Weekend Playlist: The Best New Music From Kranium, Yemi Alade, Awilo Longomba x Tiwa Savage, & More
The songs you need to hear this week.
DIASPORA—At the end of every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music and round up the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks in a Weekend Playlist for you.
Follow our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Musicto get immediate updates every Friday and read about some of our weekend selections ahead.
Kranium "Can't Believe" ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Wizkid
For our money, "Can't Believe," Jamaican singer Kranium's infectious collaboration with Ty Dolla and Wizkid should be a heavy contender for the anthem of the summer. The single just got a new music video, which all three stars make appearances in.
Yemi Alade "Charliee"
Yemi Alade comes through with one of the best videos we've seen this year so far (too bad it didn't come out before we published this list). Watch the popping visual for "Charliee" above.
DJ Spinall x Mr Eazi
DJ Spinall and man-of-the-moment Mr Eazi link up for this new fire dance tune, "Calm Down." Sounds like these two have a hit in their hands. Grab it on iTunes.
Awilo Longomba x Tiwa Savage
Congolese star Awilo Longomba links up with the queen of afrobeats, Tiwa Savage, in the new music video and single for "Esopi Yo."
E.L "Abaa"
Ghana's E.L drops the sleek, black-and-white visual for his seductive new single, "Abaa."
Mr Eazi "Tilapia" ft. Medikal
Mr Eazi and Medikal are both fishermen in the new video for "Tilapia," the latest single off Eazi's excellent Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 - Accra to Lagos mixtape.
DJ LAG Trip to New York EP
DJ LAG’s latest EP, which he released via WhatsApp, is a perfect soundtrack for the weekend. The deejay’s fast-paced three tracks will turn your house into a club with bass-heavy house tunes that have sporadic repetitive chants as per usual gqom fashion.
Ajebutter22 "Ghana Bounce"
The Nigerian-Ghanaian musical conversation continues strongly in Ajebutter22's latest single "Ghana Bounce." Check out the well-crafted visual for the track above.
Brian Simba "Gambe"
Tanzania's Brian Simba rolls through with a head nodder in "Gambe," a new heater released by Vanessa Mdee's Mdee Music. You can download the song here now.
Mimi Mars "Dedee"
Keeping things in Tanzania and the Mdee Music family, Mimi Mars drops the dancehall-influenced pop concoction, "Dedee." Buy the new single here.
Chad Saaiman “Belief”
The Cape Town singer’s latest single “Belief” is a light-hearted 80s pop-inspired song that has summer written all over it.
Moulaye Epik
Senegalese rapper Moulaye flexes heavy with his new 8-track album, Epik. Grab the new LP here for a potent dose of Francophone bars.
K.O “No Feelings”
South African rapper K.O, who recently signed to SONY Music Entertainment Africa, releases his first single under the label. “No Feelings” is fire flame emojis, and sees Mr Cashtime in his best shape, with vicious lines that will intimidate his competitors. Listen here.
Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet
Malian group Trio Da Kali and string ensemble Kronos Quartet are set to release their debut collaborative album Ladilikan in September. Watch the hypnotizing rain dance video for album single "Eh Ya Ye."
Watermark High Everything is Grey
Johannesburg-based electronic music producer Watermark High’s latest EP is a collection of moody songs that will make a great listen for a road trip or a weekend indoors. The 5-track EP consists of warm textured ambient production.
Big Star ft. Priddy Ugly & Frank Casino “No Rush”
Three of the most exciting new South African hip-hop acts have just released this scorcher of a collaboration. Over a droning bassline the three emcees deliver smooth sixteens while Big Star keeps the song exciting with a sung hook.