South Africa’s future generation astronaut, Mandla Maseko dies in bike accident

Posted on by The Native

South African DJ, Mandla Maseko emerged among the 23 winners for Lynx Apollo Space Academy’s sponsored trip to space program in 2014. Sadly, his family has announced his passing before the date for the liftoff had even been scheduled.

Mandla Maseko had beaten one million other contenders worldwide and was set to become the first black African on space. He had told David Smith, a Guardian report in Johannesburg of his excitement at the opportunity to represent the black community in Africa saying, “I’m not trying to make this a race thing but us blacks grew up dreaming to a certain stage. You dream of being a policeman or a lawyer, but you knew you won’t get as far as pilot or astronaut. Then I went to space camp and thought I can actually be an astronaut.”

He stood as a symbol for Africa’s budding space ambitions and even became a private pilot and a corporal in the South African National Defense Force, according to information gotten off his twitter. Though the launch that was initially expected to happen in 2015 was rescheduled indefinitely, Mandla Maseko remained an inspiration, giving public speeches and doing community work to motivate children to pursue their dreams and careers in science. According to reports, he was honoured by the Gauteng Department of Education in South Africa in 2016 when a building was named after him.

Though the motorbike accident cost him the chance to accomplish his goal of being the first black African to go to defy gravity in space, he has certainly been an inspiration for African ambition.

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

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/mandlamaseko
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ICYMI: The video for “Poverty Die” confirms Baddo’s visual renaissance is afoot

Essentials: Masego’s ‘Lady Lady (ADM Remixes)’ EP

Posted on by The Native

Multi-instrumentalist and trap house jazz singer, Masego became a hit when he debuted his ‘Lady Lady’ album last year. His ability to blend the romantic tenderness of Stevie Wonder with the shit-talking raps from Anderson. Paak over jazz-fueled beats makes him a breath of fresh air, crafting a sound that draws from jazz music’s past and present.

The album’s world tour brought the singer to Africa, where he performed in South Africa and was able to broaden his appreciation for the African culture that inspired his Masego stage name which means ‘Lucky’ in Tswana, a South African language. He just released a 3-track EP, ‘Lady Lady (ADM Remixes)’, featuring ADM (Africa Dance Music), a dance music collective which was created by Nigerian DJ and producer, TMXO.

While the original album and the “Lady Lady” title-track already portrayed Masego’s playful and reflective obsession with women, TMXO introduces a funk sound for “African Lady”, playing into the singer’s retro-futuristic sound while being reminiscent of Jazz and funk African legend, Lagbaja. The next track, “Old Age” is produced by DOZ who adds bouncy tropical drums as if to highlight Masego’s Jamaican roots. Higo, however, closes the project by infusing electronic synths for his production on the ADM remix of “Lady Lady”.

You can stream Masego’s ‘Lady Lady (ADM Remixes)’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/masego
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ICYMI: Listen to TMXO’s ambitious refix of Jon Bellion’s “All Time Low”

Essentials: Chillz’ ‘Good Vibes, Vol. 1’

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

The ‘Good Vibes, Vol. 1’ title and the relaxing by the pool direction of the cover art capture the mood for Chillz’ newly released debut project. With song titles like “Grateful”, “Chop Life” and “Smile”, the project portrays Chillz as brimming with positivity as he emphasises on savouring life in bright colours and the delightfully, mellowed out Afropop melodies that buoy the project’s snappy 24-minute duration. ‘Good Vibes’ carries the quintessential elements of a multipurpose summer project bound to inspire shimmering shoulders and full-bodied sashays at camaraderie-based events and is also fit for leisurely listening with a pair of earphones.

As important as mood is, though, the interesting twist that elevates the project beyond the well-worn capacity of a feel-good pop album, is the presence of a substantive core anchoring the helium-propelled parts. “You show me your scars, I’ll show you mine”, Chillz solemnly sings on “Intro”, hinting at a troubled past that makes his high-spirited follow-up track, “Grateful” featuring Mayorkun all the more riveting.

The seventh track “Start Again”, recently named NATIVE’s Best New Music pick, clearly serves as the album’s emotional centrepiece. Spotting the self-produced blend of bulbous talking drums and chillwave synths to evocative effect, Chillz harps on the virtue of resurgence, briskly unpacking his thematic concerns in less than two minutes. Beaming in with impassioned, backup vocals, the soulful folk timbre of Sir Dauda’s voice adds an angular layer of rustic charm, increasing the song’s affecting quality.

“Smile”, the very next track, acts as the companion piece, readjusting the tension of “Start Again” into the visceral peak of ‘Good Vibes’. The composite Igbo Folk soundscape, comprising staccato Fender Rhodes piano chords, heaving palmwine guitars, live drums and local percussions, creates a red-boned groove that accentuates Chillz’ set, encouraging listeners to unwind and curl their lips upwards because unfavourable circumstances last only for a while. “Smile” is also significant, in that it acts as the main bridge of specificity, where Chillz’ lyrics seemingly directed at close and out-of-touch friends, takes on a relatable life primed to resonate beyond its universality.

Combined with the more lightweight parts of the project, ‘Good Vibes’ highlights Chillz’ amiable persona as the rounding element of his premium music-making abilities. Credited as the sole producer of every track, sans the TMXO-produced title track, Chillz showcases himself as a neo-Afropop auteur with subtly eclectic choices to keep his compositions constantly refreshing. To capture the imagery of living life to the fullest on “Shun (Turkey)”, airy organ chords and sparsely knocking 808 synths serve as ambience, while the heartfelt sentiments aimed at reassuring his love interest on “Down” is propelled by an electro-pop combination of aqueous piano harmonies and clanging 808 snares.

Favouring hook-reliant songwriting and poignant one-liners to bring his more plain lyrics into sharper focus, Chillz’ rather serene baritone also adds depth to his performances. Hovering on top of the beats, the simplicity of his melodies are enjoyable and effective in conveying the intended gravitas. For example, in contrast with Mayorkun’s more passionate crooning on lead single, “Grateful”, Chillz’ low-end vocals also conjure the sentiment of being appreciative regardless of daunting situations.

Popular rapper, Falz rounds out the guest list, following the already laid down ethos on “Chop Life”, delivering a lightweight verse with a playful cadence, over the buoyant mix of a spry early ‘00s R&B acoustic guitar and bouncy Afropop drum riffs. Also an infectious bop, “Chop Life” is indicative of the wide mainstream conversations Chillz is set to enter with ‘Good Vibes, Vol 1’.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/chillzhimself

Listen to Mahalia and Burna Boy’s “Simmer”

Posted on by The Native

With each new international collaboration, the world shrinks a little smaller. Last year, UK R&B singer, Mahalia’s music grew some root in America after Wale released his remix of her “I Wish I Missed my Ex” single. This year, she’s teaming up with Burna Boy, a Nigerian who has also had this fair share of American fanfare within the last couple of months. The new single, “Simmer”, is Mahalia’s third single for the year, following the release of “Do Not Disturb” and “Grateful”.

“Simmer” is a romantic single, written with raunchy intentions. Mahalia’s impassioned vocals are matched by Burna Boy’s racy patio, making for a carefully crafted club-driven song, spare, and meticulously produced. Mahalia approaches the vocals with a light touch and the contrasts between that lightness and the songs sweeping sentiment “Talk to me with your action. Think I got a space for your passion” highlights the charm of the increasingly less subtle seduction we’ve come to expect from the UK singer. The song is expected to feature on her debut album, ‘Love & Compromise’, when it’s eventually released in September.

Stream “Simmer” by Mahalia and Burna Boy below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/mahalia
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ICYMI: Listen to “Location” by Dave and Burna Boy

Exclusive: Go Behind-The-Scenes of Odunsi The Engine’s horoscopic owambe

Posted on by The Native

Earlier today, Odunsi The Engine officially released the long-awaited visual for rare. standout, “star signs”. Directed by Candles (Sparky, Dumebi, Rapid Fire) and styled by Daniel Obasi, the flick has already received a fair amount of fanfare.

The NATIVE went behind-the-scenes of the video shoot with Omofolarin, capturing the process behind what is surely going to be one of the best videos of the year.

” The process is always just as captivating as the finished product,” the photographer told The NATIVE via e-mail. “The colourful clothing on every individual speaks for itself, and stands out against the mostly monotone backgrounds, creating a vibrant feeling in each picture. Each model wears traditional attire familiar to the average Nigerian owambe, and I wanted to capture that sense of familiarity. The whole process felt extremely natural.”

WANI shares beautiful video for “China Designer”

Posted on by The Native

Romance is a theme that has cemented its place as a template for making beautiful songs. For a dance-driven genre like Afropop (Afrobeats), romance often finds its home in the lightweight swing of highlife percussions as singers channel the laidback harmony to capture the blissful feeling of being in love. As a result, the really good romantic bops are instantly familiar and it’s understandable that “China Designer” off WANI’s ‘Lagos City Vice’ EP sounds like a remake of Tekno’s “Be”, with lyrics from Baba Dee’s classic, “Sodi E”, another gem from the archives that houses romantic hit songs like 2Baba’s “African Queen”.

The music video for WANI’s “China Designer” however updates the romantic trope with a sexy video directed by Xamani to highlight the serene beauty of the continent. While WANI serenades his muse, her ebony skin takes front and centre of the camera as she’s shown dancing to the sultry rhythm under natural sunlight and lighting from a bonfire.

Watch the music video below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/WANI
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ICYMI: Check out the essentials from WANI’s ‘Lagos City Vice’ EP

Watch Mr Eazi adorable attempt to charm his love interest in “Supernova” music video

Posted on by The Native

It takes guts to put yourself out there and expose your vulnerable side to a total stranger, but sometimes that’s what it takes to win the affection of a love interest. Not everyone enjoys the privilege of love at first sight and apparently, Mr Eazi knows what that’s like as he shares a new single, “Supernova”, offering his best shots at the heart of his muse; “Make I be your supernova, I go buy you things from FashionNova/ I no go do you Jangolova, I go bless you with my Godzilla”.

The mix of highlife inspired guitar riffs, percussion harmonies and mid-tempo drums Dre Skull and E Kelly produce are catchy and give his languid melodies and corny lyrics a compelling attribute. “Supernova” comes with an accompanying music video Meji Alabi directs, emphasizing the lightweight lyrics through stop-motion graphics and representing the FashionNova name drop with models wearing the brand’s eye-catching attires.

Watch the music video for “Supernova” below.

Featured Image Credits: YouTube/Mr Eazi
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ICYMI: J Balvin and Bad Bunny feature Mr Eazi for “Como Un Bebe”

See a flamboyant Odunsi in Owambe-themed video for “star signs”

Posted on by The Native

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfcEL8huos/

Odunsi’s ‘rare’ album culminated the release of some of the most sonically adventurous contemporary Afropop we have heard this decade, now the singer-producer is looking to solidify era with visuals. “star signs”, a highlife-fused number off the project features Runtown and mashes the alte generation’s signature grunge with an Owambe-themed video. Cameos from fellow alte visionaries, Santi, producer GMK, DRB’s Teezee, XII’s Ashley Okoli and more in vividly Nigerian style, restate the sense of camaraderie that has always defined this generation of creatives. “star signs.” is the strongest depiction of all the diverse influences that inspire Odunsi till date, you can see for yourself below:

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

BEST NEW MUSIC SPECIAL: ‘MANDY & THE JUNGLE’ BY SANTI

Listen To ADEOLUWA & CaL On New Single, “S’okan”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Mutual love can be underrated. It isn’t every time that the person we love, loves us back, and Afropop upstart, ADEOLUWA captures the grinding feeling of being on the giving side of the equation on his new single, “S’okan”. With his vocal inflection listening like the song was recording after heavy sobs, the singer appeals to a love interest who continues to overlook him despite knowing of his feelings since they were in high school, SS2 to be precise.

