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 Waje, Tiwa Savage, Chike, Flavour, Ria Sean and more.

BNXN & Wande Coal – “Kenkele”

For his latest release “Kenkele,” BNXN teams up with Wande Coal for a mid tempo Sak Pase-produced record. On the song, the singer delivers a charming tune bursting with catchy lyrics such as “Kenkele, bo se n redi bi shekere, she comes from sapele.” Wande Coals opens his verse with standout lyrics “I’m living my best life, make nobody tell me ah” indicating that he’s currently having the time of his life. Thee record arrives with the colourful and vibrant DK-directed video which sees both artists at the spa, getting body massages and resting.

Zinoleesky – “Loving You” 

Earlier in the year, Zinoleesky arrived with the romantic number “Loving You,” a Niphkeys produced record which finds the artist declaring his love for a woman over fine production and the impressive sampling Asa’s hit record “Be My Man.” To further amplify the track, Zinoleesky has now shared the song’s video which is a visual feast. On the Dammy Twitch-directed video, Zinoleesky plays a high school lover who grows up loving his muse through everything.

Jay Cliff – “Jewel”

Ghanaian singer and songwriter Jay Cliff has arrived with another mid tempo romantic number “Jewel”. On the Okaiwav-produced record, he attempts to win over his woman with lyrics such as “you’re my person, my personal person/baby everything I want to do, i’ll do it next to you”. 

Théodore – “NGANDA” ft Ria Sean 

French singer Théodore teams up with Nigerian pop sensation Ria Sean for the mid tempo record “Nganda.” As the singer chants lyrics in his native language, Ria Sean assists with a natural and sensual Ria Sean flow. Their energies merge seamlessly on the track as they explore the contours of romantic love.

Chike  – “Hard To Find” ft. Flavour

Following the release of his hit single “Running To You” with Simi, Chike has now arrived with his first official single of the year and the Flavour-assisted mid tempo bop “Hard To Find.” On the romantic number, the singer sings “E be like you get the fire, you get fire/If I start to dey cald, you bring the fire” as he makes it clear to his muse his feelings for her. Flavour steps in with a different energy and chants his lyrics in his native tongue.

Toye – “Takes Time”

Nigerian singer Toyè has arrived with his latestoffering “Takes Time,” an uptempo record which sees the artist sharing his romantic intentions with his muse. He sings amorous lyrics such as “You know me and you no go breakup, only fight/we’ll resolve it even if it takes some time” letting his love interest know the point at which their love has reached and what comes with it.

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE