2022 is winding down, 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, many 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 music from Reekado Banks, SOLIS, Karun, Laime and more. Lock In! 

Busiswa – “Asambe” ft. DJ Khao and Kaybee

Following her singing and songwriting appearance on two tracks off the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By,’ South African singer Busiswa returns wuth a new groovy single titled “Asambe” which features DJ Khao and Kaybee. Produced by DJ Khao, the new number provides a delectable blend of Amapiano, infused with Gqom, and House which provides the perfect backdrop for Busiswa to fire off empowering and affirming lyrics such as “I’m a badie, I’m a queen, I’m fucken star, if you won’t believe me you won’t go far these days.”

Reekado Banks – “Holla Me”

Following the success of his 2021 hit single “Ozumba Mbadiwe,” singer and songwriter Reekado Banks makes his return with his first official release of the year titled “Holla Me.” The Horlargold production finds the artist hyping himself up while he speaks to his muse. Over the Amapiano-infused production, he chants “Oh baby, hop in the car Shey na wire abi make I do transfer?/Mm, omo, kos’ewu rara, owo nbe ninu shaka, billi’-billi* dollars,” with his melodic vocals. 

SOLIS – “Abeg” ft. Karun, Amindi

It’s SOLIS season once again and we’re excited for the new era. Arriving last week, SOLIS has now shared the remix to “Abeg,” one of the standout cuts off her recent EP, ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ The new remix reunites SOLIS with American singer, Amindi while bringing on the lush sounds of Kenyan singer, Karun into the mix. The sultry and solemn number sees a wholesome combination of vocals from all collaborators on the record. The production ties it all together and gives the record a clean and ethereal finish.

Mohbad – “Tiff”

Since his exit from Marlian Music, we’ve all been wanting to know Mohbad’s next move. Well, the wait is over. Mohbad has now shared new single, “Tiff” which serves as his first release as an independent artist. The record which was first teased on social media, now makes for an even more enjoyable listen as it finds the artist speaking about his struggles these past few years. Over catchy production from Larry Lanes, Mohbad paints a picture of his experiences while showcasing how he can rise up as a better version of himself. 

Ladè – “Lova” ft Crayon 

Following the success of her standout single, “Adulthood Anthem,” Afropop singer Lade has now shared her sophomore EP ‘Merchant Of Melodies.’ The body of work sees the artist showcasing melodies across a brisk 5-track run. On the Crayon-assisted standout record “LOVA,” both artists sing to their respective muses and express their most honest feelings to their love interests. 

Laime – “Ordinary Love”

After taking a brief hiatus from releasing music, Laime is here with his most recent party starting banger titled “Ordinary Love.” The amapiano-infused romantic number sees the artist making advances towards his love interest. Over the Dami Ore-production, Laime sings “Ordinary love, you know I’m different.” 

MTG 9Boy – “Choke”

After taking a 2-year hiatus from releasing any musical material, Nigerian-born, American based artist is here with the new mid tempo number titled “Choke.” The record sees him at his most braggadocious as he hypes himself up and spits bars about getting his shit popping. He chants the lyrics “I’m steady dripping in my steezy clothes/You see my steeze e dey choke,” which serve to boost his own self-confidence.

Barry Jhay – “Destiny”

Singer and songwriter Barry Jhay is back with another street pop record titled “Destiny.” The record sees the artist showing appreciation to his maker for how far he has come and where he sees himself in the near future. Over the production, he chants “I know where I’m coming from, I know where I’m going to/So why should I be lacking? That one no dey my dictionary.” 

Ronehi – “Blessing” ft. Tim Lyre 

Ronehi and Tim Lyre are a musical pairing made in heaven. After teaming up countless times for records such as the MOJO-assisted “General” and “Organic” with Tena Tempo, the pair reunite on new single “Blessing.” The mid tempo record sees the both artists counting their blessings and showing gratitude to their maker for how far they have come in their lives.

J.Derobie – “Adwoa” ft. Joeboy

J.Derobie is making sweet-sounding Hiplife music that soundtracks his romantic life. On new single “Adwoa,” the Ghanaian singer teams up with fellow emPawa artist, Joeboy for a romantic new track that praises and adulates their love interest. With lyrics such as “Adwoa, you dey maya dey go/everytime you hold me, do it like that,” J.Derobie sets his romantic intentions while bringing his new project ‘Grains From Love and Reality’ one song closer.

Sauti Sol – “Lil Mama”

Sauti Sol are making some of the most exciting music out of East Africa. For their new single, “Lil Mama,” the group address their runaway love interest who keeps them in the dark about her real romantic intentions. “How long should I wait for your love, Lil Mama,” they chant over the song’s hook, imploring their love interest to take a chance on their romance.

Tyla – “To Last Remix” ft. DJ Maphorisa, Young Stunna

Earlier this month, South African singer Tyla shared her new Kooldrink-produced single titled “To Last,” an honest and romantic track that showcased her mellifluous vocals. For the song’s official remix, Tyla delivers an Amapiano-inflected update by featuring talented collaborators, DJ Maphorisa and Young Stunna who make the song more memorable with their ethereal touch.

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE