Much as we’d like music drops to slow down and give us a chance to catch up with the unique tunes that are sprouting from across the world, the reality of the music business in the post-2010 era is very much different. With amazing songs dropping at an unrelenting pace, it’s not always easy to cut through the noise and sheer volume of it all to find the music that will accompany our melancholy, inspire our next creative breakthrough, tether us our loved ones more securely, or take us to a place of unencumbered elation.

That’s where our ‘Songs of the Day’ column comes in. We try to keep our fingers on the pulse of music from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs from talented musicians who are continuously trying to bounds of artistry with their music. Last week, we brought you new drops from Burna Boy, Patoranking, Dj Spinall x Oxlade, Ycee, Yemi Alade, Niniola, DEELA, PRVNA, Joya Mooi and more. To begin the week, our editorial assistant and social media editor, Wonu Osikoya takes the lead on the best drops to enjoy this week. From Nasty C’s latest new single, SGaWD’s three-pack single with Aux Africa, Headie One, Saint Bond, DAP The Contract and more. Enjoy.

Nasty C – “Jack”

For his second official release of the year, South African rapper, Nasty C makes a bold statement that he’s back with his unmistakable flow. His latest release, “Jack” is a melodic masterpiece that shows off the rapper’s range. Nasty C has proven countless times through many a release that his x factor is undeniable, and with lyrics such as ‘These people ain’t playing my songs out of pity, they genuinely fuck with me’ you can see that he knows it too. This is certainly one for your playlists this week.

Headie One – “Pound Signs”

Headie One always takes up all the space when it’s his time. In his usual manner, he’s released another braggadocious hit,  “Pound Signs” where he talks about how the money he’s seeing affects his day to day, and how his proximity to more power makes him feel. Over the gritty beat, he raps ‘They say the pound sign is making me crazy/I make money, this money don’t make me’, showing how he’s able to stay grounded despite the changes to his lifestyle.

Zinoleesky – “Naira Marley”

Following the release of his debut EP ‘Chrome’ last year, Zinoleesky has returned with another heavy banger titled “Naira Marley” which is definitely set to take over the clubs this summer. Over the past year, the singer has easily taken street Afropop to another level and his ability to slide on any given beat is something to look out for on any new releases. “Naira Marley” doesn’t disappoint in any way as he brings back some of the much-loved swagger. Just as we watched “Ma Pariwo” and “Kilofeshe” blow up, I believe this is also another problem of a hit.

Aux Sessions: SGaWD – “Whorephobia”

Since its inauguration in 2019, the stage of Aux Sessions, the COLOURS-like Nigerian platform owned by Cool FM has been graced by the likes of Tems, Fireboy DML, Kranium and more. For their first installment this year, Abuja-based rapper, SGaWD takes to the mic for a special three-pack offering titled ‘Phobia’ which includes her 2019 sleeper Soundcloud hit “Whorephobia” and two new tracks “That’s My MO” and “AUX Radio Interlude”. The project’s lead single “Whorephobia” is a fiery uninterrupted 3-minute set that finds SGaWD spitting out the most disrespectful bars to anyone who doesn’t respect her prerogative to live life on her terms.

R2Bees – “Fine Wine” (ft. King Promise & Joeboy)

For their latest release, Ghanaian duo, R2bees link up with King Promise and Joeboy on a glittering new number, “Fine Wine”. With such a catchy hook armed with lyrics such as, “Shey you be fine fine wine/girlie you be fine fine wine” and King Promise’s excellent performance, the love interest in question is reminded of how beautiful she is with the song’s sweet lyrics.

DAP The Contract – “Sacrifices” (ft. Tim Lyre)

DAP The Contract has released back-to-back hits this year alone. Earlier he released ‘I’m Glad You Made It This Far’, a 4-track project that crystallised the current moment he’s experiencing in his artistic and personal journey. Shortly after, he returned with a new single titled “Trouble” featuring Famous Bobson. Now we have “Sacrifices” featuring Tim Lyre. In his usual fashion, DAP bares his soul as he questions his immediate reality, whilst Tim Lyre spun this track in a completely different direction with his captivating performance.

Saint Bond – “Stubborn”

After supporting his debut track “Free” with stellar guest verses from DJ Cuppy, Saint Bond is back with more soulful music. His latest release “Stubborn” pairs thrilling lyricism with satisfying angelic production which indubitably makes the track a seamless listening experience. The artist paints a picture that visualises his romantic experiences singing to a love interest about how he is stubborn and unwilling to let go of their love. Singing “Even if i no fit sing like Wande, i know say i go make am one day/Girl i don tell you say i stubborn”, he implores his romantic interest to stay committed to him.

Loti – “DKM” (ft. Psycho YP, Eeskay & Manga)

Earlier this year, singer, rapper and songwriter Loti released his sophomore EP ‘Violent Times’, a 4-tracker that traced the complications of romantic love. For his latest offering, Loti ditches the heartbreak tunes for sharp, clear raps that show off his ability to talk circles around his contemporaries. Produced and engineered by Hyphen, Loti collaborates with PsychoYP, Eeskay and Manga to talk about all their achievements and how hard they’ve come. “I just step in the building and they leveling/Niggas talking their shit they so irrelevant” quips PsychoYP who never fails to remind us about how much work he has put into crafting his sound with his lyrics. The hook of this record, ‘Ma pa mi’ which basically means ‘don’t kill me’, allows the improbable rappers to hype themselves up.

Hermez – “Close2Meh”

Following on from his genre-mashing EP ‘Garden Spirits’ released back in 2019, Atlanta-based Nigerian artist has been pairing up with an eclectic mix of artists from around the globe including rapper MOJO who he recently linked up with on single “All The Time”. For his latest release, he’s featured Brazilian singer Nathi and producer Jaylon for a mellow smooth-sounding romantic number that finds him pining for his love interest. Singing “I want you close to me everyday, me I no fit waste your time, I just want to make you make you mine again”, the singer shows just how much he wants physical touch from his romantic partner.

Featured image credits/Instagram

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