The Native
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uNder: Best New Artists (August, 2025)
Our August edition features Paxslim, Blacboyy, Deena, and Mūmbi.
ODUMODUBLVCK, STORMZY, AND ZLATAN WANT TO STAY PAID UP ON “PAY ME”
We are officially in the 'Industry Machine'
Fido Wants To Leave A Mark
Building on the momentum of hits like “Awolowo" and “Joy Is Coming,” ‘Olayemi’ marks a pivotal milestone for Fido....
Best New Music: Luwa.Mp4 Lays Bare The Anxieties Of A Non-Conformist Lifestyle On “pEEP MY RIDE”
On "pEEP MY RIDE,” Luwa.Mp4 is able to force a confrontation with the misunderstanding that accompanies a path less...
DEELA Teases Forthcoming Mixtape ‘Wicked’ With Unapologetic “Slide”
“Slide,” which was produced by frequent collaborator Genio Bambino and Dera, features more unapologetic shit talking in usual DEELA...
June Freedom Finds Clarity On ‘Casa Mira Mar’
‘Casa Mira Mar’ is a tightly-knit collection of tracks fitting the Cape Verdean singer's expansive view of global Black...
Mbryo Is Stepping Out Of The Shadows
After penning some of Afropop's biggest hits in recent years, Mbryo is writing a new chapter in his story with the release of “My...
Best New Music: Amaarae Gives A Glimpse Of Dance-Pop’s Future On “B2B”
On an intricate body of work where Amaarae manages to infuse most of the songs with a wealth of influences, “B2B” stands out....
Mavin Records Opens Applications for the 2025 Edition of Mavin Future Five
A launchpad for the next wave of music industry
Luwa.Mp4 Releases Riotous Debut Album, ‘punKstA*’
Across the album’s 12 tracks, Luwa.Mp4 continues his fiery exploration and fusion of genres like Punk Rock, Afropop, Hyperpop, and...
Shekhinah Returns With Surprise Album, ‘Less Trouble’
The South African R&B star is at her most assertive on her first album in four years.
The NATIVE’s First Impressions Of Amaarae’s ‘Black Star’
‘Black Star’ marks another evolutionary arc for Amaarae, and The NATIVE team offer our thoughts after a few...
HENNESSY PARTNERS WITH TEMS THROUGH THE LEADING VIBE INITIATIVE
Launching in Lagos, Nigeria, this event pioneered by Tems marks the beginning of a continent-wide movement to elevate African women in...
The Battle for Safe Spaces in Lagos’ Rave Communities Continues
As the economy withers, underground raves have emerged as a viable nightlife option, much to the detriment of the communities that built...
True Clrs Want People To Dance
True Clrs, a travelling party series launched by Adeola Kofoworade and Menab Tesfu, aims to bring the dance back to the parties....
Best New Music: Tiwa Savage and Skepta Are Stuck In A Loop On “On The Low”
After over a decade helming some of the most romantic cuts in Afropop, Tiwa Savage’s dalliance with R&B is helping to propel her...
Louddaaa Wants The World To Listen
Louddaaa sees Nigeria’s distinctive sonic identity as a responsibility, something to preserve and carry forward through both music and...
Rema Has Another Banger With Explosive “Kelebu”
The Rave Lorde has kept to his word to deliver a summer hit.
The Locales That Shaped Our Favourite Afropop Stars
Markers of those places inevitably show up in the music of our favorite stars, enriching our soundscape and furthering our cultural...
