The chemistry between Mr Eazi and Simi has already proven adequately suited to fit the steamy dancehall requirement for Afropop with “Surrender”, one of the highlights from Mr Eazi’s ‘Lagos to London’ tape last year. The pair have however returned for seconds, collaborating on yet another romantic themed pop song, “Doyin”, designed to meet the needs of club DJs at parties.
Simi’s IG post announcing the release offered some backstory to the creation of the song saying, “Soo what had happened was I went to say hey to Mr Eazi and some of the boys in LA and then he was getting his hair cut and he was also vibing to this beat that Killertunes had made and then I threw my backpack on cos I had gone there from school and I was about to leave and he was like ‘Simi you get any idea’ or something like that and I was like ok ‘yada yada yada’ and I was like ‘peace I’m out’ and then weeks later he was like ‘make we shoot video for that our jam now.’ and I was like ‘our jam? lol’ because you see I didn’t know it was our jam, I thought it was his jam and now Doyin is out”.
“Doyin” comes with an accompanying music video that sets Simi and Mr Eazi at a tropical mansion where they perform their romantic lyrics side by side. Watch the music video for Mr Eazi and Simi’s “Doyin” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Mr Eazi
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Taking a deviation from his joint duties as one-half of Afropop duo Mars & Barzini, Mars Eze recently put out his debut EP, ‘King Solo’, a breezy collection of merry records. Embellishing his ongoing solo run, the singer has just released the music video for “Queen Sheba”, the second track off his tape. Visualizing his wanton, romantic set, the video TG Omori directs leans into Afropop’s cliche of blending glitz and seduction, highlighting Mars performing his lyrics in the company of beautiful models, in various crisp backgrounds.
You can watch the video for “Queen Sheba” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Mars Eze
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
Since releasing “Tequila Crush” and “2020”, Gigi Atlantis earmarked herself as a singer who infuses sultry bedroom pop with lyrically frank R&B. Though she only started releasing music last year, she has already accrued an enviable fan base that includes producers like GMK who added his signature producer tag as a seal of approval on “Tequila Crush” and artists like Fasina who features on her latest release, “Wahala on the Rocks”, where she exudes the confidence of one who is finally embracing herself for who she is.
Over silken melodies and the head-nodding 808s IKON co-produces for “Wahala on the Rocks”, Gigi Atlantis uses her self confidence as fuel, painting a hazy yet luminous picture of a woman coupled with some liquid courage. “I’m looking good yeah, I got dressed for myself/I’m feeling good yeah, I’m impressed with myself” she sings, balancing her empowering message with a keen assertiveness. Fasina sings the closing verse, seemingly responding from the perspective of the sub of a controlling lover while adding Lagos tributing lyrics; “She’s in the back getting jiggy, doing something freaky/ If you no know, this is gidi/Girl want take what she came after”. With Gigi Atlantis’ light and airy vocals reminiscent of a breezy summer’s night, “Wahala on the Rocks” sets all the right moods for partying.
Listen to Gigi Atlantis’ “Wahala on the Rocks” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/gigiatlantis
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
After a month of build-up, Jidenna has finally liberated his sophomore album, ’85 To Africa’. Late last month, the Wondaland signee detailed the album title and its release date with a psychedelic trailer. He also concurrently debuted two singles off the album, “Sufi Woman” and “Tribe”, releasing the video for the latter a few days later. More recently, he shared two new singles, “Sou Sou” and “Zodi” with Mr Eazi, emboldening the potential for a diversely influenced, genre-blending full-length.
Including the four pre-released singles, ’85 To Africa’ contains eleven tracks, mainly produced by close collaborator Nana Kwabena. Joining Mr Eazi on the guest list, Jidenna recruits Afrobeat Acolyte Seun Kuti, DC rapper Goldlink, Ethiopian-American singer Mereba, and R&B/Soul duo St. Beauty. ’85 To Africa’ follows his 2017 debut album, ‘The Chief’, and last year’s EP, ‘Boomerang’.
