The 11 Songs You Need To Hear This Week
The best music of the week featuring Cassper Nyovest, Wizkid, Angelique Kidjo, Sauti Sol and more.
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 OkayAfrica on Spotify and Apple Music to get immediate updates every week and read about some of our selections ahead.
Wizkid & Starboy Crew "Soco"
The music video for Wizkid and his Starboy crew's dance-Inducing single "Soco" has arrived. The vibrant song gets an equally lively video, directed by Clarence Peters, which see Wizkid and three members of his Starboy collective: new signee Terri (who got signed recently after tagging Wizkid in an Instagram video), Spotless, and Ceeza Milli In a colorful outdoor setting, jamming into the night with a group of talented dancers.
Cassper Nyovest "Ksazobalit"
South African star rapper Cassper Nyovest drops "Ksazobalit," a song that will definitely be a staple in clubs and radio. It takes inspiration from Migos, with the hook delivered as a one-line chant. This one is poised to get big; it ticks all the boxes of a Nyovest hit—a catch hook, lofty lines and a beat that knocks hard. And fans are already eating it up.
Angelique Kidjo "Born Under Punches"
With her newest album, Remain in the Light, Angélique Kidjolooks to re-imaging the landmark Talking Heads album, which was widely considered to be one of the top albums of the 1980s and was deeply influenced by Fela Kuti's afrobeat. While Kidjo's album will be released on June 8, you can watch the video for its first single, "Born Under Punches" now.
Sauti Sol "Rewind" feat. Khaligraph Jones
Sauti Sol's "Rewind" is the big Kenyan collaboration we needed. Sauti Sol link up with rapper Khaligraph Jones for new single "Rewind," a song that reminisces on how far they have come. The music video, which was directed by Sesan, features a lot of old photographs and videos from the band, and let's just say the glo up has been real.
Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, WSTRN "Love Struck"
WSTRN, Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi's new music video for "Love Struck" is otherworldly. The single encapsulates the feelings of being unapologetically in love. the West London outfit WSTRN took body rocking beats and, along with Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi, threw dope bars in between.
Gaika x OkayAfrica Mix
Gaikais a talented left-field musician coming out of the UK who first landed on our radar for his chilling single, "Blasphemer," before making it as one of our 10 British Artists to Watch last year. The London producer creates a hypnotizing concoction of dancehall and UK grime with additional touches of R&B and trip-hop in his songs. Check out his exclusive mix for us ahead of Black NYC.
Mayorkun & Davido "Bobo"
Mayorkun links up with Davido for this highly-addictive new Nigerian jam, "Bobo," produced by Lush & Killertunes. Check out its accompanying music video directed by Clarence Peters.
Johnny Cradle "Salut"
South African trio Johnny Cradle, one of the most exciting groups in the SA live music scene, share the music video for "Salut." The song is straight to the point, it pays homage to working class South Africans who do the daily jobs that are necessary to keep everyday life running.
Henok Mehari "Konjo Konjo" & "Queen of Sheba"
Ethiopia's Henok Mehari is the founder, pianist and lead singer of the Mehari Brothers Band. He's recently shared two infectious pop tracks, "Konjo Konjo" (above) and "Queen of Sheba." Get into Henok's Addis Ababa sounds above.
"Konjo Konjo" and "Queen of Sheba" are available everywhere now from Okaymusic
Bonj & Maramza "Uwrongo"
On "Uwrongo," South African singer Bonj mourns a relationship that went wrong. The once special somebody she's making reference to messed with her heart, and she's telling them uwrongo. She does this over a selection of sinewy synths that contribute to the emotion in the song. The music, which was produced by Maramza, leans towards EDM, with a smoky bassline and a dance floor-ready rhythm.
Zubz & The Assembly 'Podcast'
South African hip-hop artists The Assembly and Zubz' new Podcast EP is a much-needed dose of positivity. Read our interview with them.