More than most people, the team at The NATIVE knows that the sheer scope of music available to us at this exact moment in human history is mind-numbing but 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 try to keep our fingers on the pulse of music from across the continent and beyond, bringing you exciting songs from talented musicians who are continuously trying to bounds of artistry with their music. 

On Wednesday, we had a soothing collaboration between Duncan Mighty and Burna Boy, a new extended play from Yemi Alade, and soul singer Omawumi’s first album in two years. Today’s column brings you the lead single off Mayorkun’s wildly-anticipated sophomore album, a swanky collaboration between Tiwa Savage and Tay Iwar, and more. Enjoy.

Mayorkun – “Let Me Know”

The Mayor of Lagos is back in office. After thoroughly soundtracking the entire span of the 2020 COVID-19-enforced lockdown in Nigeria and the wider year with a breath-taking series of singles and features, Mayorkun retreated from public attention to complete his sophomore album. The first song off that body of work, “Let Me Know,” arrives today. Replacing the bombast of his 2020 offerings with mellow introspection, Mayor makes a series of promises to his love interest, assuring her of his affection over a mid-tempo instrumental adorned by warm fluttery melodies.

Tiwa Savage – “Special Kinda” (feat. Tay Iwar)

Last year, Tiwa Savage gave a stellar performance across the stretch of her third album, Celia, dexterously melding her pop sensibilities with eloquent songwriting. Tiwa’s latest offering, ‘Water and Garri’, sees her lean more into emotive songwriting, delivered over soulful beats. “Special Kinda,” taken from the five-track project, is a genteel, breezy collaboration between Ms. Savage and shape-shifting creator, Tay Iwar. Atop a lounging beat, they send a reminder of all the special things love can inspire.

Rooky – “Shiva”

On last year’s ‘Worlds Apart’, Saskatchewan-based Nigerian singer, Rooky, made a beautiful blur of sounds that crisscrossed genre boundaries, hopping between R&B, hip-hop, and Afropop influences while sharing snippets from his life. His latest release, “Shiva” is a melodious reflection on romantic couplings as he breathlessly switches cadences from syrupy-toned Afrobeats-tinged coos to more urgent patois across the song’s three-minute runtime.

Boohle – “Amawaza” (feat. Busta 929 & Mpura)

Making her mark last year with two formidable projects, debut LP Izibongo and Umbuso Wabam’nyama with ace Amapiano auteur Josiah De Disciple, Boohle established herself as one of the finest Amapiano vocalists in South Africa. Shortly after scoring two of her biggest hits yet, featuring on Mr JazziQ’s “Woza” and Cassper Nyovest’s “Siyathandana,” the velvet-voiced singer has just dropped her new EP, Sfikile. At the top of the 4-song set is “Amawaza,” a soulful banger that combines her evocative vocals with Busta 929’s inventive production, and features a lively verse from recently deceased Amapiano star Mpura.

Laime – “Money Medicine”

To get fans in the groove for his coming extended play, If Summer Happened, Laime has been sharing songs nonstop. Very recently, he released “Purple Rain,” a hypnotic collaboration with Psycho YP. This Friday, his latest release, “Money Medicine,” has arrived. A dancehall-inspired bop produced by Mike Misan, Laime is trying to prove his credibility to a love interest while reminiscing on the important landmarks that have delivered him to his present station in life.

Benji Flow – “Go”

Since breaking out with 2019’s “Deep End,” Benji Flow has been one of the UK’s most compelling up-and-comers. Crystallizing the song’s success with his well-received EP ‘Benergy’, his latest single, “Go,” is the beginning of a new era for the North London artist as he gears up for the release of another project to be titled The Thrill. Infused with Latin vibes, “GO,” as explained in Benji’s words, is about “my  fondness for a beautiful woman and wanting to take her higher than the sky, and closer to the moon!” 

Zarion Uti – “Tale Bana”

Despite COVID-19 disrupting the planned touchpoints of last year’s emPawa class, Zarion Uti’s momentum did not slow down. “Rain Or Shine” with Buju showed an inventive side to his music, and earlier this year, “PROUD,” a collaboration with Minz displayed his capacity for memorable lyricism. The nexus of both capabilities manifest on his latest release, “Tale Bana,” an Amapiano-inspired cut that is dialed to the maximum to soundtrack nights out.

Una Rams – “btb” (feat. Blxckie)

South African R&B singer Una Rams releases music sparingly, opting for quality over quantity. Three years after his last project, the singer is set to drop a new mixtape, hold me when it’s cold, next Friday. Ahead of the tape, he’s shared the second single, “btb,” a smouldering cut asking for passionate companionship from a love interest. Una Rams’ gentle rasp glides over the slow-burning yet snappy production, and he’s joined by emergent rap superstar Blxckie, who spins a formidable, melodic rap verse.

Featured image credits/Instagram

@walenchi Is A Lagos-based Writer Interested In The Intersection Of Popular Culture, Music, And Youth Lifestyle.

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