Essentials: Kiienka’s ‘Spaceman’ EP

Posted on by The Native

Kiienka’s music tips its hat at the lo-fi school of trap, doing a slightly goth take on Hip-hop. Earlier this year, he released “PSA” featuring VEEN and Dr Barz who joined him for a reflective and cocky bop that seemed designed to make a car ride feel like a party. He has now followed up the single with a 6-track project, ‘Spaceman’, featuring Ogranya, Blaqbonez, PsychoYP, Kobi Wolf, VEEN, K-Sly, Ilovechaz and Txby.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQH5_JAbG_/

The guitars on the opening track, “Drama”, are soaked in the sunset and the synths sound almost neon, produced by Ocean to set a sombre mood for Kiienka and Ogranya’s lamentation about the drama that often comes with relationships. Kiienka self-produces the next track, “No Smoke”, a more upbeat cut with the catchy percussion harmonies and hi-hats beat inspiring energetic performances from Kiienka and Kobi Wolf as they sing/rap of their crew love and accomplishments. The project, however, reaches its peak on PsychoYP assisted “Can’t Find Me” and VEEN and K-Sly assisted “Moves”. While “Can’t Find Me” finds Kiienka and PsychoYP flexing and bragging over the bouncy mix of strobing synths and 808 drum machines, “Moves” is designed to fit in club DJ sets with VEEN and K-Sly’s dance-inclined lyrics.

On “Expensive”, Ilovechaz joins Kiienka and VEEN for a catchy trap song that keeps ‘Spaceman’ freewheeling through the genre’s ostentatious intentions as they trade bars describing their fancy lifestyle. Kiienka, however, returns to his reflective sensibilities on the closing track, “You”, featuring Txby and Blaqbonez. “You” highlights the proficiency of a romantic trap cut as all three artists express their vulnerable emotions over the 808 riffs, base drums and synth samples. With 6-track project debut, Kiienka wants you to have fun while listening to this, but he also doesn’t shy away from being straight-up mushy and sombre.

You can stream ‘Spaceman’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/kiienka
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ICYMI: Listen to “PSA” by Kiienka, VEEN and Dr Barz

Listen to Shaykeh’s raunchy new single, “All Night”

Posted on by The Native

After introducing fans to her Afro-fusionist take on the popular sound with her “Till the Morning” debut last year, Shaykeh is finally releasing a follow-up track, “All Night”. Having tackled the subject of toxic relationship on her last song, the new single finds her admitting her raunchy feelings, and for a Yoruba person, no less.

“All Night” is hazy, set to the lightweight ambience of synth percussions, mid-tempo drum riffs, layered vocals and samples of natural sounds like bird chips. Teemix produces the breezy track which Shaykeh rides for her confessional lyrics, channelling her sexual urges to deliver a bop to soundtrack dimly lit nights at dance clubs. Singing “Baby lets have fun tonight/ Let me show you how we ride”, she takes her listener to the final golden hour where all inhibitions are discarded for the more lustful sensibilities.

You can stream Shaykeh’s “All Night” single below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/shaykssss
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ICYMI: Listen to Wavythecreator’s “Body Deep”

See the music video for Zlatan and Tiwa Savage’s “Shotan”

Posted on by The Native

Zlatan Ibile has become an unstoppable force in the Nigerian music scene. His street-centric Yoruba rap bars aren’t exactly cut out to appeal to the mainstream Nigerian audiences, but he still commands a wholesome chunk and has his own viral ‘Zanku’ dance to prove it. He has spent the last couple of months building a discography that highlights his versatility through his diverse list of guest features and his latest single, “Shotan”, adds Tiwa Savage to his glowing star-studded catalogue and resume.

Spellz produces the catchy beat for “Shotan”, mixing horn samples and synths harmonies that listen inspired by latin-pop. Over the dance-driven beat, Tiwa Savage and Zlatan bask in their celebrity, already confident the song will be a hit. And with Zlatan’s amusing bars, Tiwa’s confident and melodic performance and the flamboyant video TG Omori directs, it’s hard to bet against the song becoming a staple at parties and clubs for the next couple of months.

