Songs Of The Day: New Music From TÖME, Young Jonn, Elaine & More

new releases for the new week

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  Young Jonn, TOME, Elaine, Makama and more. Dig in!

Young Jonn – “Xtra Cool”

Young Jonn arrives with a fresh and relaxing new record titled “Xtra Cool.” The upbeat Reward-produced record is a catchy number which sees the artist singing to his love interest as he describes to her the hold she has over him. Over the melodious production infused with elements of Amapiano, Young Jonn sings “Omo your ringing tone no wan comot for my head/Never seen a girl so fine like you I must confess.” 

Ayra Starr – “Rush”

After releasing her hit record “Rush,” about a week ago, Mavin signee Ayra Starr has now arrived with the TG Omori-directed video for the record. The video sees Ayra in her most comfortable pop princess element as she performs the record freely and happily, while flaunting bundles of dollar bills all around maintaining the initial point of the record.

 

TÖME – “Handcuffs” 

TÖME continues her streak of powerful releases with the brand new record “Handcuffs.” The Legion-produced number finds the singer holding on firmly to her love interest as she lets him know her intentions, while shuffling between speaking French and English. On the track, she sings enticing lyrics such as “I can’t afford to lose you, baby no/I can’t lose you baby, no,” while declaring her intentions to stay committed.

Elaine – “Deja Vu”

South African singer and songwriter Elaine is back with yet another sensual tune, “Deja Vu.” Over the mid paced production of the track, she sings “but we keep running around in circles doing the same things/but i’ll keep coming back to you” letting her muse know the hold he has over her. 

BadThesoundboy – “No Time”

Fresh Meat (now known as uNder) alum is a Nigerian producer, singer and songwriter BadThesoundboy with a voice of gold. For his latest release, a self-produced track titled “No Time,” he leans into his player side while singing lyrics such as “No time for my baby, no dey do my baby my baby while another nigga dey.” 

Tori Keeche – “Be Fair”

Marlian music signee Tori Keeche is on the cusp of her moment. To open her book for the year, she shares new record “Be Fair,” a mid tempo number produced by Spaz. On the track, she can be found pleading with her love interest to remain with her while showcasing her alluring melodies.

Makama – “Mama”

Earlier this year, Abuja-based producer and rapper Makama collaborated with APEX Village rapper, Zilla Oak$ for a daring EP which found them trading bars about getting their shit popping. Now, Makama is ready to bring listeners into his world with the release of his debut self-titled EP. The 6-tracker features BrisB, Fuji and Bluef7ame. On the standout track “Mama,” he chants “My mama told me I’ll be a star” letting listeners know his current state of mind and where he’s headed. 

KiDi – “Habibi”

Ghanaian singer and songwriter KiDi makes a bold return with sophomore EP ‘4Play,’ a four track EP which reveals a more sensual side to the artist. On the standout “Habibi,” he sings the romantic lyrics to his muse such as “Habibi my love, I want you to kiss me kiss me with your sugar lips/My freaky freaky girl, I need you to whine your waist on me o.”

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE

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