The Best West African Songs Right Now

Amadeus - “Jëli” ft. Wally B Seck (Senegal)

Amadeus teams up with fellow Senegalese act Wally B Seck for the groovy new track, “Jëli.” The new track, taken from Amadeus’ forthcoming album, Taaru Senegal, is filled with pomp, clever writing and a playfulness that’s hard to forget. The song opens with a gentle solo before shifting into an even-paced bounce heavily defined by drums.

Juls - “Saint Tropez” ft. Victony (Ghana)

For his latest track “Saint Tropez” featuring Nigerian star Victony, Ghanaian producer Juls fashions an alluring, danceable number. Flush with Juls’ signature production, “Saint Tropez” is a feel-good, low-stakes track that packs a punch. Taken from his latest full-length project, Peace and Love, Juls reaffirms his versatility and ability to translate diverse sonic disciplines with collaborations from Masego, Ghetts, Odeal, Falz, Black Sherif and many others. With Detty December just around the corner, “Saint Tropez” is a perfect soundtrack to that party period.

Pipana - “Limay Yeuk” (Senegal)

In “Limay Yeuk”, Dakar-born artist Pipana allows local instrumentation and the upbeat flavors of Senegalese pop to find common ground. With his sultry, beseeching voice, the singer constructs a soft-heeled record tapered with bounce and unforgettable charm.

Deela - “Final Boss” (Nigeria)

Nigerian singer-rapper Deela made waves when her honorific track “Patience Ozokwor” made waves in the middle of this year. In “Final Boss” she amps up her straight-talking, cross-me-if-you-dare persona, making for a fun and empowering track. There are bluntly delivered threats, sharply worded remarks and a clearly delivered message on what Deela will and will not accept. It’s electric Nigerian alté pop, familiar yet still wonderfully fresh and still firmly Deela.

Da Cintra - “Back At Me” ft. Drizilik (Sierra Leone)

On “Back At Me,” Sierra Leonean artists Da Cintra and Drizilik confront a former lover whose shifty ways are a source of confusion. Both men, fast-rising stars of the rich landscape of modern Sierra Leonean music — which has been defined by the infusion of Krio lyrics onto production that combines Afropop with local instrumentation — bring a surprising twist to the scorned lover narrative. They are open about their hurt yet not martyrs for it. Groovy, sure-footed and exquisitely produced, “Back At Me” is a strong pointer of where Sierra Leonean music is headed.

Suspect95 - “Explications” ft. Roseline Layo (Cote d’Ivoire)

A collaboration between Ivorian rapper Suspect95 and fellow Ivorian songbird Roseline Layo seems like the most natural occurrence. In “Explications” both artists bring their sharp musicality into an upbeat track that maintains a strong emotional core. It’s a well-produced track aware of its own irresistible charm.

Gun Mor - “Forevaa” (Senegal)

Although he hasn’t been around for long, Senegalese rapper Gun Mor knows exactly who he is and, from the looks of his sophomore album, One More Time, he’s even more certain of who he wants to be. Gun Mor explores various existential concerns over a skeletal beat in album highlight “Forevaa,” in which his voice and a well-times chorus do the heavy lifting. On an album filled with stellar collaborations (Ahs Beat and MB Jaay to name a few), Gun Mor manages to remain the center of attention. It’s a position that’s well-earned.

Fanicko -  “Au suivant” ft. Vegedream  (Benin)

In “Au suivant” Beninoise artist Fanicko takes the classic Afropop route, making a simple dance track into an unforgettable bop with its surprising turns and catchy hook. He connects with French star Vegedream for the track, who’s known for penning the France 2018 World Cup anthem “Ramenez le coupe a la maison.”

Toofan “Zigilipata” (Togo)

Watch the video on YouTube.

“Zigilipata” finds Togolese duo Toofan playing into a fun, hyperactive street pop tune. Bringing to mind a drunk bonfire night with friends, “Zigilipata” is a lively track that has a lot happening simultaneously. But, not only does the chaos stay contained, it’s delicious to listen to.

Star Zee “G.O.A.T” (Sierra Leone)

The video for Star Zee’s “G.O.A.T” follows Zee as she works out at a gym. The presumed simplicity of the video sharply contrasts the melodic, if slightly hard-edged rap she puts together in “G.O.A.T.” With a strong dancehall flavor (which is typical of her sound), Zee rejects notions of weakness, reaffirming her supremacy on the Sierra Leonean music scene and reminding those who may have forgotten of her impact. “G.O.A.T” is a well-executed victory lap, groovy in all the right ways, and undergirded by incredibly brilliant writing.