The 9 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Featuring Cassper Nyovest, Joeboy, Mr Eazi, Kojey Radical and more.
Joeboy in "Lonely"
Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our best music of the week column.
Here's our round up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, which you can also check out in our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.
Check out all of OkayAfrica's playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Joeboy 'Lonely'
Here is the first taste from Nigeria's rising star Joeboy's upcoming album. “Lonely" is a highly addictive affair. "Joeboy lays it all on the line on "Lonely," shooting his shot with the girl he's had his eye on. Turns out she's had her eyes on him, too, and it's happily ever after. Moral of the story: Never be afraid to share your feelings," his team says.
Kojey Radical 'PROGRESSION FREESTYLE 2'
Kojey Radical come through with the hard-hitting "PROGRESSION FREESTYLE 2." "Consistency is the biggest gift you can give to your progress. It's not enough to assume greatness," he mentions. "Sometimes you have to speak it into existence. Progression 2 is the rage that comes being passionate about something you love. This world can weigh on you and little by little, a little becomes a lot. No matter what. Just keep going."
Costa Titch 'Thembi' Ft. Boity
Costa Titch's debut album Made in Africa plays out like a collection of club bangers designed for robust live performances and the dancefloor. Not surprising for an artist who doubles as a dancer, and always makes sure to include that element of his artistry in his music videos and performances.
Mr Eazi & Major Lazer feat. Nicki Minaj & K4mo - Oh My Gawd (Official Music Video)
Nigerian singer-songwriter Mr Eazihas teamed up with production trio Major Lazer for their collective new single "Oh My Gawd." The single only gets stronger with features, with Nicki Minaj and fellow Nigerian artist K4mo also lending their voices. Watch the new official music video for "Oh My Gawd" below. It features the work of directors Reel Goats and animators Mathematics.
Benny Afroe ft. King Monada 'Diawa'
Benny Afroe has released a fresh dance single "DIAWA" featuring King Monada. This single comes off the success of "That Feeling" with Ami Faku which was released early this year. "DIAWA" is slang for "it's going down", a colloquial phrase used to describe a fire party. "DIAWA" infuses hip-hop and the unique sonics of bolobedu house.
AYLØ 'Romantic'
Nigeria's AYLØ is announcing the new project, Clairsentience EP. Its lead single, "Romantic," is a meditative affair combining acoustic guitars and soft vocal melodies. The track is about "loving another person because you see some of yourself in them," the artist says.
OKAN 'Espiral'
OKAN's new album, Espiral, opens with a Yoruba language chant that invites us to dance and experience a spiritual journey of faith and musical virtuosity. The album boasts 9 tracks that fuse Antillean rhythms, flamenco, bolero, salsa, African roots, and Latin jazz. Their compositions embody instrumental solo improvisations, lyrics, and chants full of color and social commitment using double entendres to talk about Cuban women and the Latino community in Canada.
Poundo 'O WASSO WARA'
Rising artist (and past OkayAfrica member) Poundo comes through with the stunning visuals for "O Wasso Wara. "This song is about sisterhood," she mentions. Get into it above.
Cassper Nyovest 'Bonginkosi' ft. Zola 7
Cassper Nyovesthas shared stunning visuals for single "Bonginkosi" featuring Zola 7 from his latest studio album A.M.N.The rapper keeps on his winning prowl with this latest visual escapade.The visuals for "Bonginkosi" are simply heavenly and calming. Cassper Nyovest and Zola 7 look like two gangsta angels in matching white suits and Nike Air Force Ones. The song is one of thanksgiving, but the two artists give it an edge that no other gospel song has. The video is largely shot in a bare white studio and transitions to visuals of the sea and Black women worshipping in church.
Follow our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist on Spotify here and Apple Music here.
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