NATIVE Selects: New Music From Olamide, Sarkodie, Falz & More
tunes to start the week
tunes to start the week
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 new releases from Anything With Mr Eazi, A-Reece, NSG 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!
Nigerian act Olamide’s new album ‘Unruly’ is out. It comes two years after 2021’s ‘UY Scuti,’ and like the former, ‘Unruly’ shows an unrelenting Olamide who still performs at an optimal level. On “Street Jam,” he pays homage to the influences of the Nigerian way of living. He also adds braggadocio to his lyrics as he boasts about his longevity in the music industry.
Falz’s earlier singles this year have been socio-political commentaries on the poor policies in Nigeria. Today, with two new singles “Ndi Ike” and “Operation Sweep,” he settles for fun moments and braggadocio. On “Ndi Ike,” the Igbo culture is the main inspiration as he, Flavour and ODUMODUBLVCK celebrate their skill and dominance with chest-thumping lyrics and vibe. Flavour and ODUMODUBLVCK add their energy for a fitting tribute to the sounds inspired by Igboland.
Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, has dropped two bangers for the summer. The last we heard of the talented rapper was his album ‘JAMZ’ which featured talents like BNXN, Lojay, Black Sherif and Joeboy. In this year alone, he has impressively dropped two singles. Both singles feature a catchy heavy bass which plays throughout the song and the use of heavy percussion instruments.
Anonymous Music, a Nigerian record label and talent management company, has made songs featuring acts such as Bad Boy Timz, Barry Jhay and Victony, among others. For their latest track “Elejubele,” they feature Terri and Go Crazy. Terri is the frontman on the Afropop track, serenading a love interest and promising affection. From the verses to the chorus, Terri shows his talent for infectious melodies, anchored by his smooth vocals.
The music space is availing many creators of opportunities to share their talents with audiences. Sheye Banks, a hype man and media personality, released his album ‘Statement of Account’ on Monday; the project featured acts such as CKay, M.I. Abaga, Magixx, Falz, Bella Alubo, etc. On “Fall,” L.A.X provides the vocals to complement Clemzy’s production; together, they make a melodic love tune that resonates.
8figurez possesses guttural vocals that grab attention. Earlier in the year, the South African-based Nigerian artist and Malawian-South African act Gemini Major boasted about their dominance on the Drill-influenced “By Force.” On “Not The Same,” 8figurez returns the same energy he had on “By Force,” dropping braggadocious lines about his rise from the ghetto and protecting himself from the ill comments of detractors.
On “Dreaming,” up-and-coming Nigerian acts Woozy in the Woods and Kaystery bring an airy feel to the Pop number, which also bears elements of Amapiano. “Temperature cold/Come sleep on my chest/Love you die, all my friends call tell,” Kaystery sings. Both acts make the track a really memorable affair as they complement each other’s contributions.
The emerging Ghanaian artist, Brazzi, makes his stamp in the music scene with his debut single, “Where’s My Love (Tonight).” The artist seamlessly blends R&B with Afrobeats in this love song where he expresses his vulnerability and fears to his lover. The artist expertly delivers a blend of English, Twi and Pidgin English to create a beautiful mix of languages.
“Juba” is Elsyn’s debut single as a signee under Sound Wave Global. With his soulful vocals, Elsyn shares his feelings about a significant other and the mood she puts him in. With an Amapiano soundscape, Elsyn’s vocals are the focal point and he adds to the magic with tidy songwriting. “I want my listeners to feel the magic of love through my music and connect with the stories I tell,” Elsyn said about the track.
Words By Uzoma Ihejirika & Chigoziri Ezeaku
Featured image credits/NATIVE