Watch the music video for “Shotan” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/ZlatanIbileVEVO
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ICYMI: Watch the music video for Zlatan’s “This Year”

Essentials: Herman $uede’s ‘Hi I’m Herman’ EP

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Heterogeneity is a common trait amongst post-millennial African popstars. It’s a phenomenon traceable from Odunsi’s Afrofusion multiplex, to Rema’s stylistic split between exotic Afropop and bubbly Trap. This is largely because, regardless of where they are from, growing up with access to the internet and cable TV has helped in widening their influences beyond modish sounds local to their countries. With these variety of influences, younger artists are more adventurous in curating the music they make from song to song.

Teenage Ghanaian singer, Herman $uede splits his influences amongst an array of artists, including Drake, Stonebwoy, Burna Boy and Joey Bada$$. Although singing is the 16-year old’s primary mode of vocal expression, the diversity of the music he admires is vivid in the wide-ranging sonic choices that has buoyed the handful of tracks that have garnered him buzz over the last two years. Spanning multiple genres across its six tracks, Herman’s recently released debut EP, ‘Hi I’m Herman’ is a worthwhile culmination of his keen-eyed approach to making music, and an emphatic (re-)introduction to his precocious abilities.

Glistening piano keys, striking guitar riffs and thumping percussions form the rambunctious sound bed for the Asi-assisted opener, “Let Loose”, a pseudo-inspirational cut on which both singers ambiguously describe their come-up, using the relatability of their story to create the ideal of hope and to inspire listeners to enjoy the present regardless of their current situations. It’s an apt intro, especially considering the overly cheery mood that dominates a large portion of Afropop, and also because it sets a consistent musical tone that the entire EP matches despite tonal and tempo changes.

After its happy-go-lucky intro, the remainder of ‘Hi I’m Herman’ is planted in romantic territories, thematically. The intriguing element of the tape, though, is Herman’s evocative writing, revelling in different types of tensions associated with relationships. There aren’t really any straightforward, blue-eyed love songs. Even “My Everything”, a profession of undying love underscored by xylophone riffs and reverb-drenched 808 bass, is delivered through the dewy lens of trying to get a relationship back on track after a major fallout.

Built around lived-in situations, the songs widen the (age) range of his increasing audience. And given the pristine candour of his boyish vocal demeanour, the narratives vastly increases the intuitive appeal of his voice. Over whirring guitar loops, twinkling keys and Afropop drum riffs of “Questions (Refix)”, Herman bitterly queries an ex-lover for her problematic behaviour during their stint together. “Seems like this whole damn relationship been a waste of my time”, he exasperatedly sings, with his voice evoking the emotions suitable for lyrics that will resonate with a wide variety of listeners.

Seeking to improve traction beyond his home country, the omnivorous sonic aesthetic of the EP, self-produced in collaboration with go-to producer D3MZ, will be integral in helping it gain rotations in radio stations across Africa and on summer Afropop playlists. Visceral highpoint, “Muje” spots buzzsaw synths and thumping bass that makes it suitable fit on a Zanku playlist at a party, while the Timbaland-era, early ‘00s R&B production that buoys “The Friendzone”, makes a perfect fit for programming on late night radio playlists.

Altogether, though, the 6-track project ultimately solidifies Herman $uede’s status as one of the most exciting Afropop prospects on the continent.

Stream ‘Hi I’m Herman’ via Apple Music below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/
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ICYMI: Check out Rema’s ‘Rema Freestyle EP’ essentials

Yakeeb makes his video debut with “Schemes”, featuring Zamir

Posted on by The Native

The gritty honesty of hip-hop makes the genre a perfect fit for promoting the street-smart gospel. It remains one of the oldest tricks in the rap book though boastful and showy raps have become more mainstream. But even when the style is at an ebb, it never really goes out of style with the harsh reality so many rap fans are and/or have been exposed to. Yakeeb taps into the Nigerian roadman lifestyle to seek inspiration for his new single, “Schemes”, and he captures the unpleasant reality with his harsh-sounding raspy vocals and rap bars, delivered like warnings over the catchy beat Krain produces.

Though Yakeeb might be a relatively new name in Nigerian hip-hop conversation, he features Zamir who is a veteran of the street-conscious raps, having started out as a member of the LOS crew. Together, they swear they’ve seen enough of the harsh realities on the street to plot their escape and the music video Nbeni Johnson co-directs with Zamir seems to confirm this through the gritty set that depicts the street life and the artists comfortably fitting in, despite their showy jewellery. The video also speaks to the importance of being mental health-conscious as Jesse Finesse cameos in the video, playing Zamir’s therapist who helps him deal with the stress from surviving in the streets.

You can watch the video for “Schemes” below.


Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Yakeeb
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ICYMI: Listen to “Anti” by Zamir and YCee

Watch the music video for La Même Gang’s “Reveal”, Featuring DarkoVibes and $pacely

Posted on by The Native

The La Même Gang has shared the music video for “Reveal”, off the group’s ‘Linksters’ tape, released last year. The tape established the group as one of the most forward-thinking bands on this side of the planet with their blend of trap, high-life and other indigenous African sounds. “Reveal” highlighted how they accomplish the sonic fusion through synth-heavy productions, mixing percussions, drum riffs, rattling samples and off-kilter 808 arrangments that provide a groovy backdrop for DarkoVibes and $pacely’s romantic confessionals.

The Ghanaian based collective have just released the David Duncan directed music video for “Reveal”, set on site at Aburi in Ghana. The video bright outdoors set seems to promote the colourful Ghanaian culture as the artists and their muses are seen wearing traditional attires while they express their romantic feelings for one another.

You can watch the video below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/La Même
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ICYMI: See the video for La Meme Gang’s “Kemor Ame”

Beyonce features your favorite African artists on her Lion-King-inspired LP, ‘Lion King: The Gift’

Posted on by The Native

Disney dug deep into their bag of tricks with the live-action remake of the 1994 classic, “Lion King”, expected to debut in cinemas later this month. Though the original animated film will remain undefeated, now they get a chance to show off their state of the art visual effect and a star-studded voice cast that includes Donald Glover, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Beyonce.

So far, the live-action film hasn’t gotten the most positive reviews from critics, but Beyonce seems geared to rescue to the franchise with her Lion-King-inspired LP, ‘Lion King: The Gift’, set to make a cultural statement with its African focused list of guest features including Tekno, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, Burna Boy, Salatiel, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shatta Wale, Busiswa, and Moonchild Sanelly. They will be joining the line up that also boasts of names like Blue Ivy Carter, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Jay Z, Childish Gambino, Pharrell, St. Jhn, Tierra Whack, 070 Shake, and Jessie Reyez.

African artists have seemed on the verge of crossing over into the American mainstream since Wizkid’s No. 1 feature on the Billboards with “One Dance” in 2017. Beyonce’s ‘Lion King: The Gift’, will provide exposure for the African stars and introduce them to new audiences around the world as Wizkid will feature on a song with Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter and Burna Boy gets the only solo track, “Ja Ara E”, from the 14-track project. Given the calibre of the artists on the project and the anticipated fanfare for the live-action “Lion King” film when it’s released on Thursday, the 18th of July, it’s won’t be too ambitious to predict the album replicating the success of Kendrick’s ‘Black Panther’ soundtrack LP which hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 last year.

‘Lion King: The Gift’ will be released on Friday, the 19th of July, and though we’d like nothing more than to provide a pre-release link or some insight to what sound to expect, Beyonce doesn’t roll like that.

Featured Image Credits: Web/beyonce.com
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ICYMI: Kendrick’s ‘Black Panther’ album debuts as No. 1 on Billboard 200

Rayvanny Shares Rowlene-assisted Single, “Girlfriend”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

The increased frequency and normalcy of pan-African collaborations have been integral in widening the audience base for African artists beyond their home countries. Beyond that, they’ve also been helpful in documenting the subtle uniformities and universal challenges that tie us together. Hitting on both points, Tanzanian singer Rayvanny has just shared his new single with South African singer Rowlene, “Girlfriend”, on which they both highlight the convoluted process in finding and choosing a romantic partner, regardless of where you are on the continent.

Set to a plodding reggae beat, Rayvanny and Rowlene reel off a laundry list of attributes they’d prefer their potential partners to have. Seemingly after peace of mind, while also marking off stereotypes attached to African men, Rayvanny is looking for a girl who won’t go through his phone while he sleeps, and for the more emotive Rowlene, she’s looking for a man who is understanding and emotionally open to being supported by his woman. “Girlfriend” is a pointer to the simple fact that everyone has a spec.

You can listen to “Girlfriend” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Rayvanny

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ICYMI: NASTY C DROPS TWO VIDEOS FOR “SMA” FEATURING ROWLENE

Watch the music video for Dave and Burna Boy’s “Location”

Posted on by The Native

With the growth of social media as the new medium for breaking artist, music videos have seemed less dramatic and more honest reflections of the artist. Dave’s “Location” off his ‘Pyschodrama’ tape was an instant hit on release, stuffing his verses with street slangs and featuring Burna Boy’s raspy vocals on the catchy hook as a fulfilment of the potentials for UK and Nigerian collaborations. Dave just released the music video for “Location” and its simple documentary style direction highlights Dave’s celebrity status and the song’s remarkable smash hit.

The 4-minute long music video for “Location” is directed by Kaylum and Dave, following Dave and his friends as they make a trip out of the country to perform the song to a rousing crowd of cheering and adoring fans. If the intent behind the video is to flex, they certainly hit all the right spots with cameos from big celebrities like J Hus and Stomzy, while almost every other person featured in the video is seen dripping with icy rings, watches and chains.

You can watch the music video for Dave and Burna Boy’s “Location” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Santan Dave
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ICYMI: Listen to Mahalia and Burna Boy’s “Simmer”

Lashana Lynch is set to be the first black woman 007 agent in the coming James Bond movie

Posted on by The Native

2019 is gearing up to be the most diverse and inclusive year for casting in Hollywood. Just weeks after Disney cast Halle Bailey as Ariel in its coming live-action remake of “Little Mermaid” and the premiere of Liam Neeson and Chris Hemsworth’s co-lead roles in the Men In Black reboot, “MiB: International”, the James Bond film franchise seems set to field Lashana Lynch as the new 007-agent in the coming Bond film.

In what is being described as “A popcorn-dropping moment”, a ‘movie insider’ explains that Lashana is introduced as 007 in the 25th Bond film. The film opens with Daniel Craig, retired in Jamaica, which leaves room for Lashana to replace James Bond as the new 007-agent in the M16 spy agency. He is eventually called back to action to fight a new villain, so it’s unlikely that Lashana actually goes on to play a lead role in the film. As a matter of fact, this could very well be nothing more than a marketing campaign for the movie franchise that has often portrayed a shallow representation of women.

Lashana Lynch who is black and British had her movie debut in 2011’s “Fast Girls”, but her role as Maria Rambeau in this year’s “Captain Marvel” seems to have shot her into Hollywood fame. Her role as the new 007 secret agent is an indicator of our time where inclusion is has reached a dizzying new height where it’s marketable enough to be used as a PR stunt.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/lashanalynch

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ICYMI: How accurate are our favorite medical movie scenes

Jinmi Abdul features Oxlade on romantic single “Greed”

Posted on by The Native

Despite being a relatively new voice in the Nigerian music scene, Jinmi Abdul has already released two projects, ‘JOLAG’ and ‘JOLAG 2’. The Lagos based singer has shown no signs of letting up with his latest single, “Greed”, coming as his third single for the year. He continues to expand his discography, this time collaborating with Oxlade to perform a catchy song where he admits his infidelity in a relationship.

IILEERIIXO takes the helm on production duties for “Greed”, borrowing from EDM’s echoing sound palette—with its distorted kicks, eerie synth hook, and metallic percussion—but the drum riffs and rattling samples ground the song in an indigenous glow also heard in the singers’ melodies. Jinmi Abdul and Oxlade deliver verses dripping with sincerity as they plead for forgiveness for betraying the trust of their lovers, swearing that “I no fit do without you, my love”. Though it’s practically pointless making excuse for cheating, they rely on their charm as they conveniently blame greed and the devil.

You can stream “Greed” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/jinmiabduls
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ICYMI: Check out all the essentials from Jinmi Abdul’s ‘JOLAG’ project debut

Listen to Neon Valley’s new single, “Dancin'”

Posted on by The Native

No matter how attached we are to songs from our younger days, there’s always that fear of wallowing in the past when we catch ourselves listening to dated songs. Sure, the retro theme for “Stranger Things” is great for the nostalgic synth-pop aesthetic, but Neon Valley is bringing back the vintage sound with their new songs powering synth-pop beats with funky, polyrhythmic percussion. The Montreal duo debuted with “Valley Girl” last year, establishing their penchant for creating a weightless and timeless groove that captures both mainstream dance-pop and the experimental electronic music that bubbles just beneath it.

Their latest single, “Dancin'” listens like a template that can endure for another generation’s worth of party soundtracks as they amplify their festive sensibilities with the smooth and soothing confidence of synth-pop. Lead singer, Deji Siegert’s laid-back vocals, singing about nothing more than dancing, getting loose, and being fresh on the dancefloor matches the intentions of the catchy synth-pop beat he co-produced with Mezraa who also co-wrote the song’s lyrics. Though they perform the song together, French diamond producer, ALOÏS ZANDRY, also shares production credit for the catchy arrangement for “Dancin'”.

Stream Neon Valley’s “Dancin'” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/neon.valley
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ICYMI: Watch the music video for Korede Bello’s “Melanin Poppin”

See DJ Tunez & Wizkid In Music Video For Blaqjerzee-Produced “Gbese”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Wizkid might be stalling the release of new music and his highly anticipated ‘Made In Lagos’ LP, but his spare appearances so far this year, bear his trademark charisma and indicate a loose but intoxicating approach. Since debuting late last month, the Blaqjerzee-produced and DJ Tunez-owned “Gbese” has been making its rounds on radio stations and party playlists, emblematic of Wizkid’s infectiously strutting melodies, its light-hearted lyrics aimed at wooing a love interest, and the boisterous, live instrument-based production.

Visualizing the song’s endearing elements, DJ Tunez has now shared the MRMTMMG-directed music video for “Gbese”, with an added verse from Wizkid as well. Underlining his role as the main vocalist, Wizkid is seen performing his lyrics with a carefree energy, with the help of a backing band to emphasize the song’s composite and sunny production. While DJ Tunez emphasizes the dancefloor tilt, as he dances with beautiful models while alternately decked in traditional threads and ‘80s-styled disco outfits.

Watch the video for DJ Tunez’s “Gbese” here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu17dCsPElE

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/DJ Tunez

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ICYMI: WATCH LARRY GAAGA AND WIZKID TEAM UP FOR ROMANTIC NEW SINGLE, “LOW”

Fasina & Bella Alubo Collaborate On New Single, “Your Way (Long Time)”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

With the mid-tempo Afro-Caribbean sonic aesthetic LA Powers produces, and their languidly catchy melodies, the atmosphere Fasina and Bella Alubo curate with their joint “Your Way (Long Time)” single, more or less comprises a house party and plenty of booze. The mood gains some substance, though, with their lyrics coming off like two people finally linking up after being extensively acquainted via social media, then deciding to share their paranoia somewhere in the corner of the party. “Your Way” is an interesting example of dark subject matter being sneaked into a seemingly superficial song.

Stream Bella Alubo & Fasina’a “Your Way (Long Time)” here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/bellaalubo

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WATCH THE BEFITTING MUSIC VIDEO FOR BELLA ALUBO’S “AIYA”

Watch the music video for Joeboy’s hit single, “Baby”

Posted on by The Native

People often make dramatic promises and gestures to prove their love. Maybe you’ll spend all your savings on an expensive date, swear off alcohol and cigarettes, or devote your time to learning how to cook. For Joeboy, Mr Eazi’s Banku Music label’s frontline artist, proving his love entails writing a romantic love song called “Baby” and performing it with enough charm and charisma to make a hit record.

