Your weekly dose of the best new sounds on the continent!
“Shaye” - Magixx
Mavin signee Magixx is back with a new project titled ATOM, his follow-up to last year’s self-titled debut. While he’s enjoyed a decent run with the re-up of his lover's anthem “Love Don’t Cost A Dime” and his contribution “Overdose”, one of the biggest songs out this year, “Shaye”, ATOM’s standout has the potential to be his most significant release so far. “Shaye” is airy and bouncy, built around hedonistic themes and soft drums that’ll have you nod or burst a few moves.
“Kenkele” - Bnxn ft Wande Coal
Gearing up for the release of his sophomore tape, Bnxn taps up veteran vocalist Wande Coal for his latest single titled “Kenkele”. Both artists are in their comfort zone here, cruising over syncopated drums and synths, delivering a breezy, feel-good record. Lyrically, things are a little scatterbrained but Bnxn’s opening lines on the second verse ー which briefly highlight just how far he’s come ーare perhaps the most significant: “Before the racks came inna mi way, I used to buy my loud for 2k”. Now he sure can afford the best shit out there while casually trading sweet verses with one of the country’s most accomplished acts.
“Iniesta” - King Promise
"5 Star”, King Promise’s sophomore album and his first in three years opens with “Iniesta”, a lush track that both sets the tone for the album and the year he’s about to have. “This year we dey come for the kill a hunter, 5 star drop, ebe banger / See i get skills Iniesta / E dey enter” he sings assuredly, comparing himself to Spanish and Barcelona ex-player Iniesta. He rides the beat effortlessly, singing sonorously and further enforcing his stalwart status.
“Jaiye (Ihe Geme)” - Psquare
Nigeria’s beloved music duo, Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, release a two-single pack, their first significant work since announcing their reunion late last year. The instant standout, Jaiye (Ihe Geme) is an Amapiano-inflected record that pairs their signature delivery with thumping, dance-inducing log drums. It’s classic Psquare with a slightly modern touch. With a tour slated for later this year and probably more music to come, it’ll be interesting to see how these legendary duo would thrive in this age.
“Flames” - Gyakie ft Davido
On her latest project, Ghana’s songbird connects with Afropop powerhouse to deliver a sonorous record that borders on a toxic love affair. Gyakie’s verse, tender and soothing as ever, is nicely complemented by Davido’s more spirited delivery. They both sing from opposite sides of a relationship simply moving in circles. Davido’s verse captures it perfectly: “When we fight and you curse / You cry and it hurts and it burns / Just like it’s rehearsed / An entire re-run”.
“The Guy” - M.I Abaga
The lead single “The Guy” off M.I Abaga’s forthcoming studio album also titled The Guy perfectly whets the appetite for what’s to come. It’s smooth, braggadocious and packed full with bars and clever word plays. He delivers with an assured and commanding cadence, making everything he says crystal clear and believable. The veteran rapper also switches flows and find different pockets over omnious production, reminding everyone why he’s African rapper number one.
