We highlight the top Afrobeats and African music releases weekly through our best music column, Songs You Need to Hear This Week.
If you like these African music lists, you can also check out our Best Afrobeats and Best Amapiano of the Month columns, plus our Best Songs of the Month columns following Nigerian, Ghanaian, East African, and South African music.
Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and videos across our desks this week.
Adekunle Gold “The Life I Chose”
Adekunle Gold has dropped his first single of the year, “The Life I Chose.” Produced by Kel-P, the new single is a triumphant declaration of AG Baby’s pseudo-rockstar status and a plain rejoinder that his decisions have only yielded great results. “Shout-out to me, I stay believing/Everyone is a payday,” he boasts over Kel-P’s droning synths and groovy percussion pattern.
Ghetts ‘On Purpose, With Purpose’
British grime star Ghetts has released his latest album, On Purpose, With Purpose, which is out now via Warner Music. In several of the 18 songs on the release (“Gbedu”, “Blessings,” and “Tumbi”), Ghetts delves into Afrobeats and am a piano territory with the help of features from the likes of South Africa’s Muzi and Moonchild Sanelly. The whole album’s well worth a spin over the weekend.
British grime star Ghetts has released his latest album, On Purpose, With Purpose, which is out now via Warner Music. In several of the 18 songs on the release (“Gbedu”, “Blessings,” and “Tumbi”), Ghetts delves into Afrobeats and am a piano territory with the help of features from the likes of South Africa’s Muzi and Moonchild Sanelly. The whole album’s well worth a spin over the weekend.
Rotimi, Mayorkun & Nasty C “Sade”
Nigerian-American singer and actor Rotimi (who you might know from Power) comes through with his first single of the year, “Sade.” He connects with two powerhouses, Mayorkun and Nasty C, for the smooth blend of Afrobeats and amapiano sounds in the new track. “Sade” comes paired with a behind-the-scenes style video that shows the three artists recording their verses in studios across the world.
DJ Lag & Mr Nation Thingz “Hade Boss” feat. K.C Driller
For “Hade Boss,” DJ Lag responded to a collaboration request from Mr Nation Thingz, the rising vocalist whose music who had previously scored a breakout hit with “Tholakele.” The resulting track is an ultra-funky banger that folds log drums and other ‘piano-related elements into Lag’s patented gothic sound, a style he’s chosen to refer to as “shubo.” Created to evoke the breezy days of December, when many South Africans are seeking fun thrills, Mr Nation’s booming voice bellows out infectious chants throughout the song.
X-Shai “Crush” feat. Kofi Jamar
Ghana’s X-Shai describes himself as an “EDM Pop Afro Beat star.” All of those different musical influences and genres are on display in this single “Crush,” featuring Kofi Jamar, which offers up an addictive blend of pop synths and Afrobeats production for a memorable tune. The track features on X-Shai’s recently released album, Love Perfect, which you can check out in full here.
Young Jonn’s “Big Big Things” feat. Kizz Daniel & Seyi Vibez
A trifecta of stars come together for “Big Big Things” by Young Jonn, featuring Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez. The dance floor track is a celebration of determination and its extravagant rewards. The beat is the star here, as it blends elements of Afrobeats and amapiano into a total banger of a track.
Simi “All I Want”
On her new single, “All I Want,” Nigerian singer Simi is as effusive as ever about the warmth of being wholesomely loved. “No, I don’t want too much from you/You better show me that you love me, just like I love you,” she intones within the opening seconds. Produced by Loudaa, “All I Want” dips into the folk-pop territory that helped push Simi into popularity, albeit with some modern touches. As is customary of most songs in Nigerian pop, there are log drum additions to parts of the hook, but the center remains a lustrous, leisurely groove, which fits the joyful yet mellow tone of the song’s theme.