“Baby” is a follow up to last year’s flamboyant breakout single, “Fààjí”, featuring Mr Eazi, but it’s on the mellow love song that the budding talent shows he’s worth the hype. Addressing a love interest over the Dëra produced blend of EDM inspired synths loops and Afropop drum riffs, “Baby” splits the difference between romance and dance floor appeal. But it’s the simplicity of his lyrics, “Baby seh you dey for me, as I dey for you?”, that gives the song its uncanny replay value and properly introduces Joeboy as a new skilled and powerful voice in the Nigerian music scene. The Justine Campos directed music video also channels his simplicity, following Joeboy and his muse to document the time they spend together on a date.

You can watch the music video for “Baby” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Joeboy
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ICYMI: Watch the music video for Oxlade’s “Shugar”

Listen to dndSection, Toye and Zarion Uti’s new single, “Take Time”

Posted on by The Native

After flexing on those who looked down on him on his recently released “Brand New”, dndSection is joining Toye and Zarion Uti for a new song, “Take Time”, where they take a more reflective direction in understanding why they’re being underrated.

JZ Productions produces a groovy beat for “Take Time”, appealing to the mainstream pop sound with the mid-tempo mix of steel pan drum riffs, percussion and synth harmonies. The catchy beat sets the tone for dndSection’s lightweight melodies, sing/rapping to try to convince a love interest of his worth. Zarion Uti and Toye’s catchy hook and verses add some more thrill and perspective with their charming performance making for a romantic song.

Though the release date for dndSection’s ‘LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING’ is still tentative, “Take Time” gives his loyal fans something to listen to while they wait for the release of the 7-track tape expected to feature artists like, Northside Mally and Somadina.

You can stream “Take Time” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/dndsection
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ICYMI: Listen to dndSection’s “Brand New” here

AYLØ Taps Psycho YP & Fasina For “Sassy”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

AYLØ mostly stays furtive until it is time to put out a project. In the last few months, the Soul-fusion artist has been teasing ‘dnt.dlt’ as the follow-up to his acclaimed 2017 tape ‘<Insert Project Name>’. Revving up the rollout for his coming project, he’s just shared a new single, “Sassy”, a slice of ambient Neo-R&B similar to preceding single “Paris!”.

Expressing his unabashed adoration for a love interest and her showiness, AYLØ’s earnest set listens like a heartfelt dedication to the beauty and innately magnetic energy of women, in the same vein as “Melanin” off his ‘Honest Conversations’ EP. “Sassy” also doubles as a sultry bop, due to the mix of leisurely keys and mildly knocking 808 bass Eke Ikenna produces. Psycho YP and Fasina also contribute guest vocals, and while the former mostly emphasizes the solemn mood, Fasina gets a bit more vivid on his standout verse dedicated to a muse who has “brown skin curves with some hidden tattoos”.

Stream AYLØ’s “Sassy” via Apple Music here.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/arkhonellz

Listen To Zlatan & Tiwa Savage On “Shotan”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

At the risk of being hyperbolic, you can count the number of prominent Nigerian artists who haven’t worked with Zlatan since his meteoric rise, on one hand. Checking his bucket list of collaborations, though, the rapper has now worked with perennial Afropop A-list act, Tiwa Savage on their newly released single, “Shotan”, an expectedly lively jam that bears all the hallmarks of a potential hit record.

Citing her lethal ability to link salacious imagery and affluence, Tiwa Savage delivers the song’s catchy hook, alluding to her sex appeal and mocking haters in the same breath. Following suit, Zlatan delivers two self-assured verses, heavy on quotable one-liners and delivered in his infectiously vibrant cadence. “Your juju no go stop my gbedu”, he raps on the second verse, with his confidence accentuated by the cascading piano riff, squiggly horn harmonies and groovy percussion pattern Spellz produces, to make for a Zanku-adherent jam.

