By Chinonso Ihekire
This week has been a rollercoaster of music extravaganza, from the annual Felabration festival kicking off, to Afrobeats most anticipated musician Wizkid returning with yet another soft touch on RnB as he starts the countdown to his next album.
It’s basically still the sizzle of summer’s frenetic pop and also a ting of romance and RnB as the month wounds down to a close. Here are our top picks this week, to expand your libraries with the latest of Afrobeats’ must-haves.
Wizkid – Piece of My Heart
Leading up to his forthcoming six-tracker album, Morayo, expected to arrive November 22, Afrobeats’ superstar Wizkid is all red wine and caviar type of slow-burn RnB on this jam with US RnB maverick Brent Faiyaz. The song’s multi-layered composition, and easy drift towards the chorus, helps both artistes make a strong impression, respectively, signalling a brilliant duet reminiscent of the type of chemistry he shared on duets like “Brown Skin Girl” with Beyonce, “One Dance” with Drake, “Essence” with Tems, among others.
Ckay – Addicted
After last year’s Sad Romance album that housed hits like “Watawi” featuring Davido, Abidoza and Focalistic, and “Emiliana”, among others, Afro-pop/RnB maestro Ckay returns with another full body of work dubbed, Emotions. “Addicted”, featuring The Cavemen, is a prime tune on the record, highlighting the subtle nuances of Ckay’s neo-highlife fusions that ring with an absolutely compulsive replay value.
Lojay – Falling
Lojay’s singing technique has worked on almost every version of African Pop that he’s put out, especially his Amapiano/House fusions. On “Falling”, the singer takes on a breezy romantic persona, with a rather upbeat approach, to express his feelings for his love interest. The song’s relaxing feel and flowery songwriting decorates it as a core romance playlist opener.
Tiwa Savage – Forgiveness
When she’s not making music for the dancefloors, Tiwa Savage is also skilled at unpacking her feelings in RnB/Ballads just like she’s done again on “Forgiveness”. The song is heavily reflective and melancholic, helping the long-running queen of Afro-pop another chance to showcase her vocal dexterity like she did on her last album, Celia.
Blaqbonez – Emeka Dance
Nigerian Rapper Blaqbonez, signed to Chocolate City Music, comes back with another mundane club night pop-meets-Hip Hop type of groove on “Emeka Dance”. He samples US rapper Juicy J’s 2012 “Bandz a make her dance” on his pidgin iteration of the tune. The song is generally as playful as Blaqbonez typically is, and it’s definitely twerk worthy and prime playlist material.
Yinka Bernie – StreetsNigeria’s RnB alternative RnB singer Yinka Bernie is back with his baritone and bass echoes in “Streets”, featuring American rapper Mick Jenkins, on this rich boy type of gist about ‘bad bitches’ and the present dating pool in cities where both musicians spend their time chasing love. The song’s catchy hook and Jenkins’ flamboyant rap helps keep the song a leap away from YB’s typical melodic lull. It’s definitely music for a special moment or one to help reminisce on it.
Vector – Can’t Come Close
In a rather sobre mood, Vector the Viper sheaths his fangs and hisses a sour story of a love that lost its light. It’s a breezy sweep for the “Early Momo” crooner whose cadence and lyricism shines as one of Afrobeats best Hip Hop offerings, as he drifts over gentle chords. The song’s a moody playlist filler but also with a very relatable message.
Yimeeka – ola
Afrobeats diva Yimeeka is back with “ola”, another electronic dance music expedition that she’s been on since her eponymous EP earlier this year. The song shows her singing prowess, steering the pulse of the electronic drums within the corridors of her love letters that basically summarises her music.
Did we miss any other important releases? Mail us your forthcoming releases to be featured in the New Music Friday Playlist at the end of every weekend at Deosartista@gmail.com
Cheers to the new week! Tell us what songs had you on lock this weekend!
