The twenty-seventh edition of the Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Welcome, dear reader, to another exciting week of our voyage to discover the best music from around Africa and her diaspora. This week, we saw a deluge of highly anticipated projects from some of the industry’s biggest stars. But that’s not all – amidst the big names, we’ve managed to unearth remarkable works from talented underground acts. It is a testament to the rich and diverse soundscape on offer if one is willing to adventure away from the mainstream.
Before we delve into the musical treasures of this week, remember that your music can find its place in our spotlight too. If you’re an aspiring artiste with a tune that deserves recognition, don’t hesitate to send an email to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for details on how to get your work considered. And to stay updated with all things Afrocritik, follow us on our social media channels @afrocritik. Plus, keep an eye out for the forthcoming October monthly editorial playlist – a handpicked collection of the month’s finest tracks.
With that out of the way, let’s get straight to the music at hand. This week’s playlist offers up:
A Lot of Big Names: The week started with a bang as the young superstar, Rema, graced us with the RAVAGE EP, delivering gems like “Smooth Criminal”, “Trouble Maker”, “Red Potion”, and “DND”. Street-hop legend, Reminisce, released the much-anticipated ATSG, Vol. 1 album, treating us to tracks like “Awon Aye”, “Mora”, and “Tight”. Meanwhile, Mr Eazi’s The Evil Genius album brought us the Angelique Kidjo-assisted “Orokoro” and the infectious “Show Dem”. Ghanaian stars also shone brightly, with Sarkodie giving us the Ruger-assisted “Till We Die“, King Promise presenting the delightful “Perfect Combi” alongside Gabzy, and Shatta Wale teaming up with Tekno for the vibey “Incoming“.
Even More Recognisable Names: The star-studded lineup continues with Blaqbonez’s Emeka Must Shine album, offering hits like “Masquerade”, “6 Business Days”, “Naija Shawty”, and “Dollerz” featuring Odumodublvck. Another appearance of Odumodublvck is in the remix of “Where Dem Dey“, alongside PsychoYP and Laime. And when comedy king, Basketmouth returns with a new project titled Uburu, you know you’re in for a treat with tracks like “Goal Keeper” and “Cover Me”. But that’s not all; “Chasing Dreams” and “Link Up” featuring Boj and Duncan Mighty complete the package.
Talented New Finds: On the flip side of the fame spectrum, we have equally powerful offerings. LULU delights with “Yesterdays“, Diamond Jimma encourages us to “Smile“, and Green Caeser drops the smooth “Go Come“. Anabel Rose wows us with the energetic and bright “Do Not Disturb“. South African singer, Kaien Cruz, graces us with her self-titled KAIEN project, giving us tracks like “Atlantis”, “DDD”, “Shows N Hoes”, and “Black Ice”. Azana also presents a delightful project in IGAGU, demonstrated by “Awusasho”, “Shona Malanga”, “Amaphiko Ezono”, and “Never The Same.”
(Read also – Area Boyz Review: Nsg Explores Rhythms from the Streets on New Album)
Our Weekly Dose of Amapiano: We get to taste the Amapiano rainbow, from smooth and soft to more bombastic. Isimo is a new album from Kabza De Small and Mthunzi, delivering tracks like “Umoya Wami”, “Impumelelo”, “Amazwe”, and “Isibusiso”. Da Muziqal Chef invites us to savour his Just A Taste project with tracks like “Tshepo Ke Tshepo”, “Ama Pillow Talk”, and “Ubumnandi”. Mr JazziQ brings the energy with “Baya Hlanya“, and Zuchu joins in the fun with “Shika“.
These songs represent just a taste of the incredible tracks waiting for you on the playlist. So, dive in, discover new music, and enjoy the magic of African sounds. Remember, if you’re an aspiring artiste, take advantage of the opportunity to submit your music for consideration. Reach out to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for all the details. Until next week, may your days be filled with beautiful melodies, 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.