The Best West African Songs Right Now
The July best music list features tracks from Tyla, Omah Lay, Show Dem Camp, Yemi Alade, Wizzy Kana and others.
AMADEUS - “Eutou Baabel” (Senegal)
Senegal born artist AMADEUS aims to talk to the world through his music, and in his latest record, he does just that by combining local instrumentation with upbeat, sleek productions. “Eutou Baabel”is a sweet, sometimes cheesy love-sprung number filled with promises of forever and laid over a catchy beat that’s already taking over TikTok. AMADEUS is a generational talent who primarily performs in Senegal’s national language, Wolof. He broke out in 2020 after his covers of Youssou N’Dour and Cheikh Lô amassed millions of views on YouTube. With those two as musical influences, it is no wonder AMADEUS’ work carries a timeless quality.
Ugoccie - “Ogologo” feat. Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
In “Ogologo,” singer-songwriter and 2022 Rookie of the Year nominee at the Headies, Ugoccie swaps her witty, playful disposition for tender, soulful lyricism. Famous for her witty lyrics and explosive performances on TikTok, Ugoccie tapped industry legend Yemi Alade, whose work also mirrors Ugoccie’s lighthearted joviality. “Ogologo” is a vulnerable reconsideration of desire. It is a well produced record stripped of theatrics but filled with moving warmth.
Sista Afia - “Industry Machine” (Ghana)
Ghanaian singer Sista Afia has a lot on her mind, and they are not necessarily polite. In her new record “Industry Machine,” which is at once a diss track of sorts, but also a subtle reminder of her status as an industry mainstay, she hits at adversaries and big ups herself on a track that also manages to be extremely dancesable. Famous for songs like “2 Things,” and “Carry Go,” Sista Afia takes no prisoners on “Industry Machine,” airing out grievances too biting and colorful to be converted into an Instagram caption.
SPINALL - “One Call” feat. Omah Lay and Tyla (Nigeria)
Nigerian DJ and record producer SPINALL has been at the forefront of ushering in new sounds in the Afrobeats soundscape since at least the middle 2010s. In “One Call,” his latest collaboration with the affective crooner Omah Lay and Grammy-award winning star Tyla, love and reconsiderations sit top of mind. The production combines the lilting, otherworldly elements typical of an Omah Lay record, with the groovy kick and bounce found in many of Tyla’s log-drum prevalent works. In the track, SPINNAL gives both artists some familiar territory as they explore what is a first for all of them.
Ayisi - “Everyday People” feat. Worlasi (Ghana)
Hiplife and highlife make a strong pairing in the latest work from Ghanaian artist Ayisi featuring compatriot Worlasi. “Everyday People” is a reflective number from some of Ghana's brightest alternative artists. Life in Ghana is the main focus here; with the country going through one of its worst socio-economic times, “Everyday People” captures the angst and perpetual discomfort of a generation over reliant on prayers and wishful thinking. As Ayisi and Worlasi switch between singing and rap, the nuances and complexities of life in a harsh climate is brought to the fore, with hope hanging frarily in between it all.
Wizzy Kana - “Leeray” (Senegal)
Leeray is the soft stringed, heart-tugging latest from Senegalese artist Wizzy Kana. Artfully shifting away from the high-tempo of his last record “HERO”where he is grittier and sings to a bouncier beat, “Leeray”is flush with tenderness and a reflective tilt—a testament to Wizzy Kana’s admirable versatility.
Niniola - “Formula” feat. Pheelz (Nigeria)
Nobody understands the demands and mechanisms of Afro-house better than Grammy-nominated artist Niniola. In her latest record “Formula” featuring and produced by regular collaborator Pheelz, compromises are willing to be made, rules of desire are thrown out the door and want sits front and center in an amapiano record featuring rock and roll guitar riffs — a nod to Pheelz’s esoteric production style. “Formula”is ultimately a fun, lighthearted record with immense hit potential.
BM Jaay - “Aladji” (Senegal)
BM Jaay’sAladji, taken from his latest album Waxande,is all teeth and grime. The track is high-energy, modern Senegalese rap with a strong trap/drill engineering. BM Jaay’s rap flow is sleek, unabashed, and dripping in infectious confidence.
Show Dem Camp - “No Love In Lagos” feat. The Cavemen and Nsikak David (Nigeria)
If anyone knows a thing or two about love in Lagos, it is the Show Dem Camp. The rap duo, famous for their iconic albums where the nuances of heterosexual relationships are dissected and intelligently reflected upon. In their latest single “No Love In Lagos,” featuring fellow lover boys The Cavemen and Nsikak David, the contentious matter of love in Lagos is approached, as SDC often does, from a fresh, yet relatable angle.
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