Rounding things out, CaL delivers a superb verse clearly stating out his grievances, rapping poignant lines like “somewhere between hopeful and hesitant is where I reside”. Although “S’okan” is thematically heavy, its folksy EDM beat, comprising rustic guitar, rolling drums and boisterous synths will help its cause to get on radio and DJ sets.

You can listen to “S’okan” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iambabacrown

Timaya Shares Video For New Single, “2 Stoopid”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

In February of this year, Afropop veteran, Timaya released ‘Chulo Vibes’, a 9-track compilation of Afro-Caribbean dancefloor-ready jams. The singer has just put out “2 Stoopid”, his first single since that project and a sequel to the final track on that tape, “Stoopid”. Over the trademark, energetic Masterkraft produces, Timaya’s freewheeling performance listens like a session of random recording, with the somewhat scattered seemingly a call to dance. TG Omori captures this lively sentiment in the accompanying music video, featuring shots of dancers performing high octane dance moves, and models styled in similar fashion to the highly revered Landlady character from the seminal Chinese movie, “Kung Fu Hustle”.

You can watch the video for “2 Stoopid” below.

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/OfficialTimaya

Veen Is Chasing His “Dream$$”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

“I ain’t tryna talk if you ain’t talking ‘bout the bread”, Veen raps on the first verse of his recent single, “Dream$$”, a succinct representation of his mindset, and a large portion of his growing catalogue. It’s an ethos that’s on course with the chosen Trap music stylings that dominates much of his music, signifying the era of rap music he’s mostly indebted to. Also highlighting his polymath abilities, Veen produces a catchy Trap beat for “Dream$$”, mixing a groovy glockenspiel riff and a simple but knocking 808 bass pattern. The most endearing part of the song, though, is the rapper noting the presence of his “brothers” in the cut, moving together on their paper chase.

You can listen to “Dream$$” below.

Featured Image Credits: Twitter/younggodveen

Watch The Colourful Video For CDQ & Zlatan’s “Onye Eze 2.0”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

At the beginning of last month, street rap mainstay CDQ put out “Onye Eze”, inspired by the controversial set of events involving popular blogger, Blessing Okoro and an Affluent Igbo businessman simply known as Onye Eze. Per the situation in which Blessing was publicly outed for wrongfully claiming a piece of property belonging to Onye Eze, CDQ used the song to deride people who lead fake lives on social media, and also as a means to affirm his deep pockets.

The rapper has just put out a second version of the song, and while the energetic production from Vicebeatmaker remains unchanged, street rap rave of the moment, Zlatan delivers a new verse on the song, characterized by his trademark energy and quotable raps in Yoruba. CDQ has also shared the brightly coloured ADAMSGUD-directed music video for “Onye Eze 2.0”, where both rappers perform their lyrics in the company of beautiful models, while also spraying an ample amount of 100-dollar bills.

You can watch the video for “Onye Eze 2.0” here.

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/OfficialCDQ

Best New Music: Chillz’ “Start Again” is universal truth wrapped in folk-pop

Posted on by The Native

Singer-producer, Chillz, recently debuted ‘Good Vibes, Vol.1’ a 9-track collection of minimally-produced neo-Afropop tracks about gratefulness, dedication in love and living life to the fullest.

Chillz first surfaced last year as one of the indelible guest-appearances on M.I’s playlist-album, Rendezvous . Over haunting-synths subtly-laced with sounds of ocean waves crashing at bay on opening track “Sunset”, Chillz interweaves relationship woes with for his strife for inner peace. It’s a rather unceremonious introduction for a little-known artist, but his intuitive vocal performance hinted there was more to expect from his smooth lo-fi delivery on “Sunset”.

His new project, ‘Good Vibes, Vol.1’ comes into full view on “Start Again” — a pseudo-motivational number about perseverance in tribulation. Excluding the intro track, “Start Again” is the shortest track on project creasing at just 90 seconds.

Afropop is the happiest genre in the world at the moment and Chillz’ new project sits apeak the wave. Gan-gan drums and synths set a gospel-like ambience for Chillz to open with, ‘When life brings you down to your knees, hold on, you go stand again’. “Start Again” melds these afro-folk nuances with a contradictory twist to the motivational-speak of bouncing back after failure.

