By Chinonso Ihekire
This week breezed through the usual avalanche of inconveniences that’s been keeping Nigerians on their toes for a bit, and it’s finally a new music Friday with some relief! It’s open season for all these amazing acts as the ember months bring its frenzy, so there’s tons of stuff from emerging acts and also some pace-setting drops from earlier superstars.
Let’s dive in for our top picks this week, with these newest gems from Afrobeats mavericks.
Tariq – Livin Soul
Off his just-released sophomore extended play, Okada Airlines, Chocolate City African pop-soul maverick Tar1q (pronounced Tah-reeq) spins off the playlist with a groovy but sombre bop, “Livin Soul”. His soft-toned melodies revamp the Zule Zoo’s 2005 smash hit, “Kerewa”, fusing nostalgia with his forward-facing alternative pop.
Juls – St Tropez
Tag-teaming Victony on this bop, Ghanaian disc jockey and producer breathes new life into the Afrobeats circles with this club-hit, “St Tropez”. The song’s regurgitating log drums and Victony’s paced cadences give it a subtle groove that aids Juls’ Afro Carribean revolution. It’s definitely a ripe playlist opener and a mood-setting jam.
Magixx – Lemme Know
Mavin Records pop star Magixx is back with his sonorous, stretchy vocals in this Amapiano-heavy drop. The love song takes root in Magixx’s romantic artistry, but the real cherry on the cake is the catchy and gentle chorus. A feel-good anthem with rife replay value!
2baba – Kuku Google Am
On this Duktor Sett produced jam, 2baba comes back with his smooth pidgin wordplay and thematic lyricism. On the bouncy Hip-hop leaning track, 2baba addresses critics with full verses, tying up his braggadocio with a chorus worthy of scoring a major scene in an action movie.
PDSTRN – Letter 222 Dele
Rising Nigerian rapper PDSTRN comes back up on popular charts with this Ayo Maff duet, where both street-focused stars trade stories of their experiences in the restive climes that nurtured their talents. PDSTRN’s husky-toned bars punch hard enough for Ayo Maff’s ghetto ballad’s to plaster the melancholia that gives this song its strong replay value.
Liya – Vibes on Vibes
Sticking to her distinct pop sound, Liya makes a dash for the spotlight with this Olamide-assisted gbedu. Her free-spirited verses accentuate the dance music feel of the song, gently complemented with Olamide’s sing-rapping and catchy chorus. It’s an instant party starting bop and one with a strong replay value.
King Perry – Confirm Parole
Port-Harcourt based superstar King Perry returns with his PH Boy to the world mantra in this giddy pop track. He enlists his fellow townsmen Dandizzy and Ajebo Hustlers for the Hip-hop groove that elevates the replay value of the song. Dandizzy’s verse stands out with its masterful delivery and comical songwriting, while Ajebo Hustlers present a sturdy finish.
Qing Madi – Goosebumps
“I No dey form; I come correct,” her bravery says it all in the opening lines. Qing Madi, one of Afrobeats’ youngest superstars, returns with this free-flowing soft pop jam. The song kicks with a monotonic percussion that gives Madi’s flowery vocals enough room to shine. It’s a song to be played at least twice. Try it.
Kaestyle – Forever
Kaestyle continues his highlife apostolate in this pop-driven jam. As he reminisces on his sexual reveries, his smart use of backing vocals, call-and-response chorus and beautiful highlife guitar riffs makes it a catchy bop worthy of a playlist opener.
Did we miss any other important releases? Mail us your forthcoming releases to be featured in the New Music Friday Playlist every weekend at Deosartista@gmail.com
Cheers to the weekend! Tell us what songs have you on lock this weekend!
