Here's this week's roundup of best new songs released on the Afrobeats scene.
Follow NotJustOk’s specially curated playlist on Spotify - Afrobeats Hits.
Oxlade - DKT
Oxlade – DKT (Dis Kind Thing)
Since his debut project OXYGENE dropped, young Afro Fusion act Oxlade has positioned himself as one of the most soulful acts operating today. "DKT," his new record, reiterates that notion, a fluid love record which airs between wistfulness and romance.
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Ice Prince ft. Tekno – Make Up Your Mind
Many are quick to discredit Ice Prince's music in recent times but the iconic rapper has been making some of his best records. "Make Up Your Mind" features familiar synths and an emotive performance from Tekno, whose input leads out Ice Prince's, bossy as ever with bars about a woman's indecision.
3rty – Ice Cream
He describes his sound as "herbal music" and nothing could be truer. 3rty's new project Blue Crystal EP, a compact tape of four excellent songs, is something of an opus. Drawing from a rich blend of sounds, the artist and producer etches beautiful and sometimes haunting stories to go along with. "Ice Cream" is a folksy tale about a lady whose fortunes pit her against tough life decisions. It's a subject rapper Falz has caught flak for but 3rty handles this terrain with zest and care, doing diligence to the truth of the story.
Jess ETA – Pull Me Close
Off the artist's Balance EP, comes this earworm of a track. "Pull Me Close" blends various influences like the flow of contemporary Afro Pop, an Highlife edge to the tone, and sentimentality which drives the record to great emotional height. It's the kind of song to soundtrack chill moments of togetherness or perhaps wistful longing for one. You should check out the entire Balance tape.
Teni – Wanneka Women Anthem
If there's one song Teni knows how to make, it's the rousing anthem. Her new record might come without the fanfare typically afforded an artist of her status, but it's a bright record and Teni's lively vocals ride as beautifully as ever. One time for the women!
Bella Shmurda – Dangbana Orisa
Bella Shmurda has, through his career, keenly evoked the spirituality and grit of Nigeria's street monarchs, and "Dangbana Orisa" tightens his grip on that demography, a midtempo effort pulled from producer Rexxie's folder.
Ladipoe ft. Joeboy – Yoruba Samurai
Mavin signed rapper Ladipoe is always one to push a concept with his music, and "Yoruba Samurai" is no different. Positioning themselves as the good guys, Poe and Joeboy turn in a thriller like performance, hitting high points. Speaking to Notjustok about the song, Ladipoe said "the whole idea of the Yoruba Samurai was for me taking two whole ideas and trying to build something new. Also trying to create a new narrative. We all know of the Yoruba Demon; well, I've introduced you to the Yoruba Samurai."
Del B ft. Walshy Fire, Kes, Flavour & Wizkid – Consider II
Pooling top talent from around the world, revered producer Del B's new song is a sentimental string heavy affair, taking from the full experience which is the artists' voices, and spinning an endearing plea around it.
Oga Network ft. Harrysong – Who Ask You (Remix)
If the original of this record didn't get your attention, first released some weeks ago, trust this remix will. Oga Network, an astute entertainer with a knack for vibrant proverbs and a slick delivery to match, features Harrysong on "Who Ask You," the man doing a madness on a subgenre he founded. At the end of every line, you're sure to be saying "who ask you," absorbed in the world of these acts. If "resist the urge to shalaye" had a Nigerian Pop equivalent, it's this song.
Sinach – Peace in the Storm
Sinach is literally a genre of her own; powerful and soothing music never sounded so gospel –that's why every new record from the maverick gets a thorough listen in this house. "Peace in the Storm" sounds literally like a dose of peace, and given especially the nature of 2020, is the record every christian faithful should start the new week with.
DJ Tunez & J. Anthoni – Differently
The Starboy DJ Tunez is always good vibes on wax, and his latest effort, after the humongous "PAMI," is no different, even though the title begs otherwise. Alongside J. Anthoni who turns in a patois-laced contribution, the record flies on laid back vibes, evoking dimly lit scenes.
Suté ft. Ayüü & TOMI – Time
Consistently releasing projects, Suté has never been one to relent. His new project, the 7-track EP Colors, features some of the most exciting alternative talents in Nigeria. "Time" is a trippy listen, featuring introspective lines rap and sung over ominous keys and generally moody production.
Fabian Blu ft. Naira Marley & Moh Bad – Instagram
Although Naira Marley featured spectacularly on another Instagram title, he turns up for label signee Fabian Blu's effort, a prayerful record which features excitable verses and string progression.
Nsikak ft. Show Dem Camp & The Cavemen. – Dance 4 Me
Still cresting on the waves from their potential classic ROOTS, Highlife group The Cavemen. join revered guitarist Nsikak and iconic duo Show Dem Camp for "Dance 4 Me," a groovy palm wine session carried by the artists' known foray into the sound. Come for the star studded lineup, live for Tec's eternal verse, Nsikak's ethereal strings and the haunting melodies of The Cavemen.
Sir Bastien ft. Eri Ife – Late Night
Sir Bastien is a most impeccable artist. He works outside the realms of popular imagination and creates earworms from tropical sounds. His latest EP, Mango Island, is yet an homage to his exertions and the journey is filled with gems. "Late Night" is a Dancehall appropriating record which builds on subtle drums and synths, as well as laid back singing from both artists.
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