Chillz awareness of the importance of decompression and ease is the strongest theme on ‘Good Vibes, Vol.1’, but it’s easy to misunderstand it as another summer-filtered Afropop project. Luckily, “Start Again” is monumental because there’s always a tendency for this kind of music to spiral downward from hyper-laidback and positive to predictably corny. Chillz’ world view is surgically realistic. Instead of proffering sheer will and might as the only go-around for difficult times, “Start Again” posits strife as character-building for a greater purpose, not life’s way of beating us down. Now, that’s reassurance mere higher vibrations (whatever that is) will never give you.

Stream “Start Again” via Apple Music below:

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

BEST NEW MUSIC SPECIAL: ‘MANDY & THE JUNGLE’ BY SANTI

This Instagram page allows you relive your childhood nostalgia

Posted on by The Native

We all have our own personal reasons for staying glued to Instagram despite knowing its effect on our self-esteem and data bundles. But we aren’t judging our life choices today. Today we discover the joys of reliving our favourite memories through this Instagram account dedicated to curating and sharing videos from the Nigerian achieve of pop culture videos.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx71PHolZYV/

The account is being run by The Nobel Foundation which has boldly declared their aim as “The preservation of the achievements of Nigerians and establishing avenues for recognizing individuals”. But if that little blob on the page’s bio isn’t enough to convince you, some of the videos they have already shared is guaranteed to. The videos of TV commercials, documentaries, football match highlights and more serve as a sort of highlight reel that maps out the several stages of Nigeria’s development and growth.

With clips as serious as videos form political rallies and as lightweight as condom commercials, the page is able to appeal to the audience on a sentimental and emotive level such that it favours a utopian and imagined past that overshadows whatever other reality we may remember in the less than a minute duration of the video. But that’s nostalgia for you, provoking positive emotions of happiness, connection, and optimism. At least now Instagram can actually carry its weight and raise our spirits during this rainy season and the floods, traffic and foul smells that come with it.
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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

ICYMI: That Time 2Baba gave us this timeless gem, “Only Me”

Essentials: Walshy Fire’s ‘Abeng’

Posted on by The Native

Making borderless music has become an empty buzz word for any and every artist making music they hope will connect with listeners outside their immediate range of audience. However, Walshy Fire’s debut solo project, ‘Abeng’, delivers a no-frills world of dance-club ready tunes that don’t feel aimed to fit trends; it veers from Afropop (Afrobeats) to rap, Reggae, R&B, and EDM. The highlife harmony for pre-released “Show You Off” single was built to accommodate WurlD’s penchant for fusing his indigenous influences with electronic music, but the rest of the 11-track project explores other dancehall sounds through the mix of African and Caribbean guest features, in an attempt to bridge both regions.

Even before being African was cool, Caribbean music has always shown its support for the continent through Reggae songs like Dennis Brown’s “Promised Land”. Despite the language barrier, our similar history and influences have made the intricate sounds from both regions weave in and out of each other, leaving highlife musicians sounding like they’re singing Soca and Calypso, while it’s not uncommon to find African artists singing in patio. On ‘Abeng’, Walshy Fire creates a soundscape where both regions are united under the same sound, singing on the same beats and expressing similar sentiments familiar to anyone that has ever been in love or in the dance club or in both.

The album’s led single, “Call Me”, featuring Mr Eazi and Kranium opens the album with a tropical texture accomplished through the mix of guitar riffs, 808s and synth samples. Both singers channel their romantic sensibilities to make a sultry bop to soundtrack lovers dancing as they sing endearingly, “My woman, my angle, my sweetheart”. Though Kranium’s patio vocals are instantly recognizable the Caribbean influence, the next track, Ice Prince and Demarco assisted “Round of Applause” is more enriched with the Island vibe, mixing clap samples, and synth harmonies for the Reggae fueled number that keeps the project within its romantic theme.

