In a year where we’ve had to fight for basic human rights while being quarantined away from friends and family, music has emerged as an important distraction from the things that trouble us. With music of African origin rising to global consciousness, it’s important to continue to document the songs that highlight the talent, tenacity, and diversity of artists within our industry. We’ve scouted through the continent and come up with our picks of all the best songs released today.

Our weekend recommendations included Burna Boy, Rema, Kabza De Small’s all-star collaboration with Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Cassper Nyovest, new singles from South African artists Moonchild Sanelly, as well as releases from Naira Marley, Tsuni and much more. To start off the new week, we’re bringing you the best sounds from Praiz, Ade Lasodé, Moelogo, Buju, ArnieeF, Lē and more. Enjoy.

Adé Lasodé – Fire Burn

We’ve all probably felt the sting from loving someone who didn’t feel the same way towards us, and Ade Lasode captures this feeling in her memorable song, “Fire Burn”. Over ambient synths, and noteworthy futuristic production, Adé questions a past lover about the unreciprocated feelings in their relationship. ‘How can you say you love me?/I gave you my heart mixed together with all I’ve been through’ she sings,  and with each word she builds up to the cathartic release. Though heartbroken, she leaves stronger than she started. She is the fire, and the world they both shared in has now gone up in flames.

Praiz – “To the Moon” featuring Kingxn

Praiz never drops the ball when it comes to raw, romantic singles and his latest release, “To the Moon” joins the line of his great confessional cuts. Over a drum-led and pop-tinged production, Praiz gives us a taste of his forthcoming 6-track project which is scheduled for release later this week. He joins forces with rapper, Kingxn, and both artists liken the love they share with their romantic interests to an elated feeling of reaching the moon. ‘You know my longing for you never fades/to the moon with me’ he sings, leaving the captivating centerpiece of his lovey-dovey lyrics on the amazing vocal delivery he brings to the song.

Moelogo – “Ugly Parts of Love”

Moelogo has just released his fourth EP titled ‘ME’, a 5-track offering where he offers a perfect blend of afropop melodies with soothing r&b cadences. Moelogo, himself, describes the project as housing ‘feel good music – the kind you listen to while in any mood and it leaves you feeling better’. This is something we definitely felt when listening to the mid-tempo piano ballad “Ugly Part of Love” which instantly stood out with its eye-catching title and groovy melodies.

‘I don’t love you no more/I cheated on me with you’ he sings, with a resigned tone as he delivers an anti-love anthem capturing the moments when love fades and you’re still holding out in a broken relationship. For anyone who’s had similar experiences, this is a deeply relatable number.

A. I – “Roses” featuring Buju

Rapper, A.I may still be coming up, but he definitely knows the workings of a memorable love song. For his latest release,  he taps into Buju’s melodies for new single “Roses”, where they show off their great synergy celebrate romantic feelings for their love interests. The dancefloor-ready beat and catchy melodies certainly make for a pleasant listen, as Buju sings ‘wake up and smell the roses/the way I feel for you be like say I be novice’, to convince his love interest to take his love and affection seriously.

arnieeF – “Paper Chaser”

After a hiatus over the latter half of 2019, Lagos-based rapper, Arniee F is ready to throw his hat back in the ring with double pack release “Run It Up/Paper Chaser”. On both songs, Arniee F spits bars about getting paid what he is worth and his determination to succeed, as his primary focus is on chasing opportunities and wealth. On “Paper Chaser”, he raps ‘The game is too impatient, the weather’s steady changing/I got girls on my line…tryna stack this paper’ over bouncy synths, as he confronts the many distractions that come his way as a rapper.

Lē – “Self Esteem”

After residing on Soundcloud for the last three years, 21-year-old Nigerian singer/songwriter LĒ has re-released their debut EP, ‘Inner Child’s View’ on all streaming platforms. Recorded over 2015 to 2017, the 8-track project soundtracks the artist’s deep reflection as they use music as a tool for healing.

On “Self Esteem”, Lē sings about battling their personal battles with self-esteem issues and image as a both a queer Nigerian artist, and a survivor of abuse. Over airy synths and soothing percussions, they sing ‘what’s the problem/how did I get here’ as they try to make sense of the muddled and confusing feelings in their mind. The number is deeply reflective as they channel their truth and trauma into music that hopefully can connect with listeners who have been through similar experiences.

Featured image credits/Instagram

Tami is living in a black mirror episode and can’t seem to wake up. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_

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