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 Obongjayar, Bayanni, Kojo Cue 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!

SUTÉ IWAR & OGARANYA – “EARTH ANGEL (MIDNIGHT MANOEUVRES REMIX)” 

Suté Iwar’s “Earth Angel” lies amongst the other 14 tracks which sums up his impressive body of work ‘ULTRALIGHT.’ featuring the electric Nigerian talent, Ogranya, “Earth Angel” is a rap song infused with Afropop rhythms and lyrics. With the success of “Earth Angel,”  Midnight Manoeuvres decides to hop on and add his alternative flair introducing a dancehall alternative. 

LABDI – “TIKNI” 

Kenyan songstress, Labidi, with the help of Mozambique talent, Muhamgo, work together to deliver the earworm that is “Tikini.” From the very first note, Labidi does an excellent job of capturing every listener’s attention. Her voice gracefully rides on a traditional African rhythm with the help of traditional instruments such as the nyatiti and shakers. She comes armed with her mother tongue as she sings eagerly for her lover. 

NOON DAVE – “HILARY REMIX” FT. PABI COOPER 

“Hilary” was Noon Dave’s first song of the year which followed after his debut single, “Brunch” in 2022. With the massive success received on “Brunch”, “Hilary” was born. Collaborating with South African sensation, Pabi Cooper, both artists rub off each other’s voices perfectly as they try to dive into the complexities of toxic love. Noon takes us on a journey of a toxic love affair which he needs to escape from. 

Y’AKOTO – “DREAMBUG”

On her latest single “Dreambug,” Germany-based Ghaniann singer Y’akoto teams up with Grammy-nominated producer Nabeyin and Grammy-nominated engineer IRKO, who respectively have worked with Kanye West, Drake, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Jay-Z and Sia, among others. “Dreambug” is a bubbly tune of perseverance during and victory over difficult conditions. “Living my life/Moving mountains till I die/Move to the side/I trip up but that’s alright,” Y’akoto sings. The song inspires as well as gets the listener up on their feet to dance.

DJ MAPHORISA & TMAN XPRESS KABZA DE SMALL – “WEH MAMA” 

The commitment to keeping Amapiano in the spotlight is real as it continues to climb up the ladder and defy all musical boundaries. “Weh Mama” is part of a larger body of work, ‘Chukela,’  put together by South African vocalist, Tman Xpress and DJ Maphorisa. South African DJ and record producer, Kabza de hops on “Weh Mama” to produce an all round Amapiano feel. 

BIA – “CHATTY” FT. ODUMODUBLVCK & PA SALIEU

Off her international deluxe album, ‘Really Her,’ BIA features Nigerian rapper, Odumodu and British rapper Pa Salieu on one of the 16 tracks, “Chatty.“ The three artists bring on their A-game as they deliver verses with poignant lines and bars. Odumodu never fails to bring his authentic energy on every track he hops on and “Chatty” is no different. 

NOT3S & ODUMODUBLVCK – “HIGH FASHION” 

British artist, Not3s teams up with Nigerian Drill artist, Odumodublvck to release “High Fashion” A song that appreciates the finer things in life. Bringing their unique styles and auras to the track, these artists are not afraid to create a vibrant fusion of Afropop and HipHop. Odumodu’s rap verses hitting hard against Not3s’ smooth vocals contrast in a rather good and infectious way.

NEIKED – “YOU’RE HIRED” FT ARYA STARR

Multi-talented artist, singer and songwriter Neiked locks in with Nigerian superstar Arya Starr to release “You’re Hired” Her last single, “Rhythm and Blues” is still making waves in the internet space and with “You’re Hired” out, she seems to be delivering back to back dope records. This pop-infused song showcases Arya’s vocal prowess as she sings about an unsure love towards a special someone. In the pre-chorus, she worries, “All this love/ I don’t know what to do/ All this love/ Can I show it to you?” But despite her worries, she believes that if he can try then she can too as she croons “If you’re tryna be my man, you’re hired.” 

KEVWE – “ME & YOU” 

Upcoming sensation, Kweve, known mostly for her freestyles and her podcast Kevwe & Cam, lets her vulnerability longer on her sleeve in this bittersweet single “Me & You.” Being her first song of the year, it’s safe to eat she did a good job in exploring the complexities of lost love and heartbreak. She showcases her impactful lyrics with a soothing and soulful voice that convincingly pours out her emotions into this once-upon-a-time romance. 

JOEYTURKS – “LEANING”

Returning to the music scene, Joeyturks drops his first single of the year, “Leaning.” He features Boistory on the track and delivers a jazz feeling on the masterpiece. He professes love to his lover and emphasises her being the one he leans on. “Cuz you’re my one I’m leaning o, my one.”

Words By Chigoziri Ezeaku

[Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE]