Ladipoe kicks off ‘Revival Sunday’ series with new single, “Providence”

Activity Records has released “Higher,” a collaborative single that unites B3AM, Jamie Black, The Phremen, and Nigerian vocalist Valentino Rose. Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Higher” is both a testament to resilience and an anthem for ambition.

Built around the refrain “I tell Mama, don’t you worry, I will make you proud,” the track channels universal themes of sacrifice, hustle, and triumph. With its soaring hook, “Take me higher, my desire,” the single captures the restless drive to push beyond limits, making it an uplifting record for anyone striving toward their dreams.

 “‘Higher’ is about pushing through the weight of expectations, honoring the sacrifices made for us, and celebrating the triumphs along the way,” B3AM says. “We wanted to create something that feels personal but speaks to everyone chasing their dreams.”

Going further, Valentino Rose described “Higher” as an anthem inspired by belief. “The song resonates with me; it’s about hope, ambition, and the love that fuels both. I’m proud to bring that message to life with Activity Records,” she said. 

For Activity Records, “Higher” sets the tone for what listeners can expect from the label: music that uplifts, connects, and resonates globally. As the creative force behind the monthly ASC3NSION events under the Activity Fest umbrella, Activity Records has already built a reputation for crafting unforgettable experiences. With “Higher,” the label takes its first step into recorded music, signaling its commitment to shaping culture both on stage and in sound.

Activity Records is a creative powerhouse blending music, culture, and community. As the label arm of the acclaimed Activity Fest, it is dedicated to producing music that uplifts, inspires, and connects on a global scale. “Higher” marks the label’s debut single, setting the stage for a new era of storytelling through sound.

Listen to “Higher” here. 

Zaylevelten has dropped two new singles, “Pawon” and “Fly,” ahead of his upcoming project, ‘then 1t g0t crazy.’ Earlier in the week, the fast-rising rapper took to social media to announce the imminent release of the highly anticipated follow-up to 2024’s ‘before 1t g0t crazy,’ which is scheduled to arrive on the forthcoming Independence Day. 

Leveraging the viral success of “watching me” earlier in February, Zaylevelten has been able to capitalise on this momentum all year long. He’s released a steady string of singles, most notably “Maye,” which has already amassed over 1 million streams across different DSPs, and inked a deal with Lizzy Records, a record label that’s home to names like Lancey Foux, Fimiguerrero, and Len.

The release of “Pawon” and “Fly” ensures the rapper keeps his hot streak going while also priming fans on what to expect from the new project. Both self-produced, the former, which he’s previously teased online, like many of his other releases, sounds slightly despondent, thanks to some loopy, eerie synths, while the latter features more upbeat and animated production. 

His rapping is razor-sharp on both, regardless, weaving intricate rhyme schemes with braggadocious and relatable lines delivered in pidgin English, Yoruba and Igbo. Along with “Pawon” and “Fly,” the pre-released “Maye,” “SHOW ME LUV” and eight new tracks are also expected to feature on his forthcoming project, as he looks to solidify his status as one of the most exciting rappers around. 

Listen to “Pawon” and “Fly” here. 

In the challenging landscape of mid-2020, as the world adjusted to the pandemic-induced lockdown, Maya Amolo made her delicate introduction to a jaded and hemmed-in audience with ‘Leave Me At The Pregame,’ a 7-track EP that exuded a striking poignancy and melancholy that was fit for the times. The project was immediately well received, shooting up the No. 1 spot on Kenya’s Apple Music R&B charts shortly after its release. 

In the years that followed, Amolo continued to establish herself as one of Kenya’s most promising rising stars, releasing her impressive debut album ‘Asali,’ and an equally sturdy deluxe version, which highlighted her clever songwriting skills and minimalist take on R&B. It wasn’t, however, until 2024’s ‘What A Feeling,’ that she truly began to show some dynamism, exploring a few Dance subgenres that gave her music a more effervescent edge. 

In an interview from earlier in the year, Amolo revealed how her home city, Nairobi, inspired much of ‘What A Feeling.’ ‘So much of how I’ve been experiencing Nairobi has been through nightlife, and with What a Feeling, I wanted to make an album that shows that.’ Cuts like the House-inspired “Let It Flow” and the self-produced title track, both of which bubble with hedonistic fervour, capture the vibrancy of a city that comes alive after sundown while also highlighting Amolo’s desire to explore sonically. 

On her latest album, ‘The Sweetest Time,’ she dedicates a few more numbers to this exploration, showcasing versatility and, perhaps more importantly, a desire to grow artistically. The album’s highlight, “Hocus Pocus,” comes as a result of this exploration, taking inspiration from Brazil’s Baile Funk to create something refreshing and infectious. 

At just under two minutes, Amolo manages to make “Hocus Pocus” the album’s most seductive offering, as she sings of herself like a dangerous enchantress. ‘Look at me like you want all the smoke,’ she bellows softly on the track’s opening lines, setting the tone for a sexy and hypnotic cut that manages to be both subtle and bold at the same time. 

Along with Amolo’s slightly muted sonic exploration, another one of her latest album’s highlights is her assertive tone, which is evidenced across several tracks, especially on “Hocus Pocus.” While the Kenyan singer may project an image of sweetness and charm, her latest batch of songs reveals she’s as clear-eyed and astute as she’s ever been. ‘Angel face, but please don’t be deceived,’ she warns over CAP’s percussion and moody synths. 

Pre-released singles like the title track, “Guidance,” and new cuts like “Hollon” and the AYLØ-assisted “I Like It” appear to be early favourites on the album, further consolidating the singer’s reputation as one of the most promising R&B voices on the face of the continent. “Hocus Pocus,” however, gives a hint at where the Kenyan star could be headed sonically in the future, even as she continues to evolve and showcase different sides to her artistry. 

Listen to ‘The Sweetest Time‘ here.