Songs Of The Day: New Music From Burna Boy, Sute Iwar, PRVNA & more
New releases this week
Much as we’d like music drops to slow down and give us a chance to catch up with the unique tunes that are sprouting from across the world, the reality of the music business in the post-2010 era is very much different. With amazing songs dropping at an unrelenting pace, it’s not always easy to cut through the noise and sheer volume of it all to find the music that will accompany our melancholy, inspire our next creative breakthrough, tether us our loved ones more securely, or take us to a place of unencumbered elation.
That’s where our ‘Songs of the Day’ column comes in. We try to keep our fingers on the pulse of music from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs from talented musicians who are continuously trying to bounds of artistry with their music. Last weekend, we brought you new drops from Ghanaian star Gyakie, British-Nigerian rapper ENNY, Nigerian rap star Psycho YP, South African production duo Black Motion, and much more. This week, we’re bringing you new releases from Burna Boy, Patoranking, Dj Spinall x Oxlade, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Niniola, DEELA, PRVNA, Joya Mooi and more. Enjoy.
Dj Tarico & Burna Boy – “Yaba Buluku” (ft. Preck & Nelson Tivane)
After keeping the clubs and venues on lock with his hit single, the Amapiano-inflected “Yaba Buluku”, which featured on his EP ‘Moz Piano Vol.2‘, Mozambican DJ Tarico is back with the song’s official remix, this time featuring Nigeria’s Odogwu. Burna is ushered into the song with the words, “Odogwu you bad/E Fi Le Fun Burna,” as the song’s propulsive rhythm begins to build. Over the song’s infectious groovy beat, Burna Boy sings “Baby your body Roboto, make I fly you go obodo,/oyinbo make we jodogo” as he delivers a braggadocious verse that runs through his sexual prowess and his wealth. As Burna has proven once before on “Jerusalema“, he’s got the ability to kill any genre with ease.
Patoranking – “Celebrate Me”
After closing out 2020 with his memorable album ‘Three’, a 12-track project that showed his continued ability to deliver party-stopping hits, Patoranking is back with his first official single of the year titled “Celebrate Me”. The midtempo single finds the singer calling for people to give others their dues while they are life and not when they are dead and gone. Singing “Abeg no carry my blessings run/Today na you tomorrow fit be my turn/Celebrate me now when I dey alive”, he makes a convincing case for why we should give people their flowers today.
Spinall – “Jabole” (ft. Oxlade & Ycee)
Following the release of his highly anticipated fifth studio album ‘GRACE’, DJ, producer, and singer, Spinall has returned for the video to his latest single titled “Jabole” which features Oxlade and Ycee. The sweet-sounding single comes from a Yoruba street slang “ma je ko jabole”, which is meant to encourage women to keep their swag on at all times. In the new video directed by Dalia Dias, we can see Spinall, Oxlade and Ycee delivering their set accompanied by an array of beautiful and powerful women around them.
Yemi Alade – “Rain” (ft. Mzansi Youth Choir)
After the release of her fifth studio album ‘Empress’ last year, singer Yemi Alade has been treating the singles on her project to befitting video treatments. The latest video to get such treatment is “Rain” which features the amazing Mzansi Youth Choir. In the recently released vibrant video directed by Ovie Etseyatse, we see the singer in a vibrant rainforest where she sings her verses while backed up by the South African-based choir and an incredible dance team. Championing strength, unity and togetherness, the video reminds us that we are united in our differences.
Suté Iwar – “U” (ft. SGaWD)
Over the weekend, Abuja-based rapper, Suté Iwar released his fifth studio album ‘199X’, a 17-track course of genre-mashing singles where he deftly unfolds the complexities of love, youth and loss. On the SGaWD-assisted “U”, the singer examines his infatuation with a muse. “You told me don’t stop it, just cause you love it/You’re my favourite subject, that’s cause I love you” he sings over the song’s infectious hook as he ruminates on his relationship with this woman. The best part yet is SGaWD’s incredible vocals which she lays down on the second verse, confidently showing listeners that while she’s got the rap thing on lock, she’s also got the sweet-sounding R&B hands.
