It’s only the first month of the new year but already, our favourite Afropop stars are treating us to a myriad of new and genre-defying music. Fridays are a favourite day on the calendar for any music enthusiast due to the sheer volume of releases in circulation on the scene. While last year witnessed an uptick in the amount of solid projects and body of works we were receiving, this year is shaping up to be even greater for the musical landscape as a number of highly anticipated albums and EP’s are expected to drop within the coming months.

In this light, we’re committed to our mission of making sure good music isn’t slept on. Through our New Music Friday column, we’ll be spotlighting the best projects from around the continent. Whether you listen to your music on Spotify or Apple Music, lock in to new projects from Ajebutter22, Camidoh and more.

Ajebutter22 – ‘SOUNDTRACK TO THE GOOD LIFE’

After taking a brief hiatus from releasing any projects, Ajebutter22 is back with his third studio LP ‘Soundtrack To The Good Life.’ The 15-track album features artists such as LADIPOE, Kida Kudz, Toby Shang, Not3s and sees production credits from record producers such as Twitch Papii, Johnson IP, Chillz, Ransom Beatz and more. Across 47 minutes, Ajebutter speaks on enjoying life, focusing on the positive side of life and having a great time while at it. 

Joya Mooi – ‘WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER’

A follow up to ‘Whats Around The Corner (Side A),’ which explored thought-provoking themes of loss and longing on “So Stunning” or the tribute to her freedom fighter father on “Most Frail,” ‘What’s Around The Corner’ continues with political commentary geared towards achieving social change and gaining personal resolution.

In the later parts of last year, South African singer, Joya Mooi introduced us into the world of her debut album, ‘What’s Around The Corner’ with “Tears,” a soulful R&B record celebrating Joya notoriously raw lyricism and other-worldly vocals. The reflective number touched on a slew of topics surrounding embracing life’s journey amidst its challenges, all the while utilising its unique Jazz and Hip-hop touches in production by Sim Fane and SIROJ. With 6 new tracks leading in from SIROJ-produced “No Beginning,” Joya takes the experimental approach, combining alternative R&B with a sprinkling of trap, tied together with dreamy string arrangements.

Camidoh – ‘A LIFETIME IS NOT ENOUGH’

Since the success of his hit single “Sugarcane Remix” which enlisted Mayorkun, King Promise and Darkoo, Camidoh has gathered a small cult following in Ghana and beyond, with the track topping several charts and his fans taking part in the #SugarCaneChallenge via TikTok. Exploring love and the complexities of modern relationships, Camidoh has followed this up with memorable performances on “Kaba” and joins South Africa’s Focalistic and Costa Titch to deliver a standout verse on for Crayon’s standout track, “Ijo (Laba Laba).” A long way from his 2018 debut with “Trap Motivation,” Camidoh is back with a series of dulcet melodies on his joint 6-track EP with G.D.S, ‘A Lifetime Is Not Enough.’ While “Like You Mean It” features a stellar rendition from Cina Soul, the rest of the project showcases the pair’s effortless flow as they speak of love from a plethora of standpoints.

Otega – ‘AS IT SHOULD BE’

Singer and songwriter Otega is here with his most recent body of work ‘As It Should Be,’ an 11-tracker that cuts across topics such as self awareness, growth as well as making money and living life freely. The project features Dremo and Qdot and sees stellar production from the likes of Beat Monster, Sterry T, Jay Fred and more. 

Uncle Vinny – ‘YOUTH LEAGUE’

South African singer and songwriter Uncle Vinny first arrived with the record “Pholas” a few weeks ago and has now arrived with her debut EP titled ‘Youth League.’ The body of work features industry heavyweights such as Major League DJz, Mellow & Sleazy, Yumbs, Kailey Botman and more. While the 7-tracker cuts across many different themes, the project remains euphonious through the 45-minutes. 

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE