NATIVE Selects: New Music From Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, CKay & More
some exciting new songs to get into
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.
On our last edition, we brought you stellar new releases from Amaarae, Oxlade, Tiwa Savage 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!
TIWA SAVAGE – “PICK UP”
Having got off the year to a great start with “Stamina”, Tiwa Savage is consolidating on its success. She calls up the magic fingers of Blaise Beatz, whose Amapiano production is polished with breezy flourishes. Tiwa’s writing accounts for a lover’s unrequited style, choosing to move forward with her own heart intact. It’s a powerful record with groovy finishes, indicating that this one would rock the dance floors sooner than later.
BLOODY CIVILIAN – “ESCAPISM”
Ahead of her scheduled debut EP, the talented Bloody Civilian has shared a new record. “Escapism” is much like the music she creates; with the contemporary touch of log drums, the sonic landscape is broadened through the infusion of ethereal elements in the background. There’s also the progression of EDM-esque synths and vocalisation, proving the auteur appeal of Bloody Civilian’s music. With the songwriting obscure and yet focused, it’s a beautiful record that sets up her imminent release.
BURNA BOY – “SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD”
Years deep into performing around the world, Burna Boy has reasons to be celebratory. His new clinks glasses to that mood, right from the statement of its title. Slightly referencing “Last Last”, he samples Brandy in this early noughties R&B-reminiscent number. His vocals layered with precision and feeling, it’s a feel-good capsule ready made for summer.
OLAMIDE FT. ASAKE – “NEW RELIGION”
It has been barely weeks since the YBNL duo featured on a song together, but they’re already consolidating on that creative run. This time it’s Olamide featuring Asake, both artists giving a quintessential account of their skills. With Asake’s word bending meeting an assured rap verse from Baddo, it’s a song with obvious cues from the corridors of power. As Olamide raps, “Only dead fish go with the flow”.
KCEE – “OJAPIANO”
In the hands of Nigerian artists, amapiano has been constantly updated and paired with other sounds. However, KCee might just have curated the most innovative pairing yet. “Ojapiano” merges the spiritual grooves of the Igbo flute oja with amapiano log drums. The result is a vivid reconstruction of legacy genres, creating an effervescent mood that sounds ready made for TikTok dominance.
ZINOLEESKY – “A1 (FEELING DISORDER)”
Zinoleesky has been in the news lately for non-musical reasons, from the tiff with Seyi Vibez to buying a new Ferrari. But as he’s been known to do, he’s very intent on associating his person with the music. “A1 (Feeling Disorder)” revives that motivation; with bouncy drums from frequent collaborator Timi Jay, it’s a sensual record which would light up a dancefloor as easily as it does the bedroom. An A1 song, literally.
ODEAL & BRAZY – “BE EASY”
After months of teasing the snippet across social media platforms, the highly anticipated track is finally here. Odeal enlists Brazy for a breezy tune which samples the latter artist’s standout single, “Attends,” within a mellow, slowed down soundscape. Still retaining the track’s iconic hook, “Be Easy” showcases Odeal’s dulcet vocals, accompanied by rhythmic piano chords and repetitive clapping embellishments that give the track an undeniable edge.
SIGAG LAUREN & RIC HASSANI – “MINDS ALREADY MADE UP”
Ahead of a forthcoming project, musician Ric Hassani and EDM producer Sigag Lauren have released a new single. Hassani’s passionate vocals find solid footing in the fleeting synths of Sigag’s production. As he’s demonstrated from variant angles, Ric’s writing is influenced by romantic conflict, and here the mood of a character who’s decided to mood on enters the music. By all means a fine pairing, this sets up the project very well.
GUCHI – “ALL OVER YOU”
The underrated tag is one that’s been thrown around recklessly in recent times, but if there’s one artist who hasn’t gotten their deserved flowers, it’s Guchi. With several hit songs and affecting deep cuts under her belt, her acclaim somewhat falls short of her talent. Her latest two-track release which includes “All Over You” aims to resolve that. A breezy love account, it’s a vivacious record with dramatic flourishes.
PHEELZ – “YOLO”
Since breaking out as an artist, Pheelz has supplied a good number of bubbly records to Afropop. “YOLO” extends that vision: with signature crowd vocals, it’s a song which celebrates the primal instinct to live life. Of this mood, Pheelz creates an elaborate musicality around, not only thrilling on a writing level but visceral as well.
JAE5 FT. LOJAY & LIBIANCA – “I WISH”
Increasingly collaborating with African artists in recent years, Jae5 features the emotive duo of Libianca and Lojay on this one. “I Wish” bares all the hallmarks of the heartbreak song, introduced by Lojay’s dulcet vocals and polished with a serenading verse from Libianca. With a stripped atmosphere, it’s a record crafted with cold nights and wine in mind.
