MOLIY, Priesst, KOJO BLAK and Major League DJz on New Music Friday
It’s New Music Friday, and the continent is serving heat across the board. From soul-stirring Afro-fusion pleas and unapologetic party anthems to deep Afro-house grooves and romantic nautical escapes, today’s drops capture the full spectrum of what makes African music unstoppable right now. We’ve got Ghana-Nigeria crossovers lighting up the romance lane, South African house kings turning up the spiritual madness, rising voices baring their testimonies, and bold gyal energy ready to take over the dancefloor. Whether you’re craving introspection, turn-up vibes, or pure melodic therapy, this week’s slate—from Kunmie & Joeboy’s upgraded “SOLACE II,” MOLIY’s infectious “PARTYGYAL,” Priesst’s raw “OMO,” Major League DJz’s epic “HLANYA,” to KOJO BLAK & Oxlade’s smooth “SAILOR”—is stacked with gems that’ll soundtrack your weekend and beyond. Dive in, stream loud, and let the new wave carry you.
“SOLACE II” — KUNMIE feat. JOEBOY
KUNMIE’s “SOLACE II” emerges as a refreshing sequel to his January 2026 solo release “Solace.” This upgraded version enlists the smooth, emotive prowess of Joeboy, transforming what was already a poignant introspection into a collaborative gem that’s equal parts tender and infectious. The track clocks in at around 2-3 minutes, but its emotional depth lingers far longer. The single’s cover art sets the tone: a monochromatic shot of Joeboy (dreads, sunglasses, scarf-clad) and standing backgrounded in a contemplative pose is Kunmie, evoking themes of isolation and connection. It’s minimalist yet evocative, mirroring the song’s stripped-back production. The production on “SOLACE II” hits like a gentle wave: soft guitar riffs underpin a mid-tempo Afrobeats groove, laced with subtle percussion that builds emotional tension without rushing.
The beat feels like a hazy sunset drive—calm, reassuring, yet laced with uncertainty. No over-the-top synths or drops here; it’s all about creating space for the vocals and lyrics to breathe, which they do beautifully.
“SOLACE II” is a masterclass in vulnerability, expanding on the original’s themes of seeking peace amid personal turmoil. KUNMIE opens with lines like “Floating in a shipwreck / Falling from an aircraft / Diving with no safe gears on / Running from my shadow,” painting vivid pictures of inner chaos and the desperate search for stability in love. The chorus—”If I lose it all, would I have you? / Does it change a thing or 2 in the way you feel for me? / I’d lose it all to have you / Cause you are my ride”—is the emotional core, a raw plea for unconditional loyalty that resonates in an era of fleeting connections. It’s Pidgin-infused poetry, blending Yoruba phrases like “My shawty, if you leave me na die / Bi na ba jo koma si elomi ti mo le gbekele” (roughly: “If you leave me, I’ll die / There’s no one else I can rely on”) for authenticity and cultural depth.
JOEBOY opens first with his verse being the standout upgrade, sliding in seamlessly around the midpoint and injecting a fresh layer of melody. His delivery is buttery-smooth, with lines like “Only you alone / I go like to marry / I feel good whenever you’re around me / Make I no lie, I no wan hide all these feelings” capturing that signature JOEBOY charm—romantic, earnest, and effortlessly catchy. He questions fame’s role in love (“Shey you go still dey if there wasn’t any money or the fame / If the people didn’t know my name”), adding a meta twist given his own stardom. Vocally, the two artists complement each other like puzzle pieces: Kunmie’s deeper, introspective tone grounds the track, while Joeboy’s higher, melodic flair lifts it into feel-good territory. Their harmonies in the chorus feel organic, not forced, creating a “lover boys” synergy that’s been by listeners.
SOLACE II is that track that plays it a bit safe—sticking closely to the original’s structure without bold sonic risks. But that’s also its strength: it’s accessible, replayable, and emotionally resonant without needing gimmicks.
“PARTYGYAL” — MOLIY feat. bees & honey
Fresh off her rising trajectory as Ghana’s self-proclaimed “Wondergirl” and a Billboard-recognized Afro-fusion force, MOLIY unleashes “PARTYGYAL” in collaboration with production duo bees & honey. This high-energy single, clocks in at around 2-3 minutes of pure dancefloor adrenaline. Building on Moliy’s catalog—including viral hits like her feature on “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (with Amaarae and Kali Uchis), “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” remix with Shenseea and Skillibeng, and recent collabs like “What I Like” with Rvssian, Ayetian, and Tyga—this track positions her firmly in the summer-anthem lane, teasing it as such weeks in advance via TikTok and Instagram snippets that had fans begging for the drop.
