It’s Friday and the weekend beckons. What better time to unwind with the latest music projects from the African continent? More than ever, artists are utilising their creativity for the satisfaction of music fans around the world. These projects serve the purpose of preserving a moment (or moments) and distilling them into sonic pleasures. On this week’s New Music Friday, there’s new music from Nigeria, Afropop’s capital, global-attuned Afro-house sound and delicious Rap-influenced concoctions from Uganda and South Africa.

REXXIE – ‘BIG TIME’

Almost two years after the release of Rexxie’s debut album,’ A True Champion,’ he comes back with an eccentric 12-track project. The producer puts his music wizardry into practice by fusing varying sounds across Afropop. He is on-brand on this project as he talks about loyalty, devotion and respect. Together with a stellar lineup of artists including Lojay, Ajebo Hustlers and Teni, as well as producers such as Niphkeys, the mainly self-produced project is a defining moment for Rexxie’s career.

NAVY KENZO – ‘MOST PEOPLE WANT THIS’

Navy Kenzo’s new album, ‘Most People Want This,’ is the latest in their musical evolution. An ambitious project, drawing on their experiences from the past few years of making music, touring, and collaborating with artists from around the world. The album is a cumulation of their vast palettes including Dancehall, Pop, R&B, Reggae, and Afrobeat. Fireboy DML appears as the only guest feature in the album. Declaring their domination in “Madness,” or confessing undying love you definitely wanna cruise on ‘Most People Want This,” on a calm Sunday afternoon.

JUNE FREEDOM – ‘SWEET WATERS’

June Freedom pens a tribute to womanhood and its journey. The Cape Verde artists employ a list of women as collaborators honouring their presence since its women’s month. The French elements in the tape cannot be ignored with the mellophone releasing perfectly woven melodies to encapsulate you with feminine energy. The acoustic sounds coupled with the blend of Spanish production is the right atmosphere for a perfect letter to women all over.

BLAQ JERZEE – ‘LOST FILES’

Nigerian music producer and singer Blaq Jerzee has released his debut album ‘Lost Files.’ The 17-track project, which was preceded by the singles “Dangerous,” “Superwoman,” “No Stress” and “Mawe,” features a host of African and international guest appearances, such as Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, Tekno, Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, 1da Banton, IAMDDB and Jaz Karis, among others. There are also production credits for Blaq Jerzee and a small crew of other producers.

KO-C – ‘GENESIS’

The start of ‘Genesis’ is enough to draw your attention. With narration of Genesis 1:1, KO-C goes on to explain the void in the earth before getting into a boisterous number that has him chanting, “I am a winner.” While you think you have a grasp of the project KO-C takes the listeners on a music call trip moving from Rap to Lingala. Exploring from percussive backdrops to highlife numbers ‘Genesis’ is a testimony to KO-C’s greatness.

YINKA – ‘LET’S GET ROMANTIC’

Multidimensional songbird Yinka offers her debut project ‘Let’s Get Romantic.‘  The album attempts to show that the experiences we have when in love influence our thoughts of love. Rather she encourages a movement of love, rather instead of abandoning the concept in a wave of cynicism and bad experiences. Yinka’s evolution is evident as she explores different directions and subtle ideas. The EP captures an endearing tale about a young love.

YOUNGSTACPT & SHANEY JAY – ‘SUFFER FOR BEAUTY’

‘Suffer For Beauty’ is a powerful and introspective body of work exploring struggle, pain, and success. The powerful and honest lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by many in South Africa and around the world as YoungstaCPT tackles topics such as poverty, crime, and inequality with a raw and unflinching honesty that is both refreshing and inspiring. Shaney Jay’s expert production adds depth and texture to the album, with intricate beats and haunting melodies that perfectly complement YoungstaCPT’s powerful vocals as he cuts through the his collaborator’s thick slab of beats.

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