Your weekly dose of the best new sounds around the continent!
“Abeg” - DJ Neptune, Omah Lay x Joeboy
DJ Neptune’s album Greatness 2.0 is out at long last. Featuring an expansive list of some of Africa’s finest acts ー Mr Eazi, Simi, Peruzzi, Zlatan, Lojay, Adekunle Gold, Phyno, Bella Shmurda just to name a few ー the star-studded tape is clearly jampacked with immense talent and insane bangers. It’s however the slow and sensual “Abeg” that shines the brightest. Omah Lay and Joeboy, joining forces for the first time, over smooth, syncopated drums and intermittent horns to sing about a love that is driving them crazy.
“So Sexy” - PSIV x E.V.E
In the past year or two, there has been a reawakened interest in the old Nollywood aesthetics amongst young Nigerian youth. This has spilt into all forms of art, especially fashion and music. Inspired by these flicks, PSIV and E.V.E tap into the Y2K vibe to channel their inner baddies on “So Sexy”, a groovy track produced by Zolo. One for the clubs and parties, "So Sexy" is bound to get you rocking.
“Never Love Again” - Ogranya x Ria Boss
Ogranya's "Project 52" is going steadily well. The R&B singer's plan to release new music every week of 2021 has seen him churn out stellar cuts for the past eleven months. On his latest release, "Never Love Again" with Ria Boss, he approaches a lover with kindness and patience as he promises, almost to love her so much she has no need to love another again.
“Summer Bunny” - Bensoul x Nviiri the Storyteller
Kenyan soul singer Bensoul is back with a new track called "Summer Bunny", featuring Nviiri the Storyteller. Over the soft strums of a guitar, both musicians profess love to a woman they have nicknamed "summer bunny." It's November, but climate change means that summer is popping up unexpectedly anyways. A sure entry for your chill playlists, "Summer Bunny" is a vibe.
“Tinkerbell” - R2Bees x Wizkid
Legendary Ghanian hip-hop duo R2Bees are back with Back 2 Basics, their first album since 2019's Site 15. While there are several standout moments and performances across the album’s 50-minute runtime, the Wizkid-assisted "Tinkerbell" is most definitely one of the best highlights. Both acts have developed a very good synergy over the years, dating as far back as 2013’s “Slow down”. They prove their unrivalled coaction once again, delivering a largely percussive, warm and heartfelt love song.
“Snapchat” - Ruger
Ruger's sophomore EP The Second Wave is here! The Jonzing World act has had an excellent breakthrough year and a lot of the qualities that endeared most to him shines through once again on his new project. The R&B/Dancehall-inspired "Snapchat" is undoubtedly the standout from the 4-tracker. It's a hugely suggestive number that’s tightly packed with otherworldly melodies and sensual lyricism.
“Blessings” - Niphkeys x Zinoleesky
Record producer and sound engineer Niphkeys who is largely famous and responsible for feeding the Marlian music roster with smash hits has once again teamed up with Zinoleesky for an upbeat jam titled "Blessings." Over bouncy instrumentals, the 26-year-old singer reflects on his well-deserved success as well as the efforts of his detractors to stop his progress.
“Medicine” - Blaqbonez x Oxlade
It's been a whirlwind year for Blaqbonez. The self-acclaimed Best Rapper in Africa has gone from strength to strength, releasing his best body of work earlier in the year and doubling down on his unique and relentless brand of social media promotion and marketing. To wrap up a great 2021, the Chocolate City-signee has updated Sex Over Love, adding four new songs to the deluxe edition. "Medicine" with Oxlade is an instant jam off the newly added songs, with both artists delivering extremely raunchy verses while trying to woo a love interest.
