2022 is winding down, 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, many 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. Today, enjoy new music from Lojay, Ruger, Adomaa, and more. Lock in!

LOJAY – “CANADA” DJ MAPHORISA & KABZA DE SMALL

Fresh from his UK visit, which included guest performances at Show Dem Camp’s Palmwine Festival alongside the scene’s biggest players such as Tems, Boj, Ladipoe, Amaarae, and Tay Iwar, Lojay strikes once again with new single “Canada“. The infectious percussions pave way for Lojay’s dexterous storytelling and unique voice teaming up with Amapiano heavyweights Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small’s stealth production. Speaking about the collaboration, Lojay states, “Maphorisa and Kabza are African music legends and have been for a long time, so getting the chance to work with them was nothing short of an honour.” The single which is a reflection of Lagos and its social life is a dancefloor number demanding nothing but eclectic dance moves with the catchy refrain as he sings “..canada nada nada..” while serenading his muse.

ADOMAA – “SMOKES & MIRRORS” 

Ghanaian songstress Adomaa is an artist who continues to exude vocal superiority. Today she released her second installment in her triptych: an audiovisual, theatrical selection of heartfelt tracks that waves cinematic smoke around Adomaa’s delicate, vulnerable and soulful lyrics dubbed ‘Becoming Adomaa’. It’s a seven-track installment that sees her tell the multi-faceted story of rebirth and perseverance in the face of challenges. The standout track “Smokes & Mirrors” has the singer questioning her appearance, not only to the public but to her conscience as she sings “..mirror mirror//I’ve been wondering what you see when you see me..” The crisp guitar production accompanies her silky vocals as she passes a sentimental message of the existential crisis we all experience.

RUGER – “RED FLAGS”

Rising Afropop singer Ruger has had a strong run in 2022. After releasing the deluxe version of ‘The Second Wave‘ he is continuously reaffirming his position in the canon Nigerian dancehall music and today he has released another potential smash hit, “Red Flags.” Produced by TSB and Adam Lunn, the singer sends a message to his muse who ignored his red flags reminding her of his incapability to change to her liking reflecting most relationships in our generation.

FANCY FINGERS – “FOLLOW” (Feat. India Arie)

Love is beautiful and nothing says it better than a romantic gesture of eternal promises. Veteran Kenyan singer Fancy Fingers and member of the boy band Sauti Sol features American singer India Arie on his latest offering “Follow.” The dainty love song with delicately arranged sonic sees Fancy Fingers adore his muse promising eternal love no matter the situation—”..you are now my future ever since..” Boasting folk-pop production with log drum tinges, the visuals contain actual shots from Fancy Fingers’ wedding in 2018, as he trades romantic lyrics with India Arie of the type of joyous and committed love many of us dream of.

OTILE BROWN & THE BEN – “KOLO KOLO”

Otile Brown has indefinitely made his mark in the East African pop market. His vast catalogue of timeless hits forerun his name in numerous conversations. In his new song, he teams up with Rwandan artist The Ben for “Kolo Kolo”, an undeniable infectious pop anthem. Produced by Rwandan producer Ayo RASH, the single has the artists dabbling in English, Swahili, and Rwandese as they over slow-paced instrumentals that match the song’s irresistible romantic setting.

KONTAWA – “CHAMPION” (Feat. Ney Wamitego)

When it comes to releasing soulful Bongo numbers, Tanzania reigns supreme and “Champion” is another great example. Teaming up with Wamitego, Tanzanian artist Kontawa releases this reflective number that highlights daily social life all around the world. With the hopes of making out of the hood, the two artists narrate the different challenges they have experienced before getting where they are terming at the end of the day they overcame everything making them the winners. The detailed production is purposeful to provide a nostalgic yet hopeful moment for the listeners.

Cheque – “Dangerous” (Feat. Ayra Starr)

Over a year since his warmly received debut album, ‘Bravo’, Superboy Cheque returns with the music video for one of the projects standout songs, “Dangerous”. Assisted by Nigerian pop superstar Ayra Starr, the two trade melodies in a romantic narrative. In its new video, the pair feature in a glossy production with symbolic elements and colourful, eye-catching outfits.

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