Bigbird Kuti, King Promise, Morravey and More on New Music Friday
This week’s New Music Friday is stacked with energy, sentiment, and the kind of collaborations that keep African music thriving on a global stage. like a map of where African music is headed; cross-border collaborations, the steady rise of young voices, and the constant ability to fuse the personal with the universal. From reflective anthems to street-powered bangers, here are the drops worth spinning.
BigBird Kuti & Vector — Bigbird & Tha Viper
The highly anticipated joint EP ‘Bigbird & Tha Viper’ by Afrobeat saxophonist and vocalist Bigbird Kuti (aka Seun Kuti) and Nigerian rap heavyweight Vector (aka Vector Tha Viper) delivered a bold, genre-blending project that fuses Afrobeat’s pulsating rhythms with hip-hop’s sharp lyricism. This six-track EP, featuring collaborations with artists like Odumodublvck, Talib Kweli, Vic Mensa, and Mádé Kuti, introduces a self-coined genre, “RapFroBeat,” which merges the revolutionary spirit of Afrobeat with the storytelling and punchlines of hip-hop. The result is a politically charged, musically vibrant record that aims to make listeners dance, think, and resist in equal measure.
“Bigbird & Tha Viper” is a seamless marriage of two distinct musical worlds: Vector’s streetwise, razor-sharp rap delivery and Bigbird Kuti’s horn-heavy, Afrobeat-rooted soundscapes. The EP’s production is tight, with militant horns, layered percussion, and infectious grooves that pay homage to the Kuti family’s Afrobeat legacy while pushing into contemporary territory. Tracks like “OPP(S)” and “The Matter” exemplify the “RapFroBeat” ethos, blending protest anthems with club-ready beats. The instrumentation—rich with saxophones, driving drums, and basslines—creates a dynamic backdrop for Vector’s incisive bars and Kuti’s fiery vocal and rap contributions.
The EP’s sonic palette is both traditional and futuristic, drawing from Fela Kuti’s activist-driven Afrobeat while incorporating modern hip-hop and drill influences, particularly in tracks featuring Odumodublvck. The production quality is polished, with contributions from Vector as a recording engineer and GMK as a mixing engineer, ensuring a cohesive sound that balances raw energy with studio finesse.
Iyanya — The Forester’s Son
Iyanya’s fifth studio album, The Forester’s Son is a sonic tapestry that weaves nostalgic Afropop elements with contemporary Afro-fusion, amapiano influences, and R&B undertones. Known for his era-defining hit “Kukere” and a consistent presence in the Afrobeats scene, Iyanya delivers a 10-track project that blends his signature smooth vocals, infectious rhythms, and emotional storytelling with a bold evolution in sound. ‘The Forester’s Son’ arrives as a deeply personal endeavor, drawing inspiration from Iyanya’s Calabar roots and his journey through fame, love, and self-discovery. The title evokes a sense of heritage and introspection, positioning the album as both a return to his origins and a forward-looking statement in Afrobeats. ‘The Forester’s Son’ is concise yet impactful, designed for modern playlists with punchy, repeat-worthy energy. The album features a diverse roster of artists, including veterans like Ice Prince, Reekado Banks, and Kizz Daniel, alongside rising stars like Fido, Shoday, BoySpyce, and Berri-Tiga, as well as international flair from Mia Guisse. This mix underscores Iyanya’s ability to bridge generations and styles within Afrobeats. Tracks like “Bluewaters” and “Sorry” showcase dreamy, reflective production, while “Orobo” and “Business” bring infectious, dancefloor-ready energy. The album’s soundscape feels both intimate and celebratory, reflecting Iyanya’s dual role as a storyteller and hitmaker.
The production team, including contributors like Ubi Franklin and Mikaba Beatz (notably on the lead single “Sorry”), ensures a cohesive yet varied sound. Amapiano influences add a modern edge, particularly on tracks like “Yebo!” and “Badboy,” while traditional Afrobeats rhythms and R&B-infused melodies ground the project in Iyanya’s signature style. The concise tracklist ensures each song feels purposeful, avoiding filler and prioritizing replay value.
