The 9 Songs You Need To Hear This Week
The best music of the week featuring DJ Spoko, Tekno, Muthoni Drummer Queen, Tiwa Savage x Omarion 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.
R.I.P. DJ Spoko
South African producer Marvin Ramalepe, better known as DJ Spoko, has passed away. Spoko was the pioneer behind Bacardi House, a kwaito-influenced style that pairs jolting military drums with pitched-up melodies.
He also collaborated with several artists like DJ Mujava, who he helped craft the percussion pattern behind the massive hit "Township Funk." We'll be loudly blasting his incredible tracks today. 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 🙏🏾
Muthoni Drummer Queen 'She'
Muthoni Drummer Queen's new album, She, is a spirited celebration of womanhood. The multi-talented Kenyan artist and entrepreneur's new concept album is a true Afro-feminist record and a victory for herself and Kenyan music in general.
Tiwa Savage x Omarion
Tiwa Savage's solid Sugarcane EP, which dropped last year, is still getting plays over here and now, she's come through with a reworking of one of its standout tracks. "Get It Now (Remix)" sees the Nigerian star and Mavin Records first lady connect with Omarion, who adds a new verse and lays down some nice duets alongside Tiwa in this reworking.
E.L 'Ayeyi' feat. Dope Nation
Last December,E.L declared himself the best African rapper with his latest mixtape BAR 4, and we're tempted to believe him. The Ghanaian rapper showcases his effortless flow and mic dynamics throughout that mixtape, which are both on clear display in this new music video for "Ayeyi," alongside fellow Ghanaians Dope Nation.
Yemi Alade "Bum Bum"
Yemi Alade drops the music video for "Bum Bum," the dancehall-influenced track off her recent album, Black Magic. We recently rounded up 7 Reasons Why Yemi Alade Is A Music Video Icon, which you should check out if you like this one above.
Guiss Guiss Bou Bess "Jigueenu Africa"
Guiss Guiss Bou Bessis comprised of Mara Seck & Stéphane Costantini, a duo that blends electronic music with traditional Sabar percussion and Mbalax, Senegal's popular dance genre. Their first music video for "Jigueenu Africa" "highlights Senegalese women and the magic they have when it comes to dancing Sabar," the band writes in a statement.
Fatoumata Diawara "Nterini"
Malian singer/songwriter/guitarist Fatoumata Diawara comes through with "Nterini," which she calls "a subtle, affecting reminder of the global migration crisis." The music video was directed by Ethiopian photographer and contemporary artist Aïda Muluneh.
Tekno "Yur Luv"
Nigerian hitmaker Tekno is back with another jam that's ripe for taking over the charts. Check out his latest single, "Yur Luv," above.
Flappy "Coded Level" feat. Ramos
Flappy and Ramos are back with another banger, "Coded Level," produced by one of Nigeria's Jerrywine. Check out the track's new black-and-white music video above.
"Coded Level" is available everywhere now from Okaymusic.