The summer season could also be winding down, however the Afrobeats launch schedule has barely let up — and August has confirmed to be one other large month, with main albums from superstars like Burna Boy and Olamide, plus EPs from Uncle Waffles and Kelvyn Boy, amongst others.
And that hectic schedule of nice new music is unlikely to finish quickly, with forthcoming albums from the likes of Teni and Muzi — each of whom even have new tracks out this month — on the best way, amongst many others. Earlier than the Headie Awards this weekend — airing Sept. 3, with Burna Boy, Asake and Rema main the nominations — there’s loads of new music to take a look at.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favourite new Afrobeats (and associated) songs which have come out roughly throughout the final month. Take a look at our newest Recent Picks, and discover your new end-of-summer soundtrack with our Spotify playlist under.
Uncle Waffles feat. Tony Duardo, Manana & Lusanda, “Echoes”
The “princess of amapiano” returns along with her second EP Solace, a tranquil, ethereal expertise in comparison with her “very upbeat and explosive” debut EP Asylum, she described in a press launch. Its lead single and first monitor, “Echoes,” envelops listeners in an array of mesmerizing harmonies from eSwatini-born singer Manana and South African singer Lusanda about wishing to patch up an previous relationship (“Echoes/ ‘Trigger this coronary heart is hole/ Empty from the opening you left,” Manana croons), and scintillating manufacturing from Waffles and frequent collaborator Tony Duardo.
Muzi, “eMtunzini”
South African artist and producer Muzi plans on touring down reminiscence lane (in his household’s Toyota Cressida) for his upcoming album uMuzi, due Oct. 13 by way of Idiot’s Gold Data. However for his first cease, the sun-soaked lead single “eMtunzini,” Muzi retells his dad and mom’ love story, and his personal origin story, whereas weaving in between his native Zulu and English. The impassioned, exhilarating home manufacturing and deep vocals repeating “Really feel like we’re a vibe/ Really feel like we should always spend extra time” make “eMtunzini” a chief addition to anybody’s roadtrip playlist.
Lord Afrixana feat. Firefly, “Pillow”
After writing for Beyoncé, Davido and extra, rising Ghanaian singer-songwriter Lord Afrixana is making a reputation for himself on his Shield the Tradition/Warner Data debut Ghana Should Go. On spotlight monitor “Pillow,” he comforts his love curiosity by promising to be the sort of man her ex by no means was whereas Firefly challenges whether or not he’s prepared to offer the sort of loving she requires in her arousing retort.
Black Sherif, “YAYA”
From the Ghanaian rapper’s introspective two-pack Take Care of Your self Blacko, the only “YAYA” tells the story of strife, staying true to oneself regardless of the celebrity and success and trying to find peace by the lens of Black Sherif’s alter ego, “a insurgent who gave destiny an opportunity and is seeking therapeutic,” in line with a press launch.
Burna Boy, “Metropolis Boys”
Transfer over Metropolis Women, as a result of Burna has one thing for the “Metropolis Boys” on his newest album I Instructed Them…. He begins the Jeremih-sampling monitor with audio from British rapper J Hus’ Instagram story, the place he dismantles his “ugly” notion of himself and reasonably praises himself as “horny.” The monologue units the tone for the braggadocious anthem, the place Burna blends his signature Afro-fusion with U.S. hip-hop (that’s amplified all through the album in addition to in his “Metropolis Boys” TikTok problem). He even acknowledges followers’ misinterpretation (“I would like a ship and shy hoes”) of his chant-worthy refrain from final summer season’s smash “Final Final” (“I would like Igbo and shyo”), proving that the Nigerian hitmaker’s fingers stay on the heartbeat of what’s scorching within the tradition.
Burna Boy feat. Seyi Vibez, “Giza”
On an album through which he reaches throughout the Atlantic greater than ever, it’s the track the place he hyperlinks up with Nigerian avenue king Seyi Vibez that stands out essentially the most. There’s one thing in regards to the distinct model that Seyi has been delivering over the previous 18 months that’s each uncooked and interesting, and Burna faucets into his soundscape to ship top-of-the-line tracks on I Instructed Them… It might not have the U.S.-leaning pop attraction of different data on the undertaking, however it’s arguably essentially the most charming.
Olamide, “Downside”
If Unruly, as he’s threatened, is Olamide’s final album, it’s each a triumphant finale and a disgrace that he gained’t proceed to ship tracks like the only “Downside” — top-of-the-line distillations of his strengths that he’s put out throughout his illustrious profession. Produced by Magicsticks, the beat itself is infectious, and Olamide’s supply, notably on the hook, is carefree and easy. It’s simply the most effective monitor off the album.
Olamide, “Life Goes On”
Unruly may be damaged down into three elements — two five-song solo sections from the YBNL boss that bookend a slew of top-shelf collaborations. And the again finish of the album has various tracks that stand out and tie the entire undertaking collectively — “Provider” and “Avenue Jam” might simply be included right here, too — however “Life Goes On” is one other of the most effective tracks of his profession, combining his melodic flows and rapped verses, and serving as a farewell of kinds if that is, certainly, his remaining undertaking. Let’s hope that’s not truly the case.
Kelvyn Boy feat. Babyboy AV, “Roma”
Ghanaian singer Kelvyn Boy has a historical past of slipping effortlessly by varied genres, and “Roma” sees him dipping into highlife types for a breezy monitor that might be the right ship off to {the summertime}. The main key instrumentation provides it an irresistible high quality, and it’s a straightforward spotlight off his nice new EP For the Kulture.
Teni, “Lanke”
Typically it seems like Teni can do all the things; all three singles she’s launched this 12 months are wildly completely different from one another, and every are nice in their very own means. The newest, “Lanke,” is essentially the most carefree and outwardly joyous, as expressed in its hook and its gleeful new music video, out at present. “Really feel good, no matter what life throws at you,” she stated in regards to the monitor. “Omo Lanke is somebody that owns a wheelbarrow. You by no means see an individual that owns a wheel barrow drive straight. Good or dangerous, we keep pushing, we don’t cease, we maintain going. We respect the great, we be taught from the dangerous.”