Niniola – “RYDE”
Earlier this year, the Queen of AfroHouse released her R&B offering, a succinct romantic 5-track offering titled ‘6th Heaven’ which showed off a different, softer side to the singer. She’s just released the official video for the standout track “Ryde”, a romantic number that finds her reassuring her lover of her undying commitment. Singing “We’ll be riding it out for life”, she promises to stay ten toes and become a ride or die to this person. In the accompanying video, we see clips of the singer in a car workshop performing her verse while backed up by male and female dancers. It turns out her boo is in the mix as the video closes with Niniola walking off into the dusk with her love.
PRVNA – “Believe” ft. KDotMelody
Following the release of her bouncy single “Get Down” and the Devstar-assisted “Let Myself Go” earlier this year, British-Mauritian singer PRVNA is back with a new single titled “Believe”, a romantic uptempo number featuring KdotMelody. Over the song’s groovy production she sings “On the first day, you really had to chat real gimmicks/Now I must say, this could be it in the best way”, full of belief that the person on the other end of her drink is her soulmate. What’s more charming than hearing your lover say “When you’re in my arms, all bad vibes decease”.
Joya Mooi – “Remember”
Following the release of her EP ‘Blossom Carefully’ last year, Dutch-South African singer Joya Mooi is back with a new single titled “Remember”. The slow-tempo track finds the singer reflecting on the past. The accompanying video supports the track’s comforting and pensive feel which follows Joya in a peaceful coastal setting within Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte before her body is duplicated as she explores its geometric installation.
DEELA – “CHAINS”
Following her entrance into the rap scene last year, London-based Nigerian rapper DEELA is back with a new single titled “CHAINS”. The incendiary new track finds the rapper getting down to business and talking her shit over a menacing beat produced by WizzerOnDaBeat. “It’s a shame, niggas lost me/these niggas insane, all these niggas need chains” she quips on the first verse, delivering bars with razor-sharp precision as she clearly states what she doesn’t want from these niggas.
Featured image credits/Instagram
ICYMI: Four takeaways from TurnTables’s inaugural quarterly report
What OdumoduBlvck’s Greatest School Tour Could Mean For Touring In Nigeria
The rapper’s decision to embark on a local university tour of this nature could go on to become a...
There’s no denying that OdumoduBlvck’s 2023 mixtape ‘Eziokwu’ established his musical genius. While the half dozen projects that preceded ‘Eziokwu’ almost served as target practice, largely showcasing the early iterations of Okporoko music – his unique melodious rap fusion – it was his major label debut that truly grounded the rapper in Nigeria’s rich Hip-Hop lineage. The album’s far-reaching success culminated in a historic joint tour with fellow 2023 breakout star Shallipopi, which saw the two share the stage across 9 cities in the United States. Similarly, riding the high of his latest mixtape, ‘The Machine Is Coming,’ the Anti-World Gangstar head huncho recently announced a new tour. This time, however, instead of taking his new collection of infectious bangers to stages abroad, the rapper decided to visit different universities across the country for what he calls the ‘Greatest School Tour Ever.’
Touring in Nigeria is a subject that has become somewhat controversial over the last few years, splitting opinions amongst many fans, industry experts, and artists themselves. Back in the mid-2000s to early 2010s, local touring was very much the norm. Platforms like Star Music’s ‘The Trek,’ as well as a few prominent local promoters, enabled some of the biggest names like 2face, Olamide, and M.I to hold annual nationwide tours. These tours included stops in cities like Warri, Makurdi, Owerri and many other places that artists are less likely to visit today. University tours were also popular as they presented an avenue for these artists to connect with their younger audience, who mostly served as the bedrock of their fan base.
The rise of digital streaming platforms, which has partly informed the industry’s rapid evolution over the past decade, coupled with other economic and infrastructural issues, has, however, forced a sharp decline in local touring, making it an almost altruistic endeavour in today’s Nigeria. Afropop gaining global exposure meant that the international market immediately became more viable and lucrative to our biggest stars, and this reshaped their priorities. The extensive, multi-city shows became reserved for diaspora fans, while the local audience, in most cases, are treated to a solitary annual show.
OdumoduBlvck looks to buck this trend with the ‘Greatest School Tour Ever,’ prioritizing his primary audience before tending to those abroad. In truth, the Lagos-born rapper is not the only one who has embarked on this type of tour in recent times. A couple of years ago, UK-based rapper Kida Kudz and Ckay also went on similar campus tours, with the latter making stops at 10 different universities across the country. Llona, one of the breakout stars from last year, is also currently on a nationwide tour coming off the success of his impressive debut album ‘Homeless.’ The ‘Greatest School Tour Ever,’ is however, peculiar and momentous because of its timing and OdumoduBlvck’s standing as one of the biggest names around.
