Your weekly dose of the best new sounds on the continent!
Today is another Friday, which means that it is time for PressPlay (say that out loud, it rhymes). The advent of streaming applications and websites means that every week, there is a lot of new music released and music fans can get lost in the outpouring and miss out on some quality gems in the process. We at BSide have heard your cries and in our benevolence have decided to listen to all the new stuff and tell you the best of the bunch. So sit back, relax and press play.
DJ Spinall ft. Fireboy DML and 6lack - "Sere (Remix)"
There is something magical about 6lack’s collaborations with Nigerian artistes, and that fire streak continued this week. After gracing Omah Lay’s “Damn” some months ago, this time he’s hopped on DJ Spinall and Fireboy DML’s hot club banger “Sere”, seamlessly blending his smooth vocals with the bouncy afrobeats instrumentals. Fireboy DML’s verse remains unchanged, but we don’t mind; it has had us dancing for weeks already.
Vigro Deep ft. Focalistic, Kamo Mphela and Rams The Violinist - "Slender"
Vigro Deep is back with a new album, Baby Boy 4, the latest in his Baby Boy series. True to his standing as an amapiano powerhouse, the album is packed with a lot of great songs. A standout record however is “Slender”, on which he enlisted fellow heavyweights Focalistic, Kamo Mphela and Rams The Violinist to deliver a truly fantastic amapiano hit. The best thing about the song is its multipurpose functionality: you can listen while sitting down to relax, or at a party, or while going on a morning jog. It’s magic, really.
Dwin, The Stoic - "Ifunayam"
DISCLAIMER: this song is about a guy whose lover has been wicked to him, but he is looking forward to loving them again in the future. This writer wishes to state that he does not in any way or form support this sentiment. On the contrary, he believes in the philosophy espoused by the quote “once bitten, twice shy.”
But disclaimers aside, Dwin, The Stoic’s first release since 2020’s “This Fight” is a songwriting and vocal masterclass. Over a soft piano and guitar combo, he pours his heart out in simple but powerful lyrics. This is feelings music, dear reader. Prepare to feel.
Ifeme C.S ft. Oluchi Odii - "Dancing Waters"
After the release of his debut project earlier in the year, rising star Ifeme C.S enlists Oluchi Odii for a soft amapiano song. Over his smooth and groovy production, Odii’s voice is sometimes mellow, sometimes urgent, but always striking at your auditory nerves regardless. The lyrics of the song are interesting too, alternating between French and Swahili, and blending perfectly to create a great listening experience. The guitars by Paul Aderoju are fantastic too.
Juls ft. Tay Iwar and Projexx - "Chance"
After announcing his debut album a few days ago, Juls has released the first single off the project. Continuing in his tradition of smooth afrobeats, the production is excellent, as we have come to expect of him. Tay Iwar delivers a stunning chorus, as per, complementing Projexx’s dancehall-style verses. If this is a sample of what the album will sound like, bring it on.
KZM - "Balance Freestyle"
Another selection from a promising act, “Balance” is hip hop music, trap style. Over minimal but very effective production, KZM delivers cold bar after cold bar showcasing his luxury lifestyle with a lot of cash and beautiful women and life on the grind. In addition to the vibe his flow and delivery create, his lyricism and word play jump out as well. In a space dominated by afrobeats and afrobeats influenced sounds, it is refreshing to hear good old trap music. KZM is definitely one to look out for.
Ladipoe ft. Buju - "Feeling"
Last but not the least, Ladipoe and Buju combine for an afropop jam. Asides from being one of Nigeria’s fiercest MCs with fire bars, flow and wordplay, Ladipoe is slowly carving a niche as one who can hold his own on “softer” features as well. From his Headies-winning “Know You” collaboration with Simi, to the stellar “Ride or Die'' with Waje off Basket Mouth’s Yabasi, the Yoruba Samurai is a multidisciplinary king.
On this track, he is assisted by budding afrobeats star, Buju, who delivers the hook in characteristically brilliant fashion. This latest offering is yet another triumph and addition to his current hot streak. Ladipoe is clearly enjoying the way he is feeling, and so are we.
