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 SGaWD, Ronehi, Fireboy DML, Asake,  and more. Dig in. 

SGaWD & Ronehi  – “Telfar”

Following the release of her scintillating record, “Telfar” which arrived a few months ago, SGaWD and Ronehi have now arrived with a new video to further amplify the track. The Jazboi-directed video captures SGaWD in an altè dollhouse where she handles calls, counts her Telfar bags with stacks of cash and serves her hard bars. Ronehi is more laid back in the scenes, sharing a smoke with a mannequin, as he chants the chorus of the record with ease.

Fireboy DML – “Bandana” ft. Asake 

After holding down the charts for 4 weeks in a row with “Bandana,” Fireboy DML and Asake have arrived with the video for the track. Directed by TG Omori, the video captures both artists in a church scene and a mob scene respectively, showing them at their most confident, as they chant the lyrics of the track amid the chaos going on. The stunning video reflects the hustlers’ spirit in both artists. 

DJ Shawn – “Baddest’ ft. L.A.X & Reekado Banks

For the new record, “Baddest,” DJ Shawn teams up with L.A.X and Reekado Banks. Over the rhythmic and bubbly production of the Amapiano-infused record, the artists sing soothing lyrics about their respective love interests, also stating the hold they have on them. On the chorus, Reekado Banks chants “she be the baddest, and she get everything a man need.”

Preyé – “Crayons”

R&B singer Preyé is here with her most recent offering “Crayons,” a mid-paced record which sees her speaking about the fine things in life while spreading positivity.  On the record, she quips standout lyrics “In a world where it’s black and white and grey, I saw with my eyes no angles and no lines/In my world there’s wonder/here there’s colour.”

Boybreed – “Wine Am Go Low” ft. Zarion Uti

On “Wine Am Go Low,” Boybreed and Zarion Uti team up to deliver a bouncy new number. The record focuses on them chasing their respective dreams. Over the track, the duo trade bars about getting their shit popping while singing memorable lyrics such as, “Say life is not a bed of roses, e be why i dey waka like Moses/Each and everyday I be on my grind, Each and everyday na money I dey find.”

Ginius – “Feels Like Magic”

British-Ghanaian singer Ginius is here with her sophomore EP ‘Her Notions Since ‘97.’ On the standout record “Feels Like Magic,” the artist fuses Afropop and Soul together to deliver the hypnotic record. On the record, she quips, “He say I’m physically fit, run me that money no lesser than seven digits/Favourite colour is somewhere Dubai and living it, really really lit,” over the self-produced track. 

NATIVE Sound System – “University” ft NSG & Teezee

NATIVE Sound System has arrived with their debut album ‘NATIVEWORLD,’ a 15 track compilation album with appearances from artists such as Teezee, Deto Black, Lojay, Ayra Starr, Cruel Santino and more. On the 4Play & Adey-produced standout track “University,” NSG boys and Teezee slide seamlessly on the record, speaking solely on making money as the main focus. On the chorus of the record, the artist chants “I’ve only got money on my mind, another woman I’m down for but that na lie”

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE