Songs of the Day: new music from Koffee, Efe Oraka, Tochi Bedford, Veen and more
all the best songs to begin your week
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
T.I Blaze Updates ‘Shakur’ EP With Deluxe Version
Following the success of “Trenches Luv,” the street-pop star is back with seven new songs on the deluxe...
Over the last few years, street-pop, a guttural version of afropop, has surged to mainstream popularity, birthing stars like Asake, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi. On the homefront, a generation of younger stars also put unique spins on the sound. Singer, T.I Blaze, has been a notable star in the sub-genre since his 2021 single, “Sometimes,” and a subsequent remix with icon, Olamide, launched him into a different stratosphere.
Since “Sometimes,” Blaze has established his profile as a reliable source for songs that reflect the pulse of the streets while archiving his come-up story across a debut album (‘El Major’) and three extended plays like ‘The Fresh Prince Of Lagos’ and ‘Dangerous Wavy Baby.’ His 2024 EP, ‘Shakur,’ further underscored his evolution as an artist, featuring slippery numbers about escapism, his thoughts on life in the fast lane, and brotherhood with features from rising stars like Tml Vibez and BhadBoi Oml.
In 2025, the singer has picked up where he left off last year, releasing “Trenches Luv,” a balmy February release that examines the dynamics of romance from his point of view as a young adult moulded by the hard realities of life on the street. The success of “Trenches Luv” has led to a deluxe version of ‘Shakur’ with the singer adding seven new songs to the original version of the project. Impressively, on the new version of the project, TI Blaze taps up Ayo Maff and Ghanaian star Arathejay on “My Brother” and “Mario Remix,” respectively.
Led by a galala-inflected opener, “Track 1,” ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ is both raw and complex with the singer sounding refreshed on songs like “My Brother,” “Dodge,” and “Introduction.” In many ways, this project is an invitation for listeners to explore the many facets of T.I Blaze’s artistry as well as a portent to celebrate his roots and offer a glimpse at his evolution.
Listen to ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ here.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Rigo Kamp Runs Ahead Of The Pack With The Visuals For “Marathon”
Rigo Kamp’s Marathon video is an intimate Afro-juju revival that pays homage to Sir Shina Peters and stamps...
Last Friday, Rigo Kamp, a NATIVE uNder alum and one of the architects of an equal parts nostalgic and refreshing sound released his self-titled debut EP, delivering a propulsive fusion of Alte, R&B, Funk, and Soul-infused rhythms.
Featuring previously released singles “Morning Sun” and “Summer”, the six-track eponymous EP executively produced by Odunsi The Engine sees Rigo lean heavily into his element as a sonic alchemist, jumping from silky falsettos to gritty grooves without losing an ounce of cohesion, and ultimately stamping the Abuja-born, Lagos-based singer-songwriter as a mad scientist of sound.
Just last November, Apple Music named Rigo Kamp as its Up Next artist, an acknowledgment that underscored his potential and confirmed what the tastemakers and underground scene already knew. Weeks later, he delivered an exhilarating live set for Spotify Fresh Finds in Lagos, proving he’s just as compelling live as he is in the studio.
On “Marathon”, the refreshing opener to the Rigo Kamp EP, Rigo borrows the bounce and swagger of Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters’ golden-era, fusing nostalgia with re-imagination to birth a vintage performance that feels like a private party for two, where it’s just Rigo, and you.
Get an exclusive first look at the video for Marathon here:
Listen to the Rigo Kamp EP:
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South African House Duo, Black Motion, Return With Rhythmic “Khululeka”
The SA house music pioneers are back with a deeply moving and rhythmic new release.
South African house music pioneers, Black Motion, are back with a deeply moving and rhythmic new release titled “Khululeka.” True to its meaning in isiZulu— “be free” or “find peace”—this track is an anthem of liberation, urging listeners to let go, embrace love, and heal through the power of music.
With their signature percussion-driven melodies and the soul-stirring vocal chants of King Monopoly, “Khululeka” transcends the dancefloor. It is a spiritual and emotional journey, carrying an energy that is both uplifting and transformative. Whether in personal reflection or in the collective movement of a crowd, the song invites listeners to surrender to its message and rediscover love—both within and around them.
Since their formation in 2010 in Soshanguve, Black Motion—made up of Murdah Bongz (born Robert Mahosana), and Thabo (born Roy Thabo Mabogwane)—has become a dominant force in global house music. Their debut single, “Banane Mavoko,” put them on the map, and their albums, including the gold-certified Fortune Teller and the platinum-selling Ya Badimo, have cemented their status as pioneers of the genre. Their collaborations with artists like Oskido and Black Coffee, along with accolades such as multiple South African Music Awards (SAMAs), have solidified their place at the forefront of African electronic music.
Over the years, Black Motion has partnered with brands like Ballantine’s, Sony Xperia, and Coke Studio, and they are looking to partner with more under their new label Intascore, expanding their influence beyond music. With a combined social media reach of over 2.2 million followers, their music resonates with audiences worldwide, uniting people through rhythm, culture, and movement.
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