It’s another Friday and I’m back with my review of Ten of the hottest songs that have dropped
Burna Boy — Twice As Tall Album
GIVE BURNA THE GRAMMY. GIVE BURNA THE CHAMPIONSHIP RING. GIVE BURNA HIS FLOWERS. GIVE BURNA EVERYTHING. This is a perfect project. Quality? Check. Purpose? Nailed it. Thirteen months after his Grammy nominated “African Giant”, “Twice As Tall” comes as a reassessment of everything that has happened since then. This is a project that truly and perfectly encapsulates what Pan-Africanism is. The album opens up with the Youssuf N’Dour feature “Level Up”, I dare say I’ve not heard a more thought-provoking and energizing intro as this one! More thought-provoking songs come in the form of “Monsters You Made” ft Chris Martin, “Real Life” ft Stormzy. Album is littered with braggadocio on songs like “Way Too Big”, “23” and there is the ever present club bangers like “Comma”, “Alarm Clock”. While delivering the perfect blend of Afro Fusion, the message of the album never missed, “AFRICA”. We yearned for that and he gave that. I’m in love with the fact that Burna has not for once lost sight of the native sound. I am here waiting for the album that will top this.
Fireboy — Tattoo
This lad is fearless and audacious, I love that energy! He’s not scared to put out his materials, no matter how and what they’re made of. In this erotica-like song, DML delivers something special. The stripped hook on this song is everything for me. It’s a classic R&B tune and you can tell his new formed chemistry with producer “TypeA” will birth more traditional R&B songs like “Tattoo” and “New York City Girl”. If this is anything to expect on the forthcoming “Apollo”, then sign me up real quick.
DJ Tunez — Pami ft Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Omah Lay
They really made this work! It is impressive. Wizkid has found an answer to our undying thirst for music (local sound in particular) in these DJ Tunez features. On paper, these three on a song would send shivers down your spine and when you get to listen to the actual thing, you might just lose it. This is a song for AfroBeats as a culture, this is a song for AfroBeats as a genre. On a “Blaise Beatz” production, these three perfectly synced just like Barca’s MSN trio. I loved how Omah Lay and AG held their own on a song with a beast like Wiz. DJ Tunez got one, again.
Darey — Jah Guide Me
When this release was announced earlier this week, I just rolled back the years. I’m glad Darey has not retired. This song is something I like to call “I have nothing to prove, so this is so natural”. Man effortlessly made an amazing record! The prayer-themed record is native and urban at the same time. The drums, shakers, the trumpets on this one? Everything for me. Working with Pheelz as the producer brought the happiness and life in this song.
Kjuni — The Therapy
This is the most thought-provoking song that dropped tonight. The picture painting on this song is excellent. As a rapper, Kjuni has always been very conscious with his music, his story telling stands out for me. “The Therapy” tells its story itself, in such prolific manner. This song paints a picture of a man who, while going through it, questions his maker and decisions, but he finds solace in telling his frustrations to his therapist. The therapist, in turn, offers hope singing “ghetto youth listen, never let depression set in”. The song paints a picture of frustration but also reassurance. It’s the type of song you want to start your day with.
DJ Cuppy — Karma ft Stonebwoy
Quote me anywhere; I think Stonebwoy just gave Cuppy arguably her best song yet — not necessarily her biggest. I’m stunned by this song, I’m impressed. Was that Cuppy?! With such calmness and ‘seriousness’ on her verse?! That really was Cuppy! The Ghana-Naija combo has always worked magic for Cuppy. The Kwesi Arthur-featured “Abena” is for me on that list of Cuppy’s best songs ever. Stonebwoy really did set the pace on this one and Cuppy did so well to follow that lead. It’s a sweet AfroBeats record, definitely going to be a stand out record on her upcoming album. Killertunes made magic with this production, not going to lie.
Terry Apala, MajorBangz — Major Vibes EP
Terry Apala deserves everything, honestly. He singlehandedly birthed a genre, carried that genre so well that no one has entered that scene ever since. That goes to show how difficult and amazing what he’s achieved with the ‘Apala Fusion’ genre. On this joint tape with producer, MajorBangz, Terry successfully fused ‘Apala’ with different sounds and he excellently pulled it off. On the A-O assisted “Apala Drill”, he fused his ‘Apala’ with the UK drill sound. How do you do that?! That’s mind blowing. On “How Far” it is ‘Apala’ fused with the Alternative sound. On “Feeling Fly” it’s fused with HipHop. There is also Apala fused with AfroBeats. I am blown away! I hope this tapes gives Terry Apala all he deserves.
Crayon — Do Me
On his last release, I wrote about how unlucky Crayon is to have to contend with a generational superstar like Rema. That asides, Crayon is heavily talented. I caught on the Crayon train late but since I got on it, no regrets. This new record is amazing. It’s such mastery of bounce and beat. His reading of this joint BabyFresh and London production is laudable. It’s a perfect AfroBeats record, it’s got the catchy hook, a singalong catchphrase, bounce, rhythm and melody. Crayon scored another one with this.
André Wolff — Swollen ft Ayüü, Psycho YP
I like this record a lot. This is the first time I’m on to an André Wolff record and I’m impressed. The Ayüü and Psycho YP assist on this one should be applauded for a long time. The hook to this trap record will be etched in my brain in no time.
Mo Believe — Faya
I’ve been a Mo Believe fan for the longest. I got on to his sound when he released his “Ariwo Eko” album. Mo’s sound is warming and incredible, it’s ever conscious as well. This “Faya” tune is ‘Owanbe’ influenced. It is a proper traditional record but it is also a record that can go off at a party. The African sound elements here are heavy and well coordinated, from the konga drums to the shakers, and the jazz-like sounds. All of these combined with the native choir type back ups make this a very sweet record. Mo’s Yoruba lyrics delivery is unrivaled. I like this record, all round.