The last few months have been difficult. But with three weeks left until the end of the year, we’re trying to find more ways to be thankful and present in the current moment. While we’re still dedicated to amplifying and reporting the issues that have plagued us this year, we’ve now resumed our column, Songs of the Day as a nod to the artists putting out great music that serve as a momentary escape from all the grimness of the current news cycle.
We ended last week’s Songs of the day curation with new releases from Davido, Odunsi, Tekno, Flavour, Mr Eazi, Buju, Ghanaian Stars, Femi Kuti, LadiPoe, and more. Today, as news of reemerging End SARS protests in Nigerian cities reaches social media, many young Nigerians may be feeling just as stuck as they were back in October. So, to help dissipate the worrying thoughts, we’re bringing you new music to get you through the day including new releases from Stonebwoy and Davido, Falz and Niniola, Tomi Agape, Amaarae and BOJ, Waje and Cracker Mallo, Lo Village, and many more. Dig in and enjoy.
Stonebwoy – “Activate” featuring Davido
When Ghana and Nigeria collaborate, it’s always to stellar results, and Stonebwoy’s latest single “Activate” is further proof of this. Produced by Mix Master Garzy, the new single sees both artists singing about the effect that their muses have on them and declaring their intentions to deepen their physical connection.
In the accompanying video for the new single, both artists can be seen having a good time by the poolside with beautiful women. Singing “Baby you activate me o/you dey captivate me” over the song’s hook, Stonebwoy states just how consuming the love connection he feels is. And with both artists exchanging and donning the other’s national football jersey, it’s clear that this is a formidable pairing.
Falz – “Squander” featuring Niniola
Just in time for the end of the year, Falz is back with new single, “Squander”, featuring the Queen of Afrohouse, Niniola. The up-tempo number produced by Young Willis, sees both artists aiming to get you and moving and swinging to the spritely beat. Niniola seems as confident and comfortable as ever, finding herself in familiar territory and floating seamlessly over the propulsive rhythm.
DJ Spinall – “Sere” featuring Fireboy DML
Dj Spinall is days away from the release of his new album titled ‘Grace’ and already he’s served up singles like the Dice Ailes-assisted “Pressure” and “Everytime” featuring Kranium to whet our appetites. Ahead of the forthcoming project, he’s just released a new single titled “Sere” which features YBNL’s Fireboy DML. Over the uptempo beat produced by Kel P and DJ Spinall, Fireboy DML delivers a catchy danceable verse that invites listeners to groove and sway with its infectious rhythm as he invites a love interest to let loose and dance with him.
Tomi Agape – “Lovers Rock” featuring Amaarae and BOJ
Tomi Agape is back and we’re also getting an incoming project titled ‘Never Gunna Be The Same’on the horizon. Ahead of the project’s release on December 11, Tomi Agape is letting us into her world with the release of the new romantic single “Lovers Rock” which features Amaarae and BOJ. The groovy mid-tempo number sees all three artists audaciously asking their love interest to accept their advances and not hold anything back. “You’ve been on my mind, especially at nighttime” sings Tomi Agape, declaring her love before being joined by BOJ on the ook as he sings “I just want to show you off baby, I just want to give you love baby” showing that modern-day romance is far from dead.
Waje – “Best Thing”
Waje is back with a new single just in time for the end of the year. The new single titled “Best Thing” is a romantic number produced by Cracker Mallo, which sees the singer addressing a love interest who she regards as the best thing in her life. “Shey you be my best thing/need no second-guessing/oh abeg make I hold you” she sings amorously on the song’s hook, professing all her romantic feelings with the conviction that her love interest also holds her this highly in their heart.
Lo Village – “Out The Window”
Maryland musical r&b and rap trio, Lo Village has been generating some buzz in their hometown for quite a while and with the release of their forthcoming EP ‘Lost in America’, it’s clear that the group are poising for a more global-facing domination. Their latest single “Out the Window” is a more politically charged number which sees them exploring the black American experiences in America. Singing over the chorus, Ghanaian-American vocalists Kane and Ama sing, “I’m a solider, I remain ten toes” as they speak to the power of black people who continue to stand up against racially charged injustices in America.
As the world sees a momentous shift regarding racial injustice and inequality, the group knew it was time to convey their truth through new music. Speaking about the new release, they shared “As the world sees a momentous shift regarding racial injustice and inequality, the group knew it was time to convey their truth through new music.”
