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 Simi, Reekadi Banks, M.I. 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!
ASAKE – “MOGBE”
Mr Money needs no introduction. Following his debut album ‘Mr. Money With The Vibes’ with ‘Work of Art,’ Asake with a mix of Yoruba, and English tells stories of his birth, and successes since he took the Nigerian music industry with catchy amapiano-fused sounds. With the 14-tracked album, Asake emphasizes his zeal for creating music that delights his audience across the world. “Mogbe” is one of the standout cuts.
CKAY – “NNEKA”
After ending 2022 with his debut album ‘Bad Romance,’ CKay returns with the deluxe version and four new tracks: “capture my soul” with Joeboy, “nwayi,” “NNEKA” with Tekno and “HALLELUJAH” with Blaqbonez. The most recent of the tracks “capture my soul” and “NNEKA” possess boundless energy; on the former, CKay and Joeboy serenade their lovers with praise and affection, and on the latter, CKay and Tekno lace their affection for their lovers with sexual fervour. The songs are a reminder of CKay’s musical ingenuity and versatility.
OMAH LAY – “reason”
Extending the successes of his debut album, ‘Boy Alone’ Omah Lay has released a deluxe edition of the album. The six-tracked album has “reason,” “It’s Yours,” “Come Closer,” “Imagine” featuring Aitch, “Joanna” and “Soso Remix” featuring Ozuna. With ‘Boy Alone Deluxe,’ Omah Lay continues with delivering fascinating storytelling with themes of heartbreak, sex, and romance.
NISSI – “HIGHER”
Known for her scintillating vocals, Nissi has garnered a core fanbase. That section of listeners would surely be grooving to “Higher,” the singer’s new record. Coasting over mid-tempo percussions with stuffy ‘piano-tinged bass, it’s an ethereal medley carried on her edgy songwriting. Nissi continues to demonstrate her musical talent, possessing several traits which reveal her unique sensibilities as an artist.
LIBIANCA – “JAH”
Since her breakout single, “People”, Libianca has kept her releases short and sweet. Her new single flows with assured ease, appreciating the encompassing role of God in her life. If her entry was carried on wings of melancholy, here she strips the weight, obviously living life in a better place. The sonic choices embody that progression as well, striking an optimistic tone alongside the honeyed tone of Libianca.
KELVYN BOY – “VERO”
Ghana’s Kelvyn Boy captivates with his latest tune “Vero,” a groovy love story where he expresses his deep affection for a woman named Vero. The song showcases Kelvyn Boy’s unique style and infectious energy, crafted with heartfelt lyrics and production by Ghanaian producer Master Maison.
MZ KISS – “BP DROP”
Amapiano is the foundation for Mz Kiss’ latest effort “BP Drop,” a playful account of the Nigerian nightlife lifestyle. Mz Kiss alternates between social commentary and sensual needs as she touches on the dynamics of wealth and the good life between men and women. While laced with some seriousness, “BP Drop” is a fun, enjoyable track.
FIRSTKLAZ & HITSOUND – “I LIKE GIRLS”
Nigerian musicians Firstklaz and Hitsound—both creatives under Black Butter Records—team up for the catchy tune “I Like Girls.” Based on the social media-generated maxim of “Fear women,” singer Firstklaz and record producer Hitsound turn the saying in its head to celebrate their love for women. Amidst an infectious production and backing vocals, Firstklaz and Hitsound show signs that they are a promising duo to keep an eye on.
SUKAH – “JUNE”
There’s no doubt that Nigerian music is operating at high levels. Beyond the glitz of the mainstream, a number of musicians are creating exciting sounds, and one such act is Sukah. Infusing spacey Victony-reminiscent melodies and progressions into his songs, he is consistently enjoyable. “June” is a mellow bop, basically about waiting on a lover, but it’s the dreamy-eyed singing that makes the song stick.
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super...
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 arrivebefore 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.
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.” The Mavin popstar has been teasing...
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.
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...
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).”