The 11 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
The best music of the week featuring K.O x Cassper Nyovest, MHD x Wizkid, M.anifest, Popcaan x Davido and much 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.
K.O "Waya Waya" feat. Cassper Nyovest
K.O. released visuals to his Cassper Nyovest-assisted single "Waya Waya," from the 2-track EP Two Piece Two Piece. The video, which was directed by Cape Town-based filmmaker Andile Sinqoto, was filmed in The Mother City, in Bo-Kaap and in some parts of the Cape Flats. The two new age pantsulas render some dance moves alongside a crowd excited extras who also gyrate and proudly sip their ngudus. The video being shot in the hood is a fit for "Waya Waya," as the song borrows a lot from kwaito, just like a lot of K.O.'s and Cassper's songs.
MHD "Bella" feat. Wizkid
MHDis the French rapper of Guinean and Senegalese descent who's been spearheading an "Afro Trap" revolution out of his base in Paris—and getting hundreds of millions of views on Youtube while he's at it. For his latest single, "Bella," the buzzing rapper gets none-other-than Wizkid to join him over some twinkling keys and mid-tempo beat work. "Bella" is the second single we've heard from MHD's highly-anticipated new album, 19, named for Paris' 19th arrondissement where he grew up.
M.anifest "Azumah Nelson Flow"
The always on-point M.anifest comes through with the new single and video for "Azumah Nelson Flow," a track produced by Rvdical the Kid. The rapper linked up with Ghanaian boxing legend who makes a cameo in this booming new single named after him.
Popcaan "Dun Rich" feat. Davido
Following the success of their single "My Story"—one of our favorite afrobeats and dancehall collaborations from last year,Davido and Jamaican artist Popcaan are back with another noteworthy collaboration for summer listening. The two have teamed up for 'Dun Rich' a bright new track from Popcaan's latest album Forever.
Nonku Phiri "Sîfó"
South African singer Nonku Phiri has been quiet for a minute. To break the hiatus, the artist recently released a new single titled "Sîfó." You never know what to expect from the Joburg-based singer, as she's an anomaly. On the new single, she's still singing over electronic production effortlessly. "Sîfó" was written and produced by Nonku and alongside her production partner Dion Monti, who also plays an integral role in her live performances.
Nova "Ocean & Skies"
Nova is one of the young, rising artists coming out of Nigeria's new wave. His ever-evolving sound has seen him shift from being an edgy rapper to taking on vocal duties over smooth and hazy beat work. Nova has just dropped his Doozybeatz-produced new single, "Ocean & Skies," which fuses elements of hip-hop, afrobeat, and pop rhythms. The infectious track, which was mixed by Bankyondbeatz, builds on a guitar sample and afrobeat percussion elements.
"Ocean & Skies" is available now across all platforms.
Nu Fvnk "1000 Kids"
Kenyan artist and East African Wave member Nu Fvnk returns in strong form with the hyperactive and jittery new single "1000 Kids," an apt follow-up to his previous jam that we had on constant repeat, "254 Dip."
"1000 Kids" is available here now.
TrapFunk&Alivio x DJ Moma 'Bafro' EP
TrapFunk & Alivio are a Brazilian group coming out with some truly high-energy, melting pot music built on influences from their home of Salvador, Bahia. The quartet—which is comprised of Dj Alle-x, Manno Lipe, Dj MG and Banha—has previously collaborated with NY producer Kashaka and is now dropping a new EP alongside Everyday People's DJ Moma.
Falz "Child of the World"
Following his viral hit "This is Nigeria," in which he addressed a number of social and political issues facing Nigeria, Falz is back with another socially-charged song and video. In "Child of the World," Falz addresses the pervasiveness of sexual abuse against women and the harmful effects it can have on a victim's life. In the music video, which stars Nigerian actors Toyin Abraham and BamBam—who play mother and daughter respectively—Falz tells the story of a young woman who was on a promising career path, which gets rocked when she is suddenly raped by an authoritative male figure.
Ray Signature "Birala"
Ray Signature is topping all the download charts in Uganda for his latest single "Birala," which is taken from the album Ultimate Rebirth. One listen to this tune and you'll see why.
WurlD "Contagious"
Last but not least, Universal Music Group Africa's new signee, Wurld, brings Fujipop to life on his latest record, "Contagious," a single from his upcoming EP of the same name. The track's music video is as captivating as the tune.