heard playing at every South African wedding and home then and now … Her music catalog speaks for her long after she has left us, a true force.”
Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr & Young Jonn, “Stamina”
Young Jonn has been on a hell of a run with his singles of late — see “Mood” and “Currency” previously — and this track sees him sandwiched in between two fantastic singers from two different generations in Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr. Those two have been on hot streaks of their own lately — witness Tiwa on the “Who Is Your Guy?” remix with Spyro and duetting with Asake on “Loaded” earlier this year, while Starr has one of the biggest songs out in “Rush” and another one growing in prominence with “Sability.” Is that enough reason to listen to this? If not, take our word for it: It’s great. Treat yourself.
Bella Shmurda, “Ara (Gen Gen Tin)”
Almost ominous in its opening notes, the latest single from Bella Shmurda quickly opens up (through the production of Larry Lanes) into one of the most infectious hooks of the year so far, propelled by its call and response. And, yes, there’s a dance challenge, so go check that out too. And while we’re here, check out that new track he dropped with Nasty C, the “Philo” remix — but good luck getting “Ara” out of your head first.
Khaid & Boy Spyce, “Carry Me Go”
Last month we included Khaid’s sweet ode “Jolie” on our playlist, and this month we’ve got another one from the young Nigerian singer with an innate knack for melody and inviting hooks. Here, the collaboration with Boy Spyce somehow turns those melodies up a notch, with the track steadily building and layering into a full-on choir production, taking the song into the stratosphere.
Jaido P & Fireboy DML, “One of a Kind”
Fireboy dropped a pair of red-hot features this month, between this one and Peruzzi’s “Pressure,” but there’s something about the melding of his voice with the more streetwise rapping of Jaido P, each of them switching back and forth between Yoruba and English, that sets this one apart from the rest of what’s coming out right now. You could easily see this one going off in the U.K. at the drop of a hat.
Lil Kesh, “Good Bad Boy”
As mentioned in a previous column, Lil Kesh had one of the hands-down best songs of 2022 with “Don’t Call Me,” alongside Zinoleesky. “Good Bad Boy” has a completely different feel, incorporating horns and a back-and-forth bridge supported by rapped verses that pile on top of one another, creating an energy that propels the track forward. Kesh is one of the more elastic vocalists around right now, mixing in all kinds of styles, melodies and flows — sometimes even into the same line of a verse — and that’s all on display here.
To kick off 2023, Billboard launched a new, monthly Afrobeats column to keep you up to speed with the fast-rising stars coming out of the African continent and soaring across the globe. Burna Boy, Tems and Rema performing at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game halftime show in Salt Lake City, Utah this past weekend is proof that African artists will only continue to expand beyond their borders and push beyond Afrobeats’ traditional boundaries — incorporating hip-hop, amapiano, R&B, jazz, soul and just about everything else into a melting pot that, for lack of a better overarching term, we’ll still refer to as Afrobeats.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new Afrobeats (and related) songs that’ve come out within the last month. Love’s certainly in the air this season, from Pheelz’s feel-good, romantic jam “Pheelz Like Summer” to Khaid’s sweet ode “Jolie,” and decisions on what to include or not have been particularly tough — Rema, for example, just dropped two new tracks, though neither made the list here. Check out our Fresh Picks, and don’t forget to tap into our Spotify playlist below so you can catch a vibe with us.
Tyla, “Been Thinking”
Epic’s latest signee Tyla clearly has love on the brain, as evidenced by her latest single “Been Thinking.” The 21-year-old singer’s otherworldly pop and R&B sensibilities blend with her native South African amapiano in this slinky earworm that’ll have you wishing you were grinding on the love of your life in the middle of the dance floor before going home with them. “I’m just praying that [African music] keeps going the way it’s going. I feel like all eyes are on us right now,” Tyla told Billboard earlier at the Recording Academy Honors Black Music Collective event. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to now take it and run with it. We’ve been wanting this for a long time, so it’s about time.”
Pheelz, “Pheelz Like Summer”
Fresh off the success of his single “Finesse,” Pheelz delivers his Warner Records debut EP Pheelz Good, which is precisely how it makes you pheel. On the highlight track “Pheelz Like Summer,” the award-winning Nigerian producer-turned-singer gushes over a girl whose radiant smile makes him feel so warm inside that it reminds him of summer – even if it’s still only February. The sensual sax intro and buoyant beats evoke the warmer season, while Pheelz ushers in a season of love every time he coos, “Ooh-ooh-ooh/ Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh.”
