After the many wins forged by Afropop last year, the musical landscape has never looked more promising. As such the fast and furious pace of new music releases makes it hard to keep track of all the good music coming out of Africa. That’s where our Songs of the Day column comes in.

We’re doing the work to stay on pulse with all the music coming out from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs of tomorrow: today. Earlier this week, we brought you new releases from CKay, AYLØ, Kawabanga, Somadina & more. To ease you into the weekend, enjoy these new releases from Rema, Preyé, Nasty C, Basketmouth, L.A.X, Barry Jhay, Djaji Prime and more. Enjoy.

Rema – “Calm Down”

It’s a no-brainer why Rema’s ‘Rave and Roses’ made our list of most anticipated projects this year. Since breaking out about three years ago, the Benin-born superstar has smashed commercial expectations and birthed a singular vibe, unfound in the music of any other contemporary. With some, he might share musical inspirations but the product has always been markedly Rema, helmed by Mavin’s endless supply of genius producers. Andre Vibez and London join forces to explore a groovy lo-fi sound on Rema’s latest, “Calm Down.” The song blends youthful zest and romantic angst, with lines such as “baby girl if you leave me, I no go love again”. It is also set to feature on the singer’s debut album which is now slated for a March 25 release date.

Preyé – “Red Wine”

The talented vocalist Preyé kicks off the year with an inspired song about intoxication and its storied relationship with steamy moments. In her own words, “Red Wine” is sexy with a “purpose!” and her vocals are pure streams of emotions clashing into each other, settling in the song’s Neo-soul groove. “Red Wine” is also the first glimpse of the singer’s upcoming debut EP ‘DON’T LOOK DOWN!’ which is set for release later this year.

Basketmouth – “Leave Me” ft. Reekado Banks & Falz

In 2020, Basketmouth’s ‘Yabasi’ crept from seemingly nothing to become one of the year’s most acclaimed tapes. For that he was rewarded with a celebrated EMPIRE deal. Today the world woke up to Basketmouth’s sophomore album, ‘Horoscopes’. A standout is this jam featuring Reekado Banks and Falz whose voices are in perfect sync as they sing of a love interest. “Girl I always wanna impress,” sings Reekado in a tone that drips with desire and intent. Falz’s verse is laced with sexual innuendos and cheeky wordplay (“tell me if I go down I go drown for water”), underlined by Dukktor Sett’s warm, minimalist percussions.

Dai Verse – “Sweet Daddy” ft. Buju

Dai Verse’s song “Sweet Daddy” originally dropped last year in May, capturing the ears and hearts of listeners around the country. The earworm track now earns a befitting feature from BUJU. For its 2022 spin, Buju infuses his sweet saccharine vocals on the already enjoyable song. The Semzi-produced beat is as sweltering as a Lagos afternoon, packing a groovy bounce. Dai Verse and Buju’s chemistry permeates off the song, as listeners coast through some of the most affectionate lyrics on unrequited love you’ll hear this year.

Nasty C – “Stalling”

There are few rappers on the continent touching Nasty C when it comes to creating songs about love. We’ve heard the strength of such bars on “Mrs Me” and “SMA,” and just some days before Valentines, the South African rapper has painted another remarkable picture on the archetypical modern relationship. “You can leave if you wanna leave, if you don’t wanna go the whole way,” he raps on the first line, before detailing the hurt of loving someone who doesn’t love back with the same vigour. The smooth production (as well as Nasty’s cadence) is Trap-influenced and any rapper from Lil Baby to Young Thug would do a madness on it if a verse was ever recorded.

Angelique Kidjo – “Do Yourself” ft. Burna Boy

What does one expect when two giants of African music collaborate? If anything, some heavyweights have flopped on songs together, but certainly not Angelique Kidjo and Burna Boy, whose relationship hints at Burna’s early days adapting styles from the Beninese icon and even sampling her on “Wombolombo.” On their second official collaboration–off Kidjo’s 2021 album ‘Mother Nature’–the stars unite for a groovy record about being confident in one’s skin, especially as an African. The just-released Meji Alabi visual colourfully captures the energy and intent of the song, casting warm hues across scenes brimming with musical activity and African aesthetic.

L.A.X – “Options” ft. Ayra Starr

L.A.X is never far away from a good record, rewarded by his consistency down the years. With Zaza Vibes coming two years ago, the artist took the time out to rest—and perhaps come up with fresh vibes—in anticipation of 2022. “Options” is a stirring duet with Ayra Starr, taking up both sides of a toxic relationship. “I want you but I have to choose me,” sings Ayra on the emotive hook, underlining the tension which makes the record so enjoyable.

Peruzzi – “Ready” ft. Aceberg

This breezy record features the best of both artists, starting with a scintillating verse and chorus from Peruzzi, before taken up by Acebergtm’s verse. The Yung Willis production bounces with the style of Afropop, but there’s an undeniable Caribbean flavour which enunciates the song’s sensual direction even better.

Djaji Prime – “Kolo (Oh No)” ft. JVSH

Djaji Prime famously pushes his music to sonic extremes, emerging with something new each time. His new song is an emo-trippy affair, blending rock-esque psychedelia with Nigerian swag. Imagine a zombie fell in love and was walking through the shattered street, singing the name of his departed human. Well, this song doesn’t sound that grim but it’s close enough, and possesses a mystifying bent that will make you return again and again.

4Rain, KLY & Niniola – “Disturb the Phone”

On this cross-continental collaboration, the French DJ and electronic music producer links up with Nigerian vocalist Niniola and Kly, the South African musician. Over a House tempo beat lined with guitar notes and jumpy percussions, the musicians get the party started. Though Niniola’s verse hints at a heartbreak, the beat is too cherry for contemplation. It just sweeps you along, deep in the vibe.

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