Press Play: New Music From Fireboy, Wizkid, Wani & More
Your weekly dose of the best new songs on the continent!
We're still living in a pandemic and its endless resulting effects, but at least we've had an ample serving of tunes to keep us company. Each week, the B.Side staff will round up a guide to the hottest songs on the continent. Dig in and enjoy.
“Peru” - Fireboy DML
Nigeria’s resident loverboy is back with his first lead single of the year. Asides from the remix of the DJ Spinall song “Sere” with 6lack and an appearance on Cheque’s “History”, it has been a quiet year for the singer. Announcing the release via his official Twitter account, the Shizzi-produced single is just something to appease hungry fans while he works on his album. It is unclear when the album will come out or if “Peru” will be part of the project. Nevertheless, it’s a catchy tune (as we have come to expect from Fireboy) and should be part of your new music playlist.
“Bus Stop” - Ajebo Hustlers
After a long wait, Ajebo Hustlers have released their first studio project, Kpos Lifestyle Vol. 1. Although it contains hits we have already come to love, such as “Symbiosis” and “Pronto”, the opening track “Bus Stop” is a fantastic love song and one of the best intros to a Nigerian project this year. An exhibition of their unique chemistry with seamless alternating verses and a sprinkling of their Port Harcourt lingo, “Bus Stop” is a perfect introduction to one of the most anticipated albums of the year.
“Times Two (x2)” - Wani ft. Buju
Having Buju on your song’s hook is a goldmine these days, and Wani takes full advantage of this on his new single “Times Two.” According to the singer, he is putting in the finishing touches to Lagos City Vice 2, the sequel to his debut of the same name. While we wait for that, “Times Two” is a melodious love banger to whet our appetites. Featuring two fire verses from Wani and another Buju chorus for the ages, this is a potential chart climber in the coming weeks.
“Gone Girl” - Obongjayar & Sarz
Nobody has the words to adequately describe Obongjayar’s music. Common attempts, however, include the adjectives “beautiful” and “unique.” When this is combined with the sonic excellence that is Sarz’s production, you know you are in for a ride. The pair have released the 4-song Sweetness EP, and while every song is a bop, “Gone Girl” is the cream of the crop. Featuring Obongjayar’s haunting voice accentuated by a drum-heavy beat, “Gone Girl” is bound to get you nodding your head at neck-snapping speed.
“Deja Vu” - Moliy
Ghanaian Afro-Fusion princess Moliy is back with a new single. Starting out as a story detailing her struggles with an unreliable lover and turning into a piece of advice for whoever might be facing the same problems, “Deja Vu” is a mid-tempo song with a great flow and production. Despite being a sad tale of being done dirty by a love interest, it still retains the danceable elements associated with Moliy’s music. A chill bop for your morning playlists, folks.
"Cherry Mango" - Kida Kudz x Made Kuti
Kida Kudz’s sophomore project Top Memba is finally here! Containing promotional singles like “Figure 8” and “Makaveli”, the album is an offering of “Afroswank”, the Essex-based rappers unique spin on afrobeats. “Cherry Mango”, one of the top selections from this body of work, is a love letter to Kida Kudz’ woman backed up by Made Kuti’s saxophone, and frankly? That’s all the motivation you need to hit play on that.
"Luv + War" - adé x ictooicy
“Luv + War” is adé’s first single of the year. Produced by Winzycool, the song reflects on the various ways to tackle the problem of an emotionally distant lover. For ictooicy, who takes the bouncy hook, the best way is to leave such a relationship and prioritise your peace. Adé’s method is slightly different, choosing to pay back in kind the wrongs done to her. Despite their varied approaches to solving the problem, their message is clear: protect your peace, and sometimes that can mean running away.
"De$igner "- mca$h
Mca$h is a stylish king, and he knows it. Like the title suggests, his new single “De$igner” is an ode to his lit and lavish lifestyle. To prove his game, he boldly name-drops his favourite fashion brands (Margiela, Saint Laurent), as well as his favourite car (the Rolls-Royce Wraith), he is living the dream. Furthermore, the production is elite, combining drums with synths to create a cinematic beat that conjures images of sci-fi theme parks and adventures, “De$igner” is a true ode to the hedonistic life.
“System” - Dave x Wizkid
Two years after his debut album, Dave is back with his sophomore project We’re All Alone In This Together, and it’s impressive something we have come to expect of the Nigerian-British rapper. “System” featuring afrobeats superstar Wizkid was probably the most anticipated song since he tweeted the tracklist, and it does not disappoint. Although Dave spitting football bars over afrobeats instrumentals is not something you hear every day, the Benin native sounds right at home. On his part, nobody in the world tells a girl to whine better than Wizkid and Starboy does just that in his usual smooth manner, blessing our ears with a marvelous chorus.
