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 sustain our sense of community. Artists from all around the world have continued to put out new music from quarantine and their relatable subject matters help us relive past experiences, dream of a better future, or just enjoy the present moment. Because we know the volume can be overwhelming sometimes, we’re saving you the stress of scouting by sharing our selection of latest releases that reflect the liberal and diverse state of African music today.

We started the week with new music from Dj Spinall and Dice Ailes, Dj Wayne and Oxlade, as well as songs from Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Praiz, Tim Lyre, Chimzy, Psycho YP and Jean Frier. For our midweek compilation, Wande Coal blessed us with a new video for previously released sleeper hit, “Again”, while we also feature our favourite cut from Canada-based Nigerian singer, Tome’s new project. Trill Tega, Ade Lasode, Yhemhi, Bizzonthetrack, Olamide David and Dwayne $tunna also have new music out for you to enjoy. 

Wande Coal – “Again”

Wande Coal doesn’t miss. Over a decade long span in the game, 2 albums and a string of hit singles, the Black Diamond has built a solid catalogue which cements his place as a top tier artist we can always count on for jams. His latest offering, “Again” has now been given a video to match the romantic tale he narrates. Directed by Adasa Cookey, the video shows Wande Coal singing his hearty lyrics to his muse, “I can’t wait to make your face just smile”  and reassuring her that “nobody be like Wande”. It’s clearly a song for the grown and sexy and the video makes sure to get that message across.

TÖME – “Concentrate” feat. Runtown

Last week, Töme released a new 10-track album, BT4W, and one of the songs which stuck , was the Runtown-assisted “Concentrate”, where the pair demonstrate the lustful intentions of dance floor romance. “Me no want no boring guy/ So check out my waistline and take time,” she sings over the catchy mix of Afropop drums riffs, percussion and synths. Runtown’s contribution serves as the song’s chorus as he performs a few lines of patios to add a Reggae edge to “Concentrate”. Although the pandemic has disrupted her chance to show off the allure of her sound in the club, “Concentrate” encourages listeners to turn their rooms into dance floors until we can get outside again. 

Trill Tega – “My Side”

Trill Tega has recently reignited our passion for the art of gangster rap on his latest single, “My Side”. The mix of vibrating synth lines and catchy flute samples make for a leisurely listen while Trill Tega layers in confident bars that make him come across like a nigga you don’t want to cross; “Now imma give you a piece of my mind/ Now imma give you a reason to hide”. Listening to “My Side” inspires you to unleash your inner cockiness, whilst also building anticipation for what else Trill Tega has in store for us on his upcoming tape. 

Ade Lasode – “These Niggaz”

Ade Lasode’s latest single, “These Niggaz” is a shift from her usual soulful singing, and she shows off some of her hip hop influences. She channels rap’s cockiness to deliver self-assured bars with the aim of mocking men who want to play her for a fool. Her confidence is boosted even further by the mid-tempo beat produced by Yinka Bernie, which serves as the background as she narrates her experience with a fuck-boy.

Despite her melodic rap flow, her lyrics, “I brought this nigga to my house/ bad nigga, you were sipping on my couch”, comes across as threatening while the laid back instrumentals take on an air of mischief. “These Niggaz” is the perfect song to give you all the confidence you need on your way to give your cheating ex-boyfriend a piece of your mind.

Yhemhi – “I’m Sorry” feat. Bizzonthetrack, Olamide David, El-Nino

We often hear artists replicating their experiences in relationships in their romantic songs, but Yhemhi’s new single, “I’m Sorry” subverts that trope, where he explains why he’s too focused on his music career to find time for a romantic relationship. Over the atmospheric afropop instrumental produced by El-Nino with a piercing guitar riff, Yhemhi apologises for his lack of commitment to his love interest and uses his drive to turn his music passion into a money-making career as his excuse. Singing “I’m sorry, I can be toxic/ I know you like me/ but I like my music”, he’s quite convincing and admits to his own faults while the featured artists, Bizzonthetrack and Olamide David echo his tunnel vision focus in their accompanying verses.  

Dwayne$tunna – “Dash”

To those who don’t appreciate it for what it is, hip-hop can be seen as a disruptive genre. But in the right hands, that boisterous energy can be charming, and Dwayne $tunna’s new single, “Dash” is a good example of that. He turns his fun and juvenile charisma into a social magnet, while spinning playful lines about drugs, getting money and partying. Rapping “I be so damn fly/ Make a bitch ask why” over the trap beat, it’s style over substance approach for Dwayne, which is sure to leave an instant mark on listeners.

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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

ICYMI: Catch up on all the new music released earlier this week