CKAY – “NWAYI”
Never one to take his foot off the gas, CKay has been typically prolific this year. Following up on the Blaqbonez-featured “HALLELUJAH”, he’s now returned to the mid tempo terrain he flexed on his ‘Sad Romance’ album. Incorporating endearing Igbo phrases to the verse, he crafts a sweet record that embodies the head-spinning highs that comes with being in love.
MOONLIGHT AFRIQA – “LOVE DIMENSION”
One of the most promising young talents around, Moonlight Afriqa has released his debut single “Love Dimension”. A riveting single, it showcases Moonlight’s fine grasp on contemporary Afropop, in sound and language. His singing bares all the emotive qualities of the classic love song, though his is brilliantly situated in the context of Nigerian experiences. Primed to become a superstar, Cosign Music has someone solid in their books.
RUKMANI – “SO FINE”
Having released her single not long ago, Rukmani has proven herself as an artist to watch out for. Her scintillating vocals carry her sharp sense of self, as heard on her new record. Featuring Duduboy, it’s a stripped account of infatuation and celebration, an ode to the attributes of a love interest. Her guest amplifies the narrative quality, presenting an alternate perspective on the topic.
1DA BANTON – “OMOTOLA”
Releasing the ‘1Da Shall Never End’ a short while ago, 1Da Banton has now premiered visuals for “OMOTOLA”. The song is a vivid reinterpretation of afrobeat, carried on the musician’s distinct vocals. Considering the myriad successes 1Da Banton has recorded over the year, this is a fine extension of his acclaim.
BASIIL – “VIBRATION”
The soundscape of Afropop has seldom had a more vibrant scene. Partly due is the influx of rising artists whose sound colors outside of typical expectations; one of such musicians is Basiil. His new song “Vibration” flexes his vocals over a distinct production, while his writing aims at an impressive level of relatability, at some places quite reminiscent of Adekunle Gold. You should check this out.
COZY KIYO FT. KONDÉ OKO – “I.J.G.B”
One of the more visible names creating bedroom pop, Cozy Kiyo has been expanding his artistry. That development is evident on “I.J.G.B,” his new single which features Kondé Oko. An atmospheric number, it’s a groove with smooth movements and narrative clarity. It situates dramatically a character in the fore, with both artists singing endearing her personality on the minds of listeners.
Off his ‘HI, I’M LULU’ comes this personal record. In conversation with the themes of psychological distress that’s rife in modern Afropop, it’s a striking account that’s delivered with sufficient evocation. The songwriting culls the nuances from Pidgin English, demonstrating the Abuja based singer’s grasp on the language of now. In all, it’s a noteworthy project.
Maya Amolo Is Committed To Giving You The Sweetest Time
There’s undoubtedly more to come from the talented singer as she looks to solidify herself as one of the...
“Sweetest Time,” Maya Amolo’s latest single, is a soothing, lovesick confessional that mixes intimate, heartfelt lyricism with wistful production courtesy of Ugandan musician and producer SOULCHYD aka MAUIMØON. Alongside fellow Kenyan singer Ywaya Tajiri, the self-acclaimed sweetest girl delivers a lustrous duet that sees her soft vocals, which perfectly complement Tajiri’s more robust voice, skip and flit across moody synths, intensifying the spotlight on her wholehearted delivery. “I can feel you rushing through my system / Every single day it’s my religion,” she sings passionately halfway into the record. The whole thing sounds like the aural equivalent of a warm blanket; a truly affectionate record that immerses and envelopes its listeners in its warmth. This is the brand of vulnerable, understated R&B music that has been helping Amolo gain significant attention since she debuted in the pandemic year.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Amolo always had an affinity for music. The singer and producer, who took on piano and guitar lessons as a child, has previously credited acts like Brandy, Erykah Badu, Prince, and Kenyan musical icon Eric Wainaina as her early influences – and it’s easy to see how Amolo’s style draws from this strong lineage of musicians whose music is equally expansive, soothing and vulnerable. After years experimenting with different styles, recording covers to beats she ripped from YouTube and posting them on her Soundcloud page, Amolo released her debut project ‘Leave Me At The Pregame’ in 2020.
The EP, which quickly soared up the charts in Kenya, served as a brief but emphatic introduction to Amolo’s minimalistic take on R&B. Standouts like the emotive opener “Puddles,” “Lush Green”, and “Jokes” showcase her clever and poignant lyricism that reflects on themes of love, depression, and self-healing. Along with sparse, melancholic production and the icy sensuality of her voice, Amolo delivered a remarkable debut that made her one of the most promising figures in Nairobi’s alternative music scene. Two years after ‘Leave Me At The Pregame,’ the Kenyan rising star released her debut album, ‘Asali.’
‘Asali,’ which translates to “honey” in her native Kiswahili, showcased Amolo’s progression as both an artist and a human being, as she swapped out the sad-girl tunes that filled her debut EP for more vibrant and intricate records – thanks in part to Sir Bastien and Kenyan producer and rapper Lukorito – that explore themes of growth and the complexities and rich luster of love. The album’s lead singles, “Foundry” and the self-produced “Can’t Get Enough,” found relative success on streaming platforms, placing Amolo as one of the continent’s most exciting new R&B voices. About a year after the release of ‘Asali,’ Amolo updated the album with 8 new songs on a deluxe version that featured Kenyan stars like Bensoul, Xenia Manasseh and Zowie Kengocha.