Stonebwoy, “More Of You”
Def Jam’s latest signee Stonebwoy begs his girl to give him “More of You” in his sultry latest single. The Ghanaian Afropop/reggae artist clearly can’t get enough of her, pleading with her to dance with him to a spellbinding rhythm – courtesy of Grammy-nominated producer Supa Dups – that we can’t get enough of. Ultimately, Stonebwoy becomes so mesmerized by her beauty in the animated visual that he succumbs to her like the Biblical forbidden fruit and ends up naked in a garden like Eden.
Tayc, “Success”
The Cameroonian-French crooner makes listeners swoon with dreamy scenarios and explicit rendezvous details that just roll off the tip of his French mother tongue with his latest album, ROOM 96. On the highlight “Success,” Tayc reflects on a woman who can’t handle his success and its side effects (like extra eyes on her), continuing to assuage her with sweet nothings that’ll make anyone’s ears tingle. Yet the ultra-sexy production of “Success” glosses over Tayc’s biting outro: “You’re just not ready for this, you should let me know/ ‘Cause, um, basically my life ain’t gonna change for you/ I, I love my life/ I love my place and I’m not gonna move anything for anybody.”
Michaël Brun feat. Oxlade, “Clueless”
Haitian DJ/producer Michaël Brun teams up with the “KU LO SA” Nigerian singer on the infectious Carribbean-Afro-fusion collaboration “Clueless.” Oxlade delivers a chant-worthy chorus with his enunciation of the track’s title, while he toys with the idea of loving a girl who’s equally his “antidote and poison” over Brun’s laidback beats. “Working with Oxlade was such an honor,” Brun says in a press release. “The operatic elements of his voice and the ways in which he uses harmonies and layers are what make Oxlade who he is — a true legend.”
Asake, “Yoga”
Asake has been on a heater for almost a year now, peaking with his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibe last September — and he hasn’t slowed down his output since, with “Yoga” his latest single to make waves. There’s a comfortable, soothing vibe to the track that comes across in his vocals and belies the lyrics, which stress the need to protect against things that will disrupt your peace — and the hook is a balm to alleviate such stresses. “Yoga” is the calm in the midst of a firestorm, a perfect song for imperfect times.
Khaid, “Jolie”
More than a simple love song, “Jolie” has melodies that pile on top of each other to get stuck in the mind and get stronger as the track goes on. Relatively new to the game — his first project of any kind was a six-song EP from last year, titled DIVERSITY — Khaid is still a teenager, and still developing as an artist, but “Jolie” shows there’s a lot of promise and talent that’s already there, with a world of possibility ahead of him.
Spinall feat. BNXN & Stefflon Don, “Oshey”
First things first — this DJ Spinall album has been spinning out phenomenal singles for about a year now, including his collaborations with Adekunle Gold (“Cloud 9”) and Asake (“Palazzo”), both of which initially came out last year. Now that the full project, titled Top Boy, was released Feb. 17, there’s more to dig into, with this collaboration with BNXN and Stefflon Don a particular highlight, showcasing all the different styles that weld together this diverse and compelling project. (But seriously, listen to “Cloud 9” and thank us later.)
BNXN, Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez, “GWAGWALADA”
A reference to an area of Nigeria, “GWAGWALADA” brings together three of the most intriguing Afrobeats artists from the country in BNXN, Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, each bringing their distinctive vocals and styles to mesh seamlessly over the laid back, feel-good production by Sarz. BNXN has thrived in the last few years via collaborations with the likes of Wizkid, Burna Boy and Pheelz, and “GWAGWALADA” adds another flawless team-up to his growing discography.
Young Jonn feat. Olamide, “Currency”
Young Jonn has stepped beyond his producer title and has been dropping a series of infectious singles of late; “Xtra Cool,” released last October, probably should have been in this column last month, but “Currency” is another worthy entry. Longtime collaborator Olamide comes through to switch up the vibe, but it’s all additive, making this another insistent earworm of a record.