With various artists steadily building on their success from last year, it’s the season of beautiful chemistry and collaborations across Afrobeats best artists, from brothers teeming up to release the next party banger to longtime friend who became protogees of two of Nigeria’s biggest hip hop artists and a collaboration from afrobeats new school’s finest.
Blaqbonez ft. Amaarae and Buju – Bling
Blaqbonez evolution from an underground battle rapper to a sweet melodic trap/afrobeat artist has been one that has gotten him everyone’s attention, moving him from the obscurity of underground battle rap to becoming a major voice amongst the new generation of afrobeats artists. With hi forthcoming album Sex>Love expected to drop later this year, he gives us another glimpse into what to expect. Teaming up with Amaarae who is a perfect choice for the track’s sonic melody and sensually explicit lyrics, and Buju who serenading vocals wax over the Type A production.
Cheque ft. Fireboy – History
With a friendship that goes deep into their days as upcoming artists in OAU, Cheque and Fireboy showcase their incredible chemistry on History. It’s a blend of their amazing vocals tinged in that R&B trap style of Cheque over heavy bass drums and classical piano chords. Produced by talented beatmaker Andyr, History serves as Cheque’s first official single for 2021, a follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut body of work, the Razor EP.
DJ Enimoney ft. Olamide – Sugar Daddy
The last time we had DJ Enimoney and Olamide on a track was on Reminisce Shibinshi which dropped in 2020. It’s that time of the year when an Olamide hit is sure to happen. Teaming up with his Brother and YBNL in house DJ; DJ Enimoney, Olamide is in his element as he melodic deep vocals say “su mo sugar daddy” over the heavy amapiano drums co-produced by Eskeez and DJ Enimoney.
Rexxie ft. Bella Shmurda – Back2Back
With his forthcoming project, expected to drop later this year, Rexxie births another potential hit song as he teams up with street hop current rave, Bella Shmurda for Back2Back. Rexxie’s knack for production shines bright as he incorporates a xylophone, piano chords and fast paced drums, providing an uptempo beat that matches Bella Shmurda’s ever present and easily infectious energy.
Jujuboy Star – Enjoyment
November last year saw Aristokat Records’ Jujuboy Star release his debut single I Dey There, a Kel P produced love song. Following up with his latest single Enjoyment, Jujuboy Star takes on a more hedonistic approach to life as he reconnects with Kel P over afrobeat drums, bass guitar chords and horns. On Enjoyment, he sings “Work no dey kill person, na the enjoyment. Baby Love no dey kill person, na you no dey learn lesson”.
Kida Kudz – Animalistic
Produced by Studio Magic, Animalistic is Kida Kudz’s first official single for 2021, it comes after the release of his previously released project, the Jiggy Pack Vol. 1. On Animalistic Kida Kudz addresses the struggles of his origin and the dehumanising effect of prisons on people and the cultural issues behind it. The melodic afro jiggy is accompanied by iO Filmworks’ warm visuals. a blend of melodic Afrobeat sensibilities with personal and pertinent subject matter. Shot in Lagos, the visuals incorporate a burning bus with men on fire and lit oil lanterns at night as he performs.
Kizz Ernie – For Days
“For Days” is off the double single 23/For Days where Kizz Ernie teams up with talented producer “Trill Xoe” of the 44DB Collective, Kizz says “For Days” is all about his humble beginnings and how he’s always been on his grind, from day one through the ups and downs. Hustle pays, and now we all want to know the formula.
Ogranya – Creo
Among the new wave of Port Harcourt talents and existing in his own unique lane, with a style somewhat similar to Brymo’s but with an originality and captivating vocals, Ogaranya was one of the artists to catch our radar last year with his Imperfect EP. His latest single Creo, sees him continue his experimentation with afro-centric drums creating a perfect sonic environment for his deep octave vocals as he opens the song singing “If they ever told you that the heavens aren’t looking out for you, they lied…”