We’re more than 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, many 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. This Friday, enjoy new music from Frescool, Mohbad, Blxckie and more. Dig in!

DJ ASAP & Frescool – “One Second”

uNder alum Frescool teams up with DJ Asap for the catchy Amapiano infused record titled “One Second.” On the uptempo track, he pleads with his love interest for a moment of her time which he would deeply appreciate. On it, he sings amorous lines such as “I want just one second, iseju kan pere ah iseju kan pere” which translates to “I want just one second of your time, only one second.”

Mayten – “Wait On Me” ft Blxckie

Following the success of his hit single “Karolina,” South African singer Mayten taps Blxckie for the new mid tempo number “Wait On Me.” On the record, he sings lyrics such as “Girl you should have waited on me when I was in my darkest days/Girl you should have waited on me but I don’t need you now,” letting his muse know that he’s moved on from what they used to have.

Mohbad – “Peace”

Marlian record signee Mohbad has arrived with a new upbeat record, “Peace” a catchy number which sees the artist speaking on the necessity of having peace of mind. Produced by talented street-pop beatsmith Rexxie, he opens the record chanting lyrics such as “wetin be this one like this, been through many things/many many gist but I had to find my peace.”

Blaqbelieve – “Melody”

Following the release of his 2021 EP ‘Cupid & Strive,’ newcomer Blaqbelieve is here with his most recent offering “Melody,” and infectious mid tempo record which sees the singer laying down sultry vocals as he quips lyrics such as “I no go ever leave you my dear/make you go denge no fear, your melody is taking me there,” to his love interest.

Ceeza Milli – “God Abeg”

For his most recent offering, Singer, songwriter and producer Ceeza Milli is here with the record “God Abeg.” Produced by Dibs Tunes, the new numbers sees the artist speaking about his accomplishments so far as well as attaining greater heights. He sings “Omo tonight, me I want to jaiye, I’m ready for the night/God abeg, don’t let enemies come take my smile away,” while offering encouragement for his listeners.

Skiibii – “Flex”

Singer and songwriter Skiibii has had a good year so far in terms of hits, from records such as “Baddest Boy Remix” featuring Davido to “Trenches,” the year has been indeed good for the artist. Now, Skiibii is here with his most recent project ‘Life Of A King.’ The 4 track solo project sees Skiibii focusing on how far he has come, his growth so far and his strength as an artist. On the standout “Flex” produced by Niphkeys, he opens the record chanting “problem no fit my body, wahala no fit my body,” making it clear to  listeners that he’s only focused on the positive side to things and the good things of life.

9ice – “Ko Kanye” ft. Tiwa Savage

Veteran singer 9ice makes a comeback with the release of his latest body of work, ‘Tip Of The Iceberg 2.’ The 9-tracker features appearances from artists such as Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, Wyclef Jean and more. The Tiwa Savage-assisted record “Ko Kanye” which is produced by Grammy-award winning producer Rexxie, is a standout as the pair sing about living their respective lives without focusing on negative comments from people around them. 

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