Burna Boy shares short film for Stormzy-assisted “Real Life”

Taves has shared a new two-pack single titled “W2Y.” The new songs, which the rising singer has been teasing for a few weeks now, arrive as his first official release since he put out ‘Are You Listening?,’ his 8-track debut that came out in mid-2024. Perhaps more importantly, the new singles are released under Mother Africa Reigns Supreme’s imprint, suggesting that the singer might have parted ways with his former label. 

While it’s taken Taves over a year to follow up on his debut, he’s ensured he didn’t lose all momentum by delivering a couple of standout features in that time period. Late last year, he stole the show on L.A.X’s euphonious “Let Me Know,” as well as “Compose,” a sleek collaboration with Mavin rapper LADIPOE. This year, he’s continued his impressive collab streak, adding his deft touch to Loti’s “Okrika” and Yarden’s “Ifeoma.” 

Teaming up with producer Arieenati, the singer’s latest two-pack, which includes “Way2Yung” and “6ways,” is imbued with the same type of charm and magnetism that helped previous singles like “Folake” and “Eleyele” resonate with his growing fanbase. The two-pack’s title track serves as a perfect soundtrack to youthful optimism and exuberance, as he delivers riffs and runs that explore his newfound vices and the thrills of adolescence. 

If “Way2Yung” is adequate for house parties and shindigs, the sensual “6ways” is better suited for close quarters. Here, Taves yearns and croons about a potential love interest whom he can’t seem to get out of his mind. “Is it too late? I’m calling, I don’t mean to bother you,” he sings charmily in the song’s opening seconds over evocative production that smoothly combines influences from both R&B and Trap. 

Listen to “W2Y” here.

After months of warning that the machine is coming, including a mixtape to portend its arrival, ODUMODUBLVCK is kicking off the much-awaited and anticipated ‘Industry Machine’ era with the release of “Pay Me,” a blockbuster collab with Nigerian rapper, Zlatan, and British star, Stormzy. 

Produced by Scarr, the track is cut from the Abuja rapper’s signature Okporoko sound, hinging on a silky and slick beat propelled by head-nodding drums and airy keyboard loops. Across the song, ODUMODUBLVCK confidently balances an effortless and engaging flow with the confident and chantable chorus, “Pay me my money,” setting the stage for Stormzy and Zlatan to deliver their verses. 

“Pay Me”  opens with a prominent feature of “Make We Jolly,” an old Nollywood soundtrack by Patience Ozokwor in collaboration with Tonto Dike and Charles Awuram. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, showcasing ODUMODUBLVCK’s longstanding grasp and appreciation of pop culture references. 

Close to two years after ‘Eziokwu,’ the rapper is gearing up for another transformative release with ‘Industry Machine,’ and “Pay Me” is his opening salvo. He links up with Zlatan after first working with him on his breakout single, “Picanto.”  The video for “Pay Me” taps into the message of the track as the trio humorously attempts to pull off an ATM jacking. 

“Pay Me” is coming after the surprise March release of “The Machine Is Coming,” a surprise 16-song mixtape that housed songs like “LEGOLAS,” the Victony-featuring “PITY THIS BOY,” and “WAGE WAR.”

Listen to “Pay Me” here. 

Confidence is a rare trait that eludes many, but Fido, born Olayemi Josiah Awosika, wields it like a maestro conducting a symphony. Growing up between Lagos and Matogun in Ogun State, locales where hope and grind intertwine, Fido describes his childhood as amazing. “I was born in Lagos, but my parents are from Ondo State,” he tells The NATIVE. “I don’t have much to say about it, but I had a great childhood with the best parents in the world. They supported me, and I’m grateful for that.” 

Unlike other artists who inherited their passion for music from family, Fido’s interest came about by self-discovery. “My music came from within me,” he says. “No one in my family is a musician or into music professionally. I discovered this talent in me, and it just felt natural to pursue it.” That realization hit at age 14, igniting a zeal that propelled him toward the industry. “That’s when the zeal to pursue music hit me,” he recalls. “I knew I wanted to make a name for myself in the industry.” 

Inspired by Afrobeat legend  Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Juju great King Sunny Adé, and Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate, Fido developed his unique style, drawing on the soulful storytelling style and infectious energy of the trio’s music. “Their music had soul and told stories that connected with people,” he explains. “That energy and authenticity pushed me to create my sound.”

Fido’s breakout single, “Awolowo,” released in 2024, became a defining moment for him, blending melodic Afropop grooves with streetwise lyricism, the song elevated him to the top of the genre. “It’s a ganja vibe, you know?” he says, laughing. “When I heard the beat, the inspiration just flowed naturally. It was divine, like the music came straight from my soul.” Navigating fame has been a learning curve, but Fido has embraced it with gratitude. “It’s been great, but it’s also a learning process,” he admits. “Fame comes with new responsibilities, and I’m figuring out how to grow and develop myself.”

For Fido, timing is crucial, yet the singer believes there’s no such thing as a perfect moment to share his music. His debut EP, ‘Olayemi,’ was released on August 1, 2025, marking a vibrant, new chapter in a journey ignited by self-discovery all those years ago. “There’s no perfect time, you know?” he says with a grin. “My fans kept asking, ‘Fido, when’s the project dropping?’ So, I worked with my team, and we decided it was time to put it out.” 

Building on the momentum of hits like “Awolowo“ and “Joy Is Coming,” ‘Olayemi’ marks a pivotal milestone for the singer. With a title taken from his birth name, the EP is a deeply personal reflection of his upbringing and journey. “The project is about me, my culture, my upbringing, and my roots,” Fido explains. “It’s about letting people know who Mr. Fido is.” The eight-track project, curated from a vault of recordings spanning years, balances introspection with infectious energy. “I’ve been recording for years,” Fido notes. “For ‘Olayemi,’ I picked songs that felt right for my fans and aligned with my story.” 

Across its tracks, ‘Olayemi’ captures Mr. Fido’s remarkable journey from the quiet streets of Matogun, a border town in Ogun State, to the global music stage. The EP traces his path from a struggling unknown to a rising artist on the cusp of stardom, weaving tales of hardship, hope, and triumph. Songs like “Lungu”  and “Boko” lay bare the weight of his past struggles, while “Money Moves” channels a buoyant resolve and “Dollarpor” blends Yoruba and English to manifest future success. 

Fido’s creative process is a masterclass in effortlessness, a quality he proudly owns. “It’s always easy for Mr. Fido,” he declares with a laugh, a mantra that defines his approach to music-making. “I get in the studio with my producer, he plays the beat, and I vibe. Sometimes I write, sometimes the inspiration hits right there. It’s natural. When asked about challenges in the studio, he doubles down on his confidence, “Nah, it’s always easy for Mr. Fido.” 

That ease shines through on ‘Olayemi,’ seeing the singer blend  Fuji and contemporary pop influences to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. His ability to let the music flow without forcing it has become a hallmark of his artistry, setting him apart in an industry often marked by overproduction.

In all, the release of ‘Olayemi’ is a defining moment for Fido, who describes it as “a huge milestone and a step toward greatness.” He’s thrilled with the response from his fans, who have embraced the project with enthusiasm. “The reception has been amazing, fans are streaming it, and they love it,” he shares, his excitement palpable. “When you listen to the EP, you hear my story, my upbringing, and where I come from. It’s personal, and I’m thrilled that people connect with it.”

As he looks to the future, Fido is focused on taking his music to new heights. “Expect more greatness,” he declares. “I’m aiming to take my sound international, representing us on a global stage. I want to be a good example for the genre, both locally and worldwide.” 

Listen to ‘Olayemi‘ here.