It’s already been a month since the year kicked off and 2023 is looking exciting and promising for Afropop. Artists such as Tyla have made a luscious comeback while Seyi Vibez is in his moment of glory. With fans gearing up for a year of album releases, the artists are constantly feeding their enraptured fans with prolific singles.

With new releases coming in every day the NATIVE team dedicates itself to keeping you in the loop with the latest songs on NATIVE selects as we discover rising acts. Last Friday, we covered releases from Lojay, Ruger and more. Today, get into new releases from our favourite artists including Oxlade, Nissi, Skiibii, DJ Tunez and more.

Oxlade – “Bad Boy” ft. MayorKun 

2022 was undoubtedly a good year for Oxlade, and no one knows this more than the honey-toned singer. Still coasting on the global success of “KU LO SA,” the artist has followed this up with a more than fitting jam. “Bad Boy” takes the positively affirmative direction many musicians have taken throughout the year, upholding the philosophy of self-love as truth. Over heavy logs of Amapiano drums helmed by Magicsticks, the sweet falsetto of Oxlade admirably unites with the deft wordplay of Mayorkun, creating a catchy track that’ll have you running it back to catch the intricacies.

NISSI – “OVERTHINKING”

It’s been over three year since Nissi’s last project, ‘IGNITE’ but she’s kept new releases coming in the time since her last effort. Following the Major Leaguez-assisted “Gravity,” in 2022, she released “Overthinking,” a mid-tempo number about finding the strength to move on from an unrequited lover. To update the new single, Nissi has shared a new video for the track which further conveys the song’s plaintive message. Backed by warm-toned scenes and vibrant colours, Nissi delivers her verse while having an intimate conversation with her girlfriends. The ultimate remedy for the overthinking blues.

Skiibii – “Back To Sender” 

Following his contribution to Rexxie’s hit single “Abracadabra” which features Naira Marley, Nigerian singer Skiibii has shared his first official single of 2023, “Back To Sender.” Built on knocking Amapiano percussions, Skiibii portrays a life of ease on this new record, celebrating his success of the past year and looking past the naysayers. With catchy lyrics and an even more infectious cadence, Skiibii’s “Back To Sender” is a memorable anthem that deserves to be on your playlists.

DJ TUNEZ, D3AN & SMEEZ – “HIGHER” FT. SIKI BOI

Over the years, DJ Tunez has maintained his collaborative ethos. Combining the skills of distinct artists in different stages of his career, he’s had quite the resume. On his latest joint “Higher,” he joins forces with frequent collaborators D3an and Smeez, a production and songwriting duo. The record taps from the dreamy soundscape of South African House which is couched in Afropop sensibilities. With luscious vocals melding beautifully into the piano-tinged production, a late-night cruise would certainly be the perfect setting for this record. 

SHATTA WALE – “UNDERSTAND” FT. OPANKA  

Few Dancehall musicians in the continent have the riveting appeal of Shatta Wale. His gruff vocals seem uniquely created for him, an instrument he’s wielded in varying ways over the course of his career. On “Understand” he trods the motivational path, charting the difficulty of the journey from unknown artist to Grammy-nominated superstar. Opanka polishes the heartfelt direction, dropping a Twi-laced rap verse that reminds one of younger Sarkodie. A perfect collaboration, the distinct approach of the talented artists underlines the long-shared relationship between the associative genres. 

ELHI – “ALL FOR YOU”

Since making his mainstream entry with the Mut4y-helmed ‘EU4RIA,’ ELHI has kept a relatively low profile. Some singles here and there, but few of those have burnished his credo as well as “All For You” might. A mid-tempo song, it’s an affectionate pledge rendered to a love interest. With the songwriting reminiscent of the free-flowing serenade of Joeboy, its warm production brings the vibe together. No doubt it would be interesting to hear what ELHI has got lined up for the rest of this year. 

STYLLERSUPREME – “LOVE ON YOU”

“Love On You” is an infectious R&B and Afropop fusion track from fast rising British-Nigerian singer StyllerSupreme. The song is the perfect antithesis to the fluffy love songs that litter Valentine’s Day every year – on this new offering, StyllerSupreme is open, honest and transparent about his toxic ways as he tries to keep a failing relationship going, just for the physical intimacy. Inspired by toxic relationships the artist reminisces over his time with his muse. StyllerSupreme comes with his own dynamic fusion sound, driven by R&B and Afropop music, with hints of pop and hip-hop in its DNA. 

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE