Essentials: Mojeed is seeking home on ‘In Search Of Higher Frequencies’
Finding the middle point of every conceivable middle
With all the experimentation that is going on in Nigeria’s musical underground, it is easy to forget that traditional Nigerian sounds are pretty damn cool. Three years ago when Mojeed debuted with Westernized West African, a tape that was every bit as foreign as it was local, he was at the very heart of that experimental wave. He came off jovial yet purposeful; as if he were trying to elbow his way onto radio playlists through sheer force of will and good humor. But as an artist he has grown, and part of that growth is a return to the things that make his music distinctly Nigerian in the first place.
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In Search Of Higher Frequencies finds the rapper in a more expansive mode, plumbing the depths of his own personal story over the 6 track EP. The concise track list forces Mojeed to dig deep and narrow down on his subject matters such that each track is devoted to breaking down one complex idea that has plagued his psyche as a creative. But that is where his charm lies so you won’t hear anyone (including this writer) complaining about it.
Mojeed sticks to his formula for success and sneaks in a skit on the first track on In Search Of Higher Frequencies, “In Search (Introduction)” where he is most reflective over a haunting mid-tempo beat produced by Jmoh. Cuts from his old tape feature on the intro through “Super Human” playing as Mojeed delivers a brief word of encouragement followed by a melodious hook that shows promises of a genre switch to Soul and R&B in the future.
Mojeed improves on the feel of Westernized West African on “Eko Atlantic” with productions from Balli and Billionea who serve up an ominous synth based instrumental that Mojeed raps on, assisted by additional vocals from Omosco. Their combination emphasizes what sets Mojeed apart, presenting itself as local through his Yoruba bars and pro-Lagos theme, and foreign through the somber harmonies and his American accent when he chooses to switch to English.
Mojeed features SDC’s Tec and Tesh Carter In Search Of Higher Frequencies. Tec’s presence is felt on “The Charm” as the two rappers exchange bars without attempting to outshine each other despite the track’s showy narrative. Tesh Carter also provides the chilled out counterbalance to Mojeed’s energetic flow on “Love Spell”.
In Search Of Higher Frequencies’ wildly experimental beats are anchored by the Drill Meister’s profficency, mixing and mastering the project. His work is especially felt on “Ko Shi Lo”, a track that highlights the laid back and trippy vibe of the album through the trip-hop instrumentals that inspires feel-good lyrics and rhymes from Mojeed. “Eleniyan” has a similar narrative, except it is produced by Spax who leans on Afrobeat influences for Mojeed’s outro track where he shows his gratitude for what he has made of himself in spite of himself.
At its best, the tape exudes a familiarity that makes it instantly approachable even to none hip-hop lovers. At its worst, the brief 19 minutes listening time leaves fans feeling cheated after waiting 3 years for another Mojeed release.
Listen to In Search Of Higher Frequencies below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/whoismojeed
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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