NATIVE Selects: New Music from Blaqbonez, SGaWD, King Promise & More
new tracks for the weekend
Every week, new music shows up, sweeping fans and music lovers off their feet while artists gauge reactions to know the effect of their creativity. At the NATIVE, we are committed to keeping our ears on the pulse of the music scene and bringing the best sounds to your doorstep. In our last edition, we brought you new releases from Maya Amolo, KCee, AYLØ and more. Today, we have songs that move from Afropop to Amapiano to R&B, with our select artists showcasing their unending talent and passion for creativity. Lock in!
BLAQBONEZ – “LIKE ICE SPICE” & “LIKE BEZOS”
Nigerian rappers love talking about two things, money and women. When the snippet dropped, many fans -myself included- thought Blaqbonez was attempting to shoot his shot at the people’s princess but after a couple of listens, “Like Ice Spice” has no relation to the rapper, Ice Spice. However, he does mention her in the chorus with the comparison “When she go down, do like Ice Spice.” While he isn’t talking about Ice Spice, he is talking about unapologetically going for what he wants even if that is your girlfriend. The rhythmic beat supports his glaring rhyme scheme as he raps with several backup vocals. “Like Bezos,” as you’d expect, is about just how long Blaqbonez’s money is. He brags of a lavish lifestyle filled with diamonds, partying and travelling every other night.
Nwanneamaka Igwe
WURLD & SARZ – “LOCATION”
Following their standout chemistry on joint EP ‘I LOBVE GIRLS WITH TROBUL’ back in 2019, Sarz and singer-songwriter, WurlD are a match made in heaven. Sarz creates a gleaming atmosphere with a captivating Afro-House beat and when WurlD comes in, his vocals are nothing short of airy and exciting. He playfully serenades his love interest with an earful of promises, “Anywhere you dey my love, I’ll be on my way my love,” assisted by flute embellishments.
Nwanneamaka
LIL KESH & YOUNG JONN – “FEELING FUNNY”
Since making the pivot to being a recording artist, Young Jonn has been on a great run. He teams up with Lil Kesh on “Feeling Funny,” in anticipation of the latter’s ‘Rhythm and Tunes.’ Lil Kesh and Young Jonn, whose histories tie to the magic moments they wrought during their time at Olamide’s YBNL, create a banger of a track as they serenade their love interests with adulation.
Uzoma Ihejirika
JAZ JONES & FIREBOY DML – “ME & MY GUITAR”
Fireboy has had a busy year. To name a few, he lightly dabbled on an experimental House sound with “Someone” -oddly reminiscent of Drake’s “Texts Go Green”– then joined Zlatan for another remix of Shallipopi’s “Elon Musk.” He continues to expand the scope of his sound as he taps British House-Electronic producer, Jaz Jones for his recent release. We receive Jones’ rendition on high soprano notes with the assistance of a mid-tempo drum pattern and guitar strings. Midway through, Fireboy takes over singing about chasing his hopes and dreams.
Nwanneamaka
BELLA SHMURDA & LIL KESH – “DND”
Ahead of his upcoming EP, ‘DND,’ Bella Shmurda continues to use acronyms in his names, adding “DND” to his catalogue of songs. The upbeat song explores a variety of topics, especially those pertaining to women, while showcasing the distinct styles of Bella Shmurda and Lil Kesh.
Alex Omenye
SGAWD – “BOY TOY”
On this Tochi Bedford-produced track, SGaWD taps her seductive side as she sings and raps about a relationship with a sexual partner. She clearly establishes her non-committal intentions and sheer focus on her grind over a mid-tempo instrumentals driven by an enchanting drum pattern “Get litty, get paid that’s commandment number 1/This is time to hussle this is time to have the fun.”
Nwanneamaka
KING PROMISE & YOUNG JONN – “TERMINATOR”
Ghana’s King Promise is one of those artists that have promoted pan-Africanism with singles and collaborations that crisscross the continent from either producer to featured artist. For the remix of his single “Terminator,” he taps Nigerian music star Young Jonn; both acts sing about their refusal to let life’s obstacles keep them away from reaching their wins. They compel themselves to the film-inspired protagonist in how they dismantle all challenges.
Uzoma
JOHNNY DRILLE – “THE BEST PART”
For most of his career, Johnny Drille’s reputation as a crooner of love ballads has been cemented time after time. Even when he tenders to friendships or appreciates his father’s care, there’s always an emotional softness to the songs. On his newest single “The Best Part,” the Mavin Records act hits closer to home. The song is a celebration of the love between Drille and his wife, as he promises her the best parts of himself.
Uzoma
SHALLIPOPI – “EX-CONVICT”
Shallipopi’s “Elon Musk” has been one of 2023’s defining tracks. With features from mainstream acts Zlatan and Fireboy DML, the track has put a spotlight on Shallipopi’s street-smart, catchy lyrics and intriguing personality. He keeps the fire on with “Ex-Convict,” an Amapiano-influenced track where he drops nuggets about the daily hustles of the Nigerian youth and how they indulge in different acts to make money or keep themselves sane.
Uzoma
JUJUBOY – “SPACEMAN”
On “Spaceman,” Afropop act Jujuboy is both a loner and in need of companionship. Over production by Canadian duo Banx and Ranx, Jujuboy debates about his place in the heart of his lover interest; he seeks clarity while also revealing he can be alone and still be happy. “Spaceman” sparkles with elements from Pop and R&B, which he garnishes with his melodious vocals.
Uzoma
SHADDY JAY & FEELINGZ – “NEW”
Music producer-cum-artist Feelingz pairs with Shaddy Jay for “New” as they contemplate the ups and downs of life. “New life/New everything,” they sing whilst reminiscing on the pressures and obligations they must cater to. For them, being alive is a chance to make use of the opportunity to be the best version of themselves.
Uzoma
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrive before the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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