The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best African music of the week featuring Femi Kuti, Major League Djz x Jorja Smith, Cina Soul, Nduduzo Makhathini, and more.

South African twin duo Major League DJz pose for a press image in punk-style t-shirts and sunglasses.

South Africa’s Major League DJz have released an addictive new single, “Come With Me,” alongside Jorja Smith.

Photo by Major League DJz/Sheila Afari PR.

Every week, we highlight the top Afrobeats and African music releases through our best music column, Songs You Need to Hear This Week.

Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week.

Femi Kuti – “Oga Doctor”

The legendaryFemi Kuti has shared a new track ahead of his forthcoming album due next month. "Oga Doctor" is a sonically exciting record that reminds one how masterful a composer Kuti is. The song's energy comes directly from the Shrine, featuring immaculate horn sections and Kuti's irrepressible vocals as he moralizes about what happens behind closed doors. A record with the likelihood for metaphor, it's a fine showcase from the veteran musician and one that gets us all the more stoked for Journey Through Life, Kuti's new project. - Emmanuel Esomnofu

Major League DJz - "Come With Me" feat. Jorja Smith

Major League DJz, comprised of twins Banele and Bandile Mbere, have become a permanent fixture in the South African and increasingly global music industry. They developed their skills in the hip-hop scene before transitioning seamlessly into the amapiano space with their Balcony Mix series during the 2020 lockdown. "Come With Me" builds upon their previous UK collaboration ("One Of Them" with Tion Wayne), this time featuring vocals fromJorja Smith. The track blends Afro-tech and classic UK garage, creating a deeply moving, groovy song that will pack punches on the dance floor. - Tseliso Monaheng

Oseikrom Sikanii – “Nonsense”

Ghanaian pop music relies on an energy that's instantly distinct and catchy. On "Nonsense," the hyper-vibrant tone of azonto can be heard in Sikanii's inflection and the production. But with touches of amapiano drums, the vibe is essentially situated in the present, with the Twi-delivered lyrics relaying a flavor that makes this a potential dancehall favorite. - EE

Paras Sibalukhulu Dlamini - “Indimbane Yezizwe”

Paras Sibalukhulu Dlamini is one of the latest revelations in South African jazz. The artist had spent some time honing his craft in the gqom scene before recording what was to be his debut album in 2023. The first single to emerge from those sessions is "Indimbane Yezizwe," a song encouraging Africans to speak out and be heard, anchored by the driving instrumentation courtesy of Swiss, French, and South African musicians. Sibalukhulu's voice cuts across to deliver a stellar performance rooted in cultural understanding, a firm grasp of identity, and a strong desire to see African people progress. His album is coming out this April. - TM

Riky Rick - "The Chant" feat. Dee Koala and Gemini Major

"The Chant" continues the lead-up toRiky Rick's upcoming posthumous album in May. In a recently emerged clip, the rapper is in the studio, breaking down the concept for the albumBoss Zonke Forever. "Boss Zonke Forever is a mindstate," he says, referring to the 2014 smash that made him a household name. "It's not like every song is gonna sound like 'Boss Zonke.' You can never recreate a feeling, but there are certain joints that, arrogantly, I feel only we could do." "The Chant" is a high fashion rap atop meticulous production, a masterclass in how to forever stunt on the haters. -TM

MATATA – “MPISHI (Aiyaya)” feat. Bien

The self-styled "gengeton" group MATATA has consistently played close to the Kenyan sounds. Although based out of Norway, they've managed to keep the East African market steady on their drops, which they've sometimes amplified with fitting collaborations. One such record is their latest, "Mpishi (Aiyaya)," an earworm energized by its guitar base and the sweet sing-song direction of the artists and their acclaimed guest,Bien, formerly ofSauti Sol. - EE

Espiquet - "Tik Tok"

Espiquet's first taste of the spotlight was facilitated by Riky Rick. The emcee's song "Wait Outside" inspired the late rapper to hop on the remix, which helped the song gain traction. Espiquet has since carved his lane of detailed, descriptive raps touching everything from nightlife antics to reflective raps that land equally well. On "Tik Tok," he lands on an experimental sound that he demolishes with half-sung, half-rapped vocals about a situationship he's caught up in. Espiquet is among the few South African MCs who can never land a lousy note. - TM

James BKS – “Waka Go”

French Cameroonian artist and producer James BKS creates a bubbling record on "Waka Go," drawing upon the 'sweet talk' that makes Afropop so distinct. Featuring the rich sonic base of mellow drums and guitars, BKS rides the beat assuredly, promising a woman that she's all he needs for a lover, as the title reiterates the decision to move closer to her in return. - EE

Cina Soul – "Larger Than Life" feat. Stonebwoy

Off her latest album, DID I LIE?, comes this riveting duet betweenCina Soul andStonebwoy. "Larger Than Life" is set forth by a sizzling beat that pulls the best intricacies from each artist's vocals. It's a song that achieves the vision of its title, setting forward the idea that love can make a person larger than life. From Cina's pensive opener to the reassurance offered by Stonebwoy's verse, it's a well-curated song that delivers on its emotional ambitions. - EE

Zlatan – "Get Better" feat. FOLA

One of our African Artists to Watch in 2025, FOLA effortlessly delivers on "Go Better," the new single fromZlatan. He crafts an emotive hook for a record with undeniable aspirational material: wanting to live the good life. In his verses, Zlatan hones into the storytelling edge he's perfected in recent years, painting a series of images reiterating the importance of money and peace of mind. - EE

Nduduzo Makhathini - "Re-Amathambo" feat. Anna Widauer

Nduduzo Makhathini first released "Aamathambo" on his 2017 album Ikhambi. In 2022, he revisited the track on the album In The Spirit Of Ntu, collaborating with producer FKA Mash. This new interpretation transforms the original from its jazz foundations into an Afro-tech creation, replacing the song's traditional jazz elements with a minimalist approach that gives it a sultry, electronic edge. - TM

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