2022 is no longer a new year, and Afropop knows that very well. As much as the previous year was packed with scene-defining achievements, especially within the context of global growth, the only way to keep the momentum from falling off is for artists to keep reaching into their bag for great music that holds the ears and captures the hearts of millions of listeners across the continent and well beyond. That’s exactly what’s been happening, so much so that there’s hundreds of new singles, at-least one new must-hear album and a new smash hit every week.

Amidst this torrent of new music, The NATIVE is committed to highlighting the best releases you need to hear, and possibly add to your playlists. That’s the essence of our ‘Songs of the Day’ column. Earlier in the week, we brought you highlight selections from Skiibii, DEELA, Smallgod, Tekno, Badboy Timz and more. For today, here are some songs from MI, PrincessMami, SGaWD, Diamond Platnumz,

M.I ABAGA — “DADDY” FEAT CHILLZ

Following a long-drawn absence from the music  scene, veteran rapper M.I ABAGA makes a comeback with his sizzling new single “Daddy”. Over the light production by Chillz, the song is populated and coloured by theatrical keys, a minimalist drum pattern and graciously breezy vocals. Chillz also delivers his verse and the hook with effortless charisma, engaging his muse in a playful salacious conversation, with lyrics like “hope you’re getting your money? Do it for daddy”. M.I holds up his end with the magnanimous presence of a veteran, delivering laidback raps with breezy confidence. 

OBONGJAYAR — “TINKO TINKO”

Following on from the Sarz-assisted ‘Sweetness’ last year, Obonjayar, a genre-melding and culture-blending maverick arrives with yet another sonically rich number. “Tinko Tinko” is another single off his forthcoming tape ‘Some Nights I Dream Of Doors’, following the release of tracks like “Try” and “Message In The Hammer” (which are also billed to feature on the tape). Far from the pummelling and jaggedness on the two preceding tracks, “Tinko Tinko” is a gentle breezy ballad. On the track, Obongjayar flirts with the familiar themes of love and insecurity, as he sings to his muse, asking her not to take him for a fool. 

MOONCHILD SANELLY — “STRIP CLUB” FEAT GHETTS

Off her soon-to-be-released tape Moonchild Sanelly releases yet another single “Strip club”. For this number, she taps British MC Ghetts. “Strip Club” is an upbeat number seasoned with pulsating rhythms and hyper-pop influences. Over the billowing production, Moonchild delivers swanky raps in her usual delectably high-pitched tone. Ghetts is as composed and sedated as ever on this one, rapping with a cool tone, perfectly counterbalancing Moonchild’s bubbly energy. On the record they explore sensual themes with lyrics like “Come to the strip club, come watch the girls dance, come give the girls cash…”

LADY DONLI – “THUNDERSTORM IN SURULERE”

After officially opening her book for this year with her debut A COLOURS SHOW performance of her latest single, “Thunderstorm In Surulere,” Lady Donli followed this up with song’s official release on streaming platforms. Produced by UK-based artist and EYL collaborator, BenjiFlow, “Thunderstorm in Surulere” is a tantalising, romantic jam. To expand the world around the song, she’s just released the noir-inspired video to the new lead single off her forthcoming LP to incredible fanfare. The Ayo Lawson and Demola Mako-directed video shows Lady Donli and her Lagos Panic crew performing their verses against grainy noughties film effects.

LARRYLANES —  “JONZING” FEAT BELLA SHMURDA

Following his release earlier this year “Go Low”, which saw him tap Afro-soul singer Seyi Vibez, Larry Lanez isn’t losing any steam as he doubles down with the Bella Shmurda assisted “Jonzing”. On the song, the two rising stars weave in and out of playful themes, just having fun crooning over the sunny percussion upholstered pop production.

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ — “FINE”

Off the East African giant’s just released 10-track-EP ‘First Of All’, “Fine” is one of the standouts. On the record, he folds in an eclectic slew of sonic elements into a suave whole—punchy drums, soulful piano melodies, poignant crooning. On the gospel sounding number punctuated by anthemic chants, Diamond Platnumz showers adulation to his muse with his spectacular crooning. 

KOFFEE — “SHINE”

Off her innovatively spectacular new album ‘Gifted’, “Shine” is one of the gleaming standout tracks. Contrasting the affably sunny aura of the rest of the project, “Shine” ironically maintains a selectively gloomy feel. Over the pensive, guitar-inflected production, the Jamaican singer sounds heavy from the weight of the complex topics she explores. She explores themes ranging from gun violence to systemic discrimination to the powerful message of hope. Even though she draws inspiration from the complex society of her native Jamaica, her message is as relevant across the world as it is to her people. 

JAY BAHD — “DEMOCRACY”

Jay Bahd, a Ghanaian rapper and an elite member of the spate of talented voices taking the Asaaka movement to the world, has just released a fresh new single titled “Democracy”. The song sees the rapper layer crisp fire-cracking raps over a menacing bouncy drill beat. He touches on the pertinent topic of the oppression of youths across the continent as he scoots between rapping, belting out shrill cries and delivering elaborate poetic speeches, calling for the freedom of African youths. 

PRINCESS MAMI— “MORNING” FEAT SGAWD & MOYOSWRLD

“MORNING” is a suave blend of punchy pop melodies and bolshy Hip-Hop beats. On the record, Princess Mami taps “Pop Shit” crooner SGawd and Moyoswrld. Over the bubbly production, the trio belt out glistening lyrics, playfully rapping about affluence in the usual braggadocio native to rappers. With lyrics like “Catch me in a whip, catch me in a foreign, these bitches stay mad, yeah that shit so boring”, they leave the pulsating record without a boring moment. 

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE