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.

Last week, we brought you stellar releases from Stonebwoy, Kotrell Kamauu, 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!

DAVIDO – “UNAVAILABLE” FT. MUSA KEYS

Since the release of his album ‘Timeless,’ Davido’s “UNAVAILABLE” has been a fan favourite, flying through social media platforms and prompting Davido to take notice and persuade fans participation with #UnavailableChallenge. The music video, a product of Polar Film Production, recreates the fun of the track with colourful costumes and entertaining choreography. Davido and Musa Keys also give energetic performances, firing up “UNAVAILABLE” with more verve.

DARKOO – “DISTURBING U” FT. AYRA STARR

Darkoo has made beyond headway in her musical career since her sprouting single, “Gangster” with so much more to be noted in her diary of exploits. In her latest single, “Disturbing U,” she teams up with Mavin’s golden child Ayra Starr. Possessing a solid sonic quality with clearly worded content easy to grasp at first play, “Disturbing U” relates to the stance of every successful sought-after youngster thriving in the creative industry. The enthralling display of strings immediately gets you stuck on this song. 

JOHNNY DRILLE – “BELIEVE ME”

Mavin Records’ act returns with a new single “Believe Me” after the warm reception that greeted his ‘Home’ EP and its lead single “How Are You (My Friend).” On the Don Jazzy-produced “Believe Me,” Drille sings to his heartthrob named Anwuli, seeking her acceptance and promising her the best of his actions. The production features tuned-down Amapiano elements and a Highlife feel that makes the song a jolly, mid-tempo number. 

JOEBOY – “DUFFEL BAG” 

Ahead of his sophomore album ’Body and Soul’ in May, Joeboy returns with a celebratory and effervescent new single titled “Duffel Bag.” The track’s instrumentation is a highlight, combining 808 bass lines, elegant string stabs, and fluid, soulful guitars to create a vibrant and energizing backdrop for Joeboy’s seamless vocal delivery. With its upbeat tempo and captivating lyrics, “Duffel Bag” depicts the essence of love, luxury, and lust. Joeboy sings about a woman who desires a man who will treat her with respect, provide for her, and take her to supper. “Plenty of money for my duffel bag / Let me know when you don’t want to see me, darling” 

ASAKE – “2:30”

Asake’s new song “2:30” celebrates authenticity and individuality, with an upbeat tempo and vibrant energy that testifies to the Nigerian artist’s talent for blending various musical styles into something completely new. The song’s dreamy Afrobeats blend seamlessly with IDM-influenced percussion, resulting in a rich tapestry of textures that is both familiar and thrilling. The track’s lyrics emphasise the importance of accepting one’s real self.

“HELLO SADNESS” – HOOK, KARUN, STEPH KAPELA , SIM CITIZEN

Kenyan songbird Karun teams up with Steph Kapela, Hook and Sim Citizen for an electric single. Over EDM beats Steph Kapela raps about the inconsistency experienced in love as Karun croons, expressing the sadness experienced in relationships and when you have a lover.

MAU FROM NOWHERE – “REFUSE REFUGE”

uNder alum mau from nowhere, who is readying his album ‘The Universe is Holding You,’ releases a new track. “Refuse Refuge” is a bop that fuses Hip-Hop with Funk elements as mau from nowhere raps and sings about wanting peace of mind and doing away with unnecessary drama. “See I won’t give up on me,” he sings on what is the last single before the album.

LADY DU & REEKADO BANKS – “OYINI” FT. SIYAKHA KHITHA & T-MAN SA

South African DJ Lady Du unveils a new single from her upcoming album ‘Song Is Queen.’ On “Oyini,” she features Nigeria’s Reekado Banks and fellow South African acts Siyakha Khitha & T-MAN SA. The song bounces with a moody, infectious melody underpinned by Amapiano influences.

Featured image credits/NATIVE

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