Rema – Ginger Me
An Overview: Best New Music
Best New Music is our weekly roundup of fresh songs you ought to listen to.
Master KG ft. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode – Jerusalema (Remix)
In the past, Burna Boy has shared fights with South Africans, but that ship seems to have sailed, especially with his spell binding contribution on this song. It’s been massively praised on social media, and peace restored. Never underestimate the power of a timely move and of course, a great feature.
Rema – Ginger Me
Some days ago Rema shared a video of him in a car, rapping, Trap style. Today, it’s the swooning world of dream pop he returns to. “Ginger Me” is that serenading girl record, the giggle and cute eyes – young love in all its poetry.
Teyena Taylor ft. Davido – Killa
After being on a Seyi Shay song, African American artist Teyena Taylor now features Davido on “Killa,” off her latest project. Expectedly, both artists combine to fine effect over the mid tempo production.
DJ Tunez & D3AN ft. SiKi – Turn Me On
Led for most times by a gyrating House production, “Turn Me On” also features the repetitive and mood inducing singing peculiar to the genre. A fine effort.
Phaemous – Forbidden
I got on this guy via a Blaqbonez cosign but better late. “Forbidden” is a beautiful song, carried by a beautiful and intent voice; the songwriting, a bridge between the introspection of Nonso Amadi and the eccentricity of Fireboy DML, is also a plus.
Zoro ft. Mayorkun – Two
Zoro has been on a good albeit somewhat quiet run. On latest “Two,” a pulsating love song, he partners Mayorkun, a bonafide hit maker, a move which should see it become a favorite amongst many.
Larry Gaaga ft. M. I. Abaga & Efya – Hold On
What happens when you have someone like Larry Gaaga pair the brilliance of M.I with Efya’s riveting Soul? In this record, the calm feeling of hope is dominant, and every word seems perfect for the times. “Hold on, change is coming/ Hold on, you can make it..”
Ibejii – Boda Suraju
Off his recently released tape Ìlù Ìlú comes this beautiful piece of music. Ibejii is an afro-retro performer and his songs are thick with African percussions; his voice –assured and lively– is also instrumental to his music’s appeal.
Skales – Healing Process (EP)
Our list of Best New Music continues below, and we take a trip to Ghana:
J. Derobie – My People
By all indications Ghanaian and emPawa class member J. Derobie has a tape coming out soon. But today, it’s the single “My People,” a Dancehall tune which gives raised fists of respect to places and people that’s helped Derobie to where he is today.
Prettyboy D-O ft. Olamide – Wetin You Smoke
Prettyboy D-O is one artist you should listen to, if you aren’t already. Wildfire, his new 8 track EP, is out and it’s stacked with gems, none other like this song. Olamide blesses it with an epic hook and D-O’s verse just complements the high energy on display.
Skales – Done To Me
On The Healing Process, Skales hits great form, exciting with rap/sung melodies over the most ear catching beats, like a Drake would. “Done To Me” is a standout off the 7 track project.
Hotyce ft. Reeplay & Odumodu Blvck – Stop N Search
Talented Headies nominated rapper jus put out a four track tape 4 No Reason, where he experiments with mainstream sounds. I particularly enjoyed the sinister vibe of this song, a recollection of an encounter with Nigeria’s infamous security forces.
Our roundup of Best New Music continues below
Sarkodie ft. M.anifest – Brown Paper Bag
Undoubtedly one of the great Hip Hop moments of the year, two of Africa’s great rappers, Sarkodie and former foe M.anifest unite to pass a pan-African Black Lives Matter message on “Brown Paper Bag,” a record which drips with consciousness, from its cover to the verses.
JMizi ft. AJAY – Ohema
Off the Partyboy EP comes this song, bubbly Afro Pop with bold splashes of Dancehall. An enjoyable listen that should sell you on the entire tape.
Chiké – If You No Love (DysleX remix)
Although Chiké’s Boo of the Booless is one of the acclaimed projects of the year, he isn’t resting on that. Dance of the Booless is a visionary tape which taps into the EDM market, and features its brightest prospects on remixes which opens a new perspective on select records. “If You No Love” gets the DysleX treatment, a sound that should get you dancing in no time.
Frank Edwards – Opomulero
In such times, a Frank Edwards record –assuring and glorious– receives even more reverence. “Opomulero,” his new song, is a mix of introspection and dance, and a tune for your mornings and rough days.
Juls ft. Randy Valentine – Wata
In this drum heavy Juls production, Randy Valentine sings of water as a place where dreams are achieved and everything great and lively about life comes together. That it echoes of WurlD tell you what to expect from the songwriting and vocal texture of Valentine.
Cruel Santino ft. Octavian – End Of The Wicked
Formerly known as Santi, Nigerian Alté royalty Cruel Santino’s new song is a feet tapping experience, a vibrant jam which spells a wicked end to all the wicked. E. O. T. W. has been anticipated for a while and now it’s here we couldn’t have asked for better music.
There you have it. Our selections for this week’s Best New Music. Go stream and get some sonic goodness.
