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.
In this weekly roundup, we are bringing you the most exciting new releases from Africa’s buzzing music scene. Our playlist spotlights rising stars and hot collaborations that’ll keep you going all weekend long.
Here are the best new African songs released this week.
Aye Kan – Angélique Kidjo ft. Ayra Starr
For over three decades, Angélique Kidjo has resided at the very top of African music, with her music travelling far beyond the shores of Africa, breaking ground and paving the way for the next generation of female African superstars like Ayra Starr. So it’s beautiful to witness a collaboration between the woman who laid the groundwork and the woman who is destined to take African music even further. This song feels like a passing of the torch moment, and it’s beautiful to witness. What a moment.
Popstar – Black Sheriff
Black Sherif is back with a new thrilling single titled Popstar. The record sees the rapper bask in the euphoria of his success and accomplishment, acknowledging his status as a globally recognised popstar and the lifestyle that comes with it. The song is a shift from what we’ve come to expect from Blacko sonically, as the song employs a mellow and chill Afropop tempo rather than the hard-hitting hip-hop style that has defined his rise. Regardless, the song is still characteristically Blacko, carrying the introspective lyricism and soul that make his music exciting and engaging to listen to.
Cinema – Fally Ipupa
African music legend Fally Ipupa unleashes a brand new single titled Cinema. The record blends Afro-Fusion, Highlife and Afro-Bashment into a record that could soundtrack a Kush-filled romance beach party filled with beautiful Black women letting loose and shaking their bodies. Which is exactly what Fally Ipupa demands on the record.
Mzala – Shakes & Les, Zee Nxumalo and Tango Supreme
South Africa has a megastar on their hands with Zee Nxumalo, and I’m not sure they realise. This young lady is a hitmaker. She knows how to make bangers, and she does it so effortlessly that it’s actually ridiculous. She completely ate this record and left no crumbs. This record is going to be one of those records we hear on the dancefloor throughout this year; it’s such an amazing party record.