Stream ’85 To Africa‘ via Apple Music here.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Jidenna
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
It’s been a sparse spell for Lynxxx in the last few years. The rapper captured the zeitgeist with his patented “Jollof music” at the top of the decade, and although he’s released a sophomore album and a fewsingles since peaking, he’s yet to hit the same level of acclaim. However, his latest single, “She Likes”, bears all the hallmarks of a sleeper hit that could seep into frequent radio rotation and party set lists. Assisted by Spax’s warm, groovy beat and an infectious, lightweight contribution by hook specialist, BOJ, Lynxxx’s loosely constructed verses are doused in the trademark swagger that characterized his most popular works, with boast-filled one-liners aimed at wooing a love interest, like “you left them other jokers, now you’re with the right guy”.
You can listen to “She Likes” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
Since The NATIVE last spoke to singer/songwriter Daramola, the artist has tied the knot, signed to Sony ATV and announced a new album titled “It’s a Double Pleasure to Deceive a Deceiver”. His previous project, “The Last Time I Tried” was home to lead single “Lotto”, where the artist interfused Afro-R&B with Yoruba folklore on an EDM-inspired refrain, setting himself out as one to watch. Now, back from holiday with his wife, Daramola is ready to let fans in on his growth. His sophomore project is here, ‘It’s A Double Pleasure to Deceive a Deceiver’ features Nonso Amadi and Karen Inder. Before it’s release, The NATIVE had a chance to discuss with the star about the vision behind the new album and the effect of marriage on his songwriting.
NATIVE: It’s been two years since your last album release? How much has changed for you since then?
DARAMOLA: Yes it has. Two long years. So much has changed. The most obvious being, I got married, I got signed, and I did a lot of maturing and growing up.
NATIVE: The pre-released single “DWMT” introduces your fans to a new sound inspired by the vocals contributed by Karen Inder. In what other ways has getting married influenced your sound and songwriting for the new project?
DARAMOLA: “DWMT” is actually a one-off sound on the album. It was an experimental Latin/Naija mash up on an EDM/POP inspired Latin beat. Sounds like a whole lot but that’s basically the premise of the song from a sound/genre perspective. For the most part, the album is very much true to the sound I started out with on my last album. The only difference is that this one is an even balance of the old and the new, one of the reasons’s being, I live in Miami and this place has so much culture. As far as getting married and its influence on my sound, you can say it’s been a strong contender. On this album I’ve been able to identify and sort of sing about emotions I’ve never experienced. So you’ll definitely get new sounds inspired by new emotions, new stories, and an overall perspective switch on love and life’s happenings.
NATIVE: Can we expect your wife to feature in more of your music going forward?
DARAMOLA: Oh yea. “DWMT” is the only song she’s officially featured on, but you get to hear samples and other spaces she lent me her vocals all through the album. As far as music outside the album, absolutely.
NATIVE: Will your new album be a linear continuation from your last project or the start of a new journey for yourself and fans?
DARAMOLA: Yes and No. Yes, in that I continue with the overall message of finding myself and reconciling the many emotions I expressed on my last album, and No in that I have infused a more aggressive and afro-leaning sound to it. You can say I’ve found the right balance between being a Nigerian Musician and being heavily influenced by music from around the world.
NATIVE: “It’s a Double Pleasure to Deceive the Deceiver” is a very descriptive album name, what was your inspiration?
DARAMOLA: Yea, it’s a mouthful but I love it. “It’s a double pleasure…” is actually a quote by Niccolo Machiavelli. The inspiration for the title came to me while I was watching the movie “Atomic Blonde” – It just made sense with the stories I was telling on the album. It also made for a very good description of my emotions at the time.
NATIVE: Are there any artists or songs that have particularly influenced the direction for this album (or your sound?)
DARAMOLA: Yes. Kanye, Bon Iver, Lady Donli, Angelique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Banks, to name a few.
