We’re more than 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, 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. This Friday, enjoy new music from Tekno, Elaine, Toby Shang and more. Dig In!

Dami Oniru – “Soft Life”

After taking a brief hiatus from releasing music, Dami Oniru is back and better. Arriving today is the singer’s first solo release of the year, “Soft Life.” The Remy Baggings-produced number lays her smooth vocals on a euphonious beat and allows Dami’s hop between soft percussive elements and synth-led samples. Over the sultry beat, she opens the record chanting the lyrics such as “Money on my mind, money on my mind,” letting listeners in on her current state of mind.

Blaqbonez – “Back In Uni”

Blaqbonez makes his directorial debut with the brand new video for his most recent offering, “Back In Uni.” The colourful and vibrant video for the record captures Blaqbonez playing different characters of his peers including Oxlade, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Wizkid and more. The video keeps viewers engaged as it encapsulates a lot of what is going on in popular culture.

Tekno – “Pay”

Afropop hitmaker Tekno is back with another catchy bop. The Kulture-produced number is an uptempo track which is a feel-good track which has a groovy addition to the production, making listeners move to the melodies of the track. On the chorus of the record he chants “If anybody hold me money, e go pay/you know I hold two baby and I like to celebrate,” speaking on having his racks up as well as enjoying life. 

Elaine – “Fading Away”

Soft touches of alluring melodies are everywhere on the new record “Fading Away” by South African singer, Elaine. The R&B number finds her speaking to a lover who has done her wrong multiple times, letting him know she has no more chances left to offer. Over the melancholic production, she sings on the hook “All the times you did me wrong, I still stuck around/all the things I did for you oh baby, why did you let me down?” 

Toby Shang – “Update” ft Naira Marley 

Hypeman and MC Toby Shang has shared with listeners his debut EP ‘The Best.’ The 6-tracker features Naira Marley, Poco Lee and Rexxie, and cuts across different topics and experiences, from tracks where he hypes himself up to more empowering anthems where he reminds listeners that he’s the best. On the standout single, “Update” he taps Marlian Music honcho, Naira Marley for a boastful number that finds them both speaking on making money and stacking their paper. 

Jamopyper – “Balance”

Street-pop singer and Zanku records signee Jamopyper has arrived with the new amapiano-infused party bop “Balance.” Produced by Niphkeys, the record sees the artist singing in his dialect, speaking on making more money this year as well as showing gratitude to his maker who keeps the money rolling in. 

Shaykeh – “No Matter”

Newcomer Shaykey shares new Highlife-infused rhythmic record “No Matter.” The record finds the artist gliding smoothly over easy-sounding production as she sings about seeing positivity in life. On the chorus she quips “No matter, no matter the circumstances/e no matter the kinda bukata they want use fi try this/cos God don design this.”

Beat$byLadi – “Time Flie$” ft Damy, Muyiwa Frank

Canada-based record producer and mix engineer Beat$byLadi teams up with newcomers Damy and Muyiwa Frank for the soulful number “Time Flie$.” The new track sees the singers speaking on making the most of their time, focusing on their grind and chasing their respective bags. 

Dotman – “Sweet Melody”

As the name implies, veteran singer and songwriter Dotman has a sultry and melodic new single “Sweet Melody.” The mid tempo track finds the artist expressing his gratitude for the gift of music. Over the catchy production, he sings “ah ah sweet melody make dem girls go crazy, eledumare don bless me na why dem dey jealous me.”

Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE