There’s always something interesting to listen to in the new landscape of music being born in Africa and diasporans all over the world, we’re more in tune with the melodies of our ethos, voice, spirits, and culture. The vibrancy has given birth to an explosion of more black rooted music than ever before given African listeners all over the continent not only more of their own stories and people playing on the charts but also a collective voice that place the global face of Africa in a light on a lane that’s being inspired by the fusion of indigenous African pop sounds and experimental crossovers with other genres that have passed through the African sound system.
Some of the truly beautiful music being created within this Baroque era of African music is left underground, and sometimes unheard cause the mainstream understanding of music takes time to accept the shift, nonetheless these sounds are around us waiting to be streamed via Soundcloud, Apple Music, and Spotify, you just need to dig a bit sometimes and we’re here to help with a few new sounds to explore as you start the week.
Benny Que – Project 17 Ft. Ogranya
Benny Que is a Recording Artist & Producer who’s been under the radar of everyone but has made his sound with purpose, one you can tell he’s been putting the hours in to make it feel as distinct as the percussions he channels in his new single ‘Project 17‘.
He got the help from one of the most promising vocalist and songwriter in Nigeria, another beautiful sound that’s been slept on Jable, together they’ve made an afro-soul gem, a beautiful song that reaches deep within the listener.
DJ Yin – Rewind Feat. Show Dem Camp & BankyOnDBeatz
DJ Yin has been delivering jams since she left the decks and took the mic after she found her right-hand man and producer, BankyOnDBeatz who’s helped her master her sound, using genres that fuse EDM flavored melodies with her slurry hypnotic voice, mixed with different elements Banky is crazy enough to make.
DJ Yin is in her trademark sound on the new song ‘Rewind‘, staying low as she only sings the catchy hook leaving the verses for ShowDemCamp to own, It’s the best we’ve heard from them since their well-received EP ‘PalmWine Music’ was released last year.
Kyrian Asher – NOCTEM DRIVE NEON
Kyrian Asher is one of the most consistent & creative Producer, Recording Artist, Songwriter in Nigeria, based in the capital Abuja. His music is so elemental, voicing his emotions and telling his story as distinctively as he can with each project or song released. It’s true art, an art of his music he’s mastering so well. He’s not mainstream and I doubt a sound as unique as his will ever be but he’s one of the greats in his generation.
Two fingers up for the ones with the scars, one finger down as we take what is ours
After taking a long time off, he’s back with his first single of the year ‘NOCTEM DRIVE NEON’, a fierce track to remind his audience bar for bar why he needs our devotion.
Le Mav – Summer Vacation Feat. PsychoYP & Genio Bambino
One of the 80 Sounds founding member, Le Mav has been in the top tier of producers with a catalogue featuring a lot of top new age artists. He’s known for his ease, vibrations, and bouncy production and keeps things interesting every time.
His new single featuring PsychoYP & Genio Bambino is what the doctor ordered, ‘Summer Vacation‘ hits home as one of those tracks we’ll be bumping all summer.
Daramola – Heartbreak Please
Daramola has been gathering listeners since his smash single ‘Lagos City Wave‘ became one of the breakout songs for 2017, proving he’s not one hitmaker when he released his remake of Micheal Jackson classic ‘Liberian Girl‘, he got us locked in on what more he could offer.
‘HeartBreak Please’, a new single from Daramola is a good effort for those who’ve been following up on his music.
DaRe – Another Planet Feat. Tim Lyre & Idris King
DaRe got some attention after his single ‘Ise Yen Feat MOJO x Tena Tenpo’ got some ears to turn his way.
His new single ‘Another Planet‘ is a completely different sound from his previous song, going with an RnB inspired production featuring Tim Lyre & rapper/90s Baby owner, Idris King, to create something that pushes DaRe’s sound into a more unknown but intriguing angle.
VanJess – Addicted
VanJess is an R&B/Soul duo made up of Nigerian American sisters Ivana and Jessica, though they’re based in the US, they’re strongly connected to their background. Their sound drips through soulful melodies of love and affection, with the sisters complement each other’s range and style.
Their new project Silk Canvas is a good listen, with features from Masego & Goldlink, they’re creating a niche for their rhythms. ‘Addicted‘ which they performed on the Colors Show bring their 90s-fueled essence to the forefront, showcasing them at their best.
