Weekly Round-up of New Music: December 10

The African music industry is a constant churn of new releases, with artists dropping fresh tracks and albums every week. Sometimes it might be overwhelming to keep up with every new release and that’s why we’ve compiled this weekly round-up of the most notable releases, highlighting the best new music that deserves a spot on your playlist.

Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a casual listener looking to broaden your horizon, this list will introduce you to the hottest sounds making the rounds across Africa.

ALL OF US – Kukbeatz x Ruger

Nigerian record producer Kukbeatz teams up with JONZING WORLD artist, Ruger for this banger titled “All of Us”. The record features enchanting melodies, infectious rhythms, and stellar vocals from Ruger that are bound to leave a lasting impression on every listener.

HAPPINESS – Sarz x Asake x Gunna

If you’re just looking to chill out, then this track is going to give you happiness (pun intended). Nigerian record producer Sarz links up with YBNL star Asake and American rapper Gunna for this soothing tune that deserves a spot on your playlist.

NOT AN ANGEL – Tems

Closing out the year on a high, Tems gives us her second single of the year “Not an Angel”. The song was written entirely by Tems and co-produced by her and Sarz.

NAHAMCIAGA (EP) – Seyi Vibez

Nahamciaga marks Seyi Vibez’s fourth project to be released this year and is a testament to the fact that 2023 has been quite the year for him. This five-track EP is in self-adulation worthy of the impressive year he has enjoyed and he taps into his Yoruba roots to craft street-leaning records that emphasize his place as the leading voice in Nigerian Street music.

AWAY – Tekno

Tekno has been on a roll this year with the release of his album “The More The Better” and numerous collaborations. He looks to end the year on a high with his latest single, “Away”. With an infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song combines elements of Afrobeat and contemporary pop to create a unique sound that is both refreshing and addictive.

AFRO LOVE (ALBUM) – Ric Hassani

Ric Hassani has been around for quite a while and with his third studio album, “Afro Love,” he further emphasizes his individual artistry and musical prowess. The album is a collection of 15 tracks that delve into the theme of love from the often-overlooked perspective of an African man. It showcases the African man’s vulnerability and explores the nuanced layers of expressing love within the African context.

PEPE – Boy Spyce

The Rexxie-produced track showcases Boy Spyce’s artistry as his soulful vocals and infectious melodies provide a pleasant listening experience.

GROWING PAINS (EP) – Joshua Baraka

Uganda-born singer, Joshua Baraka continues his ascent with the release of his second EP in two years. The seven-track EP features sound with Afro-fusion influences, including the sultry, lovelorn “Ninda” and collaborations with Nigeria’s breakthrough talent Magixx plus Ghanaian hip-hop star Yaw Tog, who appear on “No Lie” and “Moonlight” respectively. It also includes the previously released star-studded remix of the hit single, “Nana.”

GDZILLA (EP) – Gdzilla

JONZING WORLD’s newest artiste, Gdzilla makes his debut with an eponymous EP consisting of five tracks. On this EP, he makes a bold statement for the music community to get familiar with his unique sound. With this EP, Gdzilla has set the stage for an upward trajectory in his music career.

LORD OF AJASA (ALBUM) – 9ICE

9ice unarguably stands as one of the most consistent Nigerian artists in the past decade and he further cements this status with the release of “Lord of Ajasa”, his fifth album in just two years. The album features nine tracks, with three featuring the iconic Lord Of Ajasa who doubles as the album’s executive producer. With nearly two decades in the music scene, 9ice continues to consolidate his musical legacy, proving that he still possesses the ability to produce hits that resonate with audiences.

OUTSIDE (feat. Blaqbonez)/OBAA SIMA – Fireboy DML

Everyone needs to jam this festive season and Fireboy’s two-track pack is just what you need. Featuring Chocolate City rapper Blaqbonez on “Outside”, the two tracks possess enchanting melodies and effusive beats that would get you on your feet.

ENTERTAIN ME – Magicsticks x Olamide

Just like the title suggests, this song is bound to entertain you. Magicsticks teams up with YBNL boss, Olamide to deliver an exciting tune. Olamide’s delivery effortlessly complements Magicsticks’ production in a collaboration that is nothing short of brilliant.

OSAPA LONDON (DELUXE) – Psycho YP

This new and improved version of Psycho YP’s previous album includes three additional tracks featuring artists such as Prettyboy DO, Ecee, and others. This album is a reflection of Psycho YP’s mastery of the trap genre as he makes a unique infusion of cultural Afrobeat sounds to create a project worth listening to.

FUCK THAT (REMIX) – Nasty C feat. Odumodublvck

Following the success of their first collaborative effort on “A1 Perico”, off Odumodublvck’s “Eziokwu Uncut” , the duo returned with another sizzling record. In this remix, Nasty C further emphasizes his self-confidence, berating his naysayers who looked down on him, and Odumodublvck brings the smoke on this one.

WALK AWAY (EP) – Libianca

Having enjoyed a breakout year, Cameroon-born, US-based artist Libianca unveiled her debut EP ‘Walk Away’ to the excitement of her fans. The EP is a resonant six-track collection that brings together confessional storytelling with slow and savoury Afro-RnB melodies. Featuring previously-released singles “Jah”, global hit “People”, and collaborations from Oxlade, Chlöe Bailey, Blaqbonez and Moliy, the EP’s sonic rhythms are offset by unflinching accounts of relational strife, domestic abuse and struggles with mental health.

TERMINATOR (REMIX) – King Promise x Sean Paul x Tiwa Savage

Following up on the success of smash hits, “Terminator” and “Terminator(remix)” featuring Young Jonn, Ghanaian superstar King Promise brings us yet another remix. This time around, he features Jamaican legend, Sean Paul and Afrobeats diva, Tiwa Savage, who each bring their unique flair to the track with their scorching verses.

FEELS LIKE HOME VOL. 2 (EP) – Seyi Shay

The second instalment of Seyi Shay’s Feels Like Home series, ‘Feels Like Home Vol. 2’ is a harmonious encore to her musical journey. The album follows the success of “Feels Like Home Vol 1” which was released only two months ago. Featuring four tracks, the EP is a melodic fusion of Nigerian, South African and UK influences and showcases Seyi Shay’s unparalleled vocal prowess.

OTAN – Sarkodie

Otan is the Twi word for hatred and on this record, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie reflects on his journey so far as he takes a swipe at his haters. He talks about how despite minding his business and thinking he had friends who would stand up for him, he never knew they were haters.