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 Mau From Nowhere, M.anifest, Skales, Msaki x Tubatsi, Wakadinali, and more. Lock in!

MAU FROM NOWHERE – “GHOST”

uNder alum, mau from nowhere has shared a new single titled, “Ghost“. The pensive number echoes the tribulations of life especially after experiencing a debilitating breakup. The heavy drums and honest lyrics paint a picture that visualises Mau’s experiences as he becomes a ghost of his former self. He tells poignant and intimate stories about feeling hollow and empty around loved ones.

M.ANIFEST – “TOO BAD” FT. M.I ABAGA

A year after his critically acclaimed ‘Madina To The Universe’ album, award-winning Ghanaian rapper, M.ANIFEST unveiled its innovative follow-up ‘Madina to the Universe: The E.P.ilogue.’ On the stand-out single, “Too Bad,” he brings his captivating lyricism and rich global sounds to the forefront once again. On the record, both rappers wax lyrical about coming a long way and being guided on their journey before trading verses about their longevity in Africa’s rap game and how they have a lot more to give.

HOMERUN HITZ – “PEACE OF MIND” FT. STAINLESS AND NAIDA

Love is a beautiful concept. Whether it’s love gained at first sight or blossomed gradually from platonic to intimacy. In his latest offering, Homerun Hitz offers an Afrofusion tune titled “Peace Of Mind,” where he sings about the beauty of love. Over glittering keys, he sings to his muse after falling in love with her at a glance. Featuring Stainless and Naida, the romantic number packs a rapid fire verse and melodramatic chorus.

ST.SEII – “LA SAINT”

It has been less than three years since St. Seii began making music but he’s already making moves that will certainly etch his name in the heart of Afropop listeners. With each release, he peels back layers of professionalism and true craftsmanship that makes him stand out from his peers. After releasing his sophomore EP ‘BITTERSWEET,‘ he’s returned with two-pack single ‘La Saint,’ a heartfelt dedication to the women around him. On the mellow yet percussive number, “Woodtalk” he puts his affection for women on full display as he talks freely about how they make him feel.

SMADA – “YE ANTHEM (DJ YK MULE REMIX)

Smada is no stranger to stoking the ember of online conversation. Following the release of his highly anticipated new single, “YE ANTHEM” featuring Toyé and King Perryy, the NATIVE Records artist has now shared the official dance remix for the new track. Featuring DJ YK Mule, the popular street-hop DJ, Smada breathes new life to record by switching up its tempo and delivering an enjoyable and danceable record. With a dance-infused instrumental, Smada once again proves his penchant for staying on pulse with the times.

KINOTI – “S.O.K.O” FT. MODEST CHABARI

Over the weekend, rising Kenyan artist Kinoti released his sophomore EP titiled ‘Green Room.’  The stand-out single “S.O.K.O”  finds Kinoti and Modest Chabari singing over plucked guitar strings, as they praise their muse by serenading them with sweet words and worshipping their existence. “S.O.K.O” translates to market which is Kenyan slang for being single.

MSAKI X TUBATSI – “SUBALEKA”

On their new single, “Subaleka,” Tubatsi Mpho Moloi and Msaki issue an invitation to the listener and lover to journey to another place – where hearts, experiences, and sounds meet, shift and evolve. Experimental, playful, and complex, “Subaleka” introduces a merging of voices and instruments, in sparse, yet lush atmospherics.

The new track arrives alongside a video shot by up & coming South African director, Sanaa, who spends his free time in between commercial projects creating short films shot in Johannesburg’s Townships on his iPhone. Speaking about the “Subaleka” video, Sanaa – whose clips capture the quotidian of the present-day South African experience with candor and warmth – shares; “I tried to show an honest description of South Africa through a chant that adopts the spirit of closure. This film has recurring themes of love, passion, freedom, and travel.”

Featured image credits/NATIVE