In August 2024, a few months after she delivered a splendid Colors performance, Amolo released a new project titled ‘What a Feeling.’ The 5-track EP, which essentially serves as an ode to Amolo’s home city, Nairobi, sees her experimenting with an array of dance sub-genres without straying too far from her R&B roots. While the project still retains much of the melancholy and elegance that defined her earlier work, there’s a hypnotic and pulsating energy that courses through ‘What A Feeling,’ that highlights a shift in the singer’s sensibilities. Amolo’s honeyed vocals gently seep through subtle Dancehall, Electronic, R&B and House-inspired production and the accompanying visualizer, a mashup of camcorder footage of her and her friends in Nairobi, also adequately captures the charming and nocturnal vibe of the tape.
The project produced standout tracks like the sensual “Let It Flow,” the title track and “Take It,” which later got remixed by Ugandan singer Soundlykbb and rapper SGawD. With Amolo’s latest release, “Sweetest Girl,” the Kenyan rising star continues her intricate exploration of R&B music, merging it with varying styles to produce her own distinct and refreshing variant. There’s no telling what Amolo might do next, but with only a handful of releases to her name so far, there’s undoubtedly more to come from the talented singer as she looks to solidify herself as one of the genre’s most prominent faces across the continent.
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T.I Blaze Updates ‘Shakur’ EP With Deluxe Version
Following the success of “Trenches Luv,” the street-pop star is back with seven new songs on the deluxe...
Over the last few years, street-pop, a guttural version of afropop, has surged to mainstream popularity, birthing stars like Asake, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi. On the homefront, a generation of younger stars also put unique spins on the sound. Singer, T.I Blaze, has been a notable star in the sub-genre since his 2021 single, “Sometimes,” and a subsequent remix with icon, Olamide, launched him into a different stratosphere.
Since “Sometimes,” Blaze has established his profile as a reliable source for songs that reflect the pulse of the streets while archiving his come-up story across a debut album (‘El Major’) and three extended plays like ‘The Fresh Prince Of Lagos’ and ‘Dangerous Wavy Baby.’ His 2024 EP, ‘Shakur,’ further underscored his evolution as an artist, featuring slippery numbers about escapism, his thoughts on life in the fast lane, and brotherhood with features from rising stars like Tml Vibez and BhadBoi Oml.
In 2025, the singer has picked up where he left off last year, releasing “Trenches Luv,” a balmy February release that examines the dynamics of romance from his point of view as a young adult moulded by the hard realities of life on the street. The success of “Trenches Luv” has led to a deluxe version of ‘Shakur’ with the singer adding seven new songs to the original version of the project. Impressively, on the new version of the project, TI Blaze taps up Ayo Maff and Ghanaian star Arathejay on “My Brother” and “Mario Remix,” respectively.
Led by a galala-inflected opener, “Track 1,” ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ is both raw and complex with the singer sounding refreshed on songs like “My Brother,” “Dodge,” and “Introduction.” In many ways, this project is an invitation for listeners to explore the many facets of T.I Blaze’s artistry as well as a portent to celebrate his roots and offer a glimpse at his evolution.
Listen to ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ here.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Rigo Kamp Runs Ahead Of The Pack With The Visuals For “Marathon”
Rigo Kamp’s Marathon video is an intimate Afro-juju revival that pays homage to Sir Shina Peters and stamps...
Last Friday, Rigo Kamp, a NATIVE uNder alum and one of the architects of an equal parts nostalgic and refreshing sound released his self-titled debut EP, delivering a propulsive fusion of Alte, R&B, Funk, and Soul-infused rhythms.
Featuring previously released singles “Morning Sun” and “Summer”, the six-track eponymous EP executively produced by Odunsi The Engine sees Rigo lean heavily into his element as a sonic alchemist, jumping from silky falsettos to gritty grooves without losing an ounce of cohesion, and ultimately stamping the Abuja-born, Lagos-based singer-songwriter as a mad scientist of sound.
Just last November, Apple Music named Rigo Kamp as its Up Next artist, an acknowledgment that underscored his potential and confirmed what the tastemakers and underground scene already knew. Weeks later, he delivered an exhilarating live set for Spotify Fresh Finds in Lagos, proving he’s just as compelling live as he is in the studio.
On “Marathon”, the refreshing opener to the Rigo Kamp EP, Rigo borrows the bounce and swagger of Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters’ golden-era, fusing nostalgia with re-imagination to birth a vintage performance that feels like a private party for two, where it’s just Rigo, and you.
Get an exclusive first look at the video for Marathon here:
Listen to the Rigo Kamp EP:
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