Victony, Timaya, Oxlade And More On New Music Friday
Rain taps against the window as another Friday ushers in a fresh wave of music. This New Music Friday releases move between quiet longing and full-bodied celebration, bringing together silky R&B, nostalgic Afrobeat, infectious Afro-fusion and dreamy alt-R&B. Whether you’re looking for something to soundtrack a late-night drive or a record that gets you moving, these five songs deserve a spot in your rotation.
Slick – Victony
Victony keeps the momentum going after Fre$h with Slick, opening the record with a sultry introduction from rising singer Amma before diving into the instantly memorable “slick slick” refrain.
The production is bright and infectious, pairing crisp percussion with breezy Afro-fusion melodies that make the song an easy replay. While the repeated hook strengthens its catchiness, it also leaves less room for stronger verses and a more satisfying progression. Even so, Slick has enough charisma and groove to be an easy addition to party playlists and weekend rotations.
Come Over – Nasty C, Tellaman & Oxlade
Nasty C, Tellaman, and Oxlade lean fully into romance on "Come Over," crafting an R&B record built for late-night playlists. Warm basslines, soft piano flourishes, and atmospheric production create an intimate backdrop for the trio’s smooth performances, with each artist slipping effortlessly into the song’s laid-back groove.
Lyrically, Come Over is an invitation wrapped in anticipation. From the repeated plea of “Come over” to details like “The champagne’s pink, the bath bomb’s blue,” the song paints the picture of someone eagerly preparing for a long-awaited reunion. Rather than relying on grand declarations, it finds charm in the small moments: the excitement of hearing a car pull up, checking the mirror one last time, and counting down the minutes until the door opens.
Oxlade’s brief outro arrives like the final scene of the night, rounding off the record with the warmth and ease his voice has become known for. The result is a polished, sensual collaboration that feels effortless and replay-worthy.
Heaven on Earth – IkeN
Kenyan-born, UK-based independent artist IkeN makes a stunning debut with Heaven on Earth, introducing a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. There’s a weightlessness to the record; his voice drifts effortlessly across lush instrumentals, mirroring the song’s themes of identity, belonging and self-discovery.
Warm synths, gentle percussion and subtle electronic textures give the production an almost cinematic quality, creating a dreamy atmosphere that never overwhelms the vocals. Every element feels intentional, making Heaven on Earth an impressive introduction to an artist with a clear sense of self. If smooth, introspective alt-R&B is your thing, this deserves a place on your playlist.
Kontrol – Timaya & Duncan Mighty
Afrobeat veterans Timaya and Duncan Mighty reunite on Kontrol, delivering a record that immediately evokes the warmth and bounce of early-2000s Nigerian pop. Driven by lively percussion, bright horns, and infectious rhythms, the song is steeped in nostalgia while still sounding fresh enough for today’s playlists.
Beneath its celebratory production, Kontrol is built on reassurance. The repeated hook, “Girl you dey control my soul,” frames love as complete surrender, while lines like “As you love me, I go love you” and “Take my pin and spend as you like” reinforce themes of reciprocity, trust and generosity. By the final verse, promises such as “You don’t need to worry anymore… you’re my only one” shift the song from flirtation to devotion, giving it emotional depth beneath its dancefloor-ready energy.
Timaya and Duncan Mighty sound effortlessly in sync, reminding listeners why their chemistry has endured for years.
Kolobi – VVS, Siraheem, BInde, Romi & Wavy The Creator
VVS joins forces with Siraheem, BInde, Romi and Wavy The Creator on Kolobi, delivering an easy-going collaboration that thrives on chemistry rather than competition. Since his debut, Siraheem has continued to carve out his own lane, and this record further showcases his ability to blend comfortably within a collective while maintaining his presence.
The production fuses contemporary trap textures with Afro-fusion rhythms, creating a groove that’s light, bouncy, and easy to return to. Nobody tries to overpower the song; instead, each artist slips naturally into the beat, with the chorus emerging as its strongest moment. Kolobi may not chase grand ambitions, but it doesn’t need to.It’s an easy listen built for summer nights, long drives and repeat spins.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, looking for your next late-night soundtrack, or simply searching for something new, this week’s releases offer a little bit of everything:
Press play you might just discover the song that follows you into next week.
