Songs Of The Day: New Music From Don Jazzy, Burna Boy, Niniola & More
new releases from around the continent
new releases from around the continent
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.
Song of the day is perfect for everyone who is a pioneer in developing their sound and taste. A tweak here and there in your library is always needed and encouraged. Be that friend that puts others on to your ears so they can possess the soundtrack to your mind and at the same time elevate theirs. On Friday, we had a soothing collaboration between Tiwa savage, Tay Iwar, Mayorkun and many more. Today’s column brings you the sounds from Zamir, Niniola, Eugy, Show Dem Camp & more. Enjoy.
For his second official single of the year, Grammy-award-winning artist Burna Boy is nostalgically taking it back to older and simpler times. Following the release of “Kilometre”, the Port Harcourt-raised singer has struck back with the release of the Don Jazzy-produced number titled “Questions.”
The befitting new collaboration finds both artists delivering relatable lyrics about life in these parts over a catchy and memorable beat. “Question but dem no get answer/Anything wey you wish, that be your portion/Na by the grace of God and Insha Allah we dey move am,” he quips confidently over the song, speaking directly to the naysayers and reminding them of the grace of God on his life. The accompanying TG Omori-directed video features nostalgic clips from hair salons and barbershops that will surely resonate with anyone who grew up in these parts.
Zamir has been gearing up for the release of a new project titled ‘FLOWERBOI4000’ which is slated for release later this year. All year long, he’s been expanding the world around the upcoming project with new releases including the Odunsi The Engine-featuring “LUV HRTS” and the dndSection-assisted “A.Iverson.” His latest release ahead of the project drop is the catchy new number titled “Amnesia.”
On this high tempo alternative track, he sings “Baby I need you, wanna spend all night with you/ Baby I won’t forget you” as he addresses a love interest directly and promises to never forget her despite suffering from moments of amnesia. Her effect on him is so lasting and strong that he never wants to forget her and he goes ahead to praise her “told her baby you a G.O.A.T” showing just how highly he regards his lover.
Oladapo Tunji popularly known as Oladapo is an Afrofusion Nigerian artist stretching the boundaries of the Afropop genre with neighboring sounds. Recently, he debuted his first single of the year titled “Alone” which is set to feature on his project titled ‘Blind’ which is set for release next month. The catchy Ppriime-produced number finds the singer speaking on the inevitable attraction he has nurtured for a romantic interest. Although the song title would suggest a sombre mode, the song is uncharacteristically upbeat as the singer addresses his lover and pleads with her not to depart from his presence.
British-Ghanaian producer, Juls is gearing up for the release of a new project. Earlier this year, he released the Tay Iwar-assisted “Chance” and the Knucks, Sam Wise & kadiata-featuring “Wicked” to whet fans appetites for what was to come on the project. To double down on this, he’s now just released a new single titled “Love Me”, this time featuring the Queen of Afro-House herself, Niniola.
The song is an Afro-fusion affair replete with smooth percussion, groovy tempos and traditional Afropop drums that harken back to the funk and jazz-influenced sound of Afrobeat pioneers such as Fela Kuti. The infectious rhythm provides the perfect backdrop for Niniola to spit out her romantic lyrics as she implores with a muse to take a chance on their shared love. The accompanying Ray Fiasco-directed video doubles as a short film that follows a vibrant and colourful story of a beautiful woman with a dark secret.
For the past few months, May D has been making his return to the music scene with a string of new releases. His first official single of the year “Dodo” is his latest offering for his loyal fans that have stayed with him through the years. On the Dante-produced single, he quips “Orobo toh bad, in the right place/I really don’t mind, all I need is you,” addressing a love interest and showing off his affection for her. Over an Amapiano-influenced beat, he delivers a romantic track sure enough to swoon his lover while having her grooving and dancing to the beat. This is definitely one to add to your playlist this week.
Nigerian rapper Laime is gearing up for the release of his debut project ‘If Summer Happened’ early next month. Ahead of this, he’s shared new singles including the Psycho YP-assisted “Purple Rain” and “Money Medicine” which were released a few weeks ago. While he continues to unveil the world around the project to listeners, he’s just released the video for the promotional single “Money Medicine” to whet fans appetites for what’s to come. The noir-inspired visualiser finds the rapper delivering his hard-hitting verses while cruising through Lagos streets with stacks of cash to match his baller lifestyle and uber-cool lyrics.
For his latest musical effort, Nigerian singer Ogranya has just teamed up with rap duo Show Dem Camp for a new mid-tempo number titled “Gbese.” The smooth-sounding number finds the singer delivering a sombre and memorable hook as he attempts to convince his muse of his affection for her. He’s joined by SDC on the song’s verses as they deliver catchy rhymes about the woman in their lives. “Baby you’re far away but I need you next to me/Gbese re oh,” quips Ogranya on the song’s hook, turning his romantic intentions into the stuff of singsong choruses with ease.
Timaya and Phyno have just come together for a new catchy single titled “Eff All day”, the pair’s first collection since they initially worked together on 2017’s “Telli person.” The new single finds both men speaking their unfiltered minds as they chastise naysayers, ignore the bad vibes, live their best lives and focus on the spate of beautiful women that they consistently come across.
Earlier this summer, a British-Ghanaian singer, songwriter and producer released the infectious number titled “My Touch” which has become an instant fan favourite. To double down on this, he’s just hit back with the song’s official remix which features a host of African talent including Falz, Medikal, Kwesi Arthur and D-Black. The new release features a rapid-fire hook accompanied with a catchy hook that will surely soundtrack all your dancefloor activities as the summer days roll on.
Featured image credits/Instagram