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 new releases from Boj, Young Jonn, Niniola 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!

MAYORKUN – “FOR DADDY”

For his debut single of the year, Mayorkun hones in on the sweetness of romance. Supported by the uptempo, guitar-coloured rhythms of producer Yo X, Mayorkun’s happiness toward an Amarachi is infectious as he sings, “I’ve been looking for you like I’ve never seen before/Your beauty make me fall.” “For Daddy” is a reminder that Mayorkun is still a master of catchy love ballads. 

SUPERJAZZCLUB – “PARADISE”

Following the release of “Too Early,” interdisciplinary Ghanaian collective SuperJazzClub unveils their new single “Paradise,” which, with “Too Early,” is housed in their mini EP ‘ACT 3.’ Sonically, “Paradise” draws inspiration from the Brazilian genre Bossa nova, with production credits to two of the collective’s members Øbed and Joeyturks, and additional production from Daniel Edinberg. On “Paradise,” SuperJazzClub interrogate the concept of paradise and its worth, singing, “If you know what you got, you would never fuck it up.”

KWESI ARTHUR – “PENNY”

Exactly two months after “Pain Interlude,” Ghanaian act Kwesi Arthur follows up with “Penny,” a new tune about old failures and new wins. “I remember when we begging for penny/Now the pockets obolo, getting heavy,” he sings. Co-produced by King Ketelby James and Gabiga, the song is melody-heavy, featuring skippy percussive elements and effective riffs. “This was inspired by all my people getting to it,” Arthur says.

808VIC – “WAN ME DEAD”

uNder alum 808vic blends Hip-Hop with his pop sensibilities on “Wan Me Dead.” The track is a truckload of braggadocio and affirmations dedicated to a female partner. “Shawty too cold/One step in the room, dem man froze/She was merking my villains, my foes/Hadn’t seen nothing like it before,” he raps. With production credits to 808vic and his lover and collaborator Ria of Mars, “Wan Me Dead” is an intriguing work that showcases 808vic’s versatility.

MAWHOO, KABZA DE SMALL & DJ MAPHORISA – “NDUMA NDUMANE” FT. DA MUZIQAL CHEF

On her latest single, “Nduma Ndumane,” South African act MaWhoo is the vocal force connecting the works of Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa and Da Muziqal Chef. “Nduma Ndumane” comes after her 2022 debut EP ‘What a Time to Be Alive’; it is a thrilling peek into what MaWhoo has in store for the rest of the year.

NOT3S – “SO FAR GONE” FT. MAYORKUN

On “So Far Gone,” British act Not3s returns to his Nigerian heritage for inspiration as he starts a new chapter in his career. On the Amapiano-inflected tune, Not3s enlists Nigerian act Mayorkun as they share their feelings on their journeys, as regards career and love. “So Far Gone” is both inspirational and a party starter to kick things off on the dance floor.

YARDEN – “BUSY BODY”

Yarden—born Blessed Jordan Okereke—is one of the new exciting acts in the music game. He follows up 2022’s “Wetin” with the catchy “Busy Body.” “She no dey make am easy for me/If I give you love shey you go keep am for me/For your matter I turn busybody/She no Dey pick up but I keep on calling (keep on calling),” he sings, imploring his romantic interest to pay attention to his advances. With the song, Yarden proves himself worthy of a listener’s attention.

TYLER ICU & TUMELO.ZA – “MNIKE” FT. DJ MAPHORISA, NANDIPHA808, CEEKA RSA & TYRON DEE

Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za team up for the fun ride that is “Mnike,” whilst inviting DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyron Dee. The South African association brings their vocal and production qualities to bear on “Mnike,” as it buzzes with Amapiano dopeness. 

AFRICAINE – “WORK”

Nigerian singer Africaine espouses the virtues of hard work in her new song “WORK.” Amid Zen Universe’s mid-tempo production, Africaine taps into the strength of her vocals as she encourages listeners, singing, “Work all night till you tire/Work all night till the morning comes/Work all night till you are hungry/Work all night dem no send no one.”

RAYO – “ALIYAH”

On his latest single “Aliyah,” rising Congolese singer and songwriter Rayo merges his dreamy vocals and endearing lyrics into a message of love and appreciation. “Aliyah is a therapy for hearts and a delight for ears,” says the singer who has been into music since he was a child. “Aliyah” is music for all lovers who want to flatter their companion’s ego or make beautiful promises.

Featured image credits/NATIVE