Essentials: Chillz’ ‘Good Vibes, Vol. 1’
a quintessential multipurpose summer project with a substantive core
The ‘Good Vibes, Vol. 1’ title and the relaxing by the pool direction of the cover art capture the mood for Chillz’ newly released debut project. With song titles like “Grateful”, “Chop Life” and “Smile”, the project portrays Chillz as brimming with positivity as he emphasises on savouring life in bright colours and the delightfully, mellowed out Afropop melodies that buoy the project’s snappy 24-minute duration. ‘Good Vibes’ carries the quintessential elements of a multipurpose summer project bound to inspire shimmering shoulders and full-bodied sashays at camaraderie-based events and is also fit for leisurely listening with a pair of earphones.
As important as mood is, though, the interesting twist that elevates the project beyond the well-worn capacity of a feel-good pop album, is the presence of a substantive core anchoring the helium-propelled parts. “You show me your scars, I’ll show you mine”, Chillz solemnly sings on “Intro”, hinting at a troubled past that makes his high-spirited follow-up track, “Grateful” featuring Mayorkun all the more riveting.
The seventh track “Start Again”, recently named NATIVE’s Best New Music pick, clearly serves as the album’s emotional centrepiece. Spotting the self-produced blend of bulbous talking drums and chillwave synths to evocative effect, Chillz harps on the virtue of resurgence, briskly unpacking his thematic concerns in less than two minutes. Beaming in with impassioned, backup vocals, the soulful folk timbre of Sir Dauda’s voice adds an angular layer of rustic charm, increasing the song’s affecting quality.
“Smile”, the very next track, acts as the companion piece, readjusting the tension of “Start Again” into the visceral peak of ‘Good Vibes’. The composite Igbo Folk soundscape, comprising staccato Fender Rhodes piano chords, heaving palmwine guitars, live drums and local percussions, creates a red-boned groove that accentuates Chillz’ set, encouraging listeners to unwind and curl their lips upwards because unfavourable circumstances last only for a while. “Smile” is also significant, in that it acts as the main bridge of specificity, where Chillz’ lyrics seemingly directed at close and out-of-touch friends, takes on a relatable life primed to resonate beyond its universality.
Combined with the more lightweight parts of the project, ‘Good Vibes’ highlights Chillz’ amiable persona as the rounding element of his premium music-making abilities. Credited as the sole producer of every track, sans the TMXO-produced title track, Chillz showcases himself as a neo-Afropop auteur with subtly eclectic choices to keep his compositions constantly refreshing. To capture the imagery of living life to the fullest on “Shun (Turkey)”, airy organ chords and sparsely knocking 808 synths serve as ambience, while the heartfelt sentiments aimed at reassuring his love interest on “Down” is propelled by an electro-pop combination of aqueous piano harmonies and clanging 808 snares.
Favouring hook-reliant songwriting and poignant one-liners to bring his more plain lyrics into sharper focus, Chillz’ rather serene baritone also adds depth to his performances. Hovering on top of the beats, the simplicity of his melodies are enjoyable and effective in conveying the intended gravitas. For example, in contrast with Mayorkun’s more passionate crooning on lead single, “Grateful”, Chillz’ low-end vocals also conjure the sentiment of being appreciative regardless of daunting situations.
Popular rapper, Falz rounds out the guest list, following the already laid down ethos on “Chop Life”, delivering a lightweight verse with a playful cadence, over the buoyant mix of a spry early ‘00s R&B acoustic guitar and bouncy Afropop drum riffs. Also an infectious bop, “Chop Life” is indicative of the wide mainstream conversations Chillz is set to enter with ‘Good Vibes, Vol 1’.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/chillzhimself
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
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 arrive before 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.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
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.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
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 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).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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