Afrobeats superproducers Sarz and Spinall curate expansive sonic worlds that remain rooted in their native continent on the Protect Sarz At All Costs and ÈKÓ GROOVE albums, respectively, while calling on an all-star cast of collaborators like Wizkid, Victony, Teni and many more. And while Big Wiz is busy stacking paper with Asake and Skillibeng on “Getting Paid” from Protect Sarz At All Costs, the “Cash Flow” never ceases on his and Young Jonn’s collaboration.
We’ve highlighted 10 of our favorite new songs by African acts that have come out roughly within the last month. Check out our latest Fresh Picks, and start the fall season on the right note with our Spotify playlist below.
Young Jonn feat. Wizkid, “Cash Flow”
“Cash Flow” everywhere Young Jonn and Wizkid go, according to their bountiful club anthem that arrives ahead of the former’s sophomore album Blue Disco. They swap verses about how working hard allows them to live soft, while Ragee’s vivacious production requires ditching the section and hitting the dancefloor.
SPINALL & Victony, “EARLY”
SPINALL and Victony’s “EARLY” morning activities might be freakier than yours, according to the highlight track from the former’s latest album ÈKÓ GROOVE. “‘EARLY’ is quite sexual. We’re talking about some grown folks’ business,” the Nigerian DJ/producer told Apple Music. The pulsating Afrobeats-meets-electronic rhythm and Victony’s buoyant vocals will start anyone’s day with their heart racing.
Gyakie, “story”
Afro-fusion songstress Gyakie tells the “story” of a girl who’s head over heels in love on the sax-driven, swoon-worthy cut from her debut album After Midnight. “A love song that talks about the positive side of love,” she told Apple Music, “story” finds Gyakie willing to get her man’s name tattooed on her body and pull up at his location at any given moment.
Tay Iwar, “NEXT2U”
Tay Iwar rather be “NEXT2U,” he implores on the intimate dancefloor filler and closing track of his WONDERFUL EP. The twinkling synth lines and thumping four-on-the-floor pattern create a groove as irresistible as the woman Iwar yearns for. “I’ll be damned if I don’t get to see you again/ It’s a shame, if we don’t get to see again,” he sings with sweet sincerity.
Sarz feat. Teni & Libianca, “African Barbie”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Teni and Cameroonian American artist Libianca brag about being the original “African Barbie” on Sarz’s album Protect Sarz At All Costs. Teni tenderly protects her “goodie goodie goodie” from anyone who’s not worthy, while Libianca’s saucy side and subtle rap flow comes to play when she starts off her verse with “I keep telling motherf—kers, ‘Please don’t waste my time.’” The 45-second bass guitar solo on the outro stokes the flames of the Afropop track’s fiery nature.
SPINALL & Teni, “PSALM 23″
SPINALL’s star-studded EKO GROOVE is full of big production with big collaborations, but he saves this one just for Teni, one of the most confident, innovative singer-rappers of the past few years. And she shows off some of her greatest attributes as an MC on this one, with her ability to mellifluously ride any beat without losing any of the directness of her delivery. It’s two game-changing talents at the height of their powers.
Shallipopi, “Na So”
Few artists have created their own sonic landscapes as particularly as Shallipopi since he burst onto the scene in 2023 — only Seyi Vibez can really rival him for his mix of dark street aesthetics with a combination of singing/rapping/chanting that is hypnotic and voluminous, an aural soundscape all his own. Like his earlier smash “Laho,” “Na So” is a song that pulls a listener into its world by sheer insistence, worming into the mind in a way that is distinct and clever.
Rema, “FUN”
Following on from the chaotic magic of his last single “KELEBU,” “FUN” showcases Rema’s sonic diversity with a new effort that is almost the polar opposite of the uninhibited freedom of the last. “FUN” is much more low key, showing off Rema’s vocals, before picking up on the hook, where he sings about the pressures of family, fame and the competition in the music game, while just wanting to live his life and have fun. “FUN” shows off the flip side of his Afro-Rave aesthetic, and how many forms he can operate within.
Morravey, “You”
Nigerian singer Morravey broke out in a big way with her star turn on Davido’s “The Garden” off his Timeless album in 2023 — arguably the best song on the best African album of the year — so her solo music has been catching eyes and ears ever since. And this one, with a tightly-wound percussion backing, gives her the space to really stretch her voice, as she croons, “Only me and you/ Forever and ever” on the song’s emotive hook. It’s got her distinctive stamp, with enough gospel to send it to the heavens — a beautiful track.
Fireboy DML & Pheelz feat. L.A.X., “On a Kentro”
One of the most dynamic singers on the scene linked up with one of the most in-demand super-producers on the planet for the five-song Peace By Piece EP — with this track a standout among the handful. Fireboy’s voice is distinctive and lush, while Pheelz’s production is unmissable, and L.A.X. delivers a verse that fits in seamlessly. Pheelz has a way of using unattached vocals to enhance his baseline production that provides additional melody — even to someone like Fireboy who seems to ooze ear worm vocal hooks.
