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.

Earlier in the week, we brought you new music from Teni, Maison2500, Mowalola, BByslut, Jomiz, Teni, Tim Lyre, and a UK remix of Ruger’s “Bounce” featuring Midas The Jagaban. It’s Friday and that means new music. Today, we’re bringing you music from Naira Marley, Gyakie, Zlatan, and more. Tap in.

Naira Marley – “Drug Test”

Naira Marley is back with his second official single for the year. Following the success of his hit single, the Busisiwa-assisted “Coming” earlier this year, the Marlian King is back with its equally catchy follow-up titled “Drug Test”. The Rexxie-produced track finds the artist singing about a drug test he may have failed. Naira always finds a way to interact with his fans and his audience through his music. On the memorable hook, he sings “I just failed a drug test doctor so fun mi pe drug test positive/Cocaine negative, Heroine negative, Cannabis positive” expressing his deep love for cannabis.

Zlatan – “Alubarika”

In 2019, Buju broke into the limelight with his Zlatan-assisted single “Spiritual”. All year long, he’s doubled down on the hits with his feature on Ladipoe’s “Feeling” and his latest single “Outside”. It’s clear that Buju has the winning formula which he brings to his latest release, collaborating once again with Zlatan on the catchy new number “Alubarika”.

The mid-tempo track finds both artists appreciating life and their achievements in the game so far. Buju once again delivers a stunning hook and validates his reigning title as one of the country’s hook killers. He’s joined by Zlatan who delivers the verses singing “You know say music na my hustle, and i no dey fumble,” while painting a picture that visualises his experiences on the come up.

Gyakie – “Need Me”

Fresh Meat Alum Gyakie has enjoyed a phenomenal year. After receiving a stellar verse from Port Harcourt singer, Omah Lay on the remix to her breakout single “Forever”, the talented singer has only continued to prove her lyrical chops and enviable flow.

For her latest release, she teams up with record producer Sosa to deliver a soothing romantic track titled “Need Me”. On this number, she serenades her lover with pleasing lyrics and reassures them of her affection. “Come close to me baby, no don’t stop/ I want this daily, I’ve fallen in love I cannot deny” Gyakie quips on the track. While it’s different from her earlier releases, Gyakie shows she’s able to hold her own across a range of sounds and genres.

Kizz Daniel – “Lie”

Kizz Daniel has been on a roll for most of the year. Every song he delivers seems to be a subtle hit and his recent single “Necessari” has been a mainstay on the summer charts for weeks. This time, Kizz Daniel is here with “Lie”. A mid-tempo tune that has the artist making confessions to a certain muse. On the hook of this track, He sings “Everybody know say omo me I no dey lie/I feel like i need you in my life, nobody fit tell me otherwise”.

Benzo – “All Hail iKumanikazi”

South African rapper Benzo is here with her second official single of the year. On this track, the artist talks with a braggadocious tone as she hypes herself up as well as speaking on her achievements so far, complete with smoke for the haters and foes as well. “Running this game I’m not sorry, sipping bacardi/I’m dropping hits like it’s candy galour, I did it in under a year” she quips over a menacing beat. The Fresh Meat alum continues to show her fierce lyricism and we’re all here for it.

Ria Sean – “Money Bag”

For her second official release of the year, Aristokrat Record’s latest signee, Ria Sean delivers a catchy new track titled “Money Bag”. The Dehveen-produced number finds the artist singing about her laser-focus on getting the bag and reaching maximum levels of happiness and success. Over the song’s groovy production, she’s armed to the teeth with affirmations for herself and listeners as she gasses herself up as well. “Ice on my thing make me dey, So me I fit smile every day, I’m only about the money chase/Tell me where the money dey” she quips on this track’s hook, reminding herself of the power within.

Zinoleesky – “Naira Marley”

A month ago, street-hop artist Zinoleesky released his first official single of the year titled “Naira Marley” to incredible fanfare. To capitalize more on this release, he has now put out the video. The video which takes place in a party setting captures Zinoleesky alongside some of his label mates and friends having a great time at the party. Marlian Music label president Naira Marley, was also present in this video as the track is named after him.

Blxckie – “Joy” ft. Oxlade

Following the success of his debut album ‘B4NOW’, which emerged as the NATIVE’s best album of 2021, so far, South African rapper Blxckie releases his new single “Joy”. On this track, he collaborates with Oxlade to deliver a mid-tempo romantic love tune that has the artists serenading their muses with lyrics such as “I like you more than you think I do, I’ll never hide all my flaws/I’m here to give you joy”. They both deliver a stellar performance on this track as they complement each other perfectly.

[Featured image credits/Instagram]

ICYMI: Deto Black’s ‘Yung Everything’