The Best West African Songs Right Now

As with each month, West African music artists showcased their fascinating perspectives, tender stories and impressive musical legacies in February. With songs from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, check out the list below:

Bella Shmurda - "Verily" (Nigeria)

In his first solo release of 2025, Nigerian street-pop royalty Bella Shmurda goes sentimental in this R&B, slow-paced jam titled "Verily." Drum kicks bring to mind the opening of Sade's “Sweetest Taboo”and lyrics with an uncharacteristic but much welcome vulnerability. Listening to "Verily" feels like the first day of sun after months of treacherous rain. The beat is warm, moving between soft guitar strings and intermissions that allow the song to breathe and Shmurda's confessions of affection to flow through and truly connect. "Verily" is a far cry from Shurma's edgy and hard-tempo music, and he seamlessly pulls off this new direction.

DJ Kerozen - “C’est Son Temps” (Côte d’Ivoire)

DJ Kerozen has two things he'd like to make clear: his time has arrived, and he's determined to get you dancing. In his latest jam, "C'est Son Temps" (French for "It's His Time"), the Ivorian singer delivers a powerful statement. With his rich West African sound blending Afro-dancehall, Ghanaian highlife, and other regional influences, Kerozen has created an instant hit.

Beeztrap KOTM - “Bang Bang Bang” feat Sarkodie and Kwesi Arthur (Ghana)

In "Bang Bang Bang," Ghanaian star Beeztrap KOTM collaborates with rap legend Sakordie and Kwesi Arthur for a sleek, captivating Afropop track. The song derives its beauty from its laidback charm, enhanced by the effortless rap deliveries from both Arthur and Sarkodie. Plug this in at the start of your morning to set the tone for an easygoing day.

Seyi Vibez - "Shaolin" (Nigeria)

Seyi Vibez can bloom anywhere. He's dabbled in street pop (which is still his core genre), experimented with highlife, and knows what to do when exploring Afropop. In "Shaolin," his latest from his EP Children of Africa, Vibez compiles all his influences into a song that has the high, infectious energy of street pop but also the indescribable flavor of various other genres, making it impossible to categorize. But "Shaolin" doesn't necessarily need you to understand its genre; it's a groovy, energetic track that only asks you to stand up and move your body.

Viviane Chidid - “Mandou” (Senegal)

One of the most important voices in mbalax, Viviane Chidid, brings her impressive penchant for didactic storytelling to her latest track, "Mandou." The track is awash with mbalax influences and features Chidid's signature choral backing vocals and song breaks. "Mandou" is a lively, vibrant track from an artist operating at her most impressive.

Chayuta - "Addiction" feat Aubrey Qwana (Ghana)

Ghanaian South African singer Chayuta brings on South African rapper Aubrey Qwana in this sleek Afro-R&B number. "Addiction" is a confession of love; it sees Chayuta let go of any airs and succumb to the power of love. Chayuta's voice is tender, her writing sharp, and her hooks unforgettable — an undeniable talent to watch.

Burna Boy - "Update" (Nigeria)

At a time when the trend of sampling music from the West is growing amongst Afrobeats acts, some are rightly questioning if these samples were obtained for how they complement a song or for the cultural expansion it provides the artists who use them. Whatever the case may be, one African artist who, for the most part, has managed to apply rigor and brilliance to his samples has been Burna Boy, a trait he doesn't leave behind in his latest single, “Update.” Sampling Soul II Soul's 1989 hit "Back to Life," Burna plays with the classic uptempo track, infusing it with percussions and a sleek, urban sensibility. The lyrics are witty and characteristically boastful. There’s a liveliness to this track, one that’s ushering in an era for Burna where the weighty expectations of political performance have been shed, and he’s back to his roots. Right now, Burna Boy is your average Lagos big boy who enjoys moments of self-praise while trying to get lit. All in all, it's fun to witness.

Kamafo - “Fie Nipa” feat Kweku Smoke (Ghana)

Life on the street, the complications of resilience, and the ambition that comes from struggle are the primary subjects of Ghanaian rapper Kamafo’s work. Hailed by many as a storyteller… [with] hard-hitting lyrics, Kamafo's latest track, "Fie Nipa," is filled with teeth ready to bite. The drill track features fellow rapper Kweku Smoke and continues Kamafo's preference for hard-hitting lyrics and a heart-thumping beat.

Maabo - “Nakh Ngama” (Senegal)

Senegalese husband and wife duo Maabo take Afropop into a softer, less fast-paced territory in "Nakh Ngama." The song echoes their sharp perspective, combining their multi-disciplinary musical styles into a tender, unforgettable track.