Album season has kicked off, with new albums from Joeboy, The Vanjess sisters, Made Kuti, Black Coffee, Dot Man, Fasina Dap the Contract, and Pepenazi. Here are some of the best music from this weekend.
The Vanjess – Homegrown EP
Nigerian-American sisters duo hone in on their nostalgic blend of 80’s and 90’s nigerian sounds and contemporary R&B to create a cohesive upbeat, groovy nine-song project; Homegrown. Featuring Jimi Tents, Garren, KAYTRANADA, Phony PPL, and Devin Morrison, the EP is a mix of upbeat, groovy and sensual songs. Along with the EP dropped the video to the classic funk influenced Caught Up, showcasing their Lagos upbringing.
Made Kuti – For(e)ward (album)
Made Kuti Fela’s grandson and Femi’s son – grew up in The New Afrika Shrine and played for Femi’s Positive Force band from a young age., on this project, he delivers afrobeat (without the ‘s’) addressing issues like corruption, poverty and police brutality as he introspects on how Fela sang about his reality, which we still face. For(e)ward makes an introspective and enjoyable listening.
Joeboy – Police
Off Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic, Police is a slow low tempo jam and captures the feeling of love and magic on the project.
Pheelz – Wayward Girl
Pheelz needs no introduction, he’s the man behind some of the biggest hit songs in the country, producing for Olamide, Fireboy, Tiwa Savage and a host of others. Wayward Girl blends his relaxed airy vocals and excellent production, as he sings of loving his wayward girl besides her imperfections.
Leehis Jr. – Maybe We Could Hang Sometime? featuring Wicked Asteroids
Away from afrobeats, producer and artist Leehis Jr makes chilled pop with indie and jazz influences, like on his 2020 debut tape with Aussie Maze. On his latest track, Leehis Jr. explores with the rock and indie beats over vocals that sound distant.
