NATIVE Selects: New Music from Wizkid, Nasty C, Tekno & More
new releases for the weekend
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 Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Lady Donli 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!
WIZKID & DJ SPINALL – “LOJU”
Heavy log drums and light shakers have become commonplace in Afropop in recent times and I’m not mad at it. For the recently released “Loju,” DJ Spinall and Wizkid join forces with one of the most sought-after producers at the moment, Blaise Beats, for a magical rendition with Wizkid. The track is introduced with intoxicating instrumentals, accompanied by whimsical adlibs by Wizkid. He expertly rides the wave of the beat as he smoothly serenades his love interest, “Tonight I want you, only you// Na only you I wan dey run back to.”
Nwanneamaka Igwe
ODUMODUBLVCK – “FIREGUN” FT. FIREBOY DML
Ever since making his entry on the scene, ODUMODUBLVCK has been intentional about his musicality. He sings as well as he raps, while his continuous homages to popular Nigerian culture have proved a winning formula. On “FIREGUN,” it’s the bounce of early to mid-2000s music he channels, stacking sensual innuendos into the mid-tempo groove. Fireboy DML turns in an evocative shift, his R&B roots more visible than he’s shown in recent times. The result is a song true to its creators, while its stylistic revelry reaches a colourful and groovy effect.
Emmanuel Esomnofu
TEKNO – “PEACE OF MIND”
Nigerian singer-producer, Tekno, is in a self-reflective mood for his new single as he preaches about trusting the process and shutting off all exterior noise. He is assisted with lush guitar keys and a steady, rhythmic beat as he explains the benefits of patience in a journey like his. The song holds a strong message with a captivating hook that goes “Peace of mind is underrated, that’s why I’m patient because I know my time is now.”
Nwanneamaka
YEMI ALADE – “FAKE FRIENDS (IRÓ ÒRE)”
The concept of fake friends is quite popular in Nigerian circles. People aren’t what they seem, and everyone should selfishly guard their hearts and interests. On that note, Yemi Alade’s new song adapts the trope to deliver a typical groove. Fast-paced loops and a buttery drum base provide the landing for her assured singing, as she unfurls old tales about being slighted. It’s a trite theme, but she makes good of the vibrant production, her vocals effervescent and delivered in good measure.
Emmanuel
NASTY C – “NO MORE”
With a recent appearance on the freestyle platform Fire in the Booth, South African artist Nasty C has been making plans for his forthcoming studio album. He offers a peek into what he has in store for his audiences with the latest single “No More.” The song is a grass-to-grace tale of Nasty C’s rise to stardom and his determination to be one of the best rappers of his generation. With “No More,” courts and heightens attention for his album.
Uzoma Ihejirika
CRAYON – “MODUPE”
It’s been a while since Crayon released new music, but for sure, the talent’s never been in doubt. In the presence of any naysayers, the Mavin Records artist’s new song culls in light ‘piano drums to reflect the oneness of his existence. Thankful and boastful in equal emotiveness, it’s a cherry-toned song which reiterates Crayon’s distinct approach to crafting bangers. As much as we can hear, he’s still got it.
Emmanuel
ZORO – “GOOD LIFE” FT. MAYORKUN
On “Good Life,” Zoro and Mayorkun toast to the easy pleasures of life. “Suffer no fit me/Hard life no fit me at all/Struggle no fit look good on me,” Mayorkun sings. Over Blaisebeatz’s mid-tempo production, Zoro raps about the challenges he has surpassed and how enjoyment is the current thing on his mind. Mayorkun’s hook further colours “Good Life” with a motivational tinge for a track that is the opening chapter to a forthcoming LP.
Uzoma
SHALLIPOPI, ZLATAN & FIREBOY DML – “ELON MUSK REMIX”
Like the track was not thrilling enough, Shallipopi taps Fireboy DML for the remix of remix for his hit song, “Elon Musk.” The track, as expected, still retains its catchy instrumentals paired with Shallipopi’s sonorous vocals and Zlatan’s boisterous rap. On this version, Fireboy DML takes over following the first rendition of the chorus backed up by warm, choir-like vocals. He sings of everything from getting high, being proud and interactions with his love interest in a few short seconds. Shortly after, Zlatan takes over to close out the track on high notes.
Nwanneamaka
BOYBREED & MAMBA SOUNDS – “ENTA”
Nigerian duo BoyBreed collaborate with talented artist and producer Mamba Sounds for the enchanting single “ENTA,” which infuses elements of Afropop and R&B. It is BoyBreed’s third track of the year following “Again” and “Priscillia” with Dj Dynamiite and Minz. On “ENTA,” they sing about their undying devotion to their love interests and the mushy feelings they elicit in them.
Uzoma
SUPA GAETA – “DON’T LEAVE ME ALONE”
For his first single of 2023, Ghanaian UK-based act Supa Gaeta pins for the affection of a woman. “Don’t Leave Me Alone” tells a story of yearning and passion as Supa Gaeta confronts his love interest to be honest about his feelings for her. In his own words, the song “explores the vulnerability and pain that can arise from unrequited love.” It features production from Yung D3mz with co-production by David Acekeyz & Supa Gaeta.
Uzoma
RAYTHEBOFFIN, 3KENE & TIM LYRE – “LIFELINE”
As he prepares for the release of his debut EP ‘Freckles,’ Abuja-based artist-producer Raytheboffin gives a taste of things to come with “Lifeline,” a groovy tune that borrows blends R&B, dancehall and electronic music. Alongside 3kene and Tim Lyre, Raytheboffin creates an experimental yet bubbly track that is meant for a slow night after a hard day’s toil.
Uzoma
BR3NYA – “OUTSIDE”
Ghanaian-born, London-based singer and rapper Br3nya flaunts her pedigree on “Outside” as she fires shots at those who dare to compare themselves with her. Sampling Tic Tac’s Tony Tetuila-assisted “FeFe Ne Fe,” Br3nya, with sharp lyrics and efficient delivery, curates a summer anthem for the girls and their friends. The Melody Berkery-directed music video is an ode to Nollywood films Mean Girls and Girls Cot.
Uzoma
Featured Image Credits/NATIIVE
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
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 arrive before 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.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
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.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
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 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).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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