We’re halfway through 2022, and it’s been an eventful year for Afropop. There’s been a torrent of great new music, spawning a massive stack of inventive smash hit songs. From Highlife-infused Ghanaian pop, to the unrelenting force that is Nigerian street-pop, to South Africa’s indomitable Dance scene, to tantalising Drill explorations in East and Central Africa, and much, much more, we’re living through abundant and musically expansive times.

Every week, tonnes of songs from African artists make their way to digital streaming platforms, and wading through them can be intense. That’s where The NATIVE’s Songs of the Day column comes in to help. We go through as many new releases as possible, spotlighting them here, two to three times every week. Today, enjoy new releases from FireboyDML, NSG, Yaw Tog, Ajebutter and more. Dig in. 

Ajebutter – “Confam” ft Kida Kudz

Ajebutter and Kida Kudz team up for the new record “Confam.” On the record, the artist sings about showing his muse a good time while they party and get drunk. He sings “I said come through it’s fine, me and my friends confam/shayo dey confam, Hennessy dey confam.” Kida Kudz steps in with a rap verse as he spins the record in a different direction.

Fireboy DML – “Ashawo”

For his third studio LP Fireboy DML has arrived with ‘Playboy,’ a 14-tracker with features from artists such as Rema, Chris Brown, Shenseea and label mate Asake. On the standout number, “Ashawo,” he sings to his muse amorous lyrics such as “no be my fault na shayo/na all of us be ashawo” which translates to “It’s not my fault, its alcohol,” blaming his vices of drinking for acting out of order. 

Yaw Tog – “Sophia”

Following his stellar breakout year, Ghanaian drill rapper, Yaw Tog is back with another catchy number titled “Sophia.” On the track, he delivers a romantic number as he serenades his muse with lyrics such as “fine girl me I dey for you, my heart with the key for you/and anytime I think about you, I just want to be with you,” letting his love interest understand the plans he has for her, while switching between his native tongue and English.

NSG – “In Da Car” ft. MHD

Following their ROOTS tour in Africa last year, Afroswing group NSG are back with their latest single, “In Da Car” featuring French rapper, MHD. The catchy new number finds the rappers trading bars in English and French about getting their shit popping and enjoying the fruits of their labour. The record also arrives with a new video which sees the boys in a pool party setting and a parking lot having the best possible time.

T.I Blaze – “My Life”

For his latest offering, singer, songwriter and performer, T.I Blaze is here with the uptempo Amapiano-infused record “ My Life.” On the track, he speaks about enjoying the good things of life, having fun and focusing on the positive things of life. Over the catchy hook, T.I Blaze quips “Omo na my life, I cant come and kill myself/man go jaiye jaiye until the very end” which translates to “Its my life and I can’t come and kill myself/I’m going to enjoy my life until the very end.” 

Mr Eazi – “Personal Baby” 

Following the release of his hit single “Legalize,” singer and songwriter Mr Eazi has arrived with another warm romantic record “Personal Baby.” On the Kel-P produced record he sings about a love interest who always has his back and is always there for him. The record is accompanied by the Demola Falomo-directed video which sees the artist with his muse in a dark and moody room as he performs the record to her.

Ogranya – “Brenda”

Nigerian Afrofusion singer, Ogranya delivers yet another mid-tempo romantic number titled “Brenda.” On the record he appreciates his love interest who he can’t seem to get off his mind. On the song’s catchy hook, he chants “Brenda, Brenda, Brenda, you no de give me trouble/Brenda, Brenda, Brenda, so I go dey here for you” letting her know the energy she gives him is reciprocal. 

Ariana Blnde – “Lightweight”

Rap newcomer, Ariana Blnde arrives with her debut single “Lightweight.” The record sees the artist spitting disrespectful and dizzying bars over the song’s catchy production. For her debut, “Lightweight” packs a mean punch as Ariana spits bars such as “I’m a nasty bitch off the prosecco” letting listeners know that she’s here for a good time. Across the song’s 2-minute run time, she makes braggadocious claims while reminding listeners about how much of a boss she is. With her debut, it’s clear that she’s confident in her abilities and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for how she continues to develop.

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE