Magixx Explores the Motions of Heartbreak in New Single, “Winter & Summer”

The Nigerian artist releases an emotional gem ahead of his anticipated debut album.

Nigerian artist Magixx poses in a black-and-white photo shoot.

Nigerian artist Magixx has released a new single and music video for “Winter & Summer.”

Photo courtesy of the artist’s team.

Magixx has always been a special talent. Since signing onto Mavin Records in 2021, the artist has consistently furthered the horizons of his sound and is now stepping into a new phase in his career, emboldened by the release of the new single, “Winter & Summer.”

As the title suggests, “Winter & Summer” embraces a duality in its sound. It’s produced by BurssBrain, who brings a sensuous guitar-laden approach to the beat. That’s the energy behind its early moments, creating a melancholic soundscape that Magixx taps into as he paints the imagery of a man beaten in love, still reeling from the hurt of the other’s absence.

It’s a supercharged field of romance and unrequited love, the sort Afropop musicians like Magixx have increasingly made high art of. When he sings that “winter and summer dun pass / shawty it’s been two years since we talk last,” we hear the emotive vibrations in his voice. Magixx’s grounding in R&B is evident, but his alliance with peculiar Nigerian experiences is also clear, in this case delivering the song mostly in Pidgin English.

Last year, Magixx earned much-deserved plaudits for how beautifully he delivered across genres. From the anthemic lilt of the Jeriq-assisted “Vibration” to the realist portrait of “Okay,” his most-streamed single last year, to the sultry serenade of “Bad Decisions & Foreplay” — it’s quite notable that the artist has been moving into a new arc.

In the visualizer for “Winter & Summer,” we catch glimpses of his new character, from the flamboyant hair to the blood on his vest. It’s an act of worldbuilding that plays into the artist’s debut album I Dream In Colors, expected later this year. Going by the new single, this is shaping up to be a revelatory time for one of Afropop’s most unique voices.

The cover artwork for Lojay’s new single “Somebody Like You” features the Nigerian musician leaning back on a barbershop chair with a woman standing behind him.
Music

The Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music of the week featuring Lojay, Seyi Vibez, Yemi Alade and more.

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear
Music

10 Classic South African House Songs You Need to Hear

Here are 10 of the best South African house tracks released over the years.