By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Ahoy there, traveler! You are welcome once again on our journey around Africa and her diaspora in our quest to unearth hidden musical gems. This week was a slow week in Adventure Land. However, we were not discouraged. We’ve put together quite a different list. It didn’t end up as diverse as some previous selections, but it is a fun and energetic list if I do say so myself. Before we dive in, I’m happy to announce that the second edition of the monthly editorial playlist will be available this week. This features my favourites from weeks 5-8. The information will be posted to our socials @Afrocritik, so follow us to stay informed. Also, don’t pass up on the opportunity to get your own music featured on the playlists. Send an email to yinoluu@afrocritik.com for further details on how to get your work considered.
Now that that’s done, let’s get right into it! The ninth edition of the Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight takes a step backward length-wise but never compromises in quality. This Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight selection features:
- A Few Big Names: Kizz Daniel seizes the radio waves with “Shu-Peru,” Mr.Eazi is back, joining Yung Willis on “Happy,” Tiwa Savage assists Bella Shmurda on “NSV,” Ayra Starr teams up with Tyla for the RnB-tinged Amapiano offering titled “Girl Next Door”…
- Soft Afrobeats: Our sparse Afrobeats selection this week is mostly gentle and emotive, made up of the likes of Boy Spyce’s “Relationship,” Tay’s incredible fusion “Undercover Lover” off his forthcoming project, Zion Foster’s moving rendition of “Oluwa,” “Jam One Kele” from the mind and talents of Sarz himself…
- Our Weekly Dose of Amapiano: This week’s Amapiano vibes are delivered via the likes of Vin Mokay’s “Contaminate,” “4pla in 4K” by Antoi, Killervybez instrumental delivery on “Bad Thoughts in Lagos,” T.I Blaze’s “Wire” off his Dangerous Wavy Baby EP, Medikal’s energetic “Road Clear,” “Tomorrow” and “Amawele” off Tanzanian act Marioo’s new The Kid You Know (Deluxe) project…
- Beautiful Alternative Songs: We get a fair bit of soaring vocals and folky guitars from the likes of Rayvanny’s Zouk-inspired “Habibi” and rattling “Mpechuko” off his Flowers III project, Malian songstress Fatoumata Diawara’s beautiful “Nsera”, “Sete,” and “Mogokan” off her stellar London Ko project, Brenda Mtambo’s “EnzaKwenzeke” and “Bhaluyacima” …
All these standouts and so many more are waiting for you to give them a listen on the playlists you should see to the right of this page. If you have trouble with the playlists, feel free to find our profiles @Afrocritik on your music streaming service of choice and the playlists should show up there. I recommend you check out the albums named to find your own gems, too. Feel free to listen in the curated order or shuffle the playlist if you’re feeling adventurous. 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!