BOJ was always destined to be great. In 2013, he lined classic records such as Show Dem Camp’s “Feel Alright” and Ajebutter22’s “Omo Pastor” with his unmistakable vocals in the form of a smooth husk which could soundtrack the quintessential Lagos movie. Paired with the rap efforts of his collaborators, both songs became early manifestations of a new alternative movement, and BOJ became a vehicle for its journey into the future.
The years after then have unravelled favourably for Bolaji Ojudokan. He has released music at his own pace, yet manages to stoke sufficient hype around projects. A debut album with longtime cohorts DRB Lasgidi underscored the collective’s still-groovy synergy and influence on alternative culture. Acclaimed collaborativeprojects with Ajebutter 22 spawned cult classics like “Yawa” and “Too Many Women”. It’s been a brilliant run-up to his forthcoming sophomore ‘Gbagada Express’, particularly because of its stacked feature list which again highlights BOJ’s artistic tendencies as a collaborator. It’s clear that he’s not so much concerned with being the lone star as much as curating a wholesome sonic experience.
However, BOJ has also been known to take the microphone by himself, especially during the early years of his solo career. While he’d broken out through lacing rap songs with instantly memorable bridges and hooks, the singer had a mixtape out, ‘#BOTM’, at the time as well. It would take a while for listeners to warm up to his distinct style, but when they did, it paid off. His entry into the mainstream came accompanied with a win at the Headies award for Best Alternative Song in 2014. This was emblematic of BOJ’s unique appeal.
“BOTM” translated to ‘Bolaji on the microphone’, a syrupy and sunny record about pursuing one’s dreams. Usually musicians are verbose when dealing with such infinite material, staking their entire philosophies as bet for their incredible odds. BOJ is rather cool. His delivery is the equivalent to an image of the class genius playing around minutes before the exam. In the opening lines, he’s assured as he sings “Time is coming, I know that it is nearer/ The future is bright o, I know cos it is clearer” and later on making humble brags such as “got my dark shades on/ so I don’t see no later” and “moving forward, so I guess I’ll see ya later”. There aren’t many lines on the record, helping give an elusive sheen to its luscious keys.
The project had other great records like the Lola Rae-assisted “Ginger”, a cinematic offering full of the groovy synths that chracterised Nigerian Pop in the 2010s. “Blow” was a posse cut featuring Poe, Tec and Teezee. The verses are laced with the seamless bragaddocio you’d expect from such a line-up, all of them centering BOJ’s desire to blow. In 2017 BOJ’s debut album ‘Magic’ was released, helmed by a long list of collaborators who’ve either been present since the journey’s start or got on along the way.
This Friday, the much anticipated sophomore ‘Gbagada Express’ will be released, and it’s telling how closely BOJ has been flying towards home. From the obvious nod in its title to the pan-African leanings of his chosen collaborators, the artist is again presenting himself as one of ours, just as he did all those years ago when he first grabbed the microphone.
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super...
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrivebefore the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.” The Mavin popstar has been teasing...
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”