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 Madè Kuti, Phaemous, Tim Lyre, NJERI and more. Dig in. 

Mádé Kuti – “No More Wars” 

On his most recent release “No More Wars,” multi-instrumentalist and performer Made Kuti delivers a soulful and distinct number that showcases his stellar penmanship. The GMK-produced record opens with women chanting “la la la” over the euphonious beat before paving the way for Made’s smooth vocals. With relatable lyrics such as “No more wars, no more wars for me/I’ve had enough, I’ll not lose myself,” the singer holds a mirror to his current mental state and that of the whole nation.

Phaemous – “Gbedu” ft. Tim Lyre 

uNder alum (formerly known as Fresh Meat) Phaemous has arrived with the sensual mid tempo record titled “Gbedu.” On the Tim Lyre-assisted record, the artist opens with bold and resonant vocals singing lyrics such as “I make her body confused/nobody can do it like I, that’s why she’s always calling my phone.” Tim Lyre joins on the song’s second verse as he delivers standout bars over the catchy and rhythmic production.

Toyin Ores – “Kokose” ft. The Cavemen

For his first official single of the year, fast rising singer and songwriter Toyin Ores teams up with The Cavemen for mid tempo Afropop number titled “Kokose.” On it, he addresses his muse with sweet words, beguiling her with affection as he sings “I love the smell of your perfume, all the way down to your perfume/oh Lord what did I do to deserve you.”

Kxffy – “Over You” ft. NJERI 

Kenyan producer Kxffy teams up with singer, songwriter and uNder alum Njeri for the new record “Over You.” The record is a heartbreak tune which sees the artist letting her love interest know she’s good with or without him. She quips “don’t you worry about me, you know i’m always trying to do my best/baby I’m over over you, it was never just us two.”

Victor AD – “Simple Life”

For his latest offering, singer and songwriter Victor AD returns with the catchy new number “Simple Life,” where he speaks on the necessity of living life to the fullest, focusing on the positives. He chants on the chorus of the track, “that’s all I need, the simple life I live/that’s all I need, a simple life of peace,” reminding listeners to find joy in the simple things life has to offer.

$pacely – “Street-Way (Abonten)”

Ghanaian rapper $pacely arrives with another uptempo joint titled “Streey-Way.” On the record, he makes braggadocious claims about how hard he works, self-growth as well as levelling up. Over the stellar production, he menacing spits bars such as “All about the money when you see this person, miss me with the drama I got my eyes on the green.”

Chop Life Crew – “African Time” ft. Mojo AF, BigBadCubix & Tim Lyre

On their latest offering, “African Time,” rappers Mojo, BigBadCubix and Tim Lyre come together for the melodic new rap number “African Time.” The record sees all the artists spitting disrespectful bars over the song’s propulsive beat. Mojo opens the record with “Shawarma, my two eyes don kagawa” as he switches between English and his Yoruba dialect. He hands over to BigBadCubix for his standout verse and the record rounds out with Tim Lyre spinning the record in a new and different direction, which makes for an enjoyable listen.

Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE