TurnTable Top 100: Ayra Starr’s “Rush” Is The No.1 Song In Nigeria

The conversations that keep coming up during our daily newsroom more often than not revolve around platforming the music we love and the communities that surround its wider culture. Very regularly, the music that excites our team reflects The NATIVE’s vision of being a bastion of music from parts of Africa and the Black diaspora. There are exciting acts from the ever-evolving Nigerian music underground, rappers experimenting with Dance Music and Hip-Hop from South Africa, as well as emotive singers whose work blurs the boundary between Hip-Hop and R&B. 

Discovering these acts, being blown away by their skills, and sharing our community about them continues to excite us more than three years after we conceived this column as a platform to spotlight talents that represent all that’s exciting about African music. In a world where marketing budgets, ad spends, and PR placements continue to reshape the music landscape, uNder is still our way of raging against the system and spotlighting deserving acts whose works are vital to sustaining the creative spirit that makes African music indispensable. For our August entry, we have Paxslim, Blacboyy, Deena, and Mūmbi. This cohort is united by a thrilling sense of freewheeling experimentation that is sure to serve them well as their career progresses. We hope you enjoy discovering them half as much as we enjoyed listening to their music and writing about them. 

Paxslim

For Fans Of: SahBabii, LUCKI, Lil Yatchy 

One of the most influential but slightly underappreciated names in Hip-Hop’s storied and illustrious ranks is Lil B. The American rapper and producer popularised a self-proclaimed “based” style in the early 2010s–an artistic style that prioritised eccentricism over a defined framework–giving Hip-Hop an extra coat of sophistication (read: swag) and creating a new lane for Hip-Hop artists that were similarly fed up with the underpinnings of traditional Rap. He was a visionary in many respects, influencing a generation of modern-day artists like  Nigerian-Swiss rapper Paxslim, who embraces the trailblazer’s artistic tenets.

Like Lil B, Paxslim, born Pax Anthony, is not concerned with conventions or the general orthodoxy of Hip-Hop. While he largely operates as a rapper, his songs, more often than not, takes on a fluid form thanks to his experimental flows and production that give his music a vibrant, kaleidoscopic quality. With the help of Swiss producers Modulaw and Xzavier Stone, the rapper was able to try out his off-kilter melodic musings and vocal flourishes on hard-hitting, synth-heavy beats on his 2021 mixtape ‘H.G.P. (Hands Got Potential),’ helping him garner some attention from listeners who were drawn to his brand of oddball rap. 

His 2023 follow-up, ‘HOLY,’ expanded on his unique style as he opted for a more muted but equally experimental sound that further highlighted his dynamism. More importantly, the project kicked off a fruitful creative partnership with producer Haram, who produced 4 out of the project’s 11 tracks. The two developed a close working relationship, burrowing down to further explore more unique styles, as they cranked out a healthy chunk of music in a short period. A string of half a dozen singles across the first half of 2024 paved the way for ‘EXECUTION,’ a 6-track EP that highlighted Paxslim’s more efficient, smoother delivery and Haram’s evolving production style. 

Ahead of the release of his latest project, ‘D5NCIN,’ Paxslim shared ‘DBD5,’ a 5-track EP that served as a sonic compass of sorts, indicating what musical direction he and Haram were headed in on the rapper’s new full-length release. The dark and melancholic production that defined some of his older work makes way for a more cinematic and animated style, producing highlights like the energetic “Powers” and the spacey opener “Nirvana.” ‘D5NCIN,’ expounded on the two’s creative synergy as Paxslim lays his slurry, experimental flows over some of the same cinematic beats that defined ‘DBD5,’ as well as some groovy, Dance-inspired production that continues to prove the rapper’s insatiable and ever-present desire to explore and push the boundaries of his musical expression.

Blacboyy

For Fans Of: Playboi Carti, Destroy Lonely, Maison2500

That exciting atmosphere that defined the early years of the famed alte scene seems to be returning. Thanks to a raft of talented, upcoming acts that have emerged over the last year and a half, making their mark with unique sounds and equally impressive releases, there’s genuine and growing excitement within the underground scene again. These acts have also begun to band together, charting their collective path to success while fostering a sense of community. There’s 808collective, a producer group that comprises names like Darius, Andi, 3CB and Topsy, all of whom have been instrumental in creating some of the blooming scene’s best music yet. There’s also CYK, an acronym for Cyber Youth Kings, a creative collective that seems united in their desire to blend the old with the new. One of CYK’s standout affiliates is Blacboyy, a rapper and producer who, like a swath of others in modern-day Rap, seems to have graduated from the university of Playboi Carti’s ‘Whole Lotta Red.’ 

Born Jabber Abu, Blacboyy’s music clearly draws heavily from the mania and molten, experimental sound that defined Playboi Carti’s magnum opus, but it’s in the other styles that he’s able to combine with that of ‘Whole Lotta Red’s, almost like varied toppings on pizza, that makes his music uniquely appealing. After producing the entirety of ‘$oda Archives,’ a collaborative tape with rapper $odaman in 2021, he released his official debut single “Miltant” in late 2022. The single was quickly followed by ‘Come Out And Play,’ ‘Stardust Romance,’ and ‘Bornstar,’ three projects that featured a lot of zoned-out sing-rapping as he looked to find a sure footing sonically. 

2024’s ‘gnarly’ is where he truly began to step into his own as his vocal stunts and inflections began to sound a lot more assured, his beats more explosive, and his style more varied. “prada u,” is built about sticky R&B-inspired melodies, he sprinkles some psychedelic glitter on the hypnotic “cant feel my face,” while “body” which features fellow upcoming rapper Tobias, draw from the eclectic hyper-jerk style that rappers like Fimiguererro has popularised recently. Other cuts like “fashion killa,” which takes inspiration from A$AP Rocky’s 2013 hit of the same name, “supermodels,” and “shine,” featuring Zaylevelten, also stand out, showcasing his ability to bring something inspired and fresh to the table. 

Building on the momentum of ‘gnarly,’ the rapper released the melodic “TMZ” earlier in the year before sharing “Say Twin Say Peter,” a single with frequent collaborator S1orDie, which has proven to be the biggest moment in both their budding careers. The record is powered by sneering synths and a simple, repetitive hook by Blacboyy that seems to echo long after the record stops. The rapper recently released two new singles, “Wasted” and “gutta,” as he continues to expand his oeuvre as well as his eclectic style. 

Deena

For Fans of: DEELA, BKtherula, Molly Santana

On Deena’s growing Soundcloud page, her bio reads: “I make music you’ve never heard before.” While that’s somewhat debatable, at least with the current evidence that’s available to the public, however small, it’s the execution and delivery of her music that makes the upcoming rapper, born Ayodele Bisi-Daniels, special. Even with only a couple of tracks to her name, four at the time of writing, Deena has already managed to display a remarkable ability to deliver savvy one-liners and nimble shit talking with so much finesse, thanks to her bank of melodies and flows that she switches out like a seasoned rapper. 

In terms of production, Deena seems to favour snappy, bass-heavy beats that give her ample space to fire off reams of flexes and her motor-mouthed flows. On her first single, “1nce,” which was produced by Darius and pzalm, she’s assertive and slightly unpredictable, as she gets off free-associative lines with sufficient panache that makes them land. Her follow-up tracks, “way Up!” and “plan” follow the same model, imbuing both with more of a searing edge. The former features some incredibly dizzying flows that’re sure to have your head bopping, while the latter, which was produced by killua katana, is powered by the same daredevil flows and a cool nonchalance that makes her stunts all the more impressive.

“ACTIVE,” her official debut single, arrived in June, marking a pivotal moment in her budding career as she looks to establish herself as one of the most exciting rappers around. It’s more of the same expressive, high-energy and hypnotic style that her growing listenership has come to anticipate from her earlier, unofficial works. At just over two minutes, she manages to cram so many flows and melodies into ”ACTIVE” that it almost feels like a rap marathon, leaving you exhausted in the best way possible. 

Mūmbi

For Fans Of: Tems, Maya Amolo, Elaine

Last year, we published a comprehensive piece about the majestic voices of African R&B and the way the somewhat underappreciated genre is tightly woven into the tapestry of the continent’s collective musical heritage. Names like PSquare, Tems, Odeal, South Africa’s Ami Faku, Ghana’s Ria Boss, and Eswatini’s Manana were all highlighted and their inimitable contributions to the genre. Kenya-born Mūmbi is one of many upcoming singers hoping to add her name to this illustrious list with her refreshing tunes that blend her contemporary R&B sensibilities with an undeniable East African flair. 

