By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Hello again, brave traveller. Can you believe it’s already been over 4weeks? A month of adventuring through the jungles of music together; discovering hidden treasures and loving new artists along the way. For those of you who have missed a couple of weeks, fear not. An editorial playlist featuring the best of the best offerings from last month will be shared on our socials @Afrocritik, so be sure to follow us.
Today, things get back closer to normal as I present you with a pretty laid-back collection of hidden gems from all across Africa and her diaspora. Remember, if you want a chance to get your own diamonds in the rough spotlighted as well, send an email to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for further details.
With all that said, Here’s the fifth edition of the Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight. Sit back, relax, and embark on this week’s journey, which happens to feature:
- Some Big Names: Jason Derulo tags in to assist Mavin Records’ Bayanni on “Ta TaTa,” Michael Brun Brun continues to cook something spicy, collaborating with Jozzy, Bayka and Masego on “Charge It,” Korede Bello &MrEazi.join forces on “Jejely,” DJ Big N enlists Ayra Starr & Oxlade for “How Many Times”…
- Moving Downtempo Moments: Multi-talented Uax introspects on “Evergreen,” Xbusta’s brilliant XuperXtarXtatusLP is beautifully represented by “Jupa,” “Vow,” and “Shower,” Zubi&Iordan give their listeners “Low Eyes,” Johnny Drille proclaims love on “Believe Me”…
- Brilliant Rap Numbers: “Charge It,” and “2am In Central” epitomise the wonders to be found on Nigerian-British rapper ENNY’s exemplary We Go Again Ep, Kenyan-British producer-performer mau from nowhere gives us the eclectic The Universe is Holding You represented by “I Like,” “Refuse Refuge,” and the NAiLA-assisted “Realign,” E.L flexes his flow over Brasiliera instrumentals on “Chop Life,” Kweku Smoke unleashes his twi-infused Old Compound EP represented by “Hope” and “Akatanii,” RAMIAN dazzles on the relaxing “Phone Calls & Tequila” …
- New-School Throwbacks: “Epixode takes us to Highlife station with “O’bra,” Shaoleen gives us prime Coupe Decale with “Pere et Fils” off the Kwaba In My Universe project, Man Fongo re-energizes Francophone classics with “Uongo,” Platform &Marioo present “Ananipenda” in Bongo-Flava flavour, Fatoumata Diawara graces us with “Massa Den,” Silvastone adds a new spin to Gqom with “Falling For You”…
All these highlights and more! Available for your perusal and enjoyment on the playlists you should see to the right of this page. You’ll also find some of my favourite hold-overs from last week. Feel free to listen in the curated order or shuffle the playlist if you’re feeling brave. Either way, be sure to give the songs time to work their magic on you. Don’t forget to add and follow the playlists, save your favourite songs as updates will be frequent, share the playlists with the people you care about, and get the information necessary to submit your own songs (or those of your people) by reaching out to yinoluu@afrocritik.com.
ENJOY!