Your weekly dose of the best new sounds around the continent!
Reminisce - Alaye Toh Seh Gogo
Reminisce has evolved from parody rapper to multimedia entertainer in the space of a decade. Managing to branch out creatively has done nothing to weaken his articulate nature on the mic. His latest effort is a toned down, primarily instrumentation based poem. Armed with two potent stanzas, he addresses his time as a music executive, an actor and claps back at doubters feigning concern. Manoeuvring between his favoured trio of Yoruba, English and Pidgin with ease, he delivers what could well be the lead up single to his long-awaited fifth studio album.
Sean Lifer - Goals
Ghanaian drill talent, Sean Lifer, returns to the scene with a new EP titled Lost in Space. The lead single called "Goals" is an anthemic drill cut that is emblematic of everything we love about the genre. Catchy, repetitive hook present, aggressive hi-hats and an ominous bassline. Reflecting most of what is good about the EP, Sean Lifer's 2022 looks to be the year he solidifies as a Ghanaian stalwart, as a driller or otherwise.
WurlD - Let You Down
Wurld's change of pace has been evident since the beginning of his latest album rollout. Opting for less sultry instrumentals and fully embracing his pop capabilities might be just the thing his career requires to break his next ceiling. Primarily an Afrobeat core, the beat's versatility allows Wurld to flex his R&B lyricism over what many would consider a beat fit for Naira Marley and his cohorts. My WorlD With U is set for a March release and "Let You Down" appears to be a very strong single, even with the extensive 19 song tracklist. If it is any indication of what the album could sound like, Wurld might just have a chance at breaking the R&B yoke Nigeria is bound to.
Chike - Nwoke Oma
Roughly translated from Igbo, Nwoke Oma means "good man". Chike's title refers to the different treatment success breeds, a phenomenon he has become only too familiar with as his stock has risen. Largely a sardonic response to the sycophantic attention, his vocal performance is the brightest point of the record. The subject matter and accompanying instrumental do not challenge Chike in the least, the emotion he sings with however is all that is necessary to sell it.
Bella Shmurda - My Friend
Returning with his trademark fervent energy, "Best Friend" announces Bella Shmurda's presence on the scene for 2022. The Niphkeys produced cut is both a call to his earliest friends and supporters as well as a victory lap celebrating his recent successes. With a hook that sounds like he read out his passport pages and bars like "If i say goodbye my friend, I just want to get that cheque", it is clear that his lyrical quality is as sharp as it has ever been. The anticipation for his next body of work just went up.
SaveMilli - Studio ft Ria Sean & Shank
Marking his return to the scene this year, Milli drops off a two single pack, featuring "Like This" and the subject of our Press Play entry today, "Studio". Showing off his singing more, he enlists rookie, Ria Sean and veteran, Shank to deliver this sensual cut. Operating at a lower BPM than Nigerians are used to, "Studio" is a glimpse of the qualities that make Milli standout, timeless production, great A&Ring and crisp vocals. Delivering the hook and bridge alone, he creates room for his features to showcase their own talents and the record is better for it.