DEELA – “ROLLING STONES” featuring KA$H
Since finding the confidence to release her raps this year, newcomer, DEELA has been setting off quite the storm with her string of bold, bossy raps. For her latest offering, the 18-year-old mcee taps into the sounds of Atlanta-based rapper KA$H for a confident, self-assured number titled “ROLLING STONES“. The trap-charged cut sees both artists effortlessly running through their achievements, particularly DEELA who is quick to address the pressures of being an upcoming rapper in the game.
“Rubbing any beat cause I can/For the niggas in the back who ain’t fucking with me, you niggas stay dumb” she raps on the first verse, making a very convincing case for why you should stop what you’re doing and become a DEELA fan today. Whether you like it or not, she’s coming and she’s disrespectful AF
Lucid Lemons x Dara Blaxx – “Can’t Get Enough”
The team over at Lucid Lemons is expanding and adding to their musical repertoire. They’ve recently released their first official single titled “Can’t Get Enough” which features UK-based Nigerian singer/songwriter Dara Blaxx. The romantic cut sees the singer confront feelings of love, infatuation and affection and speaks to the power in believing in one’s sauce despite the fervour of your love for someone else. Going forward, the Lucid Lemons team has promised more of these musical collaborations with various artists in their community. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.
KARE – “Freaky”
Nigerian singer/songwriter Kare is preparing for the release of his debut EP set to be released next summer. Ahead of the forthcoming release, the singer is whetting our appetites with new afropop single titled “Freaky”. The upbeat new single finds Kare addressing a female muse to get down with him in the naughtiest way possible. From the song’s suggestive title, it’s clear that this new single is dedicated to the thrill of dimly lit nightclubs and parties.
Featured Image Credits/Instagram
.@tamimak_ is just trying to make it to the end of the year
The rapper’s decision to embark on a local university tour of this nature could go on to become a...
There’s no denying that OdumoduBlvck’s 2023 mixtape ‘Eziokwu’ established his musical genius. While...
There’s no denying that OdumoduBlvck’s 2023 mixtape ‘Eziokwu’ established his musical genius. While the half dozen projects that preceded ‘Eziokwu’ almost served as target practice, largely showcasing the early iterations of Okporoko music – his unique melodious rap fusion – it was his major label debut that truly grounded the rapper in Nigeria’s rich Hip-Hop lineage. The album’s far-reaching success culminated in a historic joint tour with fellow 2023 breakout star Shallipopi, which saw the two share the stage across 9 cities in the United States. Similarly, riding the high of his latest mixtape, ‘The Machine Is Coming,’ the Anti-World Gangstar head huncho recently announced a new tour. This time, however, instead of taking his new collection of infectious bangers to stages abroad, the rapper decided to visit different universities across the country for what he calls the ‘Greatest School Tour Ever.’
Touring in Nigeria is a subject that has become somewhat controversial over the last few years, splitting opinions amongst many fans, industry experts, and artists themselves. Back in the mid-2000s to early 2010s, local touring was very much the norm. Platforms like Star Music’s ‘The Trek,’ as well as a few prominent local promoters, enabled some of the biggest names like 2face, Olamide, and M.I to hold annual nationwide tours. These tours included stops in cities like Warri, Makurdi, Owerri and many other places that artists are less likely to visit today. University tours were also popular as they presented an avenue for these artists to connect with their younger audience, who mostly served as the bedrock of their fan base.
The rise of digital streaming platforms, which has partly informed the industry’s rapid evolution over the past decade, coupled with other economic and infrastructural issues, has, however, forced a sharp decline in local touring, making it an almost altruistic endeavour in today’s Nigeria. Afropop gaining global exposure meant that the international market immediately became more viable and lucrative to our biggest stars, and this reshaped their priorities. The extensive, multi-city shows became reserved for diaspora fans, while the local audience, in most cases, are treated to a solitary annual show.
OdumoduBlvck looks to buck this trend with the ‘Greatest School Tour Ever,’ prioritizing his primary audience before tending to those abroad. In truth, the Lagos-born rapper is not the only one who has embarked on this type of tour in recent times. A couple of years ago, UK-based rapper Kida Kudz and Ckay also went on similar campus tours, with the latter making stops at 10 different universities across the country. Llona, one of the breakout stars from last year, is also currently on a nationwide tour coming off the success of his impressive debut album ‘Homeless.’ The ‘Greatest School Tour Ever,’ is however, peculiar and momentous because of its timing and OdumoduBlvck’s standing as one of the biggest names around.
