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 Tim Lyre, Wande Coal, Minz and more. Dig in!

Tim Lyre – “Confess”

Tim Lyre is making honest and timeless music. For his first official release since his album, ‘Worry <‘ Tim Lyre has arrived with the new R&B number titled “Confess.” The Mytee Menko-produced number blends laid back R&B elements with light elements of afropop. Over the smooth sounding production of the track, Tim Lyre sings “So many things that I want to confess/I just need a way to get it off my chest,” letting listeners know his simplest form of expression is through music. 

Minz – “Wo Wo”

Minz is known for his stellar melodies and his distinct vocal performance and he displays the same effort on the new mid paced record, “Wo Wo.”  Co-produced by Jeune Lio and Mike Bgrz, the artist opens the record chanting the lyrics “Too many things I dey think wo wo/but I no dey talk anything wo wo,” while he glides over the euphonious production of the track.

DJ Tunez – “Flex” ft. Wande Coal”

On the record “Flex” produced by Magicsticks, veteran singer and songwriter Wande Coal is at his most relaxed and laid back. He sings in his Yoruba dialect about showing off his achievements, attaining all he has been able to gain and now, living his best life. 

Pandamonae – “Ta Le Leyi”

Following the release of his debut EP ‘Dawn & Dusk,” newcomer Pandamonae is here with the new romantic pop number, “Ta Le Leyi.” The dance-ready number finds the artist singing standout lyrics such as “You’re my blessing and I swear this love e no go ever crash/You know we’re destined to be and you know you shine like a star” to his muse.

Kayode – “Superstar”

On the record “Superstar,” singer and songwriter Kayode is seen at his most braggadocious as he sings about his achievements so far. On the chorus of the Godomar-production, he sings “Trying so hard I be superstar, the niggas that be hating they be high man.” 

Shatta Wale – “H.G.P”

Ghanaian veteran singer and rapper Shatta Wale has arrived with the new dancehall bop “H.G.P (Hustle Go Pay.)” On the record, he reminisces about his journey so far and emphasises heavily on focusing on what works for you as well as the power of consistency. 

Novemba – “Vibe (On My Mind)”

For his most recent offering, singer Novemba is here with his debut EP ‘Escapade.’ The 6-tracker features production credit from Latif, Beats by Mayor, Retro5 and more. On the standout record “Vibe,” he sings romantic lyrics to his muse as he explains how she makes him feel. 

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE