This week brings a fresh wave of incredible tunes from across the music scene. From the return of a globally recognized star to vibrant party anthems and deep R&B cuts, this New Music Friday Top Picks is packed with tracks ready to dominate your playlist. We’ve got something for every mood, showcasing the depth and variety of today’s best artists.
1. Omah Lay – Waist
The hiatus is officially over. Omah Lay triumphantly returns with Waist, a track that signals his re-engagement with fans ahead of his much-anticipated sophomore album, Clarity of Mind. The song is a complex blend of Afro-fusion that maintains Omah Lay’s signature smooth sound. While the track opens as an ode to his woman’s captivating figure, specifically her waist, the message quickly shifts to a more introspective and spiritual plea, as Omah Lay weaves in a sincere prayer, asking for confusion in the camp of his ‘enemies’. This dual-themed approach ensures the song is both a sensual groove and a protective affirmation, solidifying his return to consistently feeding his fanbase.
2. Major VL – Money
The title of Major VL’s track says it all. This is an anthem dedicated to the pursuit of wealth and financial liberation. Money is a raw, assertive track that places ambition above all distractions. The song serves as a powerful reflection on his life journey, particularly his formative experiences in Port Harcourt, which shaped his perspective, leading him to prioritize the pursuit of money above all else, even diversions like romantic entanglements. It’s a motivational track about focus, hustle, and ignoring the noise while on the way to achieving success.
3. Yemi Alade – Shawa Shawa
Yemi Alade delivers a vibrant, high-energy track with Shawa Shawa, instantly recognizable for its nostalgic nod to the legendary line from Flavour’s hit song, Ashawo. While not a direct cover, Alade successfully captures and reinvents the spirit of its catchy, party theme. Shawa Shawa is pure and feel-good music. Yemi Alade sings about embracing a vibrant, carefree lifestyle and the pleasure of living it up, crafting the track as an instant party starter.
4. Jeriq ft. Minz – DJ Go Tire
This dynamic collaboration between Jeriq and Minz is driven by an audacious goal, clearly stated in the title: to create a massive hit so compelling that DJ will have to spin it endlessly until they are exhausted. DJ Go Tire is an Afro-fusion-infused jam that thrives on its energetic production. The song’s essence is its irresistible danceability and sonic quality, acting as a declaration of musical confidence, with both artists challenging DJs to keep up with the demand this track will generate, making it a certified club banger built for relentless rotation.
5. Nonso Amadi – DROWN
Lifted from his latest project, To Cry A Flood, Nonso Amadi’ DROWN showcases his signature Afro-R&B style, rich with Afro-swing influence. The track is a deep dive into the intoxicating nature of profound affection. Nonso Amadi’s smooth flow conveys a passionate narrative about a specific girl and his intense desire for her love. The central metaphor of the song is the act of diving in, willingly submerging himself in the depth of this feeling, even as he hopes he doesn’t drown in the emotional intensity, exploring the vulnerability and risk involved in falling completely for someone.
6. Sarkodie ft. AlorG – Put It On God
Ghanaian rap titan Sarkodie teams up with AlorG for Put It On God, a track that immediately reminds listeners that Sarkodie’s elite rapping skills are fully intact and as sharp as ever. He flows effortlessly alongside AlorG, delivering introspective and confident verses. The track centers on the artists’ current successful lifestyle, their hustle, achievements, and status, including their ultimate reliance on God, acknowledging that, while they lay claim to their blessings, the continuation of their success is ultimately in God’s hands. It’s a declaration of faith wrapped in a boastful yet grateful rap anthem.
That’s a wrap on this week’s New Music Friday Top Picks lineup. Each of these artists delivered tracks that are set to define the culture, whether through chart-topping grooves or introspective masterpieces. We’ve highlighted the best of the best for the new music collection.
Listen to our playlist here:
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