The Best West African Songs Right Now

This month's list, filled with emerging and established artists and experimental and inventive music, includes OkayAfrica cull sounds from Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ghana. The genres featured include Zamrock, Afro-pop, and R&B.

Check out the complete list below:

Lady Donli - "Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)" (Nigeria)

A genius at alchemizing varied, unconventional musical styles into sleek, beautifully delivered declarations of love and existential concerns, Lady Donli's new track "Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)" is a Zamrock-infused number produced by Nigerian alt-pop maestro Yinka Bernie. "Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)" is a bouncy track with a soft, sure-footed groove. Donli's clever and sharp-witted writing is impressive, mainly because it doesn't aim for faux depth. It's a simple, beautiful, charming song about love, desire, and one person's willingness to ask for it unabashedly. Come for the brilliant production, drums sliding over guitars, and stay for the tender, bright-eyed optimism of the song's themes.

Roseline Layo feat Angélique Kidjo “On Sera Là” (Cote d’Ivoire / Benin)

In their first collaboration, Ivorian music queen Roseline Layo teams up with Beninoise legend Angélique Kidjo for a smashing, reflective number. Life experiences, sharp observations of human behaviors, and the unpredictability of our collective experience are all tackled in "On Sera Lá."

Darkua "Tori" (Nigeria/Ghana)

Ghanaian Nigerian singer Darkua (real name Naa Darkua Chinonye Wristberg) describes herself as an Afro-soul artist, a most fitting title. Her voice is lush but also bracing, like stepping outside for air after a long day inside. In "Tori," her latest track released alongside her EP Never Too Late, Darkua keeps her storytelling intriguing through clever repetitions and a memorable hook. There's a clear sense, from her musings about a love that's leaving her feeling uncertain and resentful of its many excuses, that Darkua has a well-developed perspective that will likely make her one of the most important AfroSoul/R&B acts out of West Africa.

ru "I Think I Love You 2" feat. Magixx (Nigeria)

In "I Think I Love You 2," Afropop newcomer Ru takes the fundamental delights of classic Afrobeats—groovy beats and sharply delivered production—and combines them with writing that leans towards the honesty typical of R&B music. The formula pairs well, leaving listeners with a bold new voice unafraid to play with form while delivering a sure banger. Featuring Magixx, both artists keep things vulnerable and direct in a track that covers modern romantic concerns.

Wendy Shay "Sapiosexual" (Ghana)

In "Sapiosexual," Wendy Shay is fully cerebral, declaring a preference for intellect over anything else. In typical Wendy Shay fashion, "Sapiosexual" is an easy hit that also captures the complexities and thrills of modern romance. With lively, evocative lyrics and an irresistible, club-ready beat, Wendy Shay is gunning for a summer hit.

Mẽl "Thamanga" feat. Stella Sena & KIM of Diamonds (Ghana)

For her first single of the year, the experimental and forward-thinking Ghanaian producer Mēl enlists Malawian singer KIM and fellow Ghanaian artist Stella Sena for a soft, groovy track. "Thamanga" is enlivened by vibrant, otherworldly vocals and strengthened by a memorable hook; the single continues to affirm Mēl's place as a critical voice in Ghana's alt-music scene.

Teety “Le Beau des Beaux" (Côte d’Ivoire)

It's hard to get someone to see reason when they are in love. This is the central premise in "Le Beaux des Beaux," the latest drop from Ivorian songstress Teety. With an Afropop sound that borrows influences from R&B, Teety keeps things groovy, light, and exceptionally memorable. In a region growing with R&B-leaning artists, Teety enriches her music with rich storytelling, beautiful writing that leaves room for play, and a bounce that keeps her music refreshingly lively.

Yemi Alade - "You Are" (Nigeria)

"You Are" is a track off Iyanu, the first Nigerian animated series on Cartoon Network, that carries the inspirational and lively power of Yemi Alade's signature style. "You Are" speaks to themes of bravery, of remembering that one has been chosen and that the power of community can be a source of strength. They're all core elements in the animated series, but Alade transforms them into much more, making it a reminder of one's personal strength. Revisit OkayAfrica's cover story - Yemi Alade, In Full Bloom.

Nikos “DND” (Nigeria)

On any given day, Nikos (Adenike Adeleke) shares her life with over a million loyal fans across her social media platforms. Her followers get an intimate look at her world—from backstage access at her brother B-Red's concerts to casual hangouts with her cousin Davido and preparations for nights out. Better known as Nikos Living, this social media sensation has now ventured into music, bringing the same carefree spirit from her videos to her debut single, "DND." True to its name ("Do Not Disturb"), the track reflects her unbothered attitude both online and in her music. Blending rap and Afropop elements, "DND" delivers a sexy, self-assured, and straightforward sound—marking a promising beginning for this emerging talent.