As the year winds down, the sheer number of music we receive at The NATIVE keeps growing at an exponential rate. With live shows back in full swing and Afropop hits such as Wizkid’s “Essence” and CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” climbing the charts both home and abroad, there has never been a more exciting time than the present for the ever-evolving sonic landscape. Through it all, we remain committed to the ideal of music discovery and sharing that is a big part of what we stand for. Our goal is still the same as always: we don’t want exciting music to be slept on.

That’s where our Songs of the Day column comes in. We’re doing the work to stay on pulse with all the music coming out from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs of tomorrow: today. Last Friday, we had exciting music from Zinoolesky, Joeboy, Simi, Lil Kesh, and more. Today, we bring to you new music from Zlatan, Spinal, Adekunle Gold, Ckay, and many more to begin the new week.

NSG – “Only God Can Judge Me” ft. MIST

Ahead of their first-ever African tour, British Afroswing group NSG have just released a new single titled “Only God Can Judge Me.” The new track finds the boys singing about their career trajectories which have found them defying all odds as a 7-man group from Nigeria and Ghana. Produced by 4Play, the uptempo track serves as the perfect reintroduction to the UK-based group as they bring their catchy music to the motherland this December.

Guchi – “Scatter My Head” ft. Zlatan

Fast-rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, GUCHI taps hitmaker Zlatan Ibile on her latest hit track “Scatter My Head” which was released alongside a music video. The Afropop record is an up-tempo track that highlights the sensual feelings women experience when touched by their love interest. Singing “Bobo don scatter my head, don finish me pata pata,” Guchi sings about her most intimate desires using euphemisms to pass across her message. On Zlatan ‘s verse, he speaks on the beautiful ladies all around the world and what it takes to capture their attention. 

DJ Spinall – “Cloud 9” ft. Adekunle Gold

On his latest single “Cloud 9”, DJ Spinall employs the help of talented singer, Adekunle Gold for a colourful Afropop number the euphoric feeling they receive from intimate moments shared with their partners. “Love me, love me well/if you’re gonna love me,” comes a woman’s voice on the song’s catchy hook, as the romantic track speaks on the outer-worldly feeling of being infatuated with your significant other, which feels like you’re on “Cloud 9”.

CKay – “Emiliana”

After witnessing an incredible year due to the huge success of “Love Nwantinti”, Nigerian singer CKay has just released a new single titled “Emiliana”. This song comes after his feature on the Amapiano-inspired track “By Your Side” by South African rapper Blxckie. Over the romantic new single, a love-struck CKay confesses his feelings and asks her to “kiss him through the cellular” as a way for them to connect even though they’re far apart. Romance in COVID-19 times.

Willy Paul – “I Love You”

Kenyan singer and composer, Willy Paul has just released a new 17 track album titled ‘The African Experience’ which includes the standout track, “I Love You” featuring fellow East African artist, Daphne. Singing “Seniorita, I love the way you kiss and caress me,” over the song’s hook, Willy Paul and his collaborator lay down their romantic intentions over a Highlife-inspired beat. 

Kwadwo – “Sweet Melanin”

Celebrating Black women and all their beauty is this track titled “Sweet Melanin” by Ghanaian singer Kwadwo. Produced by the Grammy award-winning producer, Kill Beatz, the new track comes with a beautiful and inspiring message for Black women in a world that prioritises Eurocentric ideas of beauty.  Kwadwo shows why Black women are the crown jewels of the earth and encourages Black women to continue to show up and take up space in the world. 

Featured image credits/Instagram

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