New African Music Highlights Released This Week

Each week, OkayAfrica highlights top African music releases, including Afrobeats and amapiano hits, through its “African Music You Need to Hear This Week” column.

This week’s selections feature new tracks and music videos from a diverse range of artists.

Omah Lay – “Don’t Love Me”

Omah Lay’s new single, “Don’t Love Me,” explores themes of numbness and self-loathing. The track features a blazing vocal performance and a beat produced by Tempoe, described as unlocking a portal to the future of Afrobeats.

Fredo, Burna Boy, Steel Banglez – “Birthday”

Burna Boy collaborates with UK artists Fredo and Steel Banglez on “Birthday,” a song that evokes the golden age of hip-hop and R&B collaborations from the 1990s. The track features Burna Boy’s vocals and Fredo’s rapping.

King Promise, Mr Eazi – “That Way”

King Promise and Mr Eazi’s collaboration, “That Way,” samples Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” reimagining it as an Afrobeats track. The song incorporates elements of R&B and dancehall, produced by GuiltyBeatz and JAE5.

Naledi – “Meadows”

Naledi’s “Meadows,” part of her new EP Darkness, my old friend, features her distinctive vocals and explores themes of life and spirituality. The track blends jazz modalities and incorporates lyrics in Setswana, questioning the life we live and calling upon ancestors.

Shoday – ” Bad and Bouje” feat. taves

Shoday reimagines the phrase “bad and boujee” in his Afrobeats track, “Bad and Bouje,” featuring taves. The song maintains a steady rhythm, creating a relaxed and enjoyable listening experience.

Dwson – “Sense” feat. Lusanda

Cape Town-based producer Dwson’s new LP, Nothing to Lose, includes the track “Sense,” featuring Lusanda. The song blends electronic music with Lusanda’s vocals, exploring themes of love and affection.

Mavimbs – “Love Drive”

Mavimbs, a bassist and arranger, releases “Love Drive” as the first single from his upcoming debut album. The track features saxophone from Sisonke Xonti, guitar from Keenan Ahrends, and contributions from other musicians, creating a blend of jazz and other musical styles.

Asher Gamedze – “Air”

Asher Gamedze’s “Air” incorporates spoken word and explores themes of protest and collective inquiry. The track features drumming and instrumentation that creates a measured and immersive listening experience.

Shabaka – “Eyes Lowered”

Shabaka’s “Eyes Lowered” blends musical styles and incorporates spoken word elements. The track features flute and other instrumentation, creating a martial-arts-inspired soundscape.