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. In our last edition, we brought you stellar new releases from SGaWD, Ayra Starr Darkoo 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!

KHAID – “FOREVER”

The untimely death of Nigerian star, Mohbad has thrown Nigeria into national mourning with different reactions and conversations surrounding his unfortunate passing. “Forever”  is an emotional, gut-wrenching tribute from Khaid to Mohbad as he flies high with the Angels. In the intro, we can hear Imole thanking and appreciating Khaid as well as expressing shock at the love he gets from his fans and listeners. Imole, translating to light, is the essence of this song as he sings in the chorus, “Forever/ let there be light/ Imole/ you hold the light” Khaid’s tribute is definitely the song to help ease through the grief.

AYOX – “WALKING DEAD” FT ZLATAN

“Walking Dead” serves as another tribute song to Mohbad’s untimely passing. It is Ayox’s first song off his coming debut EP which speaks volumes on life here and now. With the help of Zalatan both artists talk about how we do not need to wait for mydeath before we appreciate the people around us. In the first verse, Ayox sings, “Love me while I’m still here/cause Heaven is our residence.” Before going on to say that “every man is a walking dead”, which lies on the fact that death isn’t something that can be disregarded.

DIAMOND PLATINUMZ & WOUTER KELLERMAN – “POUNDS & DOLLARS”

With massive success on “Overdose“, Tanzanian talent, Diamond Platinumz is back in the music scene with a new single “Pounds and Dollars” In collaboration with the South African grammy award winning flutist, Wouter Kellerman, a masterpiece was produced. We’re drawn into the song by a mesmerizing flute as it goes on to sync perfectly with the African beat. Diamond sings to his lover and promises all things good as long as the love is reciprocated. “I go cheque and balance for you/ Pounds and dollars for you” he sings in the chorus, riding on the melody of Wouter’s impressive flute. 

LYTA – “MOVE”

Lyta has been on a roll this year, releasing songs like “Can’t Complain” “Nakamura” and many more under his 2023 belt. On “Move“,  the latest single joining the list, Lyta professes his love to a special person. Armed with his Yoruba tongue, he dives into confessions as he tries to explain his feelings. “This love is crazy,” he confesses in the second verse and hopes that it’s not some sort of taboo. It’s a feeling relatable to many which Lyta delivers well. 

BRAINEE – “WEAK”

Nigerian rapper, singer/songwriter, Brainee, has recently released his new single “Weak”. Coming after “Panic” and an ADM remix of the masterpiece with the talents of Echo the Guru and Ifeoma C.S, “Weak” revolves around love between Brainne and his lover. Despite this love, there seems to be friends around who cloud his lover’s mind. To this he says “Fuck what your friends say” and goes on to assure her on the chorus that her love makes him weak. He goes on to emphasize his disregard for third parties in their relationship, having no time for “he said, she said, he said”  and has better plans on making her feel loved. 

MIDAS THE JAGABAN & TAY C – “LOUIS VITTY”

Featuring Cameroonian talent, Tayc, Midas the Jagaban goes on to release a mellow and infectious single “Louis Vitty” which serves as part of thyer EP, ‘Midas Touch Vol 2: Return of the Mask,’ set for release on the 17th November. With the massive success on “More Vibes More Money” Midas delivers a more laid back, mellow and calmer track which is different from her unique and distinctive style. “Louis Vitty” witnesses an effortless blend of Afropop rhythms and R&B. 

MZ VEE – “DESTINY” 

Talented Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Mz Vee has dropped a confidence booster in the name “Destiny.“ From the first line “Can’t stop my destiny” riding on the African rhythm and catchy use of electronic guitars, Mz Vee empowers every listener. As clear as the title, the song speaks volumes on being in charge of one’s destiny and rising up to obstacles or challenges that may arise.

AGUERO BANKS – “STILL SOBER” FT PHYNO

Serving as a follow up to his hit single, “Sober” released in March, Aguero with the help of Phyno  reminds us that he’s indeed still sober in his recent album ‘God Is Never Late.’ Starting off strong with the choir-like essence, it delves straight into Phyno showcasing his skilled artistry in the Igbo language as he raps his verse. The two artists connect on that level and deliver a perfect synergy.

[Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE]

Curated & Written by Chigoziri Ezeaku 

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