The Toronto-based singer and songwriter began her music career a few years back, showcasing her supple and sweet vocals with covers of songs like Sauti Sol’s “Short N Sweet,” Vanessa Mdee’s 2018 hit “Nobody But Me,” and Lauren Jauregui’s “More Than That,” on her Youtube page. She put out her first official in single in late 2023, a dreamy, love-inspired number titled “Float (All I wanna Do).”

She released her second single “Fake Love” in mid-2024, tearing into a two-faced and insincere love interest with a self-assured acuity. ‘Now, here’s what we’re gonna do, no one needs to cry if it’s clear i’m not the girl for you,’ she sings gently with a tone of resignation and resolve. She followed up “Fake Love,” with two other singles in 2024: the sensual “Tonight” and “Steppin’ Out,” a self-confident anthem that features Haitian rapper Kemdilo. Her latest Dance-tinged single “Letting Go,” came recently in June, as she continues to showcase her skill and vulnerability, crafting narratives and soothing melodies that resonate deeply with her growing audience.

Taves has shared a new two-pack single titled “W2Y.” The new songs, which the rising singer has been teasing for a few weeks now, arrive as his first official release since he put out ‘Are You Listening?,’ his 8-track debut that came out in mid-2024. Perhaps more importantly, the new singles are released under Mother Africa Reigns Supreme’s imprint, suggesting that the singer might have parted ways with his former label. 

While it’s taken Taves over a year to follow up on his debut, he’s ensured he didn’t lose all momentum by delivering a couple of standout features in that time period. Late last year, he stole the show on L.A.X’s euphonious “Let Me Know,” as well as “Compose,” a sleek collaboration with Mavin rapper LADIPOE. This year, he’s continued his impressive collab streak, adding his deft touch to Loti’s “Okrika” and Yarden’s “Ifeoma.” 

Teaming up with producer Arieenati, the singer’s latest two-pack, which includes “Way2Yung” and “6ways,” is imbued with the same type of charm and magnetism that helped previous singles like “Folake” and “Eleyele” resonate with his growing fanbase. The two-pack’s title track serves as a perfect soundtrack to youthful optimism and exuberance, as he delivers riffs and runs that explore his newfound vices and the thrills of adolescence. 

If “Way2Yung” is adequate for house parties and shindigs, the sensual “6ways” is better suited for close quarters. Here, Taves yearns and croons about a potential love interest whom he can’t seem to get out of his mind. “Is it too late? I’m calling, I don’t mean to bother you,” he sings charmily in the song’s opening seconds over evocative production that smoothly combines influences from both R&B and Trap. 

Listen to “W2Y” here.

After months of warning that the machine is coming, including a mixtape to portend its arrival, ODUMODUBLVCK is kicking off the much-awaited and anticipated ‘Industry Machine’ era with the release of “Pay Me,” a blockbuster collab with Nigerian rapper, Zlatan, and British star, Stormzy. 

Produced by Scarr, the track is cut from the Abuja rapper’s signature Okporoko sound, hinging on a silky and slick beat propelled by head-nodding drums and airy keyboard loops. Across the song, ODUMODUBLVCK confidently balances an effortless and engaging flow with the confident and chantable chorus, “Pay me my money,” setting the stage for Stormzy and Zlatan to deliver their verses. 

“Pay Me”  opens with a prominent feature of “Make We Jolly,” an old Nollywood soundtrack by Patience Ozokwor in collaboration with Tonto Dike and Charles Awuram. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, showcasing ODUMODUBLVCK’s longstanding grasp and appreciation of pop culture references. 

Close to two years after ‘Eziokwu,’ the rapper is gearing up for another transformative release with ‘Industry Machine,’ and “Pay Me” is his opening salvo. He links up with Zlatan after first working with him on his breakout single, “Picanto.”  The video for “Pay Me” taps into the message of the track as the trio humorously attempts to pull off an ATM jacking. 

“Pay Me” is coming after the surprise March release of “The Machine Is Coming,” a surprise 16-song mixtape that housed songs like “LEGOLAS,” the Victony-featuring “PITY THIS BOY,” and “WAGE WAR.”

Listen to “Pay Me” here.