NATIVE: How has the entire process of creating the album been for you and how has it been different from previous projects?
DARAMOLA: It was a lot longer. I typically work fast but there was so much going on between my first album and now. It made for a more thought out process, better engineering and more stories to tell. When I did my first album, I just didn’t care about anything. My only aim was “put this out and quit music” – on this album, I was settled, and I could finally tell my stories from a place of rest, peace and intention.
NATIVE:In the album pre-release trailer, there seemed to be elements of religion appearing? How has your faith influenced the music you make?
DARAMOLA: Absolutely. I am a believer in Jesus, so that goes without saying in my music. A lot of people listen and can’t really pin it but I’ll like to think that if you listen a lot closer you’ll find Jesus in the details. It’s all very metaphorical but, you’ll get it. On the album I have a song called “New Drugs” – It’s about how we are so quick to call people out for catering to their vices (drugs, alcohol etc) but we don’t really care as much about the drugs of the heart as I like to call them (anger, greed, envy etc). So New Drugs was my creative way of telling that story.
NATIVE: Can we expect more visuals off the album?
DARAMOLA: Oh yes. I just got back from a long much-needed vacation. I’m filled with so many ideas for the visuals so I can’t wait to share them.
NATIVE:How has fan reception been since you announced the new project and what sort of reaction do you expect from fans when this drops?
DARAMOLA: It’s been so good. I haven’t really dropped music in a while, so I was taken aback by the reception. You can never take these things for granted.
NATIVE:In May, you signed a deal with Sony ATV Music Pub. What role do they play in the new project’s rollout?
DARAMOLA: It’s been awesome. My Sony ATV families have been super dope. I’m also signed to Neon16 (Lex Borrero, Tainy) etc. These guys have worked on everything from Rihanna, Zedd, Bad Bunny to J Balvin. It’s been a dream to be in that circle. A lot of people may not know this about me but I’m a producer and writer first and then my artistry comes after. So these silent two years have just been on the artist front, but outside of that I’ve been working. Lord willing my production and songwriting placements should all roll out in the coming year. Been working on a lot of mainstream projects. So that’s the sole purpose of my Sony deal. They do help on other fronts with my album but I still have all the control I need.
NATIVE: Last time you spoke to the NATIVE, you shared some thoughts on pain and emotion in music. Would you say your views on this have changed?
DARAMOLA: Not at all. It is what it is. That’s how we connect to music, through emotions (happy or sad) and through the result of these emotions. You’ll get the same emotion on this album. I have this one song called “Satisfied” with Nonso Amadi, it’s pure and genuine truth and emotion – that’s the premise of the whole album.
Stream “It’s a Double Pleasure to Deceiver a Deceiver” via Apple Music:
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Tami is a lover of astrology, music and women. Tweet your fave female artistes at her @tamimak_
DYO is embracing the spotlight. Formerly going by the pseudonym Ms D, the Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter has accumulated multiple guest appearances and writing credits on other artists’ works, since early this decade. This year, though, she’s focused on her solo releases. She’s already released her vibrant “Arena” single and a remix with Adekunle Gold, as well as separate music videos for both. Consolidating her solo run, she just shared the music video for “Go All The Way”, a new single with Afropop heavyweight, Mr Eazi.
Flaunting her trademark, expressive pen game, DYO’s lyrics are explicitly enticing, with a sensual edge. In addition to joining DYO on the song’s chorus, Mr Eazi also drops a flirty verse over the vivacious, his languid melodies contrasting and complimenting DYO’s siren-like vocals. Tapping into the song’s sultriness, the music video Mahaneela directs for “Go All The Way”, is a crisp collage of shots showing both singers performing their lyrics, as well as beautiful black faces, at a photoshoot setting. Inspired by “great African photographers”, the video also incorporates filters and props that distinctly mirror the ’70s.
