We’re more than 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, many 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. This Friday, enjoy new music from Zinoleesky, Lyta, Pasuma and more. Dig in!

Zinoleesky – “Call Of Duty”

Following the release of his new single, “Call of Duty,” Marlian Music signee Zinoleesky has released the track’s accompanying video. Shot in Lagos and directed by Ahmed Mosh, the video mirrors the artist’s relaxed mood as he croons to his lover while also comparing his love for her to the acclaimed video game franchise. “It’s like playing Call of Duty/Loving you be my call of duty,” he sings. Scattered across the video are scenes of Zinoleesky and friends engaged in a game of paintball. Zinoleesky’s labelmates MohBad and EmoGrae, along with their boss Naira Marley, also make cameo appearances.

Joeboy – “Contour”

Nigerian music superstar Joeboy gets dark in the noir music video for his latest single, “Contour.” The video is shot in Ghana by director Awudu “Babs Direction” Musa, and finds the singer in character as a jilted lover driven to desperate measures after discovering his partner’s infidelity.

Pasuma – “Omo Ologo” ft. Q-Dot

On “Omo Ologo,” an up-tempo, predominantly Pop single, Fuji legend Pasuma and Apala acolyte Qdot jeer at their detractors—“Awon olofo/Dem be bad belle people,” Pasuma calls them—who want to dim their shine. This is a song of victory and confidence in oneself to be unaffected by negativity.

Lyta – “Formula Freestyle)” ft. Mohbad

“Formula” is Nigerian artist Lyta’s fourth single of the year since he released his EP ‘Rafat’ in March. The three-minute freestyle is a slow-tempo manifesto of Lyta’s confidence in his artistry; he declares that he is unperturbed by whatever challenges come his way, because “Na baba God dey give me power/Street dey show me love for every corner.” Marlian Music artist Mohbad joins the ride, declaring his self-assuredness.

Novemba – “Ewo”

Bred in the capital city of Rivers State, up-and-coming Nigerian artist Novemba enters the group of Port Harcourt-influenced musicians taking a shot at glory in the music industry. On the love tune “Ewo,” his first single of the year, the singer unveils his soothing vocals and careful ear for melodies. “Be like medicine/Make my body function/Your body dey border me/But I no be custom,” he sings.

Kabex – “God Abeg” ft. QDOT

In his first single of the year, talented Nigerian rapper Kabex invites Nigerian artist Qdot to join him and make supplications to God. Kabex’s flow reverberates with intent and passion as he runs through the issues giving him sleepless nights. Qdot, on the other hand, delivers a sweet hook, his voice strained with pain. “Make sapa no give me attitude,” Qdot sings and it is hard not to say amen to both he and Kabex’s prayers.

Kiddo CSA – “Blessed” ft. Blaqbonez

Off his forthcoming five-track EP ‘So Far, So Great,’ South African artist Kiddo CSA unveils the lead single “Blessed,” which features Nigerian artist Blaqbonez. On the mid-tempo number, both artists, switching between singing and rapping, express gratitude to the Almighty for their wins and the tough times that didn’t overcome them. “I’m too blessed to be stressed (Higher)/All year in my bag (Higher),” Kiddo CSA sings.