You can’t deny the fact that African music has reached an all-time high. Now more than ever, the world is paying attention, African music is literally traveling without a visa. Our artists are taking the sound to a new level, making Africans at home and those in the diaspora proud of the motherland.
This is such a good time to be alive, and a very good time for African music. The reach is limitless, the culture has been transported, and the revolution is being televised. African artists are taking the world by storm, bagging international awards and deals like it’s a piece of cake, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their foreign counterparts as the world now fully respects the quality of our music.
The stars shine brightly from West Africa to Southern Africa, East Africa, and North Africa, as the uniqueness and complexity of the continent’s rhythms syncopate louder than ever before.
This week, we bring to you ten of the best new African songs you should keep on your radar.
Stormzy – Hide & Seek (Remix) (Feat. Rema)
British rapper Stormzy (also of Ghanaian descent) collaborates with Nigerian pop star Rema on the remix of the rapper’s smash hit single ‘Hide & Seek’. The remix came as a surprise to many, as there wasn’t much noise about the collaboration until it dropped. Nigerian producer, Niphkeys was in charge of the music production, inculcating African polyrhythms, diverting from the original’s approach. If you are a fan of the original, you should check out this upbeat version.
Majeeed – Gbese (Feat. Tiwa Savage)
This week, fast-rising Nigerian singer Majeeed released his much-teased single ‘Gbese’ which features the self-proclaimed ‘African bad gyal’ Tiwa Savage. The Afrobeats single was produced by Nigerian veteran producer Masterkraft. Since its release on the 22nd of February, it’s been making the rounds among audiophiles.
DJ Tunez – Banga (Feat. Portable)
‘Banga’ by Nigerian and In-house disk jockey to Star Boy records, DJ Tunez is a giddy song that features controversial, but talented Nigerian singer, Portable. The effort between the two creatives is a potential street anthem, another Amapiano-ridden song for all listeners to enjoy.
Bella Alubo – Patience
Nigerian singer and songwriter Bella Alubo thrilled her fans with a new song titled ‘Patience. ‘Patience’’ is a beautifully delivered Afrobeat-themed song about patience and faith. If you are looking for a psychedelic rush, this is definitely one of the best new releases you should plug into.
AKA – Mass Country Album
Following the unfortunate demise of South African rap great AKA, the rapper’s team decided to honor him by releasing a project that the rapper was scheduled to drop before his untimely exit.
Jidenna – Blush
American-Nigerian singer and rapper Jidenna has been away from the music scene for a minute, but he makes a sweet comeback with the heartfelt ‘Blush’. The hip-hop record is a requiem to a lover, spilling about not being craven when it comes to commitment in a serious relationship.
Kuami Eugene & Rotimi – Cryptocurrency
It’s a West African affair with the newly released ‘One More Night’ by Ghana’s Kuami Eugene and American-Nigerian, Rotimi. The three-minute midtempo is a soothing listen. The song takes an interesting approach, as the theme of the song dwells on the updated method of payment required by the “it” girls in exchange for affection.
Tay Iwar – Healing
Tay-Iwar’s super talented Nigerian singer Tay-Iwar’s song ‘Healing’ is an amazing song about a therapeutic quest from stress-induced activities. On this song, Tay-Iwar is smooth as usual, further proving his versatility as a recording artist with the way he adapts to a flow that isn’t really regular Tay-Iwar.
Dreamville, Bas, Black Sheriff & Kel-P – Blood, Sweat & Tears
Cultures unite as America’s Bas, Ghana’s Black Sheriff, and Nigeria’s Kel-P team up for Hollywood. The song ‘Blood, Sweat, & Tears’ is the soundtrack to the American film franchise, Creed. All artists involved deliver in a way unique to each.
Falz – Owa (Feat. Tekno)
Popular Nigerian rapper, Falz, enlists the help of fellow compatriot, Tekno, on the satirical-ridden ‘Owa’. The song touches on delicate subjects like corruption, poverty, and the daily struggles of an average Nigerian, all while being sonically pleasing to the ear.
