We’re halfway through 2022, and it’s been an eventful year for Afropop. There’s been a torrent of great new music, spawning a massive stack of inventive smash hit songs. From Highlife-infused Ghanaian pop, to the unrelenting force that is Nigerian street-pop, to South Africa’s indomitable Dance scene, to tantalising Drill explorations in East and Central Africa, and much, much more, we’re living through abundant and musically expansive times.

Every week, tonnes of songs from African artists make their way to digital streaming platforms, and wading through them can be intense. That’s where The NATIVE’s Songs of the Day column comes in to help. We go through as many new releases as possible, spotlighting them here, two to three times every week. On Monday, we spotlighted new drops from Namakau Star, Bensoul, Straffiti and more. For our mid-week curation, enjoy new music from Kabza De Small, Shatta Wale, Chop Life Crew and more. Tap in, and you’ll definitely find new sounds for your playlist(s).

Kabza De Small – “Khusela” ft. Msaki

“Khusela” is Kabza De Small’s latest subversive take on the billowing genre of Amapiano. He deftly melds the groovy percussion of Amapiano and velvety melodies of gospel to conjure a refreshing concoction of ethereal sounds. He taps Msaki, whose syrupy vocals drip across the poignant instrumental. Powerful, ethereal and soulful, “Khusela” is the perfect soundtrack to bright energetic days.

Shatta Wale – “Hunter”

For decades, Shatta Wale has been a mainstay in the Ghanaian pop scene, keeping fans and spectators spellbound by his alluring mystique. In “Hunter”, that mystique takes the center stage as he bolts powerful lyrics against the backdrop of a suave mix of dancehall and punk. On the record his hectoring personality is in full view as he unabashedly sings his praises and declares himself the lyrical hunter.

Wale Turner – “All I Please” ft. Reekado Banks

Only a few artists are as deft as Wale Turner with regards to combining rap and whimsical sonic elements to conjure resonant hits. In 2016, he caught the public’s eye with his seismic hit “No”, and since then, he has pretty much stuck to the template. Now he’s back with a refreshing single, “All I Please”, which sees him tap Reekado Banks. He ropes in French, English and Yoruba lines as he conjures a ballad that sees him drizzle himself with adulation.

Chop Life Crew – “Kilo Oz” ft. Finesse, Tena Tempo & LK

The otherworldly psychedelic effects of weed is a topic that typically seeps into the chatter of spirited youths, and “Kilo Oz” is a resplendent ode that captures this situation. Over a melodic undulating instrumental, Chop Life Crew and the featured artistes mull over the effects of the psychoactive effects of blowing trees in animated discourse. “You ever get so high had to ask yourself how you managed to stay low key?” they sing over the hook.

Minikingz – “New Skin Care”

North London collective, MiniKingz comprised of BenjiFlow, Oscar #Worldpeace and Ragz Originale, some of the UK’s most pioneering names in rap, R&B and grime, release a long awaited single titled “New Skin Care.” The new single is the trio’s debut song together, and finds them delivering experimental, multi-dimensional sounds. They go back to back on verses effortlessly with clever lyricism, unique flair and a humble sense of confidence that is rare to find, making “New Skin Care” an exhilarating listen.

Young Wazi – “Spaceship”

Packed with syncopated drums, sustained melodies and otherworldly vocals, “Spaceship” sees Young Wazi put a unique spin to Trap music. Over the glistening production, he toes a familiar trajectory to rappers as he raps about opulence, drugs and women.

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