The 10 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
The best music of the week featuring Tiwa Savage, DJ Maphorisa, Harmonize, Wande Coal 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.
Darkie Fiction "Bhoza"
The music video for Cape Town-based duo Darkie Fiction's latest single "Bhoza," features a legion of familiar faces of the new wave, from the rapper Robin Thirdfloor to the Pap Culture trio, among others, gyrating and serving looks. Lyrically, the song, which takes some influences from old school kwaito, is uplifting, with the duo encouraging you to rise above adversity, and boss up.
Tiwa Savage "Tiwa's Vibe"
Mavin Records' first lady Tiwa Savage finally shared the long-awaited music video for her infectious feel-good track "Tiwa's Vibe." Although "Tiwa's Vibe" is not her most mainstream-leaning single, Queen Tiwa is clearly living her best life and she's giving us all that fun and carefree energy with this song. Tiwa pulls off sexy and classy at the same time in this new video, which was directed by Clarence Peters.
Stilo Magolide "Boo'd Up (Remix)"
Ella Mai's massive hit "Boo'd Up" has inspired countless remixes, including one from T-Pain, and another from Quavo and Nicki Minaj. South Africa is not in the habit of getting left behind from waves. So, of course, a homegrown remix of "Boo'd Up" was bound to surface. Rapper and member of Boyzn Bucks, Stilo Magolide recently released his take of the viral hit. He spits some lovey-dovey sing-songy raps and gives the hook a South African flavor by incorporating some IsiZulu.
Electric Punanny & Popeye Caution "My Way"
Electric Punanny, the DJ/producer duo comprised of Jasmine Solano and MeLo-X, are back with a new track that's readymade for your weekend parties. "My Way" sees the duo link up with Miami reggae act Popeye Cautionover an infectious dancehall-meets-electro beat. The track combines the musical vibes of Jamaica, Brooklyn and Miami for an uplifting summer anthem.
DJ Maphorisa "Dance Like Mandela"
South African producer DJ Maphorisais sharing this new gqom-leaning track to celebrate the 100th birthday of Nelson Mandela. He called up a strong list of collaborators to help out on this song for Mandela. Moonchild adds her vocals to the track, while Boyzn Bucksmember and rapper Stilo Magolidealso shows up to add his own flavor alongside Mlindo The Vocalistand DJ Sbucardo. You can also hear snippets of "Madiba Riddim," the track from Drake's More Life sampled in there.
Asha Gangali "Avenue"
Lagos-based Afropop and dancehall artist Asha Gangalicomes through with a highly-addictive new single, "Avenue," that you'll surely have on repeat. He's also dropped another banger to coincide with this one called "Salewa" which you should dig into. We can see these ones being played at parties on both sides of the Atlantic.
Ewube "On Melange"
Ewube puts together the many trending dances across Africa, adding in her own flair and Cameroonian Afro-rhythms in this addictive new track. The idea of "On Melange" is to keep people dancing until the end of the song. Check out this highly-infectious new track from the Cameroonian artist above.
Skales "Fire Waist" feat. Harmonize
Nigeria's Skales is readying the release of his new album, Mr Love. To hold us over 'til then, he's sharing his collaboration with buzzing Tanzanian act Harmonize in "Fire Waist."
Joey Le Soldat & Newton Colours "Woto"
Burkina Faso-based rapper Joey Le Soldat connects with English band Newton Colours for this blend of electronic beat work with Burkinabé rhymes. "Woto" is really something to behold.
Wande Coal "So Mi So"
Wande Coal finally dropped the long-awaited video for "So Mi So," the single that saw him link up with British-Ghanaian producer Juls. The track is built on an addictive guitar riff and syncopated beat work that'll have you hooked. But, as always, it's Wande Coal's undeniable vocal delivery that seals the deal. Watch the music video, directed by Juls & Tobi, above.