Songs Of The Day: New Music From Kizz Daniel, Vigro Deep, SirBastien & More
New music from across the continent
As the year winds down, the sheer number of music we receive at The NATIVE keeps growing at an exponential rate. With live shows back in full swing and Afropop hits such as Wizkid’s “Essence” and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” climbing the charts both home and abroad, there has never been a more exciting time than the present for the ever-evolving sonic landscape. Through it all, we remain committed to the ideal of music discovery and sharing that is a big part of what we stand for.
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. Last time out, we had exciting music from Davido, Odunsi, M.anifest, amongst others. Today, we’re bringing you new music from Kizz Daniel, Vigro Deep, Nissi and more.
Kizz Daniel – “Burn”
For his 4th studio project, Kizz Daniel is back with a 7-track EP titled ‘Barnabas’. The newly released project is a combination of Afro-fusion tunes which sees the artist sharpening his technical writing ability and his knack for melodies. On the romantic number “Burn”, he sings “You make me burn like fire, fire burn like fire/You make me run like Bolt, Usain Bolt when I run back to you”, expressing his affection for his lover, over the soothing and distinct production of the Young John-produced track.
Vigro Deep – “In The Dark” ft. DJ Bucks
South African producer and DJ Vigro Deep has returned with a new project titled ‘Far Away From Home.’ The new project finds him collaborating with Yashna, Neo Ndawo, DJ Bucks, and more. The DJ Bucks-assisted standout track “In The Dark”, is an uptempo rhythmic House number that finds both artists expressing their feelings about a love interest. “No need to beat around the bush, I’ll tell you straight to your face,” sings DJ Bucks over the chorus, delivering a romantic number made for the twinkling of dimly-lit club lights.
Gemini Major – “Ooh Lala” ft Ayra Starr
Malawian-born South African-based producer and singer, Gemini Major has just released a new hypnotic track titled “Ooh Lala” featuring Mavins Ayra Starr. Over the song’s mid-tempo romantic production, Gemini Major addresses a love interest who he wishes to show the depth of his affection. He’s joined by Ayra who sings heartfelt lyrics such “tell me that you want me/call me when you lonely/baby do you want me?,” that fit into the song’s overall romantic mood.
Sir Bastien – “Money”
Sirbastien is a French-Nigerian multi-instrumental multi-genre singer, songwriter, and producer from Ibadan, Nigeria. On his latest release “Money,” the singer delivers a mid-tempo number that finds him assessing the effect of his newfound fame and wealth on his psyche. “I want to say I love but you want all my money/Money made you mad,” he sings over the song’s hook, directly addressing a lover whose actions seem to consistently fluctuate when there is money.
Eugy – “I Need A Boo” ft. Kuame Eugene
Love is in the air so cuffing season must be over soon. Ahead of the release of his forthcoming project ‘Home Run’, the Ghanaian singer, writer and rapper has released a new track titled “I Need A Boo.” The bouncy new track finds both artists speaking directly to their need for romance and affection. Over the Amapiano-infused number, he sings “If you need my love baby, you can have it all/I need a boo, I need a baby” expressing to his lover what they he wants.
R2Bees – “Eboso”
Ghanaian producer duo, R2Bees have been behind some of the most prominent Afropop numbers released in the past few years. To round off the year, following on from their earlier released track “Fine Wine” featuring King Promise and Joeboy, the duo is back with their new single titled “Eboso”. Over groovy mid-tempo production, the pair deliver a catchy tune that celebrates and champions their Ghanaian roots.
Savayo – “Gangsta Love”
Nigerian-American artist, Savayo has just released a new romantic number titled “Gangsta Love”. On the Killahbass-produced track, he expresses himself to his muse, speaking about his feelings for her which have crept up on him despite his hard exterior. On the hook of the track, he sings “Shawty asking for some love I know I cannot give/Shawty say she want a gangster, I’m not the one,” expertly masking toxic lines under an array of melodies.
Featured image credits/NATIVE
ICYMI: Listen to Nissi’s new single “Hold”
Asake Links With Tiakola On Gritty “BADMAN GANSTA”
Another step towards ‘Money,’ his fourth
Street-pop star, Asake, has released a surprise new single titled “BADMAN GANSTA.” Produced by super producer, P.Priime, the single, Asake’s second of the year, arrives with a crisp black and white feature and a stellar guest verse from French rapper and singer Tiakola.
The singer posted the full music video–a monochromatic montage of dazzling shots and scenes of his opulent lifestyle–across his different social media handles on Thursday evening, July 24, with a caption that read, ‘The World Of Money.’
