It’s Friday; you know what that means. We are back with the finest compilation of the best new African songs released this week. Every week, fans of African music are treated to hundreds of thousands of new songs from across the continent. We help to select and curate the best new and must-listen-to records into one bumper playlist for your listening pleasure.
2026 has kicked off with a bang, to say the least. Usually, the music scene takes a month, sometimes even two months, to pick up momentum, as artists often tend to rest and recharge at the beginning of the year. This year has been different. Since the first weekend of January, African artists have come out swinging, and this week is no different.
This week is no different, as there’s a deep pot of new music to dive into this weekend. Nigerian hip-hop’s leading man, Odumodublvck, is back with a brand-new single, They Love Me. Rave of the moment Zaylevelten is back with a new single, Muzz. Ghanaian megastar Shatta Wale is unleashing his eleventh release of the year, a stinging single titled Destiny.
Here are the best new African songs released this week.
Wande Coal & Qing Madi – Dearly
I’m a sucker for collaborations that bridge different eras of music, and that is exactly what this record offers. A collaboration between one of Afrobeats’ most enduring vocalists and one of its most promising new voices, and boy, this is a phenomenal record. Wande Coal and Qing Madi deliver one of the best Nigerian songs of the year so far. Dearly is a deeply compelling and heartfelt love song. Arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day, this song is the perfect soundtrack for the season. It is a known fact that Wande Coal is arguably the most gifted vocalist in Nigerian music history, and almost two decades into his legendary career, he delivers one of his strongest vocal performances on this song. He leads the way on the record, deploying simple lyrics as he passionately sings about his deep admiration and devotion to his lover. Qing Madi doesn’t just hold her own; she delivers an equally exceptional performance, contrasting Wande’s seasoned poise with her Gen Z urgency and finesse. Wande Coal and Qing Madi were in sync on this song, operating on the same wavelength. Qing Madi deserves all the flowers in the world. She was on a song with one of the greatest ever to do it, and she didn’t get bodied. This song is a reminder of her exceptional talent, and it’s scary how good she can become because it’s obvious she’s still scratching the surface. Incredible performance, phenomenal song.
Sarkodie & Yaadman ft. Yung L – Wins & Losses
Nobody asked for a Sarkodie and Yaadman collaboration, but this writer is absolutely thrilled we got one. Wins & Losses is an amazing rap song that explores the highs and lows of life and the rough journey to destiny fulfilment. Sarkodie delivers an introspective performance that offers a reminder of his impeccable lyrical ability. Yaadman’s melodic flair brings a contrasting texture to the record that adds some dynamism and glues the record. The result is a memorable single that’s high in depth and replay value. Fantastic collaboration.
Blxckie – 4luv2 (Album)
South African rapper Blxckie returns with 4LUV2, an eight-track project that continues his evolution as a melody-driven rapper. He continues his exploration of Hip-hop and R&B on this project with the themes leaning into universal subjects like love, vulnerability, conflict, and growth, as he attempts to capture the highs and pitfalls of relationships. Across the 24 minute runtime, Blxckie moves from the intimate opener “2geda” (featuring DeityNow) through reflective deep cuts like “umbuzo” and “planz,” before delivering standout moments like “alupheli,” a collaboration with Young Stunna. 4LUV2 is easy to digest and built for repeat listens thanks to its high reply value.
Arsenik – Protocol
Arsenik returns with Protocol, a new single that showcases why he’s one of the most talked-about voices in the Arab rap scene. The Egyptian rapper’s trademark gritty lyricism forms the core of this record as he balances introspection and aggression over hard-hitting boom bap production. He asserts his presence on the brooding record, delivering lyrical precision and street sensibilities in equal measure. Early indications on social media suggest the record is
Rotation & Mshakil – Don’t worry
Sudanese artist Rotation links up with rising star Mshakil on a new single titled Don’t Worry. Rotation brings his calm and presence to the record, pairing seamlessly with Mshakil’s melodic touch over laid-back Afro house production. Rotation’s delivery carries the weight of experience, while Mshakil softens the edges with warm vocal inflections. Don’t Worry is high in replay value and slots naturally into easy-listening rotations.
