The Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Songs you need to hear this week, featuring BOJ, Fatoumata Diawara, Shekhinah, Diamond Platnumz, ODUMODUBLVCK, Olivetheboy, and more.
Every week, we highlight the top Afrobeats and African music releases through our best music column, "Songs You Need to Hear This Week."
Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week
BOJ - '12 Summers' [LP]
Known for his buttery vocals and knack for quiet hits, BOJ has become a fixture on the scene. He unites the alté soundscape with mainstream Afropop, adopting a highly collaborative ethos along the way. On his new album 12 Summers, he crafts a colorful and compelling canvas, bursting with Afropop while moving to accommodate its several talented collaborators which includes Blaqbonez, Gyakie, Ajebutter 22, Cruel Santino and ODUMODUBLVCK.
Fatoumata Diawara – “Mogokan” feat. M.anifest
When two icons of African music collaborate, the result is bound to be stellar. Over fruity production that calls to mind a lush forest, Fatoumata Diawara and M.anifest cast signature spells, singing about the detriments of gossip. Ultimately becoming a song about togetherness, the upbeat tempo contributes toward a danceable gravitas.
Khaid – “Way Back” feat. Olamide
Having been a while since he released music, Khaid’s return has been well-received. That he’s put out two riveting singles contribute to that reception, especially the hearty record featuring Olamide, who’s been on a remarkable feature run of late. Khaid’s signature groove and his playful rhymes make for easy listening, but the subject matter is decidedly existential, a push through the darker corners of life and towards community.
Shekhinah – “Steady”
South African singer-songwriter Shekhinah has made her name off luscious R&B songs and she’s only growing stronger into that sound. On “Steady,” Shekhinah accounts for the effort that goes into maintaining a relationship, a premium she demands considering those she’s made to be in it. In a sweet pairing, a glittering soundscape provides the base for her dreamy vocals.
Olivetheboy – “ASYLUM”
Anyone who follows the Ghanaian music scene should have noticed Olivetheboy. The 21-year-old has demonstrated talent that’s gotten him on songs with A-listers like King Promise and Sarkodie, but Olivetheboy is even more stellar on his solo records. A student of R&B and quaint local sounds, a record like his latest “ASYLUM” thrills with classic potential: a heartbreak yet to come, but showing all the signs, the character pines memorably in advance, with poignant and pained imagery. “If you leave me, e go over you,” he sings.
ODUMODUBLVCK – “Not All That”
Since coming onto the scene, ODUMODUBLVCK has adopted a no holds barred approach, eliciting diverse opinions as to his politics and perspective. To the hip-hop fan, he harkens to a time when rappers said whatever they wanted on a record, with skill being the only requirement. He’s demonstrated that so far, and “Not All That” propels his figure as a result. Technically astute, it’s a song with well-aimed shots and well-timed humor, all over a beat that never stops flaming.
LLONA – 'Homeless' [LP]
Since making his entry on the scene, few artists have reflected melancholy as well as LLONA. The Nigerian act flexes a pen that bleeds with pain-streaked storytelling, seeking to move its way towards glory through the acquisition of earthly comforts. On his debut album Homeless, that is the overarching theme, distilled into sparse records and features FAVE, Bella Shmurda and Wizard Chan.
Nanette – “Tonight” feat. Tellaman & Nasty C
On this beautiful three-way collaboration, a jazzy bass builds around slowed drums, a sonic trip that swells with Nanette’s vocals. She grooves into the hook, seductively creating the image of a man who she seeks to take home tonight. On the other side of a stellar Nasty C verse, she raps, demonstrating an expanding skill set. It’s one of the immediate standouts from her new EP, The Waiting Room.
Asomacy – “Why”
It’s a common feat among musicians to blend innocence and love, but Asomacy is even more pristine in his record. The chorus immediately sticks, with its urgency on love creating a memorable lilt that blends with the soaring production. Ghana has lately been witnessing the entry of new male songbirds and Asomacy surely makes an impression with this record.
Xenia Manasseh – “Phases”
Through consistent work Xenia Manasseh has made her name synonymous with Kenyan soul and R&B. An artiste with mastery over her distinct attributes, she casts a spell that is hers and hers alone, an associative vibe stamped in excellence. “Phases” continues in the tradition: a 2000s-sounding breeze that seeks closure in a relationship, not wanting to lose the other person and Xenia’s vocals pack all the feels.
Diamond Platnumz & Jason Derulo – “Komosava (Remix)” feat. Khalil Harisson & Chley
For the better part of a decade Diamond Platnumz has flown the flag of Tanzanian music internationally, collaborating broadly to bring his vision to life. On the remix of his hit song “Komosava,” he taps Jason Derulo, an artist whose flair for dance makes him the perfect sparring partner for the ‘piano-drenched vibrance of this record. Combined with the South African duo Khalil and CHLEY, it’s a full house which brims with fun activities.
Ray BLK – “Courage”
A powerful sense of purpose moves through this record. London-based Nigerian-born singer Ray BLK has collaborated with U.K.’s finest like Stormzy and Wretch 42, acclaimed for her incisive, honest lyricism. The strength of her singing is evident on “Courage,” a jazzy record that carries the measured intensity of live music. Ray’s rapping towards the end also elevates its inspiring feel.
Adam Srae – “Wake and See”
One of the most gifted singer-songwriters around, Adam Srae has all it takes for the big stage. The Nigerian act also boasts a versatile streak, as gleaned from the songs he’s been releasing every month off a forthcoming project. On “Wake and See,” guitar-suffused highlife is sweetly tapped for an aspirational message, both eyes cast on when everything good happens. “Wait and see,” he tells us.
UCHE TSW – “Get Out”
Affectionately rendered, Uche TSW crafts an ode to the lovelorn on this record. The soundscape courts intimacy, bereft of pomp as the Nigerian singer flexes his humane perspective. “I no go gree for you, but I go gree for love,” he sings over the subtly dramatic production, reflecting a knack for contemporary language.
Donnzy – “Touch Money” feat. Prettyboy D-O
Vibrant percussion is the mark of this record. A quintessential night time record, its evocation of opulence is beautifully executed by Donnzy, who reflects the sprightly attributes of a dancefloor specialist. D-O’s rap-inflected guest verse then polishes the record’s appeal, a home-run of a feature.
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