2022 is no longer a new year, and Afropop knows that very well. As much as the previous year was packed with scene-defining achievements, especially within the context of global growth, the only way to keep the momentum from falling off is for artists to keep reaching into their bag for great music that holds the ears and captures the hearts of millions of listeners across the continent and well beyond. That’s exactly what’s been happening, so much so that there’s hundreds of new singles, at-least one new must-hear album and a new smash hit every week.

Amidst this torrent of new music, The NATIVE is committed to highlighting the best releases you need to hear, and possibly add to your playlists. That’s the essence of our ‘Songs of the Day’ column. Earlier in the week, we brought you songs by Nasty C, T3agray, Nviiri The Storyteller, Skillz 8Figure and more. Today, we bring you new release from Wizkid, Nandy, Kwesi Arthur, Fola Bella Shmruda and more.

Wizkid – “True Love” ft Tay Iwar and Projexx

Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ is the gift that won’t stop giving. He continues to expand the world around the album with new videos, the latest being the Tay Iwar and Projexx-assisted “True Love.” The Nabil Elderkin-directed cut features the Jamaican-Canadian model Winnie Harlow as Wizkid’s muse, with clips of the pair delivering a sensual and intimate performance under the stars. 

Nandy – “Siwezi”

Tanzanian singer, songwriter and emPawa signee Nandy has arrived with her first official single of the year titled, “Siwezi”. The slow paced record sees the “Number One” singer delivering a sweet and soulful record with pure and undiluted vocals as she sings lyrics in her native tongue. Good music has the ability to transport us to different places regardless of language barriers, and “Siwezi,” stands out for plaintive chorus and sharp verses. 

Joeboy – “Cubana”

To kick off the year, singer songwriter Joeboy is has arrived with his first official single of the year “Cubana”. On the Type A-produced track he chants lyrics such as “She say she want the banana, It dey make her go bananas/Shawyty wanna go Bahamas, Pon Deck he dey make her lose balance”, delivering his most playful performance so far.

Laime – “Profit (Tribute To The Fallen)”

In these trying times when lives are being lost as days go by, singer and songwriter Laime kicks off his year with the record “Profit”, a tribute to all our fallen heroes. Timely arriving a day after the terrorist attacks on the Abuja-Kaduna railway tracks, the new track gives hope and aural healing to those who need it. He opens the track with warm lyrics “to all my brothers that I lost, tell them rest in peace/It’s a wicked life but money no fit make me kill my friend.”

Kwesi Arthur – “Celebrate (Acoustic Version)”

Last year, Ghanaian singer and songwriter Kwesi Arthur collaborated with Teni to release the uptempo jam “Celebrate”, a congratulatory record which found the pair singing about the good things in life and having the best time. Now, Kwesi Arthur is slowing down the pace with the acoustic version for the track. Here, he infuses more guitars and pianos into the song’s production, centring guitars and the surety of his voice to drive the message further home.

Fola – “Ginger Me” ft. Bella Shmurda 

For the new track “Ginger Me”, Nigeria singer Fola recruits Bella Shmurda. The record sees the pair expressing their deepest feeling to their respective muses through their amorous lyrics. On the chorus of the track Fola sings “ginger me o, ginger me o, aya mi n ja ni o aya” which translates to “Ginger me oh, ginger me oh/my heart is beating for you”.

Dan Drizzy – “International” Eugy

For his first official release of the year, Ghanaian singer and songwriter Dan Drizzy has arrived with the Eugy-assisted “International.” The record which draws heavy elements from South Africa’s House music, is an uptempo track which sees the artists speaking on the flashy life, cars and stacking up their money. They hype themselves up with lyrics such as “Internationally, we step in with a big Bugatti/So we dey cause tsunami” on the chorus of the track.

T-Classic – “Dangerous”

For T-Classic’s first release of the year, he shares “Dangerous,” a love song produced by newcomer Reward Beatz. On the  track, the artist sings about his muse’s physical appearance, her confidence and how she makes him feel. On the infectious chorus, he sings “Cause her body ticking like a timebomb/insurance dey for you, cause I dey for you.”

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE