Songs of the Day: New Music from BOJ, Teni, Show Dem Camp & more
Stuff to add to your playlist
As we cross into the second half of the year, the amount of music we consume continues to grow exponentially by the second. With amazing songs dropping at an unrelenting pace, it’s not always easy to cut through the noise and the sheer volume of it all to find the music that will accompany our melancholy, inspire our next creative breakthrough, allow 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 weekend, we brought you new releases from Bella Shmurda, Zamir and Odunsi The Engine, Bianco, Yung D3mz and more. For this mid-week curation, our roundup includes recent drops from BOJ, Teni, Costa Titch, Kwesi Arthur, Show Dem Camp, and much more. Enjoy.
BOJ – “Money & Laughter” (feat. Zamir & Amaarae)
Following the release of his last single “Emotions,” and in preparation for his forthcoming project out later this summer, DRB top member, BOJ is back. This time around, he’s linked up with former LOS member Zamir and Ghananian rapper Amaarae for a smooth and seamless song. Produced and Engineered by a member of the 44DB producer collective Trill Xoe, BOJ on the hook would like to know what the muse in question truly wants from him, “What are you after? Is it money or laughter?” he asks. A very strong selection of features, as everyone seems to have brought their A-Game. The accompanying video is also equally captivating, with glimpses of money counters, dollar bills, Amaarae as art, and Zamir in a plush lounge.
Kashcpt – “ROCKETS”
For his second single of the year, South African rapper Kashcpt is back with a heavy new tune titled “Rockets.” The braggadocious new hit finds the rapper talking about all the finer things of life that he now enjoys with his newfound fame; from stacks of cash to glittering diamonds. “All my diamonds glit shit” he raps over the song’s futuristic production, seemingly unbothered by the state of the world and laser-focused on making the bag.
Teni – “Hustle”
Earlier in the year, Teni released her long-awaited debut album, WONDALAND, a well-received project that has spawned widely loves songs including “FOR YOU” and “MOSLADO.” Keeping the promotional focus on the LP, she’s released the video for “HUSTLE,” an introspective song where she bares her mind on the pressures of fame and public expectations. Helmed by the director, TG Omori, the video is a cinematic effort with a fatal plot, and it features shots of Teni singing her lyrics with an impassioned, visibly emotional verve.
Infamousizak – “Public Enemy” (Kwesi Arthur Remix)
After the release of the original track in 2019, Infamousizak has released a remix to his single, “Public enemy,” with a new Kwesi Arthur verse. Kwesi Arthur’s ability to deliver on every song is a little mind-blowing and this number is no different. The catchy beat of this song already tells you what to expect as Infamousizak talks about his accomplishments and getting to where he seems to be now. “They don’t wanna see me shining/They wanna see me down low,” he quips, self-assured in his abilities despite pushback from the opps. “Public Enemy” was already a distinct song at the time of its release and now with a Kwesi Arthur guest verse, it’s an even more enjoyable listening experience.
Zodivc – “Kwabrane” (feat. Nii M & Yaa Pono)
Record producer Zodivc teams up with Nii M and Yaa Pono to deliver the single “Kwabrane”. This record speaks about the struggles of the artists and how much they’ve fought for success. With lyrics such as “These niggas must be kidding when they thought a nigga from the street would never make it”, the rapper paints a clear picture that visualises his experiences on the come up. With heavy kicks on the beat, all three rappers deliver a stellar performance on this track.
Kiiwii – “My Crew” (feat. Lil5ive)
Drill music is becoming increasingly prominent in Africa. While it’s not as pronounced in countries like Ghana and Kenya, Nigeria has a few proponents of the rap subgenre, the latest entrant being rapper, Kiiwii. “My Crew,” his second single of the year, is an experimental Drill banger with a groovy, thumping low end and ticking hi-hats. Joined by Fresh Meat alum Lil5ive, the pair brag about the exuberant and hedonistic antics they get up to alongside their crews. The song comes with a glossy, TG Omori-directed video, capturing the lifestyle they brag about in their lyrics.
Timzil – “Latifah”
On last year’s sophomore EP, Songs About Exes Past, Lagos-based singer TImzil immortalises past loves and infatuation with joy and nostalgia-tinted fondness. Off the project, he’s released the video for “Latifah,” a ginger, acoustic song remembering a past crush. Directed by Maussi, the video places the timing of this crush around junior secondary school, taking Timzil and his supporting cast back to school to dramatize a blue-eyed recall of events.
Costa Titch – “UTHINI” (feat. Blxckie & Phantom Steeze)
Following a phenomenal 2020 run that saw him emerge as one of the more exciting rap artists on the continent, Costa Titch is back to delivering the bops. Shortly after dropping the Amapiano-infused “NOMAKANJANI,” he’s returned with “UTHINI,” a catchy Trap thumper that finds him in his usual ebullient and boastful form. “Can’t get hits, so they hating on Titch,” he spits on his second verse, taking a swipe at detractors faulting his run. On either side of his verses are guest appearances from Fresh Meat alum Blxckie and Phantom Steeze, both following his arrogant lead. “UTHINI” also comes with a video entirely shot at an outdoor location in black and white, showing all three artists with a posse rapping their lyrics and performing energetic dance moves.
Show Dem Camp – “All the Above”
This Friday, July 9, Nigerian rap duo Show Dem Camp will be releasing the fifth installment of its Clone Wars project series. Ahead of the album, subtitled The Algorhythm, they’ve shared a new single, “All the Above,” an outtake that couldn’t make the album last minute due to sample clearance issues. Considering how solid the song is, it’s obvious why SDC chose to release the song exclusively on freemium platform Audiomack, as they concisely juxtapose the mass chase for money, power, and the ultimate dream to “japa,” in a country where poverty and social oppression is prevalent.
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Maya Amolo Is Committed To Giving You The Sweetest Time
There’s undoubtedly more to come from the talented singer as she looks to solidify herself as one of the...
“Sweetest Time,” Maya Amolo’s latest single, is a soothing, lovesick confessional that mixes intimate, heartfelt lyricism with wistful production courtesy of Ugandan musician and producer SOULCHYD aka MAUIMØON. Alongside fellow Kenyan singer Ywaya Tajiri, the self-acclaimed sweetest girl delivers a lustrous duet that sees her soft vocals, which perfectly complement Tajiri’s more robust voice, skip and flit across moody synths, intensifying the spotlight on her wholehearted delivery. “I can feel you rushing through my system / Every single day it’s my religion,” she sings passionately halfway into the record. The whole thing sounds like the aural equivalent of a warm blanket; a truly affectionate record that immerses and envelopes its listeners in its warmth. This is the brand of vulnerable, understated R&B music that has been helping Amolo gain significant attention since she debuted in the pandemic year.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Amolo always had an affinity for music. The singer and producer, who took on piano and guitar lessons as a child, has previously credited acts like Brandy, Erykah Badu, Prince, and Kenyan musical icon Eric Wainaina as her early influences – and it’s easy to see how Amolo’s style draws from this strong lineage of musicians whose music is equally expansive, soothing and vulnerable. After years experimenting with different styles, recording covers to beats she ripped from YouTube and posting them on her Soundcloud page, Amolo released her debut project ‘Leave Me At The Pregame’ in 2020.
The EP, which quickly soared up the charts in Kenya, served as a brief but emphatic introduction to Amolo’s minimalistic take on R&B. Standouts like the emotive opener “Puddles,” “Lush Green”, and “Jokes” showcase her clever and poignant lyricism that reflects on themes of love, depression, and self-healing. Along with sparse, melancholic production and the icy sensuality of her voice, Amolo delivered a remarkable debut that made her one of the most promising figures in Nairobi’s alternative music scene. Two years after ‘Leave Me At The Pregame,’ the Kenyan rising star released her debut album, ‘Asali.’
‘Asali,’ which translates to “honey” in her native Kiswahili, showcased Amolo’s progression as both an artist and a human being, as she swapped out the sad-girl tunes that filled her debut EP for more vibrant and intricate records – thanks in part to Sir Bastien and Kenyan producer and rapper Lukorito – that explore themes of growth and the complexities and rich luster of love. The album’s lead singles, “Foundry” and the self-produced “Can’t Get Enough,” found relative success on streaming platforms, placing Amolo as one of the continent’s most exciting new R&B voices. About a year after the release of ‘Asali,’ Amolo updated the album with 8 new songs on a deluxe version that featured Kenyan stars like Bensoul, Xenia Manasseh and Zowie Kengocha.
In August 2024, a few months after she delivered a splendid Colors performance, Amolo released a new project titled ‘What a Feeling.’ The 5-track EP, which essentially serves as an ode to Amolo’s home city, Nairobi, sees her experimenting with an array of dance sub-genres without straying too far from her R&B roots. While the project still retains much of the melancholy and elegance that defined her earlier work, there’s a hypnotic and pulsating energy that courses through ‘What A Feeling,’ that highlights a shift in the singer’s sensibilities. Amolo’s honeyed vocals gently seep through subtle Dancehall, Electronic, R&B and House-inspired production and the accompanying visualizer, a mashup of camcorder footage of her and her friends in Nairobi, also adequately captures the charming and nocturnal vibe of the tape.
The project produced standout tracks like the sensual “Let It Flow,” the title track and “Take It,” which later got remixed by Ugandan singer Soundlykbb and rapper SGawD. With Amolo’s latest release, “Sweetest Girl,” the Kenyan rising star continues her intricate exploration of R&B music, merging it with varying styles to produce her own distinct and refreshing variant. There’s no telling what Amolo might do next, but with only a handful of releases to her name so far, there’s undoubtedly more to come from the talented singer as she looks to solidify herself as one of the genre’s most prominent faces across the continent.
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T.I Blaze Updates ‘Shakur’ EP With Deluxe Version
Following the success of “Trenches Luv,” the street-pop star is back with seven new songs on the deluxe...
Over the last few years, street-pop, a guttural version of afropop, has surged to mainstream popularity, birthing stars like Asake, Seyi Vibez, and Shallipopi. On the homefront, a generation of younger stars also put unique spins on the sound. Singer, T.I Blaze, has been a notable star in the sub-genre since his 2021 single, “Sometimes,” and a subsequent remix with icon, Olamide, launched him into a different stratosphere.
Since “Sometimes,” Blaze has established his profile as a reliable source for songs that reflect the pulse of the streets while archiving his come-up story across a debut album (‘El Major’) and three extended plays like ‘The Fresh Prince Of Lagos’ and ‘Dangerous Wavy Baby.’ His 2024 EP, ‘Shakur,’ further underscored his evolution as an artist, featuring slippery numbers about escapism, his thoughts on life in the fast lane, and brotherhood with features from rising stars like Tml Vibez and BhadBoi Oml.
In 2025, the singer has picked up where he left off last year, releasing “Trenches Luv,” a balmy February release that examines the dynamics of romance from his point of view as a young adult moulded by the hard realities of life on the street. The success of “Trenches Luv” has led to a deluxe version of ‘Shakur’ with the singer adding seven new songs to the original version of the project. Impressively, on the new version of the project, TI Blaze taps up Ayo Maff and Ghanaian star Arathejay on “My Brother” and “Mario Remix,” respectively.
Led by a galala-inflected opener, “Track 1,” ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ is both raw and complex with the singer sounding refreshed on songs like “My Brother,” “Dodge,” and “Introduction.” In many ways, this project is an invitation for listeners to explore the many facets of T.I Blaze’s artistry as well as a portent to celebrate his roots and offer a glimpse at his evolution.
Listen to ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ here.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Rigo Kamp Runs Ahead Of The Pack With The Visuals For “Marathon”
Rigo Kamp’s Marathon video is an intimate Afro-juju revival that pays homage to Sir Shina Peters and stamps...
Last Friday, Rigo Kamp, a NATIVE uNder alum and one of the architects of an equal parts nostalgic and refreshing sound released his self-titled debut EP, delivering a propulsive fusion of Alte, R&B, Funk, and Soul-infused rhythms.
Featuring previously released singles “Morning Sun” and “Summer”, the six-track eponymous EP executively produced by Odunsi The Engine sees Rigo lean heavily into his element as a sonic alchemist, jumping from silky falsettos to gritty grooves without losing an ounce of cohesion, and ultimately stamping the Abuja-born, Lagos-based singer-songwriter as a mad scientist of sound.
Just last November, Apple Music named Rigo Kamp as its Up Next artist, an acknowledgment that underscored his potential and confirmed what the tastemakers and underground scene already knew. Weeks later, he delivered an exhilarating live set for Spotify Fresh Finds in Lagos, proving he’s just as compelling live as he is in the studio.
On “Marathon”, the refreshing opener to the Rigo Kamp EP, Rigo borrows the bounce and swagger of Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters’ golden-era, fusing nostalgia with re-imagination to birth a vintage performance that feels like a private party for two, where it’s just Rigo, and you.
Get an exclusive first look at the video for Marathon here:
Listen to the Rigo Kamp EP:
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