It’s that time again. 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.

Earlier this week, we brought you stellar new releases from Mayorkun, NOT3S, Kwesi Arthur 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!

FIREBOY DML – “SOMEONE”

In the third quarter of 2022, Fireboy’s highly anticipated ‘Playboy’ dropped. Featuring tracks like the chart topping “Peru,” assisted by Ed Sheeran, the standout cuts on the project have undoubtedly positioned the artist for a bigger breakthrough. “Someone” serves as the first release for the artist since the album and it does not disappoint. Over a groovy, dance beat -almost reminiscent of Drake’s “Texts Go Green”– Fireboy DML’s infectious vocals unabashedly beckons on love and affection from his muse. His vulnerable lyrics and soulful vocals express his preconceived feeling of loss due to the absence of his love interest. 

IYANYA & BNXN FKA BUJU – “SINNER”

Back from a well deserved hiatus, Iyanya makes a stellar comeback on BNXN-assisted “Sinner.” Over the groovy, mid-tempo beat, Iyanya and BNXN wear their hearts on their sleeve as they sing of the hypnotic powers of their love interests. A beautiful fusion of Iyanya’s expressive vocals and BNXN’s rustic verse performed in his local dialect, the recently released single is certain to have audiences hooked on a first listen. The sleek collaboration, produced by Shuga(shugavybz), is a testament to Iyanya’s musical prowess and BNXN’s unique ability to further develop an outstanding track. 

KILLERTUNES, BZ & NOT3S – “SHY”

For his first single of 2023, Nigerian record producer and singer Killetunes taps UK acts BZ and Not3s for the sultry number “Shy.” The track brilliantly infuses jazz elements with pop rhythms as the trio serenade their love interests.  BZ also uses his verse to deliver some heartfelt lines about being his family’s breadwinner. “Shy” is a flex, both sonically and thematically.

BALORANKING & IDA BANTON – “CARO (REMIX)”

There’s never been a time in Street Hop where its soundscape was as variant as it is now. Everyone’s evolving differently, an acknowledgment that’s necessary in the assessment of contemporary afropop. Balloranking belongs in this convo, a stylist whose merging of deeply-reigned Yoruba cultures and new-school storytelling has seen him elevated as a most promising act. He surely holds that reputation up on the remix of “Caro”, featuring the in-form 1Da Banton who joins him to detail the soulful aftermath of a break-up. 

CKAY – “HALLELUJAH” FT. BLAQBONEZ 

Without a doubt, Ckay’s growth over the past few years has been nothing short of outstanding. From the astronomical growth of his standout single, “Love Nwantiti” to a star-studded debut album laced with perfectly curated tracks telling a story of toxic love. CKay is THE moment. An ode to his career strides in recent years, CKay’s recently released single “HALLELUJAH” taps into Blaqbonez for an upbeat celebration of growth. The track’s intoxicating Amapiano-infused keys and drums sets the tone for the rest of the track as the pair make comparisons to their past life. Blaqbonez’s sleek bars follow after CKay’s melodious rendition, reiterating the track’s message of gratitude. 

ESPACIO DIOS – “THE SECOND KIND” FT OKMALUMKOOLKAT & NALELI

Ever pushing the boundaries of his craft, South African musician Espacio Dios can go anywhere. On “The Second Kind”, it’s a broody song which tells the story of young lovers caught in a storm. Both on a literal and metaphorical level, it’s an inspiring record with bold splashes of individual style. Between Naleli’s svelte tones and Okmalumkoolkat’s spirited verse, the linking quality of Dios’ output makes it come together. Add the smoothly-worked psychedelia and bottle-laden percussions and you get a visceral experience which places you in the world of sound, feeling and imagery. 

KING PROMISE – “TERMINATOR”

Ghanaian sensation, King Promise has had an awe-inspiring breakthrough into global audiences over the past few years. Since his Omah Lay-assisted hit single “10 Toes,” off his album, ‘5 Star,’ studded with local and international acts, King Promise has proven to be a serial hit-maker. His stellar songwriting skills and standout vocals come into play on his new single “Terminator.” The song’s catchy beat, produced by KillBeatz and clever lyricism will leave every listener hooked, adding to his already impressive discography. 

YABA BULUKU BOYZ & FALZ – “MADAM DE MADAM”

Entire records dedicated to female physiology isn’t new to Afropop musicians, but Falz does know how to spice up his. An astute lyricist with fine flexings on humour and relatable stories, he finds natural alliance with the earthy production of Mozambican super trio Yaba Buluku Boyz on “Madam De Madam”. House-tinged beats aren’t new to Falz and he does reiterate his brilliance on this style yet again, shining alongside the authoritative bars of the group. An accomplished record, it’s one destined to shake dance floors from Maputo to Lagos. 

LEEOBI – “TONIGHT” 

The Nigerian music scene is abuzz with talents. Every day, new records announce the peculiarities of rising acts, indeed giving much excitement to us music lovers. Leeobi is a name to watch out for, if his “Tonight” record is anything to go by. Seeming to work in the breezy love tradition of Tekno and Joeboy, he’s a musician with warm dispositions, as evident in his new song. Coloured with live instruments, his vocals are beautifully rendered in the telling of a love tale, establishing a pattern of pensive beauty which is maintained till the song’s last second. 

TTO – “BANK”

TTO opts for a mellow vibe on his new single “Bank,” produced by Lynzz Beats who he met online. The Dallas-based Nigerian artist has been honing his melodic rap skills and lyrical confidence with 2018’s ‘Panorama’ and 2022’s ‘You’ve Done.’ On “Bank,” TTO reflects on his journey of “steady tryna get to the bank” and also showers appreciation for a woman responsible for his happiness. TTO and Lynzz Beats have made magic with this feel-good track.

Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE