In this week’s episode, we bring you beautiful collaborations and soulful melodies from Afrobeats, RnB, and more. Here are this week’s New Music Friday Top Picks!
Joeboy, Olamide – Free of Charge:
Following the release of his highly anticipated album, Viva Lavida, Joeboy shares an outstanding collaboration with prominent Nigerian rapper and singer Olamide on the groovy track Free of Charge. The collaboration invites listeners into the duo’s brilliant chemistry as they balance themes of love and luxury. With Olamide’s notable verse with playful wordplay and Jobeboy’s infectious hook, the track is set to cause a ruckus in the Nigerian music industry.
Ruger, Zlatan – Giveaway:
Afrobeats and Dancehall act Ruger has collaborated with Street-hop rapper Zlatan. The duo delivered a chest-thumping collaboration Giveaway off Ruger’s highly anticipated album, BlownBoy RU. This track stands as one of the best releases in 2025, where the duo explores themes of financial luxury and bravado. The title stems from the will to live life to the fullest, tapping into the culture of lavish spending. But the Kukbeatz-produced track gets interesting when Zlatan delivers street lingo verses to cement Ruger’s melodic verses. It’s a blend of Street-hop and trap-infused elements set to dominate the charts.
Drazz – Dangote:
Following his viral single, John Cena released in 2024, rising act Drazz releases his first single for 2025, Dangote. The mid-tempo track, cemented with log drums, takes inspiration from the hustle and resilience of Africa’s richest man, Dangote. The song’s notes hit when Drazz begins with adlibs, followed by lyricism depicting his laid-back state while sticking to the hustle theme. Drazz has had a fair share of life, but he wears his turmoils like a cloak and wields his pen to share Dangote— a constant inspiration to his hustle. The hook is infectious and will resonate deeply with listeners seeking motivation for everyday life.
Kashcoming – Mulla:
Another money-motivation track from street sensation Kashcoming—Mulla. Kashcoming, who held down December with the DJ YK collaboration Oblee, resumes 2025 with the laid-back hustle anthem. The track title, Mulla, which loosely translates to money, invites fans into a mellow state of Kashcoming’s artistry, immersing them into his reflective pen game. From the acapella notes to the chorus, the track highlights the need to make money, offering a street-inspired motivation to hustle.
TRiPPY ONBIG, Gbohunmii – Let’s Go Cana:
Starting the year with his first single for the year, emerging act TRiPPY ONBIG teams up with rising singer-songwriter Gbohunmii to release the fire anthem Let’s Go Cana. The duo delivers the mid-tempo Afrobeats track, which draws listeners into a feel-good moment fueled by the sensation of a blunt. TRiPPY ONBIG combines his catchy verses on the groovy Afrobeats track, while Gbohunmii cements it with his striking melodic verses on the infectious beat. Let’s Go Cana is a track that offers a pleasurable listening experience fueled by smoke and good vibes.
Ejoya, Aisosa, RnB Princess, Arieenati – Flee:
Ejoya’s class of ‘24 has released their R&B Chapter, Velvet, with the outstanding track, Flee. The hypnotic record blends RnB sounds with electro elements alongside the distinct voices of Aisosa, RnB Princess, and Arieenati. Flee is a notable track that addresses the complexities of romantic relationships fueled by toxicity. Aisosa’s mellifluous vocals, aided by Arieenati’s adlibs, powerfully hover on the track as RnB Princess solidifies the track’s melody with her catchy hook. The track reminds listeners of a sweet-turned-sour relationship, prompting them to detach without remorse. This theme instantly connects to many, and the trio brilliantly conveys it.
Africaine – Live Life:
Following her two-tracked project in 2024, Afropop singer-songwriter Africaine returns into the year with a laid-back Afrobeats track, Live Life. Living in a fast-paced world characterized by the ferocious hustle and bustle, Africaine uses her voice and heartfelt lyricism to call for a carefree, unproblematic life. The mid-tempo track is dominated by saxophone elements and soft melodies; Africaine uses striking verses to remind listeners to live life, hit a blunt, and be merry. If there’s one thing Africans need now, it’s a song that connects to the soul, relating to everyday struggles while immersing them in a feel-good mood. And Africaine brilliantly combines Afrobeats and Dancehall to deliver a pleasurable listening experience.
Maya Amolo, Ywaya Tajiri – Sweetest Time:
Kenyan singer-songwriter Maya Amolo returns in 2025 with her latest single, Sweetest Time, featuring colleague Ywaya Tajiri. This compelling track combines contemporary African sounds, fusing R&B and Afrobeats. Showcasing their distinct voices, the duo delivers a sensual melodic listening experience, connecting listeners to the ecstasy of love. Maya Amolo’s vocals softly cut through the captivating beats, showcasing her lush melodies delivered in English and traditional Kenyan language. Ywaya Tajiri cements the track’s listening experience with his signature sound, drawing listeners closer to the feel-good moment.
Enjoy our new music Friday top picks and more on our weekly new music playlist, carefully curated for your listening pleasure:
