NATIVE Selects: New Music From Nonso Amadi, Magixx, Noon Dave & More
Another new music Friday
It’s that time again. Every day, 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.
Earlier in the week, we brought you songs from Victony, Chinko Ekun, Themba 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!
Odumodublvck – “Declan Rice”
ODUMODUBLVCK is having a moment. After signing to NATIVE Records and Def Jam Recordings last year, the Nigerian artist has been cultivating a loyal following and generating buzz across the internet. His debut single of 2023 “Declan Rice” finally arrives off the back of the impressive “Picanto” and co-signs from important figures in the music industry. The track is titled after English international Declan Rice, with Odumodublvck likening himself to: a tough player “tackling the industry.” On the catchy production, ODUMODUBLVCK spices the track with his signature punchlines and flows, alerting everyone to take note and watch his ascendency.
Uzoma
Ajebo Hustlers – “You Go Know”
Since late last year, Port Harcourt griots Ajebo Hustlers have maintained a consistent streak. After following up their acclaimed ‘Kpos Lifestyle Vol. 1’ tape with ‘Bad Boy Etiquette’, they’ve been on features with Ajebutter22 and now, have debuted in 2023 with “You Go Know”. Delivered in their signature wit and wisdom, it’s a reflective number which casts life lessons in a new light. “In case you never know, na today you go know,” sings Piego on the hook.
Emmanuel
Noon Dave – “Hilary”
Chocolate City artist Noon Dave has been slowly making his entry into the nucleus of Nigerian Pop. With the label undergoing a renaissance with Blaqbonez and Young Jonn, he’s had to wait his while. On “Hilary,” the artist justifies the buzz, layering balmy vocals over a stirring string-based production. The subject of unrequited love inspires a heartfelt performance, coasting alongside emotional backing vocals which polishes off the song’s brilliance.
Emmanuel
Magixx – “Colors (My Baby)”
Magixx is here with the two-song pack “Colors (My Baby)/Loyal,” produced by Andre Vibez. On the record “Colors,” he makes romantic claims and confessions to his love interest as he lets her in on the lengths to which he is willing to go for her. On “Loyal,” he brings in an element of dancehall as he merges that with Afropop elements, singing about the lack of loyalty from his love interest. These two records stand as the artists’ first official singles of the year.
Wonu
Nonso Amadi & Zinoleesky – “Lock Up”
Nonso Amadi’s “Lock Up” comes after he had announced his forthcoming debut album ‘When It Blooms.’ The new track, which joins previously released singles (“Different” and “Ease Up”) to make up the album features Marlian Music act Zinoleesky, in a union that seemed musically impossible. On “Lock Up,” Nonso Amadi and Zinoleesky find a common ground to express their affection for their lovers. Over the mid-tempo instrumental that has elements of Amapiano, both artists infuse love with topics of sex and politics, creating a curious yet formidable connection.
Uzoma
WANI & Odunsi The Engine – “No Doubt”
Anyone familiar with the alternative music scene knows that WANI and Odunsi (The Engine) are a match made in collaboration heaven. From astounding renditions and catchy hooks on 2019’s “Better Days” to a standout performance for NATIVE Sound System’s promotional single, “Wedding Ring” off the debut album, ‘NATIVEWORLD.’ The serial hitmakers are back for another love-themed melodious track, “No Doubt.” Leading in with smooth piano chords on the slow-tempo track, WANI’s harmonious adlibs, joined by Odunsi’s mellow vocals ponder the regrets from a past relationship.
Nwanneamaka
IYANYA – “PLANS”
Iyanya is full of questions on his latest single “Plans.” Weary of his lover’s motives, he demands to know if she’s really into him or if she’s seeking an exit out of their relationship. “Is it love you are looking for/But e be like say love is not enough/Ahh you should you let me know/If e don dey choke,” he sings. Co-produced by Xtofa and Reward Beatz, “Plans” is an Afropop tune infused with Amapiano log drums; it is a happy-feeling beat that contrasts with Iyanya’s inner turmoil.
Uzoma
K.O FT. YOUNG STUNNA, DIAMOND PLATNUMZ & OXLADE – “SETE (REMIX)”
One of the biggest hits to emerge from South Africa in recent times, “Sete” has colourful Afropop influences that sound at home just about anywhere. For its remix, the veteran rapper enlists a pan-African cast. With the features impressing their distinct styles on the record, its appeal opens up in a spirited way, establishing a party vibe that’s bound to get listeners going.
Emmanuel
Jay Bahd – “Yaa Baby”
Ghanaian act Jay Bahd’s Drill-inspired “Yaa Baby” is a love song of the Bonnie and Clyde sort. The rapper from the famed Asakaa Boys wraps his guttural vocals around Joeyonmars’ production as he raps about his woman and how she holds him down in any situation. In a mixture of Twi and English, Jay Bahd presents an anthem for the hustlers and lovers chasing the bag and protecting those close to their hearts.
Uzoma
Coblaze – “Good Girl”
Newcomer singer and songwriter Coblaze has arrived with his debut EP titled ‘Orbit.’ The body of work sees 6 tracks and sees a feature with DJ and producer, Spinall. On the record “Good Girl,” Coblaze is extremely vocal about the sort of woman he wishes to be with. On the self production, he showcases his very distinct vocal range and stellar pen game.
Wonu
Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrive before the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
Keep reading...
Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
Keep reading...
Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
Keep reading...