King Promise ft. Mr Eazi — See What We’ve Done
“The single “See What We’ve Done” by Ghanaian superstar King Promise featuring Nigerian Afrobeats innovator Mr Eazi is a vibrant, celebratory anthem that blends soulful Afrobeats and highlife influences with a reflective and triumphant narrative. As King Promise’s first single of the year, the track marks another milestone in the duo’s well-established creative partnership, building on previous collaborations like ‘Dabebi’ and ‘Baby I’m Jealous’.
Produced by Gideonite (known for work with Stonebwoy and Gyakie) and GuiltyBeatz (a frequent collaborator with Tems and Beyoncé), the song clocks in at approximately 3 minutes and 5 seconds. It features vibrant log drum patterns and buoyant melodies, creating an infectious, dancefloor-ready sound. King Promise’s silky, emotive vocals glide effortlessly over the mid-tempo groove, while Mr Eazi’s laid-back, conversational flow adds a layer of cool confidence. The production strikes a balance between uplifting energy and introspective lyricism, making it suitable for both chilled listening and lively settings.
The track’s instrumentation is rich yet uncluttered, with a seamless fusion of Ghanaian highlife elements and Nigerian chord progressions, a hallmark of Mr Eazi’s signature Banku music style. The catchy hooks and rhythmic pulse ensure the song is instantly memorable, with a universal appeal that resonates.
The artists reflect on their journey from humble beginnings to achieving their dreams, emphasizing gratitude and authenticity. Lines like “Spent 200k on a watch, not for flex, motivational purpose” and “Give me the money over the fame” underscore a focus on personal growth, freedom, and staying true to core values. The lyrics also dismiss negativity, with Mr Eazi’s playful / If you bring bad vibes, I go exit chat, Walai” adding a relatable, modern touch.
Directed by Andre Ladon and filmed in Iceland, the black-and-white music video elevates the single’s emotional depth. It interweaves rare footage from Mr Eazi’s wedding at Reykjavik’s iconic Hallgrimskirkja, featuring groomsmen like Broda Shaggi, with scenes of King Promise and Mr Eazi performing. The visuals capture an intimate yet jubilant atmosphere, blending moments of love, friendship, and celebration. The stark, scenic Icelandic backdrop contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the song’s themes, creating a visually striking complement to the track.
ASAPtheDJ ft. Zerrydl — Run Am Asap
Run Am Asap is street-hop wrapped in Amapiano’s pulse, designed for chaos — the kind of record that belongs in sweaty dance floors and late-night Lagos car rides.
Zerrydl, one of street-hop’s most exciting young voices, leans fully into his melodic swagger here, lacing the track with slang and chants that double as instant crowd commands. Producer X keeps the production tight but unruly, letting percussion loops and basslines tumble over each other in controlled mayhem.
For ASAPtheDJ, this marks a bold debut release for the year, a signal that he’s ready to step out from behind the decks and own a bigger space in the game. Run Am Asap isn’t trying to be polished; it’s trying to be felt. And in that, it succeeds.
Morravey — You
Nigerian singer-songwriter Morravey’s single “You”, marks a triumphant return following her viral 2024 hit “Ifineme”. Produced by Killertunes, the Afro-pop track is a soulful, danceable love anthem that showcases Morravey’s signature honeyed vocals and emotive delivery. The mid-tempo track blends Afrobeat rhythms with R&B and highlife influences, creating a soothing yet groove-heavy sound. Morravey’s enchanting vocals glide effortlessly over Killertunes’ polished production, which balances rhythmic energy with tender, heartfelt undertones. The instrumentation is vibrant yet restrained, allowing her voice to take center stage while maintaining a dancefloor-ready pulse. The song’s structure is concise, delivering a cohesive listening experience that feels both intimate and universally appealing. Thematically, “You” is a heartfelt ode to love and companionship, promising eternity in togetherness. Morravey channels raw emotion into lyrics that capture the joy and devotion of a deep romantic connection.
Morravey, signed to Davido’s DMW label, first gained prominence with her feature on “In the Garden” from Davido’s Grammy-nominated ‘Timeless’ album (2023). Her debut EP ‘RAVI’ set a Spotify Nigeria record for the highest Day 1 streams by a female artist, and “Ifineme” became a TikTok sensation with over 2 million video creations and 1.4 billion views. ‘You’ builds on this momentum, and showcases her versatility and ability to merge experimental sounds with commercial appeal.
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