Press Play: New Music From Burna Boy, Ycee, Fave and more
Your weekly dose of the best new songs around the continent.
“Want It All” – Burna Boy feat. Polo G
Since completing the promotional cycle for his last album, Twice As Tall, Burna Boy hasn’t relented: he’s gone on tour, dished out a couple of new singles, and hopped on some high-profile collaborations. However, “Want It All”, his third single of the year, is his most endearing so far. Adopting the sweet-sounding melodic style US rappers are currently floating on, Burna tells an introspective tale about his personal life and career journey. Recruiting Chicago rapper Polo G, who’s known for his emotive brand of storytelling, they reflect on past ugly experiences, pouring out their pains and spelling out their newfound lifestyle changes.
“Baby Riddim” – Fave
Since her emergence, soul-baring singer Fave has captivated hearts with her uncommon flair and personality. Listening to her catalogue points out one quality: there are emotions affixed to her sound. Catching attention first with her viral freestyle, which culminated in the song, “N.B.U”, she kept the momentum with the slow-burn ballad, “Beautifully”, and a pair of satisfactory appearances on Olamide’s album UY Scuti. Now, on “Baby Riddim,” a cut from her forthcoming EP, Riddim 5, Fave employs her charismatic flow on glinting guitar chords. With her arresting vocals, the singer is consumed with the sweet feelings of love as she describes the wondrous abilities of her love interest.
“234” – Minz
Gifted creative Minz exists in that sparse space of artists who are also revered for their production prowess. Cloaked in his sensual feels, Minz drums up a soft rhythmic number on his new single, “234”. The smooth blend of kick drums and moody keys enables Minz to question an unfaithful lover with his signature pulpy vocals: “when I needed it, where was your love?”
“Like 2 Party” – Ejoya, Psycho YP & Laime
When Ejoya debuted its first collection last year, it propped up a riveting set of party anthems and glossy romantic numbers. Now with its second edition, that exquisite sound design is sprinkled all over the 11-track project. One of the standouts is “Like 2 Party”, which sees Laime and Psycho YP seamlessly merge their magnetic sound. The pair is in their slowed, gentle feels: Laime leads the track singing sonorously about his woman’s fondness for parties while Psycho YP slips into a syrupy singing section, beaming about the new attitudes of his love attraction. It’s a feel-good, radiant pop song.
“Thunda” – SESS & Falz
In 2018, at a time when producers creating their own albums was not that widespread, SESS called up a sprawling cast of artists for his debut, Omo Muda. For his first single in a long time, one that has him singing, surprisingly, Sess jacks up his frequent collaborator, Falz.
It’s a charged atmosphere as both don’t waste time to dish out warnings to their love interests. Falz, in his usual lighthearted being, discusses his toxic relationship ordeals. But it’s SESS’ fiery hook that’s the song’s brightest moment: “If you play me, Thunda go fire you.”
“Back In Office” – Mayorkun
Mayorkun’s new single sees him continue his exploration of the Amapiano sound. Titled “Back In Office” (also the title of his forthcoming album), the single is packed with sparkling melodies and light drums. Still it’s Mayorkun’s compelling charisma that powers this song. After taking a lengthy break in releasing new music earlier in the year, “Back In Office” has Mayorkun making a bold statement: “Nobody better pass Of Lay Lay.”
“Abeg” – Ycee
Ycee’s new project illustrates that he’s weird his sound towards a more melodic route. Love Drunk is a highly emotional affair and the standout track, “Abeg”, features Ycee exploring the ups and downs of romance. The synth-heavy Adey-produced beat provides a leeway for Ycee to ponder and freely express his thoughts about the tiring state of the relationship.
