Asake, Shoday, Sarkodie & More on New Music Friday
There are few things as satisfying as a new Asake album landing on a Friday. It’s even better when it falls on a public holiday and the start of a new month. This week leans into that feeling.
From expansive, almost spiritual world-building to soft confessions and dancefloor instincts and anthems, this Friday’s new music releases invite us to move, reflect, and feel.
M$NEY (Album) – Asake
Asake’s fourth studio album, M$NEY, opens with a live choral performance that immediately signals this is not going to be a straightforward Afrobeats record. The 13-track project, announced with a stone-engraved rollout and artwork by Iraqi-Dutch sculptor Arthar Jabar, blends spiritual introspection with streetwise swagger and global flair.
Standouts include pre-released singles like the hypnotic “Worship” with French electronic titan DJ Snake, where log drums meet futuristic drops in a prayer-like groove; the sultry “WHY LOVE”; the hard-edged “BADMAN GANGSTA” featuring French-Congolese rapper Tiakola; and the Amapiano-infused “ASAMBE” with South Africa’s Kabza De Small. Tracks like “Gratitude,” “Amen,” “Forgiveness,” and “Rora” pulse with Yoruba-inflected devotion—Asake’s signature blend of Fuji, fuji-fusion, and Afrobeats—while “Oba” reminds us of a familiar rhythm.
“Oba” samples Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 soul classic “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Caldwell’s original whispers soft devotion and fragile hesitation; Asake’s “Oba” surges forward with confidence, dancefloor energy, and Yoruba flair. It’s love re-energized: not whispered in shadows, but lived in motion.
The album’s themes orbit gratitude, worship, and resilience (“MCBH,” “SKILFUL,” “Wa”), painting Asake as both street prophet and global visionary. With signatures from producers like Magicsticks and Blaisebeatz, the emotional current is unmistakable. M$NEY isn’t just an album or wealth in the bank; it’s the richness of spirit, sound, and sway.
Come Kulosa – Shoday, Billionboi & Olamide
In what can only be described as a full-circle moment, rising star Shoday links with Olamide (the YBNL kingpin) and Billionboi for “Come Kulosa,” produced by the masterful Soundz. This smooth, infectious groove is all about letting go and surrendering to the rhythm.
Lyrics paint carefree joy: bumper-to-bumper energy, dance invites, and that irresistible Nigerian party spirit. Olamide’s verse elevates it with signature Baddo flair—playful, commanding, and effortlessly cool—while Shoday and Billionboi bring youthful hunger.
The writing “Come Kulosa” reflects a familiar Nigerian social setting: crowded spaces, music loud enough to dissolve hesitation, and the understanding that rhythm can carry interaction where words might fail.
It’s a summer-ready anthem for the streets, clubs, and anywhere the bass can shake the ground.
Honey, I Love You – Anendlessocean
In a sea of high-energy drops, Anendlessocean offers a gentle tide. This gospel-soul gem feels like a love letter to self, to the divine, or to a cherished one.
The production, led by Alli Hakeem Emmanuel Ayobami—who also handles the songwriting—alongside co-producer St. Oasis, is built on warmth. There are clear nods to Afro-fusion traditions reminiscent of Lagbaja, especially in the way the music prioritizes mood and musicality over urgency. Highlife influences sit subtly within the arrangement, adding familiarity without pulling the song into nostalgia.
Lyrics repeat like a soothing mantra: “Honey, I Love You… Hold me, Love me, Dream about me.” It’s intimate and healing, with listeners calling it “Jesus serenading His bride”. Anendlessocean’s voice carries devotion and emotional depth, turning personal reflection into a universal balm. In a week of motion, this is the moment to pause, breathe, and let love wash over.
Odo Pa – Sarkodie ft. Kweku Flick
Ghanaian rap royalty Sarkodie joins forces with the versatile Kweku Flick on “Odo Pa” (Twi for “Good Love”). This emotional highlife-hip-hop blend dives deep into the kind of relationships that see hidden pain behind smiles, wipe tears, and offer real support. Lyrics hint at recognizing unspoken hurt (“Since when I saw you… you de wipe all the tears in your eyes”) while exploring healing, loyalty, and the redemptive power of genuine connection.
Their chemistry (honed from past collabs like “Messiah”) shines through, and “Odo Pa” reminds us that good love isn’t perfect; it’s present.
Stranger – Kuami Eugene ft. Gyakie
Kuami Eugene (the Rockstar of Ghanaian highlife) links with Gyakie on this flirty, feel-good cut from his Sweet Boy project. Eugene, who wrote and produced most of the EP himself, delivers smooth Afro-highlife fusion—catchy melodies, infectious energy, and that signature Ghanaian warmth.
Lyrics sparkle with playful attraction: “Hey stranger… your body pretty banging… your smile is contagious… If you’re in trouble, let me save you.” It’s light, confident, and irresistibly charming. A perfect palate cleanser: fun, flirty, and full of that contagious smile.
Nasty — FIMI
“Nasty” by Fimi is a direct, self-assured record dedicated to those who have gone from being the bottom of the joke to glowing up so insanely that everyone keeps staring up.
It thrives on attitude. Whispers of phrases like ‘walk that talk ‘ feel conversational at points, almost like she’s speaking above the music and directly to the listener.
It’s an anthem of confidence, attraction, and self-possession, exactly the kind of song you want to play whilst getting ready on a Friday night.
Together, these releases paint a portrait of African music in full bloom: Asake’s M$NEY as the spiritual and global anchor, the singles as intimate brushstrokes of joy, healing, reflection, and desire. Stream deeply, dance freely, and let these sounds carry you into the weekend and beyond. What a glorious time to listen.
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