The cover art pops with vibrant energy: MOLIY front and center, sporting long, colorful braids and a massive smile, holding a glittering disco ball against a bold, multicolored backdrop that screams party vibes—think retro disco meets modern Afro-pop flair. It’s unapologetically fun and confident, perfectly teasing the track’s unfiltered celebration of self and nightlife. The official visualizer premiered the day before amplifies the chaos in the best way: trippy, neon-drenched effects overlay MOLIY’s charismatic performance, with her in glamorous outfits, close-ups on her expressive face (nose ring, bold makeup, playful shushes and winks), and psychedelic distortions that make the screen feel like a pulsing club. It’s not a full narrative video yet, but the glitchy, colorful aesthetic—rainbow flares, mirror-ball reflections—mirrors the song’s “ecstasy” and “dance floor on fire” energy.
bees & honey deliver a crisp, mid-tempo Afro-dancehall fusion beat with booming bass, infectious riddim patterns, and subtle synth stabs that build urgency without overwhelming. It’s got that crossover appeal blend of dancehall swagger, Afrobeats bounce, and pop polish. The “Mr. DJ, make it louder” pre-chorus hook begs for club systems or car speakers cranked high. No slow builds here; it jumps straight into party mode from the intro, encouraging immediate movement.
“PARTYGYAL” is bold, brash, and empowering—a confident anthem for the woman who owns the night. The intro and post-chorus chant sets the tone: “All the girls come on the dance floor, come fuck it up like a real hot gyal,” flipping the script to rally the ladies while exuding unapologetic sensuality. MOLIY’s verses shine with lines like “Get it from my mama / Fucking iconic, giving ecstasy” and “Take pics, me look bad / In me short shorts, everything snatched,” celebrating body positivity, allure, and zero tolerance for casual games (“I-I don’t got time for the flings”). The chorus is pure earworm: “Party gyal / Gonna make you move, one of one, cunty, yeah / Party gyal, make you move, one of one, best believe / Might take you home with me.” It’s playful yet commanding, with dancehall patois flair adding authenticity and spice.
bees & honey’s production complements MOLIY’s delivery seamlessly—she handles most vocals with her signature sultry, versatile tone (a mix of Ghanaian roots and global polish), while the collab feels like a unified vibe rather than a feature split. Still, part of “PARTYGAL” charm is in only trying to make a listener move.
“OMO” — PRIESST
Rising Nigerian Afro-fusion talent Priesst continues his strong 2026 momentum with “OMO”. Following the motivational wave of his January hit “Akonuche” and its remix with Shoday and Victony, this new single arrives as a reflective yet resilient street anthem. Building on Priesst’s decade-long grind since 2015—evolving from freestyles and covers to viral anthems—this track feels like a personal testimony wrapped in infectious Afrobeat energy, perfect for motivation playlists or reflective drives.
The single’s visualizer-style cover sets an intense, layered tone: bold “OMO” text dominates amid a collage of words like “GRACE,” “BLESSINGS,” “HOLY SPIRIT,” “TALENT,” “SUCCESS,” “FAMILY,” “DOLLARS,” and “CRACK”—a chaotic yet purposeful word cloud on a cracked background with soundwave visuals pulsing underneath. It’s gritty and spiritual, evoking inner battles and triumphs, much like Priesst’s evolving sound that mixes rap introspection with melodic hooks.
The production is crisp and mid-tempo, blending rhythmic log drums with subtle melodic synths and bass that hits hard on good speakers. It’s not overly flashy—no big drops or guest features—but it flows confidently, giving Priesst’s vocals room to shine. The beat feels like a modern evolution of street Afro-fusion: energetic enough to nod along, introspective enough for the lyrics to land. Priesst handles the delivery solo, his voice switching between confident rap flows and melodic choruses with ease, carrying that raw, authentic Nigerian edge.
“OMO” is a vulnerable yet defiant prayer-meets-reflection piece, heavy on gratitude, survival, and spiritual reliance amid life’s pressures. “How many times I waka in the shadow of death no security,” paints vivid pictures of near-misses and protection. Pleas like “Don’t let me lose my way,” “When I pray for grace,” and calls to the “Holy Spirit” weave faith into the narrative, while lines about “They just want to party / They don’t send my worries / They just want to dance” highlight the contrast between external fun and internal struggles. References to “family matter,” pain, and stopping the bleeding add emotional weight—it’s Priesst acknowledging the grind, the losses, and the grace that’s kept him going. The repeated “OMO” (exclamatory “wow/man”) serves as both title hook and emotional anchor, turning the track into a relatable cry of “wow, look what I’ve been through” while affirming resilience.
