The 10 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
The best music of the week featuring Falz, King Monada, Zlatan, Yemi Alade 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.
Falz 'Moral Instruction'
Falz has just dropped his brand new album, Moral Instruction. As the title implies, the new record follows the rapper as he tackles several topics dealing with Nigeria's social ills and issues with political & social awareness throughout its nine tracks. The album notably samples Fela Kuti, who was undoubtedly outspoken about similar issues himself, in some of its standout songs. Additionally, the cover art for Moral Instruction was crafted by Nigerian artist and longtime Fela collaborator Lemi Ghariokwu—the man behind many of Fela Kuti's iconic covers. The album's lead single, "Talk," got a new music video as well which you can check out above.
King Monada 'Chuwana'
South Africa's King Monada won the summer of 2019 with his viral hit "Malwedhe." The dust has barely settled from the idibala dance, and the Limpopo artist drops a new single and music video. The song is about being poor while having people think you are rich. And the song's video depicts the rags-to-riches narrative. In the beginning of the video, you see the artist trying to make ends meet. Towards the end, he's spotted in a fancy kitchen and later partying it up with some fly women.
Zlatan 'Zanku (Leg Work)'
If you are a fan of afrobeats dance, then you're probably familiar with the increasingly popular dance move known as zanku. The intricate move was first introduced by Nigerian artist Zlatan in the video for Chinko Ekun's "Able God, but now the artist has shared the music video for the much-anticipated dance song, "Zanku (Leg Work)." The music video features Zlatan and various street dancers, who show off their impressive legwork as they zanku throughout the colorful music video.
Read: Is Zanku Set to be the New Dance Craze of 2019?
Amaal 'Not What I Thought'
Amaalis a Somali-Canadian singer whose latest offering, "Not What I Thought," has us entranced. In her new single, the Toronto-based songwriter pairs hazy R&B; soundscapes with melancholic lyrics about a relationship that's come to an end. It's a captivating song that's only improved by its Sean Brown-directed music video, which follows Amaal to the foggy beaches, waterfalls and green landscapes of Iceland.
Tellaman "Hit Me Up"
Durban singer, songwriter and producer Tellaman is finally releasing his debut album. The project, which is titled God Decides, is coming on the 1st of February. It will feature Shekhinah, Rowlene, frequent collaborator Nasty C, and up-and-coming Durban-based MC crownedYung. When you pre-order or pre-save God Decides, you'll get "Hit Me Up +27737088688," the only song available from the album so far. The tune sees the artist croon to a woman who he wants to be with after an unsuccessful previous relationship. He does this over a luxurious soft trap instrumental that boasts sexy ambient pads and 808s.
Yemi Alade 'Oga'
Yemi Alade hasn't earned the title of "The Nigerian Queen of Music Videos" for no reason. The Nigerian singer is known for delivering standout visual productions and her latest, for her "Oga" is no different. In the striking video, Yemi takes her place as the oga at the top by leading a group of samurais in battle, sitting comfortably on her throne, and dressing up as various tribal chiefs.
uSanele 'Gangular'
Boyzn Bucks and Spova Gang member and rapper uSanele released a new EP today. Gangular is only four tracks long, and only lasts for 17 minutes. But you'll probably find yourself spending an hour with it. Simply because it's an outstanding body of work that begs you have it on repeat over and over again.
Kannon 'The Walk Through'
The Walk Through is the debut album by rising Nigerian artist, producer and sound engineer Ademola Adegbite, also known as Kannon. Following the release of his first official singles, "Stay Up" and "Cavalli," Kannon delivers a solid project that contains mostly Afro-hip-hop sounds. This one's sure to catch any listeners attention whether you love to move or love conscious music.
The Walk Through is available on all platforms now.
Two New EPs Produced By Beatmochini
South African hip-hop legend, Pretoria-based producer Beatmochini aka Trompie is not here to play games. He's still letting the music do the talking. After releasing a stellar album last year, I Am Also Human (which made our list of the best SA hip-hop releases of 2018), the producer has released not one, but two EPs, and we are only two weeks into the year. The first project, ReBirth EP (No plan B: part 1) sees Beatmochini's clean production meets the equally pristine and soulful vocals of Zimkhitha. The second project is titled Finally Out EP (No plan B: part 2) and is by the MC KhashanE, who the producer has collaborated with many times before. As a result, their chemistry is undeniable.
LasGiiDi 'One Shot' featuring Poizon Ivy & Giggz
LasGiiDi, who spends his time between Lagos and Houston, comes through with an injection of afrobeats energy with "One Shot." The new single and music video, which was shot across New York City, sees him linking up with DJ Poizon Ivy and producer Giggz.