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 M.I Abaga, Aluna, Prettyboy D-O, Higo, Layzee Ella, Superboy Cheque, Yemi Alade and more.

Aluna – “Nowhere To Hide” ft. Prettyboy D-O & Higo

This Friday, UK songstress Aluna shares a new number titled “Nowhere To Hide” featuring Prettyboy D-O and producer, Higo. The track is a smooth, poignant single with romance at its heart. Combining elements of Afropop and Amapiano with Aluna’s pitch-perfect vocals, the song’s catchy production provides the perfect backdrop for Prettyboy D-O to trade his rapid-fire bars. Thew new single from Aluna sees the singer continue her fruitful run of cross-continental collaborations.

M.I Abaga – “The Guy”

Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga has been teasing the release of his forthcoming album. Ahead of this, he has shared a new single titled “The Guy.” The single is a statement of the foundational relevance of the artist, a call to keep pushing, and a self-celebratory declaration of clear excellence. With its catchy lyrics and a memorable hook, the song clearly attests to the undoubtable versatility of M.I “The Guy” Abaga.

Skillz 8Figure – “Delilah” ft. Kelyvn Boy

Since the release of his debut EP ‘Gangsta Luv’ in 2020, Skillz 8Figure has remained one of the most prolific artists to keep tabs on. Since the year began, the Ghanaian-based, Sierra Leonean-born artist has been teasing the release of a new project with promotional singles such as the Kofi Mole-assisted “Wateva” and “Mind” featuring King Perry. For his latest release, he employs the help of Kelvyn Boy for a romantic number which finds both artists singing about their respective muses and the hold they have on them. Singing “Girl me want you, my delialah” Skillz serenades his romantic interest while playing on biblical allusions of Delilah and Samson from the Bible.

Layzee Ella – “Medusa” ft. Khaid

uNder alum, Layzee Ella makes music that sees listeners at the base of their emotions. Following the release of “sober” earlier this year, the Nigerian singer employs the help of other uNder alum, Khaid for the mid-tempo new track titled “Medusa.” The new track finds both artists singing about their respective muses and expressing exactly how they make them feel. The melodic hook finds Khaid singing “I thought I want to dey follow water go/I no fit use am,” as he sings about the effect his love interest has on him. “Medusa” is set to feature on Layzee Ella’s upcoming album ‘Find Everything’ which is set for release next month.

Superboy Cheque – “Holy Gee”

Last year, Superboy Cheque shared his debut album ‘Bravo,’ a 13-tracker which found him weaving poignant tales about his life and the come-up. To open his book for the year, the rapper and singer has now shared new single, “Holy Gee,” a rhythmic new single which founds him showcasing his lyrical dexterity. Over the mid-tempo production from Ozedikus, he sings “I dey steady on my ground, no stop/What’s the point of making money if you no fit blow with all your guys,” sharing insights on the current strides he is making in the indsustry.

Kwesi Arthur – “Nirvana” ft. Kofi Mole

After the success of his groundbreaking debut album ‘Son Of Jacob,’ Kwesi Arthur is back with an inevitable banger titled “Nirvana” and featuring fellow Ghanaian rapper, Kofi Mole. Taking a departure from his standard Drill beats, the new single finds both rappers trading bars about reaching euphoria. “No dey show fake love/I just wan touch nirvana/Seems so far sometimes but na nirvana man go find,” quips Kwesi Arthur over the song’s catchy hook, as he detaches from the lull of everyday life and looks ahead to greater heights.

Yemi Alade – “Begging”

Yemi Alade is as prolific as they come. For her latest release, the singer shares new anthem “Begging,” which finds her divesting from romantic relationships and refocusing on what truly matters: herself. Over the song’s upbeat production, Yemi Alade addresses her romantic interest and shines a light on the ways in which love has left a sour taste in her mouth. Singing lyrics such as “If you help me see love/Tell am I no want to love/Ain’t got no time for no lo lo love,” she emphasises her need to put love on the back burner.

Featured image credits/NATIVE

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