You can listen to “Shotan” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/zlatan_ibile

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LISTEN TO ZLATAN’S JOVIAL AND PRAYERFUL “THIS YEAR”

“Remy Producers Trilogy” is providing upcoming producers and video directors the opportunity to get discovered

Posted on by The Native

It’s quite troubling how producers are undervalued in our music industry given the vital role they play in delivering the hit songs we all enjoy so much. While the artists get all the glamorous spotlight and brand sponsorship, producers are left in the shadow with very little acknowledgement or fanfare. Though this injustice isn’t unique to the Nigerian music scene, the unaccountability of our music licensing leaves Nigerian producers worse off than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

Fortunately, some brands and stakeholders in the industry are starting to recognize producers and video directors as the major artery in the blood flow of the music industry with Remy Martin launching their music producer and video director supporting campaign, “Remy Producers Trilogy”. The first season of the 3-season long campaign has already started with interested participants encouraged to send in their entries to www.remyproducers.ng. The submitted entries of video and music productions will be judged by a respected panel that will decide the winner (one music producer and one video director).

The “Remy Producers Trilogy” campaign promises to provide these lucky winners with a platform to launch their careers and get discovered as they will be given the opportunity to get to work with Phyno, Sarz and Clarence Peters.

Featured Image Credits: Web
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ICYMI: Here are five of the most heartbreaking artist producer splits in Nigerian music’s recent history

Lady Donli taps Afrobeats nostalgia for new single “Suffer Suffer”

Posted on by The Native

There are few singers who have consistently bettered their craft in the past few months like Lady Donli. Before the singer announced her debut album Enjoy Your Life, she embarked on an extensive audiovisual campaign for “Cash” her first single of the year, gliding the Afro-electronic banger into our summer playlists. An impressive feat, considering the track dropped just as the Easter holidays were winding down.

Afropop is still the happiest genre in the world at the moment and Lady Donli’s new project will be an eponymic celebration of ease, warmth and positivity imbued from the finer things in life. “Suffer Suffer”, her new single sustains the narrative, lending nostalgic Afrobeat nuances on a breezy but catchy hook while recounting the personal aspects of her artistic process on the verses.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzx15bvlpw7/

Last year, while detailing her living room tour, Donli revealed to NATIVE she was “practically homeless” after moving to Lagos. “Suffer Suffer” is Z’s literal rejection of that life of suffering. She’s not only refusing to be subjected to unnecessary travails, she’s also marking territory as an artist (I divide the national cake, chop your own, I chop my own). As if the thick layer of nostalgia on the single wasn’t already evident, her new lyric video parodies Nollywood movie trailers from the early 2000s for an extra kick. We’re all currently under Lady Donli’s Enjoy Your Life spell, her wish is our command.

Enjoy Your Life is expected in the coming weeks. See Lady Donli in the lyric video for “Suffer Suffer” below:

Toye is managing-partner at NATIVE Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

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Lyta Shares Video For First Single Of 2019, “Monalisa”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Last month, Fuji-inclined Afropop artist Lyta exited his arrangement with YBNL rather controversially. In all of the brouhaha, one of the main points the singer harped on was the difficulty in releasing a constant stream of music. Now with a new management team, he’s wasting no time in putting out new music. “Monalisa”, his first single of the year, is a romantic cut packed with heartfelt declarations, in order to gain full attention of his rather aloof love interest.

“I wanna give you all my love, Monalisa”, Lyta plainly declares on the hook, with the charm of his boyish vocal texture conjuring his longing emotions. To embellish the romantic sentiments, Killertunes produces a mellow Afropop beat for “Monalisa”, mixing an arpeggiated guitar motif and softly jabbing drums to evocative effect. The accompanying music video DK directs, charmingly captures Lyta and a beautiful model acting as the song’s muse, at an empty amusement park, trying to connect, in tandem with the song’s narrative.

Watch the video for Lyta’s “Monalisa” here.

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/LytaVEVO