The twenty-fourth edition of the Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Greetings, dear music enthusiasts! It’s a pleasure to be back, and I must say, this week’s playlist has filled my heart with joy. In fact, I dare say it’s my favourite one yet! I’ve had the privilege of discovering some really beautiful songs that have given me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. It’s been a remarkable journey through the world of music, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
But before we dive into this musical wonderland, I implore you to follow us on our social media platforms @afrocritik for all the latest updates, including the eagerly awaited Monthly Editorial Playlist for September. I also want to extend an invitation to all the talented artistes out there. If you’re passionate about your music and want to share it with the world, don’t hesitate to send an email to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for details on how to be considered for our playlists.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the music. Brace yourselves, because this week is nothing short of spectacular, and I can’t wait to take you on this musical journey.
A Few Big Names: The brightest stars are lighting up the path for us this week. Tems blesses us with her first single in two years with the beautiful “Me & U“, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, and Patoranking, appear on Lavaud’s star-studded “Roll On Me“. ODUMODUBLVCK’s much-awaited EZIOKWU project is out now and we sample it with “Blood on the Dancefloor”, “Adamma Beke”, “Tesla Boy”, and “Saint Obi”, and Kranium joins Manu Crooks on the energetic “More.”
Impressive Discoveries: This week, we’ve unearthed some incredible talents that deserve the spotlight. Meeza wows with “Yawa”, Runda makes a great impression with “Damaged” and “My Fault”, Aristokrat-backed Kold AF releases stellar KOLLIDE EP represented here by “Love N Peace”,” Two Man Ting”, steamy “Tension”, and the emotive “Nobody 2 Somebody”. Zambian-born Botswana-raised Moonga K. stuns with the GARDEN project, experienced here through “lonely forever”, “wallflower”, “feels like”, and “ritual”. Burna Boy’s sister, Nissi, paves her own path with her Unboxed project from which we get “Higher” and “Unwind.”
(Read also – “To Cry & Bounce” Review: Bouff Explores Resilience and Desire on New EP)
Fantastic Hip-Hop Hits: The Hip-Hop culture is well and truly alive. South African producer, J-Smash, enlists multiple talents on his Toxic Perfectionism album with jams like “Care 4 Me”, “Gravediggers”, “Language”, and “Young, Talented & Broke”. FLVME’s Note to Self project is out and is stellar, as seen from “Way Up”, “Wish I Knew”, and “Real One”. Lookatups gives us two great singles in “Ungalibali” and “Location”, and Jujuboy’s “James Bond” is sneakily great.
Our Weekly Dose of Electronica: As always, we have a delightful collection of electronic and dance-infused finds. South African producer, Jullian Gomes, prepares us for his forthcoming album with “Let Me Go” and “Home”. Fka Mash gives us “Life As You Know It”, the lead single of his forthcoming EP, Ntokzin’s Makubenjalo project is great as seen by “Onjani”, “Manyonyoba”, and “Ngelosi”. MÖRDA’s ASANTE II album is breathtakingly cinematic and beautiful, exemplified by “Only God”, “Resistance”, “Shuba”, and my favourite song of the whole week, “Run Away.”
This week’s playlist, without a doubt, is a treasure trove for musical gems that have touched my heart and soul. As you enter the beautiful melodies, I implore you to let the rhythms and lyrics wash over you. Be sure to follow, save, and share your favourite tunes with fellow music enthusiasts. And remember, if you’re an aspiring artiste, don’t miss the opportunity to submit your music for consideration. Reach out to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for all the details.
So, embrace the magic of music, let the beats carry you away, and until next week, may your days be filled with beautiful melodies! Enjoy!
Yinoluwa “Yinoluu” Olowofoyeku is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative who finds expression in various media. His music can be found across all platforms and he welcomes interaction on his social media @Yinoluu.