TOBY GREY – “PEACE OF MIND”

Over Benyjo’s R&B production, Nigeria-born, UK-based singer Toby Grey utilises “Peace of Mind” in praise of an unproblematic lover. She exudes a tone of gratefulness at the fact that her love isn’t the jealous and insecure type who seeks to deflate the woman in their lives. “Peace of Mind” is the kind of answer that a lot of people in love—man or woman—pray to the heavens for.

Uzoma

1UCID – “GREATEST”

Given the versatile nature of Afropop, it’s no surprise that diasporan sounds have increasingly merged with the traditional percussive style. Ghana-born artist 1UCID (pronounced as Lucid) has spent many years in America, and the subtleties between both cultures informs his music. “Greatest” has an energy he calls ‘AfroBlues,’ heavy on the emotive inflections of his voice as he charts his rise to musical glory. Mellow, groovy and packing lots of quotables through his rap cadences, it’s a conscious effort at finding middle ground between associate genres. 

Emmanuel

REMY BAGGINS – “IN MY BED”

Three years after his 2020 EP ‘Amaterasu!,’ multitalented Nigerian singer, rapper, singer and sound engineer Remy Baggins unleashes his latest single “In My Bed.” Produced by TMXO (with additional production efforts from Remy Baggins, Jaylon and Ramoni), Afropop-inspired “In My Bed” births Remy Baggins as a suave lover skilled in the matter of sexual pleasures, as he beckons to his lover to join him in the bedroom. The single also comes courtesy of a new deal with Sony Music West Africa.

Uzoma

ELAINE & BLXCKIE – “LOVING YOU” 

Teasing their collaboration for weeks now, Elaine and Blxckie have finally released “Loving You”. With both artists flying the unique flags of their craft, it’s a song that lends itself to the ethereal space between R&B and House music. Their voices are assured and carry the theme of love so well, with Elaine’s warm vocalising meeting the melodious crooning of Blxckie with such fine style. It’s the kind of song to be heard anywhere, whether in the heated spaces of intimacy or outdoors, where its dreamy progressions would surely serenade any audience. 

Emmanuel

MEDIKAL FT. SISTER DEBORAH – “COLD & TROPHIES”

How do you make an epic record from a Trap bounce? Medikal has the answers on “Cold & Trophies”. The Ghanaian rapper hasn’t always been the most accepted MC from those parts but when he raps, he delivers pretty well. On the new record, it’s not just the shiny synths or the decimating weight of his bars that makes it stand out. Rather it’s the scope, how the beat switches halfway and he flows into a falsetto, setting the scene for Sister Deborah to drop an effective closing verse. It’s a song that works on many levels. 

Emmanuel

WINNY – “DON’T LEAVE”

As she prepares for her debut self-titled EP, Nigerian singer Winny shares new single “Don’t Leave,” an infectious tune that blends Dancehall, Pop and R&B. Through her patios-inspired delivery, Winny expresses her affection for her man and pleads with him to not leave her side. Winny’s vocals are charged with emotions and the pain colouring the idea of abandonment is visceral. “Don’t Leave” is a must-listen.

Uzoma

SINACHI & DAN AKINS – “WICKED”

The soundscape of African music has never been as multifaceted as it is today. Bridging the peculiarities of different genres, ingenious musicians have been able to come up with a new sound. The talented duo of Sinachi and Dan Akins achieves just that on “Wicked”, a song that ripples with originality. With a drill-esque bounce permeating its glossy surface, Sinachi unfurls great rhyme schemes while Akins provides the warm background, lulling sweet adlibs which provides balance. “Mali” is also shared as part of the 2-pack single, switching up the production in a more melancholic style but the theme of love and desire is universal, as ever embedded with finesse onto the song’s distinct groove.

Emmanuel

MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ, MAJOR LAZER & BRENDA FASSIE – “MAMGOBHOZI”

It’s a meeting of the majors on “Mamgohbhozi”. Primed to release their collaborative project ‘Piano Republic’ on March 24, the super producers have debuted a new single which features the legendary Brenda Fassie. Pulling her ethereal vocals from the classic “Vulindlela”, they build great Piano sonics around the song. More than a great way of paying homage, it reconstructs the record in a contemporary light, setting grand expectations for the forthcoming project.

Emmanuel