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 Tiwa Savage, LAX, Fasina, Karun, Ms Banks and more. Dig in. 

Karun – “Lie To Me (Tell Me A Fairy Tale)”

Kenyan singer and songwriter, Karun delivers the new earworm track titled “Lie To Me (Tell Me A Fairytale).” The mid tempo number finds sees the artist singing about the love and its near magical qualities. On the Bloch-Beats produced record, she sings directly to her love interest, drawing them closer into a world of their own making with lyrics such as “Cause when I check in my mind and you’re no longer here/I feel it in my chest, I wanna disappear.”

Tiwa Savage – “Jaiye Foreign” ft. Zinoleesky

For her first official single of the year, Tiwa Savage teams up with former NATIVE digital cover star Zinoleesky for the new upbeat record “Jaiye Foreign.” The Amapiano-infused record finds them toasting to the good life. Over the Pheelz production, Zinoleesky sings “Girl I can feel it in my soul can you feel it too, don’t know why I keep missing you/All the time I wanna be with you, girl I’m tryna figure what I mean to you” letting his love interest know the hold she has over him. Tiwa glides over the production with her melodious vocals, singing “Maybe na the highness, make me look the finest to you/Keep up with the finesse, I go wait till half past two,” while merging energies seamlessly with Zinoleesky.

L.A.X – “Para”

Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer L.A.X has just shared the lead single from his forthcoming project, “Para.” The Smeez-produced record sees the artist hyping up himself, as well as speaking on his growth so far. On the hook of the track, he quips catchy lyrics such as “listen I be the reason dem dancing, dance to my music stop jonzing/I’m leaving stamp on this music, para oh.” 

Fasina – “Fever” ft. MOJO AF, PsychoYP

Fasina teams up with rappers MOJO AF and PsychoYP for a bouncy new record titled “Fever.” Over the Eke-produced beat, the trio explore the complications of toxic love and relationships. Fasina opens the record singing “she only brings complications my way, turning off my phone till late night Friday.” As he croons about his lover, he is joined by PsychoYP and MOJO AF, who deliver equally memorable verses that further visualises our experiences of toxic love.

Yung D3mz – “La La La” ft. Boye ‘The Genius’

Ghanaian producer and performer Yung D3mz has arrived with a two-song pack ‘Commercial Break,’ featuring the records “La La La” and “Dweet.” On the standout number “La La La” featuring Boye ‘The Genius,’ the artist serenades his muse while telling her how she makes him feel. He sings on the chorus, “Alright, say you wanna get down tonight/I go make you sing La La La/Baby come, let’s make symphonies.”

Nanette – “Vent”

South African singer and uNder alum Nanette shares a video for her recent release, “Vent.” The video features simple shots of Nanette speaking with her love interest fondly over the phone and sharing an intimate moment. The self-directed video serves to further expand the visual world around the song’s relatable lyrics as she vents to her lover about the things that cloud her mind.

Tena Tenpo – “Freaky” ft. Tim Lyre

Tena Tenpo has now arrived with his a new project titled, ‘Vibes Alive.’ The 6-track EP features guest appearances from artists such as Tim Lyre, MOJO AF, Jawsz and showcases more of Tena Tenpo’s impressive range. On the standout Tim Lyre-assisted record “Freaky,” Tena opens the record singing “you got the kind of thing i like, make I tell you the truth no lie/come show me that you’re freaky girl,” delivering romantic lyrics to his love interest. 

Ms Banks – “Gbedu” ft. Joey B, Kwesi Arthur

Following the release of her EP, ‘Bank Statement’ last month, Ms Banks is back with a new single titled “Gbedu” featuring Ghanaian rappers, Joey B and Kwesi Arthur, and Snypa. The mid-tempo record finds the artists speaking about having a good time with life and enjoying every moment it has to offer. The impressive record also draws lyrical inspiration from Burna Boy’s 2019 hit single “Gbona.” 

Mannywellz – “No Closure”

For his most recent release, Mannywellz shares new single, “No Closure.” Over the mid-paced production of the track, he speaks on being happy and free from the complications of a toxic relationship. With lyrics such as “We don’t need no closure baby, I see through the lies you’re moving crazy,” he represents the motions of a turbulent relationship.

Kehinde – “Hennessy”

For his first official release of the year, Nigerian born UK-based singer and songwriter Kehinde is here with the uptempo catchy number “Hennessy,” which sees him singing about focusing on life’s little joys. Over the song’s memorable production, he sings “Drink Hennessy o it’s all on me o, make all the girls dey shake body for party,” imploring his listeners to let loose and have fun.

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