For this New Music Friday Top Picks, dive into a fresh wave of new sounds, where artists are exploring everything from mental health to the true meaning of love. This list takes you from reflective entries to irresistibly catchy hits.
Bella Shmurda feat. Kummie – Sanity
This song is the title track from Bella Shmurda’s newest album, and it truly is the heart of the entire project. Sanity teams up Bella with the breakout artist Kummie for a deep and thoughtful song about mental health. The song feels like a personal diary entry, where both artists openly talk about the struggles of staying mentally balanced in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming. It’s a reflective and honest track that gives listeners a clear window into Bella Shmurda’s current state of mind, making it a very relatable and powerful listen for anyone trying to keep their head above water.
Firstklas feat. Iliya Entertainment Music – Lili
Get ready for a song that will stick with you all day! Lili is that kind of track, incredibly catchy and addictive. From the moment you hear it, the melody and lyrics are likely to keep ringing in your head. On this track, Firstklas joined forces with his frequent and talented collaborators to create this undeniable hit, which is a key part of their joint project, Dejavu. It’s the perfect blend of smooth vibes and memorable lines that make you want to press repeat over and over again.
Rukmani feat. KAESTYLE – Fantasy
Taken from the deluxe version of her album 3XL, Fantasy is a smooth and soulful escape. Rukmani and KAESTYLE use this song to dive deep into their desires and affection for their partners. Over a gentle Afro-R&B melody, their voices blend beautifully as they share their innermost feelings. The production, expertly handled by Papigunzo, brings the song’s dreamy and intimate mood fully to life, making Fantasy a perfect track for late-night relaxation or a quiet moment of reflection.
Ashidapo – Gobe
Ashidapo’s new single, Gobe, brilliantly flips the meaning of a popular Nigerian slang word on its head. While Gobe usually means “trouble,” Ashidapo turns it into a moment of pure, mesmerized joy, the kind of “trouble” you’re happy to be in. The song pulses with playful energy and cleverly flips the classic, Wande Coal’s Baby Hello. After a short teaser went viral on TikTok, sparking over 14,000 videos, the full song is set for massive success. This release is a strong statement that solidifies Ashidapo’s status as a definitive breakout artist of the year.
Adekunle Gold feat. 6LACK – Love Is An Action
From his latest project FUJI, Love Is An Action is an instant standout. This track is the definition of a smooth vibe; it’s the kind of song you can enjoy, dance to slowly, or simply chill out with. Adekunle Gold and the international R&B star 6LACK come together as the ultimate lover boys, using the song to confess all the real, tangible things they do for love. Instead of just talking about feelings, they emphasize that true love is an action, making it a mature and soulful anthem for anyone who believes in showing their love, not just saying it.
From the struggle for Sanity to the proof that Love Is An Action, this collection of tracks in our New Music Friday Top Picks offers a powerful snapshot of the themes driving modern Afrobeats and its adjacent genres.
Listen to our playlist here:
Related: RUKMANI’s 3XL DELUXE: A Deeper Look at Love, Lust & Loss
