With most of the world self-isolating to flatten the COVID-19 curve, music is one of the things that has kept our spirits up and sustained our sense of community. Artists from all around the world have continued to put out new music, and their relatable subject matters help us process past hurts, dream of a better future, whilst also just enjoying the present moment. It’s completely understandable if this week, you haven’t really been keeping up with new music releases, given the current state of affairs around the whole world.

So to help out a bit, we’ve compiled a list of the new songs you should listen to today. Our end of week selection included a Burna Boy-assisted remix of a South African house smash single, Davido’s collaboration with Teyana Taylor, a politically charged song from Sarkodie and M.amifest, a new single from Nissi, and more.  Today’s curation includes new Tochi Bedford, Charly Boy, Veen, Bryan the Mensah, and Efe Oraka updates her latest single “Nigerian Dream” with a new video. Enjoy.

John Legend featuring Koffee – “Don’t Walk Away”

Koffee is having her moment and we couldn’t be more thrilled. After bagging the Grammy for Best Reggae album (first woman and the youngest too!), she’s been fairly quiet and within good reason. Over the weekend, John Legend released his seventh studio album ‘Bigger Love’ with a guest appearance from the Jamaican artist.

On “Don’t Walk Away”, John Legend taps into afro-Caribbean influences by teaming up with Jamaican producer, Di Genius and Koffee. Over the upbeat magical production, John Legend and Koffee deliver a romantic number on remaining committed to loved ones and setting our egos aside for those we truly love. ‘Give you my life, I would/Baby don’t go, you are my love’ Koffee sings in her signature patois-filled drawl, as she bargains with a love interest to remain in her life. It’s a really sweet and romantic one for all the lovers out there.

Charly Boy featuring Oritse Femi – “Mumu Don Do?”

Earlier in the year, the celebrated ‘Area Fada’ as he is popularly known, made his return to the music scene with new single “God of Men” featuring Falz. The collaboration and stellar video released piqued our interest in Charly Boy’s return to the scene and we’ve been paying close attention ever since. For his new single “Mumu Don Do?”, he’s teamed up with Ortise Femi for an upbeat, rhythmic track, which directly addresses Nigerians and questions whether we are collectively tired of the injustices in our society today – from inept leaders to corrupt law enforcement agencies.

Bryan the Mensah – “Seeing is Believing”

On Friday, the Ghanaian multi-hyphenate artist, Bryan the Mensah will be releasing his third EP, ‘Not Going Outside’, an introspective 4-track project that counteracts the fear of going after your dreams, no matter how scary they may seem. Ahead of this, he’s just shared a new track “Seeing is Believing”, a self-determined track where he addresses the fear of chasing your dreams when criticism from the naysayers seem to weigh you down.

‘I don’t listen to critics/Look at the heavens its so far…but that don’t mean say it isn’t there’ he sings over gentle pianos and smattering of light hi-hats and percussion. If you’re looking for a reason to take a big leap, Bryan the Mensah is sending a message that now is a better time than ever to go after it.

Veen – “City Drills”

Veen is extremely versatile and his ability to bounce between delectably sweet romantic songs and braggadocious trap numbers is what sets him apart. For his latest single, “City Drills”, he’s celebrating the effervescence of his hometown and rapping about the strength of the city’s fresh crop of talent. ‘If you know my city, niggas don’t play/get to the drill, get to the kill’ he raps over a resonant bassline and a frenzy of hi-hats. His self-assured tone sends a simple message: Port Harcourt’s brightest stars are coming and they won’t stop for anyone.

Tochi Bedford featuring KD – “Killer”

Tochi Bedford is definitely one of the producers to look out for this year, and now he’s leaning more into his career as a solo artist. Following the release of the bouncy number “Disintegrate” featuring Cruel Santino last month, he’s finally released his new project ‘Eternal Mob’ with stunning guest appearances from KD, AYLØ, DnD Section, Seki Supervillian and many more.

On “Killer” featuring KD,  both artists perform a highly braggadocious set where they trade bars about getting shit popping and having a lock on the game. Over the quick-paced and energetic beat, Tochi delivers snappy raps, packed with wordplay and a clear message to the competition. ‘Make my money quick/pay me in advance’ he raps self-assuredly about his undeniable talent so early on in the game. Although succinct, KD joins him just as the song is about to end, and claps back with ‘I put the game up in a headlock’ reinforcing the dynamic, talented synergy of both artists.

Efe Oraka – “Nigerian Dream”

Efe Oraka is definitely one to watch out for. As we await her upcoming EP, Efe Oraka is keeping our appetites wet with a new video for her single “Nigerian Dream”. On the melodious number, she signs about our country, Nigeria, and the hypocrisy we’re all boundlessly living in. ‘We’re so sad, but we’re living the Nigerian dream/Nigerians don’t get depressed’ she sings, addressing many of the issues we face today; from police brutality to poverty, inept leaders, domestic violence to flashy cars and trips every other summer. It’s a deeply reflective number that encourages listeners to cut the pretense and live honestly.

Featured image credits/

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

ICYMI: Here’s all the new music you may have missed last Friday