Earlier in June, the ex-YBNL star announced a new album titled ‘Money.’ A few months before that, he released a loosie titled “Military” and then “WHY LOVE,” his first official single under his new imprint Giran Republic. “Military” served as a bookend to the first arc of his impressive career as much as an announcement of a new era, while “WHY LOVE” officially kicked off season two.
Following the release of “WHY LOVE,” Asake has also featured on songs like Olamide’s “99,” J Hus’ “Gold”, and Young Jonn’s “Che Che,” delivering standout verses that favour a melodious, laid-back approach as opposed to the spirited, fast-paced style that earned him success early on. “BADMAN GANSTA” also excels with this approach, as Asake’s melodious musings about his current lifestyle dovetail nicely with Tiakola’s equally sturdy verse over a plush beat that samples Amerie’s 2005 classic “1 Thing.”
With Asake releasing three albums in as many years, it’s not unreasonable to assume ‘Money’ might arrive before the end of the year. There’s also the possibility that he might be willing to take his time a little more now, seeing as he his under his imprint now.
Whatever the case may be, ‘Money’ is likely to arrive sooner rather than later, and it will be fascinating to see what other aces Asake has up his sleeves.
Listen to “BADMAN GANSTA” here.
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Ayra Starr Releases Her Sizzling Anthem, “Hot Body”
An 11th-hour summer anthem for the
Ayra Starr has released her highly anticipated single “Hot Body.”
The Mavin popstar has been teasing the new single for a few weeks now, posting multiple promotional videos across social media that built up significant excitement for her third official release of the year. The release of “Hot Body” comes on the heels of recent reports that confirmed the Grammy-nominated singer had officially joined Roc Nation’s roster, the American music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by rapper and business mogul JAY-Z.
Earlier in February, Ayra Starr shared “All The Love,” a sumptuous Afropop ballad produced by labelmate Johnny Drille and Teemode, before releasing the sleek and sensual Wizkid-assisted “Gimmie Dat” about months later. In that time period, the singer picked up two awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act before also clinching her first BET award for Best International Act in June.
It was recently announced that the pop singer would be joining Coldplay on the UK leg of their Music Of The Spheres World Tour between August to September, and her impressive year continues with the release of “Hot Body.” Once again, teaming up with close collaborator Ragee and UK production duo The Elements, Ayra Starr manages to deliver a sweetly erotic summer jam that’s sure to elicit plenty lip-biting, hip gyrating, and flirty winks. “Look what a hot body can do,” she sings repeatedly, almost like an enchantress performing a magic trick.
With her current deal with Mavin and Universal Music still running and the recent confirmation of her management deal with Roc Nation, it’s safe to assume that “Hot Body” might garner significant momentum both at home and abroad. Outside of her music, the singer recently wrapped up the shooting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone which is reportedly set for release in early 2027.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
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Zulo Details His Evolution On New ‘Z’ EP
Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a...
ZULO is no stranger to reinvention. Formerly known as Lil Trix, the rapper rose through the ranks with a series of gritty mixtapes that chronicled his upbringing, thrills, and connection to the community. Since his rebrand, he’s steadily grown into a renowned voice in South African Hip-Hop, regarded for his storytelling, cultural homage, and genre fusion.
Three years after the release of ‘Talk To Me Naace,’ his reintroduction to the scene, ZULO has returned with ‘Z,’ a three-track EP that shows a glimpse of his evolution as an artist and human. Packed with his reflections on faith, love, and cultural pride, ‘Z’ distills ZULO’s thoughts into a refined sound that’s bold, emotional, and distinctly South African.
The three-tracker opens with “God’s Armour,” a gospel-inflected protest anthem layered with brass and trap drums. It is followed by “Sweeter Success,” an infectious Afropop-inspired groove built around a nostalgic sample of UPZ’s iconic “Pure Surprise”. Beneath its shine lies a darker message: the emotional cost of ambition, the toll of always pushing for more. ZULO produced the track himself, with additional production from Miglow and SpiceDrums.
‘Z’ closes with “Spaan”, a gritty street anthem that samples Kamazu and confronts addiction, poverty, and the lingering scars of apartheid through the lens of coloured identity. “These songs are battle cries and war journals,” ZULO says. “‘Z’ is everything I’ve fought through to stand where I am. The EP follows a strong run of 2024 singles, including “Adawise,” “JOL,” “Garden,” and “Smaak To Love (Lamza).”
Listen to ‘Z’ here.
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