Watch the video for DYO’s “Go All The Way” here.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/DYO
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
Mark Ofua is the veterinarian and conservationist from St Marks Animal Hospital, who runs a self funded animal shelter at Addo Road, Ajah. Nicknamed the snake man of Lagos, Ofua has operated the shelter for five years and rescued a number of endangered animals, such as pangolins, civets and genets. The discussion around animal conservation ranks very low in Nigeria, animals are seen as food, with reports of dwellers harming whales and turtles for sustenance. The indifference towards the lives of animals poses a threat to Lagos, as displaced animals are reintroduced in other habitats without natural checks and balances; worsening the interaction between these animals and their prey.
Globally, the world is more attuned to the cost of not protecting wildlife. The ecosystem is already suffering from indifference to environmental issues, particularly in the Amazon Rainforest where scientists deduce the rapid growing wildfires stem from drought and increased human activity. Ofua’s safe haven for animals is a call to develop new societal attitudes towards preserving animals and the environment in Nigeria. There needs to be a push beyond formulating policies to counteract these issues, public apathy for animals can be limited by well-researched education on climate change in schools and workplaces. Short-term, garnering public patronage for Ofua’s shelter will increase the number of animals being rescued and the level of care offered; from volunteering at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, to donating to their cause, an impact can be made towards maintaining the balance in our own sphere of the world.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation is a non-governmental organisation with a focus to nature conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. It has been majorly involved with government policies aimed at protection of the environment. The organisation calls on support from the public through corporate partnerships, sponsorships and contributions to the annual fund through tax-deductible gifts.
Tems has a big voice and she’s getting louder. A few days after she released her new track, “Try Me” she tweeted a video of her performing a demo version of the track at a 90s Baby showcase in 2017. This was before the producer and songwriter became a runaway fave with “Mr Rebel”, one of last year’s most riveting releases by a newcomer.
Tems’ work with The Collectiv3, SDC and Poe plus her follow-up effort, “Looku Looku”, have steadied her hands, but the evolution of “Try Me” truly unravels Tems’ projected full-form as a powerhouse Afro-Pop vocalist. “Take all my mind, take all the joy now” she sings in the opening moments of “Try Me”, the start of a heart-wrenching poetic sequence about perseverance and indivisibility. The fiery pre-hook and chorus that follow are punctuated with big drums and colourful effects, while Tems roars like a thunderstorm across the arrangement.
Good pop music sometimes feels like a soundtrack to the days of our lives; because when it works, a mix of ambient feelings can be moulded into a single peripheral emotion. Taking a cue from the accompanying video where Tems and a horde of others are rescued from captivity by a biker gang, “Try Me” is a fiery anthem of triumph. As a mirror for how good things are often birthed from hard processes, Tems’ songwriting metaphors the rebirth that comes after the destruction. The perdition she faces at the start of the track slinks into a confident hip-hop-inspired second verse, leading up to Tems’ full-bloom re-emergence at the end of “Try Me” where she’s probing her persecutor: “Why you wanna try me?”. Indeed, why would anyone want to Try Tems anyway? She’s in a league of her own.
See Tems’ in “Try Me” video below:
Image Credits: Instagram
Toye is managing-partner at NATIVE Nigeria. Tweet at him@ToyeSokunbi
Teffy has been building a buzz worthy of a project release since he released the music video for “Girate” featuring BOJ and followed that up with “Upside Down”, where he shows off his dancefloor capabilities over a beat GMK engineers. He continues to grow his base with a new release, the music video for “Señorita”, building his catalogue as he expands his range to explore more confident themes you’d expect from established artists.
Granted, the DIY direction and grainy filters in the music video B directs for “Señorita” doesn’t do justice to the flashy song which opens with a jingling sample that listens like the noise from dangling icy chains, it leaves room for Teffy to shine. The music video’s narrative is driven almost entirely by his charisma as he glorifies his lifestyle as a Nigerian artist in Lagos, travelling around the city from record studios to clubs while performing his cocky freestyle-esque lyrics, “I got big stacks, baby I got big bags” in his melodic rap flow.
Watch the music video for Teffy’s “Señorita” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Teffy The Melody King
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Yemi Alade has retained an impressive command of media attention since her ‘King of Queens’ debut in 2014, following up with critically acclaimed albums, ‘Mama Africa’ and ‘Black Magic’ in 2016 and 2017 respectively. She has since kept fans entertained with new releases, putting out new songs and making guest appearances such as her feature on Beyonce’s ‘Lion King: The Gift’ album to ensure she remains in relevant music conversations. Having debuted her Rick Ross assisted “Oh My Gosh Remix” earlier this year, she’s finally making the big announcement for her 4th studio album, ‘Woman of Steel’, expected to be released on the 30th of August.
She premiered two new tracks, “Home” and “Give Dem” ahead of the album’s release, hinting at the sonic direction the project could take. Vtek produces the live band beat for “Home”, adding the feel of listening to church music with Yemi Alade laying her vocals like backup singers as she sings her appreciation for her lover. “Give Dem” takes a more showy direction with the boastful lyrics Yemi Alade performs over the mid-tempo beat Krizbeatz produces. The releases come packaged along with the cover art for ‘Woman of Steel’ and the 15-track tracklist which includes the previously released “Oh My Gosh Remix” with Rick Ross and other guest artists like Duncan Mighty, Angelique Kidjo and Funke Akindele.
Listen to “Home” and “Give Dem” off Yemi Alade’s ‘Woman of Steel’ below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/yemialade
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Late last year, Afropop singer Waje released her sophomore album, ‘Red Velvet’, an impressive comeback five years after her eponymous debut. Since then, she’s collaborated with close friend Omawumi on “She Is”, and featured on 2Baba’s “Frenemies”. With the singer set to headline a Lagos concert on September 1st, she’s just released the music video for “Udue”, a standout cut with Mavin Singer Johnny Drille, off her album.
Mixing groovy, mid-tempo percussions, folksy guitar riffs, and aerosol horn blasts, Johnny Drille lays down a lush ambience for Waje’s romantic set, amplified by her siren vocals and soaring melodies, to slink into. Although Johnny Drille only performs a quick bridge, he plays a prominent role in the music video for “Udue”, starring in lovey-dovey frames, with Waje’s daughter Emerald Iruobe playing the role of his love interest. Set at a getaway location, shots of Waje, tastefully styled and passionately performing her lyrics, are also scattered around the video Catalyst directs.
You can watch the video for Waje’s “Udue” below.
Featured Image Credits:YouTube/WajeVevo
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
Despite his reputation as a hitmaker who serves dancefloor audiences with lightweight songs designed to keep everyone in a pleasant mood, Tekno doesn’t miss a moment to lament over the state of the country, and muse as to how we can move forward. Previously a standout single from his purple patch of 2017, “Rara” was a rallying cry to Nigerians to “forget about the big things” and “invest for your country, and make it a better place”. His latest release, “Better”, takes a more rebellious approach, calling for all men to stand up to the powers that be. It is particularly poignant, as the Lagos State Police Command managed to find the time in their extremely busy schedules to launch an investigation into Tekno’s involvement in a publicly-shot music video featuring dancers.
The catchy mid-tempo mix of sweeping synth harmonies, tin pan drum riffs, clap samples and percussion harmonies offers shelter from Tekno’s cheerless performance, lamenting the harsh reality of the average Nigerian while praying for a better tomorrow. Singing “They go do like say them no know say food no dey/ They go do like say they no see say road no good oh”, Tekno seems to blame politicians for the hardship before going on to suggest somethings that could help improve the standard of living. With the good intention of the song appealing to the basic needs of Nigerians, “Better” takes Afropop to a familiar place that’s dark and desperate, sure, but also anthemic and radiantly catchy.
You can stream Tekno’s “Better” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/teknoofficial
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Burna Boy is a man of all seasons. After the buzz of late 2018’s “Killin Dem” and “On The Low” spilt-over into the early weeks of 2019, a short film for “Thuggin/Darko”, his collaboration with American production duo, DJDS followed. Since then Burna has rolled out his ‘African Gaint’ album, with videos and hype built around this eponymous era for his artistry. His latest video offering from the album is for “Pull Up”, one of the more mellow cuts from his latest project, and the new video depicts Burna Boy, in a colourful car-cruise as he rides around town with friends. Director, Meji Alabi offers a winking tribute to Yellow Lagos buses as well as 90’s rap music videos with a laid-back summer-ry glimpse at the man of the moment, Burna Boy, in nostalgic feels.
Watch the music video for Burna Boy’s “Pull Up” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Burna Boy
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
An integral part of the ongoing verve in the Ghanaian rap scene is an apparent willingness to collaborate. Joey B, Kwesi Arthur and Sarkodie may have broken out in different eras, but on their new collaboration, “La Familia”, they stand shoulder-to-shoulder in confidently declaring their acclaim. Over a frenzied oriental guitar riff and thumping bass, each rapper unleashes an imposing slew of bruising raps, revelling in their come-up and shadowboxing naysayers.
The music video Joey B co-directs with Babs, under the pseudonym Darryl, acts a compelling visual companion piece, emphasizing the bravado at the core of the song. While the video is predominantly in black-and-white, the filter is tweaked for an alluring, nightmarish effect. Amidst the bizarre settings, Joey, Kwesi and Sarkodie sternly perform their verses, in the company of intimidating, macho men.
Watch the video for Joey B’s “La Familia” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Joey B
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
The last twelve months have been the busiest of Preyé Itams’ career so far. Prior to closing last year with her airy “Cookie” single, the singer made striking appearances on Tay Iwar’s “SPACE”, and on “Taking Over”, a collaboration with Show Dem Camp’s Ghost on Collectiv3’s ‘Live. Create. Repeat’ album. While she reunited with close collaborator Davina Oriakhi in April, for another joint, consciously-charged single, “Bang The Drum”, the singer is opening her solo account for 2019, with the recent release of her new “Love Fumes” single.
Evoking the warmth of a tropical island, the mildly bouncy production from DOZ underscores Preyé’s effusive performance, as she confidently struts away from being romantically entangled with a Casanova. “I will never take you back, you ain’t JAY-Z”, she raps on the first verse, after vividly detailing the events leading up to her suspicions and final decisions. Although the rap section of “Love Fumes” is delightfully impressive, Preyé switches to a more familiar singing delivery, with the fluttery feel of her voice bringing extra doses of charm.
Stream “Love Fumes” via Apple Music here.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/preye_itams
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Dennis is not an interesting person. Tweet Your Favourite Playboi Carti Songs at him @dennisadepeter
Since making his NATIVE debut with “Milli”, Lörd Isaac has shown himself to be an excellent craftsman, telling his distinctly Nigerian stories and experiences through the globally acclaimed trap sound of hip-hop. His latest release, “Main Guy” featuring Awful Daniel plunges his Nigerian roots into a cinematic narrative with relish, finding freedom in the ability to be violent out in the open as he embellishes his character with the graphic detailing hip-hop and Hollywood are known for.
Though the catchy and ominous beat Awful Daniel produces for “Main Guy”, punctuated with hi-hat flutter riffs layered over synth lines, is informed by his American influences, Lörd Isaac makes sure to shout-out Lagos while claiming his territory as real one; “I do this for my city aye/ She ask what I rep, I said it’s Las Gidi baby”. His relaxed delivery, relishing each line as he raps “Chopper go 180, make you spill like gravy /Pop used to be in the Navy so I got mob ties who happen to pop guys” with a languid swagger, highlights his confidence in his pen game and in the legitimacy of the bars that are convincing but also almost too outlandish to be true.
