This week’s New Music Friday Top Picks comes alive with surprising international features, homemade hits, and a contribution from the diaspora.
Shoday & Olivetheboy- Screaming Beauty:
Fast-rising Nigerian star Shoday teams up with Ghana’s Olivetheboy to deliver the release of the viral love anthem, Screaming Beauty. Shoday, who had a highly successful run in 2024 with several hits garnering massive traction on social media, especially TikTok, returns with his second single for the year. The newly released track had previously amassed thousands of videos on TikTok from the first snippet shared by Shoday. On Screaming Beauty, Shoday celebrates the enchanting beauty and powerful influence of women across the world with a catchy hook and verses, blending Afrobeats and Highlife as he invites Olivetheboy to compliment with his melodic verses.
Magixx – Sexy Lady:
Having been in the industry since his breakout in 2021, Nigerian singer-songwriter Magixx shares his debut album ‘I Dream in Color,’ with the track Sexy Lady rapidly making rounds online. On the upbeat track laced with Yoruba drums and slang, the Mavin signee takes listeners to the Saturday owanbe parties, immersing them in nostalgia and culture. The song, inspired by desire and affection for his muse, has infectious beats matched with Magixx’s striking melodic verses. It’s a perfect party bop, and it gets better with lamba filled at the end.
Fridayy ft Llona – Look To You:
Haitian-American singer Fridayy shares his new album ‘Some Days I’m Good, Some Days I’m Not’ featuring Nigerian artistes Llona and Teni. On the track off the album, Look To You, he calls fast-rising act Llona to add his signature style on the mid-tempo track. The song reflects a melancholic duo marred by life’s turmoils as they draw lyrics from themes of societal issues and pressures. Fridayy, known for his gospel-soulful signature sound blends with Llona’s heartfelt verses as they yearn for hope.
Korede Bello – Tiny Drops:
Known for his inspiring hit song ‘Godwin,’ Korede Bello returns with a new single for 2025 Tiny Drops. The latest release, accompanied by another track, ‘Make Me, ‘ is another introspective track by Korede Bello that will resonate deeply with listeners. Tiny Drops starts with a reflective tone, and Korede sings with a grateful heart for the essential and little things. As the title implies, the song translates that the tiny drops will eventually make a mighty ocean, signifying hope for listeners. The song is filled with House music and Yoruba elements, and it blends smooth melodies from Korede Bello.
Lu’- BAD:
Ottawa-Congolese rising Afrobeats act Lu’ finally unveils his debut EP, ‘Gold Linen’ with BAD standing out off the album. Lu’, who is gaining waves with his unique sound where he blends Afrobeats, R&B, and global sounds, invites listeners into his emotive story and growing artistry with the release of his debut EP. On the fifth track, BAD Lu takes an energetic approach to narrate a heartbreaking story of being jilted by his muse, but unfazed, he delivers striking verses on the catchy beats.
Enjoy our new music Friday top picks and more on our weekly new music playlist, carefully curated for your listening pleasure.
