The 10 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Featuring Burna Boy, Maleek Berry, Fik Fameica, Michael Kiwanuka, Wale, 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 our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist onSpotify hereand Apple Music here.
Check out all of OkayAfrica's new playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Burna Boy 'Anybody'
Burna Boy returns with a new song and video just in time for the weekend. On "Anybody," the artist sends a message to the naysayers, reminding them that "respect is reciprocal," and that he has no time for enemies. The track, produced by Rexxie, features a smooth saxophone riff and rhythmic percussion—making the song another one fit for the dance floor.
Kojey Radical 'Can't Go Back'
Kojey Radicalis readying the release of his third project, which will look to explore themes of depression, god, family, self-worth, creativity, and love, according to his team. The British-Ghanaian artist is now sharing the striking new music video for the album's lead single "Can't Go Back," a song we included in our favorite Ghanaian tracks the month.The new clip, directed by Kojey Radical and longtime creative partner Charlie Di Placido, pairs the song's funk and soul-influences with alluring dances performed in an empty warehouse.
Fik Fameica 'Omu Bwati' ft Patoranking
Ugandan rapper Fik Fameica teamed up with Nigerian artist Patoranking to bring us the infectious track "Omu Bwati" which translates to "in particular" a few weeks ago. Now the duo have dropped the music video for the C-Tea Beat-produced trackand it's all thumbs up from our side.
Gemini Major 'Right Now' feat. Nasty C & Tellaman
Gemini Major invited fellow Durbanites Tellaman and Nasty C for his latest single "Right Now." Nasty C handles the chorus and the first verse before Gemini Major and Tella finish off what's already a slapper with equally engaging verses. Smoky synths and 808s give the song texture while the three close friends exhibit their different personalities and artist traits with an undeniable chemistry.
AYLØ 'Paris!'
AYLØ is a rising rapper, singer & producer coming out of the same innovative Nigerian musical circles as the likes of Santi and Odunsi. AYLØ, who we previously named one of the 6 Artists From the New School to watch, is now back with his latest single "Paris!," a a hazy mix of hip-hop beatwork and woozy synthesizer waves anchored by the Nigerian artist's airy vocal delivery.Find out more
Maleek Berry 'Flashy'
After months of anticipation, Maleek Berry finally dropped his first track of the year, "Flashy." The Nigerian crooner-producer surely makes a statement on the track while flexing his rapping skills, as he chronicles how he leveled up to be flashy—and it's well-deserved.
Gigi Lamayne 'Fufa' ft. King Monada
For the past few years, it seemed as if King Monada hibernated throughout the course of the year, only to show up in December with a summer smash. But this year, after his 2018 viral hit "Malwedhe," the Limpopo-born producer and artist seems to be more visible. His appearance on Gigi Lamayne's latest single "Fufa," is one of such instances. The rapper roped in King for an addictive gqom song that seems to be catching on fire this winter.
Wale '09 Folarin'
Nigerian-American rapper, Wale is currently readying the release of his sixth studio album by dropping a new song every week this month, which he announces through Twitter. This week, the artist takes us back with his latest track "09 Wale," a jazzy, horn-filled tune, reminiscent of his early mixtape days. And much like his early days in the game, the rapper can be heard flexing his lyrical dexterity and swift flow.
Michael Kiwanuka & Tom Misch 'Money'
It's been a while since we heard from British-Ugandan soul singer Michael Kiwanuka, but he's back with a new single and we couldn't be more here for it. The artist teamed up with fellow British musician Tom Misch for the funk and disco-inspired single "Money." The mid tempo song is one made for chill summer nights, as Kiwanuka soulful vocals pair smoothly with Misch impressive guitar work. The '70s influence comes off strongly on the nearly 5-minute track.
J Molley 'Flower Child'
In his latest music video for his new song "Flower Child," J Molley takes a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While the South African artist has shown himself many times as a person who enjoys his privacy, his previous videos have always been steeped in mystery. On "Flower Child," however, the young hip-hop artist enjoys what's left of the autumn sun. He retreats to what looks like a resort, and even does yoga and a bit of martial arts.