British Gambian artist Pa Salieu’s ‘Afrikan Alien’ album artwork.
The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
The best African music of the week featuring Kizz Daniel x Adekunle Gold, Pa Salieu, Ruger x Tiwa Savage, Tyler ICU, Baaba J, Shaboozey and more.
Every week, we highlight the top Afrobeats and African music releases through our best music column, Songs You Need to Hear This Week.
Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week.
Ruger — “Toma Toma” feat. Tiwa Savage
Known for his bold takes on dancehall-inflected pop music, Ruger crafts another enthralling record on “Toma Toma.” A fine beat from his frequent collaborator Kukbeatz allows him the space to muse about a lady’s body, demonstrating the sultry qualities of his vocals. With a memorable feature verse from the in-form Tiwa Savage, it’s a forward-thinking record that highlights the exciting ebbs of Afropop right now.
Pa Salieu – ‘Afrikan Rebel [Mixtape]’
Experimentation lies at the heart of Pa Salieu’s music. The British Gambian artist has been able to reflect various sides to his art ever since breaking onto the scene, and his latest mixtape is no different. As the title infers, Afrikan Rebel is a rebellious collection of songs that blend the totality of the Black sounds Salieu has represented throughout his career. It also boasts features from talents like Black Sherif, ODUMODUBLVCK and Byron Messia.
Kizz Daniel — “Pano Tona” feat. Adekunle Gold
Previously collaborating on “Jore,” the Nigerian hitmaking duo of Kizz Daniel and Adekunle Gold again burnish the wheels of their creative alliance. Ostensibly, the record is led by the host Kizz, who delivers the hook as well as the opening verse. A song about one’s wins couldn’t ask for a feature better than AG, who’s mastered the art of effortless fly talk. Ultimately, it’s an assured pairing from two of the industry’s most distinct popstars.
Tyler ICU — ‘Lucent [LP]’
As one of the most respected DJ-producers on the continent, a new Tyler ICU album is always an event. Lucent sees Tyler play the creator-curator role he’s grown into over the years, soundtracking an hour-plus length of great vibes and impeccable composition. As with many South African amapiano-indebted projects, a big collaborative room is called for, and just about every record on the album pairs his production with evocative singing.
Ajebo Hustlers – “Ave Maria” feat. Victony
How effortlessly Ajebo Hustlers collaborate with their peers is perhaps one of the most underrated things in Afropop. Each feature has been carefully picked, and the chemistry is evident throughout all the records. On “Ave Maria,” it’s the bright melodies of Victony paired with Ajebo Hustlers’ humor-tinged takes on the crux of life. When they sing, “na money be the problem, na money be the solution,” it’s a line that rings true, especially for someone who’s lived in the limiting space that is Nigeria.
Baaba J – ‘In Pursuit of Happiness [EP]’
Ghanaian musician Baaba J has a voice that will take you by surprise. A fine bridge between feminine and masculine tones, that balance is reflected in the experiential leanings of her music. In Pursuit of Happiness, her latest EP, is a purposeful grasp of the details of life and romance, suffused with distinct musical choices that will make you return to the project, over and over again.
anaiss & Grupo Cosmo — “B.P.E”
When one encounters great art for the first time, something in them changes. That is the feeling of “B.P.E,” the record from French Senegalese artists anaiss and Grupo Cosmo. As part of their collaborative project, it’s a somber, eclectic record that blends the slow stir of blues with a bouncy refrain. The vocals are steeped in the conventions of soul, with anaiss’ skill revealed through the deft vocal turns. Add these attributes to the poetic, family-coded visuals, and you get a memorable piece of art.
Th&o. — ‘EMLOTHENI [LP]’
Translated to in the ashes, the South African singer-songwriter and producer Th&o. attempts to depict the internal machinery of humanity here. EMLOTHENI is thus a decidedly emotional album, exploring the variant sides to life and relationships. Taking R&B and electro-funk as his sonic base, the nine-track project however swells of its own volition, touching sensibilities distant from those it began with.
King Promise — “Keep It Sexy”
A fast-paced beat provides King Promise the leeway to go his most experimental in recent times. We’ve often parsed the Ghanaian singer through the svelte qualities of his voice, but here he proves even more capable at churning out a vibe, even while keeping that vocal quality at the forefront of the record. Like the best of mirrors, “Keep It Sexy” upholds a positive view of one’s image, endearing the listener to protect their vibe.
Shaboozey – “Good News”
Following his six nominations at the forthcoming Grammys, the American Nigerian artist Shaboozey has released a new single. In tune with the world’s dark realities, “Good News” is an optimistic song drenched in Shaboozey’s warm vocals. The tender country-style songwriting and message make this an every-person-song.
Odeal — ‘Lustropolis [EP]’
With “Soh Soh” being one of the most recognizable songs this year, more than ever Odeal has been moving towards proper recognition. Those who’ve followed his music know he’s an assured creator, with soulful inclinations at the base of his craft. Extending the love theme he’s often evoked, Odeal calls upon the solitary feature of Summer Walker to advance his forward-leaning R&B vision.
Elijah Kitaka, Winnie Nwagi & Joshua Baraka — “Full Service”
From the all-star album orchestrated by Ugandan record label Swangz Avenue comes this stirring record. “Full Service” is a pining for the depths of the love experience, a pining that weans itself into the sonic material of the record. A three-way collaboration that delivers on its theme, it’s another showcase of the fruity appeal of East African music, with its unique consecration of soul into the percussive embrace of pop music.
Spinall - “One Call (TMXO Remix)” feat. Omah Lay & Tyla
One of the more remarkable drops this year, Spinall’s song gets a refreshing twist with this Tmxo remix. The revered producer infuses sparkling drum arrangements, giving the soulful hues of the vocals an even firmer base. Now it becomes a crowd-ready song, a fitting soundtrack to the forthcoming December festivities.
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