It’s New Music Friday, and this week’s release radar is packed with fresh tracks from top Nigerian and African artists. Highlights include Shallipopi’s Latin remix of “Laho,” Kunmie’s “Arike” remix featuring Simi and Mabel, Adekunle Gold’s latest single, and the dynamic collaboration “Girl On Fya” by Ashidapo and Olamide, among others.
COCO MONEY – ADEKUNLE GOLDReleased on July 18, 2025, Adekunle Gold’s new single “Coco Money” blends Fuji, Afrobeats, and Afro-pop styles, highlighting the artist’s vocal range and finesse. While cleverly interpolating Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money,” reaffirming themes of status and wealth. The song incorporates his Yoruba roots, mixing traditional cultural origins with cinematic flair, even drawing comparisons to Italian Mafia aesthetics. Produced by Niphkeys, the track is both a celebration of wealth and a caution against misplaced priorities. Lyrics such as “Misplaced priorities, uh uh. Can’t be broke, can’t be lazy” deliver a clear message: work hard and indulge. Memorable hooks like “My money be like coco money” and The line “Bitch better have my money” makes the song a bold and confident anthem for people who work hard and chase their dreams. “Coco Money” By Adekunle Gold was previewed first at an exclusive dinner event, offering fans a taste of its energetic blend of Afrobeats, Highlife, and pop, since then the sound has been used by social media users before the song got officially released.
LAHO III – SHALLIPOPI X RAUW ALEJANDROThe third version of the viral single “Laho”, titled “Laho III,” follows the original release earlier this year and a Burna Boy remix version. This new version can easily be considered the Latin edition of the hit; on the bigger picture this is meant for the Latin music audience and Latin market. The song combines Shallipopi’s Nigerian street-pop attitude with Rauw Alejandro’s Latin urbano sensibilities to create a fresh global sound. Producers Progrex, Dimelo, and Ninow El Zorro fuse bouncy percussion with layered synths and energetic transitions, allowing both artists’ distinct vocal styles to shine. This high-energy fusion of Afrobeats and latin sound is a dancefloor-ready anthem.
GLORY II – VICTONY X FRIDAYYReleased on July 18, 2025, “Glory II” is now available on all major streaming platforms via Victony’s Feature✨ Production & Sound. Tooxclusive praises the song’s atmospheric production, captivating hook, and emotional depth, blending Afrobeats, trap soul, and gospel influences. The haunting instrumentation underscore’s themes of perseverance, while Fridayy’s soulful vocals add international appeal. Lyrics include affirmations such as “Glory to God,” prayers for nourishment, and declarations of victory. Fridayy’s feature introduces a reflective, spiritual element. The song relies on expressing gratitude through struggle (“Even when I dey for ground I dey moon walk”). “Glory II” is an emotionally rich sequel rooted in feeling, faith, and sonic depth, enhanced by Fridayy’s soulful contribution.
ARIKE (REMIX) – KUNMIE X SIMI X MABELReleased on July 17, 2025, the “Arike” Remix by Kunmie features award-winning Nigerian vocalist Simi and UK-based singer-songwriter Mabel. The remix expands the song’s emotional and sonic palette. This is the remix of Kunmie’s breakthrough single that launched his music career.
The original “Arike” gained massive traction on TikTok and reached #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart, marking Kunmie’s rising international profile. The remix blends Nigerian local flair with global appeal, enhanced by Simi’s soulful voice and Mabel’s “London cool” style. Simi starts the song with her usual strong yet gentle style, adding soft background sounds that make Kunmie’s melody feel more emotional. Mabel sings a calm, smooth verse about shared feelings and love between cultures. Kunmie stays at the heart of the song, singing about love and longing, made even more touching by the new voices. The “Arike (Remix)” is a graceful, soulful extension of Kunmie’s breakout hit, elevated by Simi’s emotional heft and Mabel’s international polish.
ON FYA – ASHIDAPO X OLAMIDEOlamide adds a refined edge to the track while Ashidapo delivers an energetic and confident performance, creating a powerful and memorable song. Olamide enters the track assertively with lines such as “Erima wey dey knack erima” and the standout lyric “Fine boy no be mouth, Odogwu no dey shout.” Heavy Afrobeats beats drive their chemistry, amplified by sharp lyrics and rhythmic flow. Olamide’s lyrical depth complements Ashidapo’s melodic style, making the single a notable entry in the current Afrobeats landscape. Ashidapo who also has a track with Asake ‘Brother’.
TENNER – LOJAYLojay’s “Tenner” perfects his trademark Afro-fusion combined with ambient R&B, featuring intricate melodies over crisp percussion. The track celebrates quiet confidence and small wins. It reveals a more introspective side of Lojay through sleek production and understated lyrics that toast daily victories. The song is a strong addition to his evolving Afro-R&B catalog and builds anticipation for his upcoming project, XOXO. Lojay has announced the release date for his debut album, XOXO, for August 22, 2025
KEROSENE – DJ SPINALL X YOUNG JONNDJ Spinall officially released “Kerosene” on July 18, 2025, featuring award-winning hitmaker Young Jonn in another energetic collaboration. The track combines DJ Spinall’s refined production with Young Jonn’s smooth vocals, delivering a catchy fusion of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B. Driven by pulsating log drums and electrifying beats, “Kerosene” is a fiery, emotionally charged anthem built for the dancefloor. It showcases DJ Spinall’s rhythmic skills and Young Jonn’s melodic appeal, making it a mid-year club favorite.
