Essentials: Zilla Oaks & Makama Are An Unstoppable Force On ‘MMXXII’
A wonderful intersection between bars and vibes
In recent years, Rap music in Nigeria has grown to become a diversely creative form. While online conversations are mostly didactic, mirroring the lack of attention and value from the listening audience, Nigerian rap artists are still pushing out captivating work and finding ways to make meaningful impact regardless of the current conditions. Within the vanguard of new era searing lyricists and versatile stylists, Apex Village’s prodigy Zilla Oaks has placed himself among the prolific rappers in Nigeria, representing the possibilities of rap music out of the country.
Zilla Oaks officially began his hip-hop journey in 2016 via SoundCloud, where he released his debut EP ‘NE:GRO’, a boisterous introduction that also saw him embrace his south-eastern heritage and proclaim his indelible affiliation with Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. In 2018, he followed with his first full project, ‘No Zzzz’, a 13-track set with a burning grind mentality, using a predominantly trap soundscape to bring listeners into his world. He followed with the sequel, ‘No Zzzz 2’, last year, a more self-assured statement by a rapper who has found his footing in the industry. A more musically expansive effort than his previous projects, ‘No Zzzz 2’ underlined the rapper’s undeniable skill-set as a music-maker, a distinction that earned him a spot on The NATIVE’s best rappers list for 2021.
For his new project, ‘MMXXII’, Zilla Oaks has teamed up with Abuja producer and rapper Makama to deliver a breezy 5-track EP, and unlike his previous, guest-laden project, this joint tape sees just one from rapper and former LOS member, Bris B. The brisk, 15-minute long project sees both collaborators in their most braggadocious forms as they dish out to listeners their obsession with their grind, delivering a wonderful intersection between bars and vibes.
On the EP’s opener “11:11”, the production of the record carries the song and draws the attention of listeners to the track. It is immediately obvious that this is a more different approach from the usual Zilla Oaks trap records. Makama opens the track chanting “wish, wish, wish”, referring to the lucky 11:11 number. He goes on to sing “I wanna make a wish/I wanna live forward”, stating his wish. Zilla steps in with a more stern approach to the record, making his own wishes and spelling out what he really wants — to make money and all the good things that come with life. With a subtle fade out and fade in to the next track, the record “MMXXII” is a more firm and clear statement by the collaborators. The record sees the both artists stating their goals for the year 2022. Makama takes the lead on this record as he makes his goals clear over the bouncy production of the track. On the chorus, he quips “I’m on tour this year, I want more this year/When I talk, listen”.
The sonic and thematic progression of the tape has listeners right where they need to be. On the record “Slap$” , which is a personal favourite and touched down as one of the NATIVE’s best songs this year, both rappers blend energies seamlessly over the production of the record. With the psychedelic feel emitting from the track, the production of the record seems to be the most important takeaway from this trippy number. To close the EP, Zilla Oaks and Makama team up with Bris B for the special number “O$He!.” The trap tune sees all the artists on this record in a braggadocious and unapologetic mood. As all three collaborators make their respective claims, Bris B takes the lead on the record as he brings in a laid back and relaxed energy while still making his points. He quips on his verse, “rapid fire, fire burn these niggas/broke niggas take your whole squad a bunch of old niggas”, proving to opps that he’s all the way up. Zilla and Makama tap into the already existing energy Bris has set as they both maintain a smooth pace throughout the record.
‘MMXXII’ sees a fine combination between sonics and themes that still never feels edgy. The body of work sees the duo in agreement through the short run as they flow flawlessly without obstacles. Produced largely by Makama, multiple emotions are evoked from records such as “Slap$” and “11:11”. All round, the project is a laid-back experiment by two young and powerful rappers who want to get things off their chest through rapping and trapping.
Listen to ‘MMXXII’ here
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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