2022 is winding down, 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. Today, enjoy new music from Nissi, Mavins All Stars, Asake, Focalistic, and more. Lock in!

NISSI – “OVERTHINKING” 

In her latest offering, Nissi pairs sun-soaked melodies and Highlife in “Overthinking.” Known for her bold voice and constant desire to outdo her abilities, the artist’s new single serves as a reintroduction to who she is after self-reflection and learning overthinking is one of her character traits. Produced by Jay Weathers, an East London-born producer, Nissi shows off her sonic palette as she engages with feelings that resonate with everyone. Showing her mastery of composition throughout the song, Nissi reminds everyone that overthinking is just extra time you spend in your head.

MAVIN ALL STAR – “WON DA MO”

The Mavin team has had a prosperous year.  Today the label released “Won Da Mi,”  a musical capsule that featured all of the label’s artists. The eclectic beat has the stars reminding everyone they know they are set apart from every artist in the industry. The balance between the native language and Ladipoe’s English makes this song an undeniable masterpiece: with Ayra Starr’s vocals balancing the male domination. 

TIWA SAVAGE, ASAKE – “LOADED” 

Two generational talents on one beat is a guaranteed smash hit, and “Loaded” is all exactly that. Several months after the release of his debut album ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’, Asake lends his hit making prowess to Tiwa Savage on the pair’s new collaboration, “Loaded.” Produced by Magicsticks and accompanying visuals directed by TG Omori, the new single shows the pair’s keen fashion sense while addressing the haters who think they can stand in their way. Asake reasserts his dominance on the scene this year, while Tiwa Savage reclaims her agency after she was a vicitim of revenge porn last year. She quotes with a play on an iconic line from Black Sherif’s “Kwaku the Traveller” saying, “Who never fuck hands in the air.”

FOCALISTIC & KABZA DE SMALL – “TABELA HAPE” FT. MELLOW & SLEAZY, M.J, AND MYSTRO

Throughout the year, Focalistic has dedicated his time to relentless releases of superb Amapiano singles and features. Announcing the release of his 3rd studio album ‘Ghetto Gospel’ with the release of the Amapiano laced  “Tabela Hape,” Focalistic has his fans on the edge as they anticipate its release on the 18th November. On the new track, Focalistic pairs his signature airy synths and well-arranged shakers, while enlisting the help of Amapiano legend Kabza De Small, Mellow & Sleazy, M.J, and Mystro for a distinct party anthem. 

MATATA & SAUTI SOL – “OVERSIZED T-SHIRT”

Two Kenyan pop groups join forces to create an ode to all ladies. The upbeat melodic production provides the perfect sonic backdrop for the artists to sing about their heart desries. They express their love for their muse, “girl  I think you look good in my oversized t-shirt//Now they wish they were you in my oversized t-shirt,” leaving a long-lasting impression of the hit single from Matata’s debut album  ‘Super Morio.’

TYLA – “TO LAST”

South African songbird, Tyla is making waves in the industry. After her hit single, “Getting Late” with producer, Kooldrink last year, and her single “Overdue” with DJ Lag which featured in the last season of ‘Blood & Water,’ the singer returns with “To Last.” Despite being her first release of 2022, Tyla blends her Amapiano groove with ready-to-dance production. Characterized by synths, airy pads, and: wide and percussive basslines her latest single finds her spurring love-lorn confessional lyrics as she reminisces her first heartbreak “..you never gave us a chance it’s like you never wanted it to last..” The warm percussions provide a lush canvas for her honeyed vocals.

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