At the recent 17th Headies Awards, the rapper became the latest recipient of the Next Rated award, a highly coveted plaque that’s historically reserved for standout acts whose music defines the zeitgeist at a given period. He received the award just two days after he gave an electrifying performance at Afe Babalola University. His latest mixtape, ‘The Machine Is Coming,’ a precursor to his highly anticipated forthcoming debut, currently sits at the No. 2 spot on the Turntable Top 50 Album charts. It is unheard of in recent times: that the Headies Next Rated act, who has one of the top projects in the country, is on a local university tour. The Abuja-native has, however, shown on numerous occasions that he has never really been one to abide by existing standards. The famous opening lines from his breakout single “Declan Rice” (I can do without their Policy I Know), did not only serve as a message to gatekeepers and naysayers but also as a manifesto that declared his mode of operation going forward.
At the time of this writing, the rapper has only made two stops on his ongoing tour, but his decision to embark on a local tour of this nature already looks to be paying dividends. The first two shows have produced viral clips that capture his star power, the hysteria of his headline shows and his rapidly growing influence, especially amongst younger listeners. The viral clips have already created an increased demand for shows, with many young fans harassing the rapper to add more dates to the tour. With the release of ‘The Machine Is Coming’ and his recent crowning moment at the Headies, it’s safe to assume there’s more attention on him now than ever. While it is, of course, still early days, the rapper’s decision to embark on a local university tour, especially given that he’s currently experiencing a career high, could go on to become a significant moment, one that potentially inspires a shift in the touring landscape in Nigeria.
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights...
Across a career that's in its second decade, Tanika has proven to be a force in her own right, holding her...
Across a career that’s in its second decade, Tanika has proven to be a force in her own right, holding her own on collaborations with Black British stars like Stormzy and Wretch 32, as well as popular record producer Naughty Boy–working with the Grammy-nominated beatmaker on his acclaimed ‘Hotel Cabana’ album.
Following a stint as an actor, she returned to the studio in 2021, releasing a new extended play, ‘333,’ in 2023. The project carried all the hallmarks of Tanika at her tantalising best: lilting cadences, well-paced narratives, a songwriting that reaches for the heart of the matter.
On her latest song, “Fast Fwd,” she’s growing into her own and stepping into a new era. In many ways, “Fast Fwd,” a hypnotic, sultry anthem, is landing just in time for summer revelry. Produced by her longtime collaborator, Naughty Boy, her silky vocals land effortlessly on the mid-tempo instrumental and pulsates with her desire for her love interest.
Joined on the song by her fiancé, Kida Kudz, they make an interesting duo and replicate the synergy they had on “Nobody,” off Kudz’s 2021 ‘Top Memba.’ Distinctively marked by use of neon lights, the video for the song captures the effervescence of romance that Tanika hums about throughout the song.
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field to becoming a star with millions of streams, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights of superstardom. Ahead of the official release of the single, we had a brief chat with Tanika about her career, the influences for “Fast Fwd,” and working with KIda Kudz on it.
Her answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.
How would you describe where you are in your career right now?
I’m just enjoying the journey.
What does the release of “Fast Fwd” signify for you?
It signifies love.
Why is Kida Kudz a fit for the song? (
To be honest, we didn’t plan to do another song together. I have worked on two records with him before (“Nobody” and “Tasty Time” ) but we never thought to shoot a video for it.. “Fast Fwd” felt like a real testimony of our present moment in the relationship.
You’ve worked extensively with Naughty Boy and he’s helped with “Fast Fwd,” what’s your relationship like and why does it work?
Naughty Boy knows me very well. We’ve known one another for over 10 years, so he knows what fits me musically. We gel. I think him knowing me and being a fan of Kida’s music made it all work. Naughty Boy does his listening before he makes a beat for you. A lot of producers don’t really understand the importance of knowing the artist musically but he does.
What were you aiming for with the video?
To be honest, I’m aiming for nothing. I’m just enjoying the journey. It’s been a very long road and I know I still have a long way to go.
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of...
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanyingmusic video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.