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. In our last edition, we brought you stellar new releases from BOJ & Abjebutter22, Tim Lyre, PDSTRN and more. Today’s NATIVE Selects features singles from Tyla, DETO BLACK, GDZILLA and more. Lock in!

TYLA – “TRUTH OR DARE”

Tyla is currently one of the most ubiquitous stars from the African continent. Following the smash success of “Water” which gained cross-continental collaborations with Travis Scott and Marshmallow, the South African singer is now teasing the release of her debut self-titled album which is slated for release in the new year. Ahead of this, she’s shared a five-pack release with fans which includes “Butterflies,” “On And On” and the catchy lead single, “Truth or Dare.” The Sammy Soso-produced track provides the perfect the new pop-leaning backdrop for Tyla to play on familiar sensibilities. The result is a track that puts her in contention for one of the most exciting artists of today.

DETO BLACK – “JUST LIKE DETO”

Nigerian rapper DETO BLACK is not afraid to pack an onslaught of wordplay for the haters, aunties and the naysayers. On her first solo single of the year titled “Just Like DETO,” the slick-tongued rapper delivers an anthemic and uncompromising rap banger that is unapologetically confident in the best possible way. Produced by Cadenza, the catchy new track finds the rapper tackling fame and imitation with sharp, clear bars.

MASTERKRAFT – “FRUIT” FT. JOEBOY & MAJEEED

Masterkraft is an auteur when it comes to pairing the right set of artists for a collaboration. On his latest single “Fruit,” the Nigerian DJ and producer taps the sweet sounds of Joeboy and Majeeed for a delectable and catchy new number. Across a sweet array of melodies, Joeboy and Majeeed address their respective muses and seek out their love and attention. The groovy Amapiano-tinged number is a stunning piece of songwriting that also places its catchy production at the centrepiece.

GDZILLA – “HIGH TENSION”

Earlier this year, Jonzing Records unveiled its latest act GDZILLA whose reptilian aesthetics has derived more conversation than his short but sparse discography. Making good on this promise to deliver bangers, GDZILLA returns with new single “High Tension” which arrives with a Jyde Ajala-directed music video. On “High Tension,” GDZILLA wastes no time in showcasing his steller penmanship with bars laced in Yoruba, English and Pidgin. The groovy anthem reintroduces the singer to audiences as he sings about becoming a force to be reckoned with in due time.

PHEELZ – “JOY FT. OLAMIDE

Pheelz has spent the past few years merging his sharp production acumen with his love for performing and singing across charismatic beats. On “Joy,” he recruits Olamide for a bouncy new anthem which contains a melting pot of feel-good melodies. Here, Pheelz is basking in the limelight of his success, grateful for all the opportunities and challenges presented before him with lyrics such as “I just face my grind/and I stack up my money.” Olamide also updates the track with a catchy verse as the pair showcase incredible chemistry and clear-cut delivery.

BALLORANKING – “DON PERIGNON” FT. SHALLIPOPI

Three months ago, Balloranking shared his sophomore LP ‘Ghetto Gospel,’ a snapshot of his gritty upbringing on the streets and the strides he’s made to become a better man. This week, he shares a new EP titled ‘Ghetto Vibrations,’ a 6-tracker which finds the rapper doubling down on his comical antics and delivering memorable lyrics. On the Shallipopi-assisted “Don Perignon,” both artists deliver a self-determined showcase over Amapiano-tinged production. The dance-ready hit is tailor made for the detty December period.

ODEAL – “FINE BY MYSELF” 

Odeal is one of the most authentic artists today. On his new LP ‘Thoughts I Never Said,’ the British-Nigerian singer confronts his own psyche and examines his wiring. The standout single “Fine By Myself,” finds him in a pensive and sombre mood, delivering airy and light vocals across light guitar strings and percussive instruments. “I can’t look you in the eyes no more/I’m fine by myself,” he chants over twinkling keys.

SKEPTA  & RYDER – “ALL ALONE” FT DRE SIX

In the world of music and fashion, Skepta is a name to be reckoned with. Since the release of his 2021 EP ‘All In,’ the British MC has been quietly making moves in the scene, whether he’s partnering with Burberry or working with Slawn. On his latest release, the rapper taps British singer-songwriter Ryder for a 5-track EP titled ’48 Hours.’ On “For You,” the second track on the project, Skepta rides the wave of a skittish slow-tempo beat which provides the perfect backdrop for his pained raps. The daunting keys later transition into a more upbeat, house-leaning soundscape as he reflects on his life and themes of love.

NTATE TSHEGO – “UTHANDO LWAKHO” FT. FRENCH AUGUST 

South African producer, Ntate Tshego teams up with French August for a soulful, mid-tempo rendition on “Uthando Lwakho.” The Deep House track adds to Ntate’s expansive catalogue of emotive displays, characterised by a gradual buildup and hypnotic high-tempo fusions. French August heightens the track several notches as his low-cadence mellifluous vocals transport you to another universe. 

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