Alkaline and Runtown assisted track, “No Negative Vibes”, however, changes the pace for a summery reggaeton song too invested in having a good time to bother with romance. Over the mix of synthesizer harmonies and percussion that lull then erupts in nervous tremolo, both artists prescribe their remedies for bad vibes; “Light up me splif one time/This Henny got me feeling some type of way/ Feeling like a billion dollar man”. The next track, “Outside” pits Trinidadian ‘Watermelon Gyal’, Nailah Blackman and Adekunle Gold together for a charming duet aimed at saving a troubled relationship while Ice Prince and Masicka infuse some raps on the 5th track, “Xcellent”.

“Amazing”, one of the standout tracks on the tape finds Reggae dancehall singer, Timeka Marshall taking center stage to show off her alluring vocals over the catchy rattling instrumentals. Stonebwoy also delivers a verse, blending his indigenous Ghanaian dialect and some patio as he confesses his romantic feelings for a lover. Jay Newton and Vanessa Mdee join Ice Prince on African beauty worshipping, “African Lady”, while Ketchup returns the focus for ‘Abeng’ to the dancefloor on dancehall track, “No Laziness”.

The project closes with an authentic Caribbean remix of Runtown and Wizkid’s dancehall single, “Bend Down Pause”. The song was big in Nigeria when it was released in 2015 and stands as a testament to the harmonious relationship that has always existed between the Caribbean and Africa as Machel Montano doesn’t have to make any adjustment to his soca sound to fit into the catchy vibe of the beat Del B produces. With the collaborations, ‘Abeng’ certainly accomplishes Walshy Fire’s goal to make the world smaller and the party bigger.

Stream ‘Abeng’ below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/walshyfire
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ICYMI: Essentials for WurlD’s ‘Love is Contagious’ EP

See Olamide, Wizkid & ID Cabasa In “Totori” Music Video

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Although perennial Afropop A-list acts Olamide and Wizkid have put out subsequent, highly successful collaborative efforts, the involvement of veteran producer ID Cabasa on their latest pairing brings back memories of their novel collaboration, “Omo To Shan”, back when both were fresh faced ascendants at the top of the decade. To a tangible extent, “Totori” and its accompanying video captures the remarkable growth of both artists, with a hint of the qualities that helped both artists break out.

ID Cabasa produces the thumping beat, mixing steel pan dancehall drums, piano strings and humming bass guitar riffs, creating the energetic atmosphere readied for dance-inclined audience, and also injects energy into the laidback demeanour of the lyrics from the vocal artists. Performing the song’s infectious hook, Wizkid’s imbues his lightweight, randy sentiments with preppy melodies, while Olamide’s two verses are cocksure, highlighting his unwavering prominence in a bid to win over his muse.

TG Omori directs the music video for “Totori”, capturing the lively vibe of the song, with shots of all three credited artists performing in varying duet and solo frames, surrounded by models and dancers performing high octane, choreographed moves. To capture the fanfare surrounding Olamide and Wizkid, there are also shots featuring a large crowd, excited at watching the new music video from both artists on a TV.

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

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/OlamideVevo

Watch A Bold D’banj In Video For New Single, “Shy”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

There’s something of a dissonance in D’banj referring to himself as a “shy guy”, and he wields the irony on his new “Shy” single to trolling effect. Popular known as the Kokomaster and personifying Afropop’s apex rockstar image for the most part of his career, D’banj uses his latest release as a worthy reminder of his status as one of the greatest entertainers around. Over Boom Beat’s Igbo Folk-inspired beat, comprising rolling percussions and heavy 808s, D’banj’s lyrics come off as effusive, embellished by his energetic performance.

Showcasing the song’s robust nature, as well as paying homage to its sonic inspirations, TG Omori puts together a set of visuals situating D’banj in the midst of a large ensemble of men acting as vocal backups, and beautiful models, all decked in outfits particular to the Eastern part of Nigerian. Actress and former Big Brother Naija fake housemate, Eriata Ese also features in the music video. “Shy” is the first official single off D’banj’s upcoming album.

You can watch the music video for “Shy” here.

