We’re halfway through 2022, and it’s been an eventful year for Afropop. There’s been a torrent of great new music, spawning a massive stack of inventive smash hit songs. From Highlife-infused Ghanaian pop, to the unrelenting force that is Nigerian street-pop, to South Africa’s indomitable Dance scene, to tantalising Drill explorations in East and Central Africa, and much, much more, we’re living through abundant and musically expansive times.

Every week, tonnes of songs from African artists make their way to digital streaming platforms, and wading through them can be intense. That’s where The NATIVE’s Songs of the Day column comes in to help. We go through as many new releases as possible, spotlighting them here, two to three times every week. Today, enjoy new releases from Blxckie, Uncle Waffles, Joeboy, Jodye Faneto, and more. Dig in. 

BLXCKIE – “SNEAKY” FT. A-REECE

Blxckie is still making a merry out of his ‘4LUV’ deluxe tape. Barely a month after its release, the rapper has released the visuals to “Sneaky” alongside proficient rapper A-Reece. The Lotus Sutra-directed video amplifies the track further with clips of the two artists trading their bars with precision. The crisp video features countless beautiful women accompanied by trippy shots of A-Reece, Blxckie, and an alien-like character. 

JOEBOY – “CONTOUR”

Joeboy is back with a broody single titled, “Contour.” The single serves as a follow up to his recent hit, “Sip (Alcohol)” which dominated the TurnTable charts earlier this year. His new release switches things up a bit with a slow-paced tempo that shows off his stellar penmanship. Over the Tempoe-produced track, Joeboy sings “Be like I go rinse my soul with Fela Kuti Be like you go rid yourself of all that pussy, shit is messy,” symbolising the end of a tumultuous and toxic relationship.

UNCLE WAFFLES, LAA LEE & CRISTALE – “BING BONG ” (UNCLE WAFFLES REMIX)

Following the massive success of “Bong Bing” on TikTok, Laa Lee and Cristale make the track more memorable by collaborating with none other than uNder alum, Uncle Waffles for the song’s Amapiano remix. Putting a unique stamp on the smash hit, Uncle Waffles enhances the log drums and the airy synths adding a riveting twist for the dancehall single on the dance floor.

Kami Leonne – ‘Body/Chaud’

Kami Leonne has been steadily achieving milestones one song at a time. The June uNder alum currently has two stellar projects to her name including 2020’s ‘Promises’ and ‘No Use Seducing Time’ in 2021 which earmarked her as one to watch out for. As she continues to inch closer to the powerhouse she is capable of being, today, the singer shares new two pack single, ‘Body/Chaud’.  Produced by Ramoon, the sheer soothing beats of “Body” merge with Kami Leonne’s’ symphonic voice. The exceptional piece sees her boast about her skills as a writer and songwriter with the ability to write a compelling love song that is guaranteed to be a club anthem.

On “Chaud” which translates to hot, Kami Leonne tells a story of her blistering desire for her muse. Produced Che Baby, her lustrous vocals contrast with the riff bass lines and canorous synths symbolising human lust as she sings “wanna feel you right on top of me // You love the way I clap it, yea.” “Body” and “Chaud” despite being lyrically akin, are different in production. It gives space for Kami Leonne to boast of her sonic range. With this release, Kami adds to her growing arsenal of sultry bangers.

Tanasha Donna – “Karma” ft. Barak Jacuzzi

Kenyan singer, Tanasha Donna has had a tumutlous past few months following her recent public split from Diamond Platnumz. For her first official release, the singer is reclaiming back her power and her time on new single, “Karma” which features Barak Jacuzzi. On it, she sings lyrics such as “you never saw it coming, leave it Karma,” as she addresses someone who has done her wrong. Her silky and airy vocals contrast with the dark percussive production giving a confident yet sultry cadence. Together with her collaborator, Barrack Jacuzzi, the pair get pragmatic about the strength of karma. 

KABUGA – “FearLESS”

Kenyan rapper Kabuga makes it clear that his creativity is nothing short of musical genius. His latest project ‘Kusema Ukweli (The Truth)” is a ruminating letter on being your true self. In 39 minutes, he takes us through a self-reflective 15-track set as he sets out to balance bangers with meditative thoughts.

The standout track  “FearLESS”  samples ZyDaShadow’s “Perspectives.” On it, Kabuga offers up memorable lines such as as “I ain’t future but I don’t think I am in past tense,” which further showcase his clever word play. As the song continues, Kabuga raps about his admiration for his muse, while effortlessly gliding over the intoxicating medley of percussive sounds in the song’s production.

JINKU – “FADE” FT. MAANDY & PIKES

Less than a week to the release of his album ‘Oasis Park III’, Jinku serves the album’s next promotional single to his loyal following. “Fade” features the honeyed voices of Maandy and Pikes over Jinku’s prolific electronic production. With catchy lyrics such as “say you won’t fade aw,” Jinku and his collaborators symbolise the hope of eternal existence. 

THE BROTHER MOVES ON – “BAYAKHALA”

The Brother Moves On is back after a seven-year hiatus from releasing any original music. To mark their return to the scene, the collective has recorded their sophomore album ‘S/he Who Feeds You’ to drop later this year. “Bayakhala” is the lead single drawing from deep histories, old languages, and the idea of ‘keepers of the land communicating a calling to higher selfhood from the other side.

OIZA X MEYI – “SANTI”

Nigerian sister duo, Oiza and Meyi release their anticipated debut single “Santi” ahead of their album release. The eccentric single opens up with traditional instrumentals as they sing an ode to their love “baby boo you see the things you do, darling you are so amazing,” as they address their respective love interests. 

JODY FANETO – “SHETANI 1”

Drill artist Jodye Faneto shares new single, “Shetani 1,” which finds him at his most braggadocious. Throwing claims such as “mimi ndio niliwafunza kurap” which translates to “I’m the one who taught them the rap skills.” On the track, Jodye gets two points across: the threats that come out of his mouth are very real, and he is not afraid to name-drop anyone who stands in his way. 

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