At the recent 17th Headies Awards, the rapper became the latest recipient of the Next Rated award, a highly coveted plaque that’s historically reserved for standout acts whose music defines the zeitgeist at a given period. He received the award just two days after he gave an electrifying performance at Afe Babalola University. His latest mixtape, ‘The Machine Is Coming,’ a precursor to his highly anticipated forthcoming debut, currently sits at the No. 2 spot on the Turntable Top 50 Album charts. It is unheard of in recent times: that the Headies Next Rated act, who has one of the top projects in the country, is on a local university tour. The Abuja-native has, however, shown on numerous occasions that he has never really been one to abide by existing standards. The famous opening lines from his breakout single “Declan Rice” (I can do without their Policy I Know), did not only serve as a message to gatekeepers and naysayers but also as a manifesto that declared his mode of operation going forward.
At the time of this writing, the rapper has only made two stops on his ongoing tour, but his decision to embark on a local tour of this nature already looks to be paying dividends. The first two shows have produced viral clips that capture his star power, the hysteria of his headline shows and his rapidly growing influence, especially amongst younger listeners. The viral clips have already created an increased demand for shows, with many young fans harassing the rapper to add more dates to the tour. With the release of ‘The Machine Is Coming’ and his recent crowning moment at the Headies, it’s safe to assume there’s more attention on him now than ever. While it is, of course, still early days, the rapper’s decision to embark on a local university tour, especially given that he’s currently experiencing a career high, could go on to become a significant moment, one that potentially inspires a shift in the touring landscape in Nigeria.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Tanika Is Stepping Out On Her Terms With The Kida Kudz-Assisted “FAST FWD”
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights...
Across a career that’s in its second decade, Tanika has proven to be a force in her own right, holding her own on collaborations with Black British stars like Stormzy and Wretch 32, as well as popular record producer Naughty Boy–working with the Grammy-nominated beatmaker on his acclaimed ‘Hotel Cabana’ album.
Following a stint as an actor, she returned to the studio in 2021, releasing a new extended play, ‘333,’ in 2023. The project carried all the hallmarks of Tanika at her tantalising best: lilting cadences, well-paced narratives, a songwriting that reaches for the heart of the matter.
On her latest song, “Fast Fwd,” she’s growing into her own and stepping into a new era. In many ways, “Fast Fwd,” a hypnotic, sultry anthem, is landing just in time for summer revelry. Produced by her longtime collaborator, Naughty Boy, her silky vocals land effortlessly on the mid-tempo instrumental and pulsates with her desire for her love interest.
Joined on the song by her fiancé, Kida Kudz, they make an interesting duo and replicate the synergy they had on “Nobody,” off Kudz’s 2021 ‘Top Memba.’ Distinctively marked by use of neon lights, the video for the song captures the effervescence of romance that Tanika hums about throughout the song.
From working her way out of London’s Myatt’s Field to becoming a star with millions of streams, Tanika is now setting her sights on the bright lights of superstardom. Ahead of the official release of the single, we had a brief chat with Tanika about her career, the influences for “Fast Fwd,” and working with KIda Kudz on it.
Her answers, which follow below, have been lightly edited for clarity.
How would you describe where you are in your career right now?
I’m just enjoying the journey.
What does the release of “Fast Fwd” signify for you?
It signifies love.
Why is Kida Kudz a fit for the song? (
To be honest, we didn’t plan to do another song together. I have worked on two records with him before (“Nobody” and “Tasty Time” ) but we never thought to shoot a video for it.. “Fast Fwd” felt like a real testimony of our present moment in the relationship.
You’ve worked extensively with Naughty Boy and he’s helped with “Fast Fwd,” what’s your relationship like and why does it work?
Naughty Boy knows me very well. We’ve known one another for over 10 years, so he knows what fits me musically. We gel. I think him knowing me and being a fan of Kida’s music made it all work. Naughty Boy does his listening before he makes a beat for you. A lot of producers don’t really understand the importance of knowing the artist musically but he does.
What were you aiming for with the video?
To be honest, I’m aiming for nothing. I’m just enjoying the journey. It’s been a very long road and I know I still have a long way to go.
Catch an exclusive view of “Fast Fwd” below.
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Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
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