This week’s New Music Friday Top Picks showcases a vibrant mix of rhythm and cultural fusion, featuring artists from Africa. From heartfelt anthems of gratitude to electrifying club tracks, the lineup blends Afrobeat’s soulful roots with modern sounds. Rising stars and established icons share the spotlight, delivering stories of love, reflection, and celebration.
Ghanaian beats meet Nigerian swagger, while Ugandan soul blends with UK production. Each song invites listeners on a journey that transcends borders and highlights music as the ultimate universal language.
KJ Spio feat. Oxlade – Emiko
In a captivating collaboration, culturepreneur KJ Spio joins forces with the talented Afrobeat superstar Oxlade to deliver a powerful track titled Emiko. This uplifting anthem is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, celebrating the divine influence in their lives and acknowledging the blessings that have propelled them toward success. This is the type of song that will resonate with listeners, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and appreciate the positive forces at work in their lives.
Darkoo – Like That
After kicking off the year on a high note, Darkoo returns with another infectious hit, Like That. This track showcases her signature sound as she explores the exhilarating dynamics of romance, painting vivid images of her lover’s captivating actions. With its vibrant Afrobeats rhythm, Like That evokes a nostalgic feeling of the golden era of mid-2000s Afrobeats, allowing listeners to embrace the lively energy and carefree joy that the genre embodies.
Joshua Baraka – Wrong Places
Emerging talent Joshua Baraka, hailing from Uganda, presents his latest single Wrong Places this Friday. This soulful track, produced by the renowned UK producer JAE5, captures the essence of love and the joy of living in the moment. With an evocative sound and heartfelt lyrics, Baraka delivers an emotional performance, inviting listeners to dive into a world filled with romantic longing and cherished experiences. The song highlights his potential as a rising star in the African music scene.
Shatta Wale ft. Joint 77 – Go Mad
Renowned Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale kicks off Go Mad with high-energy shoutouts to his friends and loyal supporters. This vibrant club anthem reflects his extravagant lifestyle as he shares glimpses of his global travels from Ghana to various international destinations. Joint 77 enhances the track with a dynamic rap verse, merging their styles to create a compelling and infectious dance vibe that is sure to get crowds moving.
Obongjayar – Jellyfish
Leading up to the release of his highly anticipated album Paradise, Obongjayar drops the single Jellyfish. This track features an uptempo beat produced by the talented Kwes Darko, weaving together intricate, descriptive lyrics that convey deeper messages and emotions. With its fast-paced energy, Jellyfish sets an exciting tone for what listeners can expect from the forthcoming album, promising a rich and immersive musical experience.
Skales ft. 3dnan – D.L.L.Y (Dance Like Lamine Yamal)
Following the viral success of his hit song Shake Body, Skales has teamed up with 3dnan to create D.L.L.Y, which stands for “Dance Like Lamine Yamal.” The track pays homage to the recent dance that has taken social media by storm, thanks to the part superstar footballer Yamal played with his energetic dance to the song, Shake Body on social media during his celebration of a successful match. This infectious tune D.L.L.Y, captures the spirit of celebration and movement, inviting everyone to join in on the dance craze that has captivated audiences around the globe.
Enjoy our New Music Friday top picks and more on our weekly new music playlist, carefully curated for your listening pleasure:
