It’s Friday once again, and you know what that means – another set of new music to listen to all weekend long. From Afrobeats to rap, we’ve compiled a list of new music releases that you won’t want to miss. No matter your vibe, whether you’re feeling sultry love songs, aggressive rap, or inspirational anthems, something is in store for everybody this week.
This week we have Rema dropping his first single, Yemi Alade dropping a Valentine’s anthem for the Lovers for their special day, Odumodu and Victony teaming up to serve us Gbedu , Joeboy also dropping, and many more artists serving us something hot.
Rema – Baby (Is It A Crime)
Afrobeats sensation Rema dropped his latest track, Is It A Crime, on streaming platforms in the early hours of Friday morning.
In this fresh release, Rema samples British Nigerian soul icon Sade Adu’s 1985 classic of the same title. The track kicks off with Adu’s iconic voice cutting through the intro’s static, followed by smooth drums and Rema’s smooth sound.
“Baby/Baby sunmoni/You know say you match my steeze… You know I’m a G/Shawty. I’mma always keep it real/I no dey for too much whining/Dey for too much whining,” Rema sings in Pidgin English, blending his effortless style with the track’s soulful vibe.
‘Is It A Crime‘ marks Rema’s first official single of 2025. The song had been teased on social media since November, building anticipation among his fans for this highly awaited drop.
“Baby (Is It A Crime)” combines his now-trademark Afropop with a catchy hook that you’ll be stuck listening to from beginning to end. The second verse of the song is straight fire, Rema effortlessly flows on the beat, delivering vocals like his house rent was due. He proved once again why he’s always in the conversation for the top spot, solidifying his title as the Rave Lorde.
Odumodublvck & Victony – Pity This Boy
Odumodublvck drops one of the most highly anticipated single of the year so far, he teams up with Victony to serve us this banger from his upcoming album ‘Industry Machine’.
Odumodu’s ‘Pity This Boy’ is a jam. Victony also does justice to the track as he killed his verse with his sound and his rhymes.
The lyrics of the song speak directly to so many of us in the population, particularly the heart-wrenching line that goes, “Everyday na Billing with their shameful decoy.” This very line is resonating on a completely different level, reaching our own experiences and emotions. We’ve all been there, that moment when you excitedly post a new, clean photo or engage in some activity online, and then boom. The comments roll in, in a “billing” format. This song has been trending online since the snippet dropped last month and with the official release it would keep on topping charts and being played in clubs, parties, or any event as it’s the kind of track you sing and move your body to.
Joeboy & Tempoe – SMH (SOMETHING MISSING HERE)
The pair of Joeboy and Tempoe team up on “SMH,” a track that combines Afrobeats beats with a relaxed, easy-going vibe. This is a feel-good track that you’ll be replaying over and over again. Joeboy serves us a hit as this is the typical Joeboy song that sticks in your head long after the music stops. This is an album year from Joeboy, so we are to expect more bangers from him this 2025.
Yemi Alade – Keys To Your HeartGrammy-nominated artist, Yemi Alade drops a brand new single titled “Keys To Your Heart”, it is a track of+ heartfelt love and emotional experience. This track is for lovers and it’s a track that would be played throughout Valentine’ day as the track puts you in the mood of love, if you are single also you can listen to it to feel the love feeling. The soulful vocals are in full effect on this track, and you can clearly tell that Mama Africa has given us something extra once more.
Krept & Konan ft Oxlade – KilimanjaroKrept & Konan return with “Kilimanjaro,” a punchy single with the one and only Oxlade. With the flawless blend of rap and Afrobeat vibes, this one is bound for repeat listen, and Oxlade’s incredible vocals bring the added layer of smoothness that it requires.
Femi Kuti – After 24 YearsFemi Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Kuti, delivers fire on “After 24 Years.” Remaining faithful to his roots, this track is filled with rich Afrobeat instrumentation and sharp commentary on the world we live in. It’s a wonderfully made record by one of the genre’s legends.
Peruzzi – Mad MePeruzzi is in his bag with “Mad Me,” where his special mixture of Afrobeat and R&B is on full display. The hit will get you feeling a certain way with its catchy beat and Peruzzi’s distinctive vocals that never disappoint. Known for consistently delivering hits, Peruzzi has built a strong reputation with singles like “Majesty”, “Nana,” “Loyalty,” and “Gunshot. He has worked with some of the top acts in the music industry such as Davido, Olamide, Zlatan, Mayorkun, Fireboy DML.
Erigga & Phyno – Up IwekaWhen you have Phyno and Erigga on a track together, you know you are in for a banger as the two rappers go bars-for-bars. “Up Iweka” is a high-energy rap record that gives us straight-up bars, dope hooks, and raw hip-hop goodness. You cannot help but feel this one.
Omizzy & Zlatan – Danfo Drivers RemixOmizzy teams up with Zlatan on the “Danfo Drivers Remix,” and the outcome is pure fire. The catchy beat and Zlatan’s signature Zanku flair do the trick on this one, as it’s a guaranteed club banger, as we all know Zlatan is a master in giving Club bangers.
Liya – Don’t Hold Me Back EPLiya has finally released her much-anticipated EP, Don’t Hold Me Back. The project is a seamless blend of catchy hooks, honest lyrics, and top-tier production that makes it an engaging listen from start to finish. With this release, Liya showcases her undeniable talent, delivering an EP that will leave listeners hooked from the first track to the last. Liya was Formerly signed to Davido’s DMW records, and she has hit singles to her name such as Dodo, My Skin, ‘Vibes on Vibes’ ft Olamide and other tracks from her Musical cabinet.
That’s a wrap on this week’s New Music Friday! Are you in need of soulful tracks, rap bangers, or Afrobeats fire? There’s enough new music to see you through the week. Throw them in your playlists and prepare to vibe all through the weekend.
