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 Asake, Omah Lay, Libianca 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!

NOT3S – “START ME UP”

UK act Not3s continues his dive into his Nigerian heritage with “Start Me Up,” part of a two-song pack of the same title. For “Start Me Up,” Not3s taps Nigerian music producer P.Priime for the R&B-tinged track that shines with effortless swagger. “Eye chocolate/Not eye candy/You’re sweet how you be/You’re sweeter with me,” he raps, as he propositions a love interest to let down her guard and accept the romance he’s offering. “Start Me Up” is a smooth cut made for quiet moments bursting with love.

BILS – “IT’S GIVING SUMMER”

Summer creeps in and Bils has a song to celebrate that period of the year synonymous with sun-lit beaches and parties and drinks. Over an Amapiano-inflected production, “It’s Giving Summer” is a fun tune to soundtrack gatherings alive with joy and flirting. Bils compares the body of a love interest to the heat of summer and does so with deft, playful singing and songwriting. 

YAW TOG – “OBRA” FT. ROIII

Since his breakout with “Sore,” Yaw Tog has been consistent with his craft, raising his pen game one track after the other. With ‘TIME’ EP and a deal with EMPIRE in his bag, Yaw Tog’s hunger hasn’t waned. He shows it on “Obra” as he and Roiii pour their passion for being the best into your lyrics. Over the Drill production, Yaw Tog and Roiii brag and reminisce about their journey and the wins they have accumulated.

ARATHEJAY – “MY BABY”

AratheJay has been on an impressive run of form since the year began, releasing the single “Chosen” and collaborating with NYAMECMPLX on “2000 & Odeshi,” BillyDray on “Andele” and Nana Owusu on “Kasapa!” With “My Baby,” the Ghanaian act plays with the Highlife-laced tune, crooning to a lover about his feelings towards her. “My Baby” grabs attention and proves AratheJay’s prowess.

BU$H – “OH MY HONEY” FT. LADE

After the Jaywillz-featuring “Nintendo,” Nigerian act Bu$h teams up with fellow Nigerian singer Ladé for the love tune “Oh My Honey.” Bu$h and Ladé trade verses over CeeCee’s catchy production, promising both loyalty and sexual pleasures as they interpolate Gym Class Heroes’ “Stereo Hearts” with Adam Levine. Guitarist Fiokee also lends his skill to the track with bright guitar licks.

AMERADO – “THE HARDEST”

Ghana’s Amerado stakes a claim as one of the liveliest MCs in the game with the seven-minute “The Hardest.” Line after line, he brags about his abilities in comparison with other rappers in the Ghanaian rap scene and declares: “The best rapper /Amerado/The X-factor/Amerado/The next chapter/Amerado/Hardest rapper/Amerado.” With a hard-hitting Drill beat, he engages in an interesting ride of wordplay and dexterous flows.

Featured image credits/NATIVE