Listen to Lörd Isaac and Awful Daniel’s “Main Guy” below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/isaac_lelord
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Having maximized the bravado of being in a group, members of the Traplanta crew are starting to push their personal agendas with the increasing number of solo releases from the group. Though dndSection just released his debut EP, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, and KA$H put out a two-track tape, ‘Dontlookbak’, back in May, the group isn’t disbanding anytime soon after sharing two new singles, “Hollywood” and “London Town” featuring $odaman, while also hinting at a coming ‘Passport Stamps’ project.
“Hollywood” and “London Town” explore the showy nuances of hip-hop, speaking to the overarching theme of being the coolest people in the world over two contrasting but equally intriguing beats +gray+ produces. While “Hollywood” is sunny and joyful with synths and soulful bass rhythms skipping along to OBA and KA$H’s boastful lyrics about their youthful lifestyle, “London Town” is more sinister as Folabi Xan and KA$H feature $odaman, delivering an almost breathless hook and verse over the droning synth-led trap beat, bragging about their gangster antics and the girls they can pull because of it. Both songs show off the quick wit, dexterity and the clarity of thought from the member of Traplanat leading to interest lyrics that paint a glowing image of their gangster lifestyle.
Stream Traplanta’s “Hollywood” and “London Town” featuring $odaman below.
Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Traplantaworld
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You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him@debola_abimbolu
Nigeria’s team, D’Tigress, emerged victorious in the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket Championship, beating the host country Senegal 60-55 in the final. The team retained the title for the second year running, having also won the 2017 edition of the games. D’Tigress amassed a five-game unbeaten run, with Ezinne Kalu being named the most valuable player of the AfroBasket Games after leading Nigeria to its back-to-back title. Kalu’s star appearance was reiterated in the semi finals against Mali where the athlete hit five of ten three-point attempts.
The AfroBasket Games also serve as a first test qualifier for the 2020 Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan. Having secured this win, Nigeria is eligible for the next stage. The country has also qualified for the 2022 Women’s Basketball Club.
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Tami is a lover of astrology, good music and women. Tweet your fave female artists at her @tamimak_
Since opening this year with “All Die Be Die”, Ghanaian rap superstar Sarkodie has released a steady trickle of music. With no plans to stop rolling out new material anytime soon, the rapper recently announced the upcoming release of a new studio album, titled ‘Black Love’, less than three months after his ‘Alpha’ EP. Late last month, a trailer featuring cameos from Wande Coal, Idris Elba and more, was released, as well as a single with Rudeboy (one half of the defunct P-Square group), “Lucky”, along with an accompanying video.
Pressing on with the rollout, the rapper has shared a new single, “Do You”, with Afropop superstar Mr Eazi, as well as its music video. Seemingly keeping up with the album’s plaintive title, the song is a romantic confessional that finds both artists reminiscing and missing an old flame, propelled by the chunky mid-tempo beat Guiltybeatz puts together. Directed by Capone and Guise, the video builds a cinematic set of visuals around the song’s narrative, as it is focused on the video’s central muse going through the motions of ditching her current lover for a previous lover, played by Sarkodie.
You can watch the video for Sarkodie’s “Do You” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Sarkodie
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Having featured Falz on her “Eko Remix”, Soti continues to build on her reputation for collaborating with rappers with accomplished pop sensibilities as features YCee for “INK (I No Know)”. The sultry Afropop song provides YCee with another chance to show off his melodic chops, joining Soti to perform a blend of rap and singing to describe his intimate feelings for a love interest.
Placed side by side, Soti and YCee’s similarly heartfelt verses listens like a duet between lovers. The music video Paul Gambit directs heightens the romantic tension, playing the two artists as lovers who share intimate moments on camera after having a couple’s quarrel.
You can watch the music video for YCee and Soti’s “INK(I No Know)” below.
Featured Image Credits: YouTube/SotiVEVO
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