Featured Image Credits: Youtube/D’banj

Mr Eazi Shares Romantic Single, “Supernova”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

By all indications, Mr Eazi is having a great 2019. Earlier this month, the singer released “Thank You (Freestyle)”, a loose single reflecting his gratitude for the recent, positive events in his career. His latest single, “Supernova”, is a return to the romance-themed-meets-light-groove territory that is responsible for his status as one of Afropop’s most reliable song-makers around.

With echoes of Mr Eazi’s “Legover” hit single, the mid-tempo beat E-Kelly produces for “Supernova”, mixing lightly bouncy percussions and highlife-adjacent guitar riffs, creates the perfect backdrop for the singer’s sentiments and his languid melodies. “Girl, you no be shitor, you be sauce/all my family must to love you by force”, Mr Eazi sings, highlighting the gravitas of his reassurance to a love interest. In typical fashion, there are materialistic promises in order to add gloss to his affirmations.

You can stream “Supernova” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/MrEazi
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ICYMI: The video for “Poverty Die” confirms Baddo’s visual renaissance is afoot

Leriq Features Teni And Skales On New Single, “No Wahalah”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Through his undeniably seminal work since the top of the decade, Leriq is one of the producers that has directed the mainstream sound of Afropop in recent times. These days, though, the producer seems to be more interested in colouring around the outer edges of the genre. Following the experimental path of his debut ‘Luv.Wav’ debut EP and his collaborative EP with Tomi Thomas, ‘Illusions’, Leriq’s newly released “No Wahalah” single brings two of Afropop’s consistent hitmakers, Skales and Teni, into a psychedelic sonic space that is unusual but far from ill-fitting for both singers.

Combining light piano chords, wind chimes, hip-hop-adjacent drums and a persistent talking drum riff, Leriq’s beat for “No Wahalah” is simultaneously lively and subdued, fitting for the cocky lyrics performed by the guest vocalists. Loaded with vitriolic lines aimed at naysayers, the freewheeling energy and uptempo personalities that have come to typify both Teni and Skales remain apparent, but these characteristics take a sinister turn that sits perfectly atop Leriq’s quirky groove.

You can stream “No Wahalah” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/Leriq

Idahams Shares New Single, “Amayanabo (The King)”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

As a follow-up “No One Else (Remix)”, his collaborative cuffing season-aimed single with Teni from February, Idahams’ latest single, “Amayanabo (The King)” places him in the class of fresh faced Afropop acts clearly influenced by Tekno’s lively and carefree M.O. Bouncing over Miccon’s fast paced production, earmarked by Makossa-styled percussions and plinking guitars, Idahams sings, “say na me dey scatter the center/I go give you something to remember” on the first verse, before descending into the song’s pastiche hook, embellished by syncopated melodies. It’s the type of song you’re familiar with, but that doesn’t diminish its replay value. “Amayanabo” is the title track and final pre-release single off Idahams’ debut EP, dropping this Friday, July 5th.

You can stream “Amayanabo (The King)” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/OfficialIdahams

Listen To Small Doctor’s Latest Bop, “Believe”

Posted on by Dennis Ade Peter

Although none of his subsequent singles have garnered the fanfare of his ubiquitous hit single, “Penalty”, Small Doctor has remained a fixture of street music with his peerless ability to deliver well-timed hit singles. With his latest release, “Believe”, the singer adds to the mix of songs vying to dominate DJ sets in the months of summer, but it is ultimately a play at the end of year peak concert season, and possibly a catalyst for a sequel to his headlining ‘Omo Better’ concert last December.

With its dancefloor ready, South African House production, and Small Doctors catchy lyrics, “Believe” is the type of bop you’d fully expect to grow into mainstream prominence in the coming months. Vaguely recounting his rise to fame despite unfavourable odds, Small Doctor uses the song as a kiss-off to current haters, infusing the common derisive Yoruba colloquial, “E wo won bo se n wo wa (look at how they are looking at us)”, you’d most likely hear audiences chant as the song grows bigger.

You can listen to “Believe” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/iam_smalldoctor