“HLANYA” — MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ feat. THATOHATSI, THABZA DE SOUL & MOISH (feat. Untitled Audio)
South African production powerhouses Major League DJz team up with vocal powerhouse Thatohatsi, deep Afro-house soul specialist Thabza De Soul, and rising producer/vocal contributor Moish for “HLANYA”. Coming off Major League DJz’s consistent Amapiano and house dominance, and building on teasers hyped as “explosive” and Thatohatsi sheer brilliance, “HLANYA” delivers a soulful, groove-heavy Afro-house experience that’s built for extended club sets and late-night vibes.
The cover art is a retro cassette tape aesthetic in vibrant red and orange gradients, with “HLANYA” boldly centered on the label, artist credits scrolling, and subtle static effects—evoking nostalgia while feeling modern and dancefloor-ready. It’s simple yet striking, mirroring the track’s polished yet organic production. The production on “HLANYA” is pure fire—Major League DJz craft a deep, rolling Afro-house groove with crisp percussion, layered log drums, and atmospheric synth pads that build tension over the extended runtime. Thabza De Soul and Moish’s contributions shine in the intricate 3-step rhythms and subtle melodic flourishes, creating that signature South African house pulse: hypnotic basslines, airy pads, and just enough swing to keep bodies moving without rushing. It’s not a short radio edit; this is club-oriented, allowing the groove to breathe and evolve.
Vocally, Thatohatsi takes center stage with her powerful, emotive delivery anchoring the track. The hook revolves around repetitive chants like “Ncenga Ncenga was a good man” (looping as an intro motif) evolving into “Hlanya hlanya” exclamations—Zulu-infused flair for “crazy” or “wild,” fitting the energetic, unhinged celebration vibe. Lyrics lean into themes of letting loose, good times, and perhaps playful madness, delivered with soulful runs and ad-libs that give it spiritual depth. Thatohatsi’s voice soars over the instrumentation, layered harmonies adding richness, while subtle contributions from the crew (Moish on production/vocals, Thabza De Soul’s signature soul touches) create a cohesive, multi-layered feel. It’s empowering and infectious—think a blend of deep house introspection with Amapiano bounce.
The track’s strength is its immersion: starting subtle, building layers, peaking in euphoric drops, then simmering back down—ideal for festival sets or sunrise sessions.
“SAILOR” — KOJO BLAK feat. OXLADE
Ghana’s Afro-fusion maverick KOJO BLAK links up with Nigeria’s honey-toned vocal king Oxlade for “SAILOR”. , this track—clocking in at a breezy ~3 minutes—is already climbing New Music Friday Naija, Africa Now, and Afrobeats Hits playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. Following KOJO BLAK’s strong 2025 run (including the 131 EP and collabs like “Excellent” and “Rugged 2.0”), “SAILOR”, Produced by Ugly & Tough, positions him as a storyteller crafting music “for the ladies,” as teased in promos where Oxlade reportedly mentored the vibe.
The single’s artwork captures nautical escapism: a weathered pirate ship grounded on a pristine tropical beach, turquoise waves lapping at palm-fringed shores under a bright sky—evoking adventure, romance, and that “sail away with me” fantasy. It’s cinematic and inviting, perfectly setting up the track’s theme of longing and rescue in love. The official music video builds on this with vibrant, sun-soaked visuals: beachside scenes, flowing outfits, and chemistry between the artists that amplifies the melodic pull—think dreamy shots of oceans, sunsets, and intimate close-ups that make it instantly playlist- and share-worthy. The production is polished and seductive: mid-tempo Afro-fusion beat with gentle log drums, shimmering guitars, soft keys, and a warm bassline that sways like ocean waves. It’s not high-energy Amapiano or dancehall; instead, it’s lush R&B-infused Afrobeats—smooth, emotive, and built for slow grinds or sunset drives. Ugly & Tough keep it clean and layered, giving ample space for the vocals to glide.
“SAILOR” is a heartfelt plea wrapped in nautical metaphors—portraying love as a stormy sea where the partner is the rescuer. From audible lines and snippets: pleas like “Would you hold me, please, sailor, sailor? C’mon baby, save me, please, sailor” repeat as the emotional hook, blending vulnerability with desire. Ga-infused phrases (“Ejaakɛ faa lɛ kɛmiyaa”) add cultural flavor and authenticity, while the chorus builds into a catchy, sing-along cry for connection: holding on through chaos, asking to be guided home. KOJO BLAK leads with introspective verses about drifting and needing anchor, his delivery raw yet melodic. Oxlade’s feature is the magic touch—his signature silky, high-register runs and harmonies elevate everything, turning the track into a seamless blend of Ghanaian storytelling and Nigerian vocal finesse. Their chemistry feels effortless, like two artists vibing on the same wavelength: romantic, earnest, and irresistibly smooth.
The track’s strength lies in its replayability—it’s soothing yet captivating, ideal for romantic playlists or late-night reflections.
LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW
