Davido, M.anifest, Ruger and Others on New Music Friday

Fresh sounds, bold experiments, and genre-defining moments, this week’s New Music Friday is packed with releases that push the boundaries of creativity. From surprise drops to highly anticipated singles, artists across Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B are setting the tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re in the mood for deep storytelling, dancefloor anthems, or smooth melodies, there’s something for everyone. Here are the standout tracks of the week.

M.anifest — New Road & Guava Trees

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper and one of Africa’s most forward-thinking hip-hop artists, M.anifest, has officially unveiled his highly anticipated sixth studio album, New Road & Guava Trees. Released under the esteemed hip-hop label Mass Appeal, the album is a masterclass in genre fusion, blending hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Highlife with intricate storytelling and immersive soundscapes.

New Road & Guava Trees boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nigerian Highlife duo The Cavemen, Afropop star King Promise, South African lyricist A-Reece, and Bien of the Kenyan band Sauti Sol.

The album’s title carries both personal and symbolic weight, rooted in M.anifest’s childhood in Madina, Ghana. New Road & Guava Trees is about embracing “new beginnings,” he explains. “I grew up in a part of Madina called New Road, where we had a guava tree that represented growth and fresh starts. This record embodies that journey—overcoming obstacles to reap the fruits of one’s labor.”

Spanning recording sessions in Accra, Seattle, and Los Angeles, the album is the culmination of nearly two years of creative exploration, weaving together diverse influences into a cohesive and profound body of work.

Davido — Be There Still

As he gears up for the release of his fifth studio album, 5ive, Davido returns with Be There Still, the third lead single from the project, set to drop on April 18. After teasing the song with a calculated rollout, the Nigerian superstar delivers yet another amapiano-infused track, following in the rhythmic footsteps of his previous releases, Awuke and Funds’.

With three singles already out, Davido’s sonic direction for 5ive is becoming clearer—it’s shaping up to be an amapiano-driven album. Staying true to his signature formula of infectious melodies and anthemic hooks, Be There Still finds him reflecting on his longevity in the music industry. He acknowledges the years he’s put in and asserts his intent to remain a dominant force.

With over a decade at the pinnacle of Nigerian music, Davido radiates a hunger that suggests he’s far from done. On Be There Still he makes one thing certain—his journey is far from over, and there’s still much to achieve.

Ruger — Toro

Ruger kicks off the countdown to his sophomore album with an electrifying performance of his latest single, Toro, on A COLORS SHOW. Commanding the mic with his signature Afro-dancehall energy, he delivers a performance that is as magnetic as it is confident, offering a glimpse of what’s to come from his upcoming project, ‘Blown Boy Ru’.

Produced by longtime collaborator Kukbeatz, Toro seamlessly blends infectious rhythms with Ruger’s smooth vocal delivery, further cementing his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most dynamic hitmakers. The song weaves a tale of romance with his signature playboy edge, balancing vulnerability with swagger. In lyrics like, “Call me a devil but there’s no angel in this world, truly I vex you, try forgive me just because,” Ruger plays up his bad-boy persona while subtly seeking grace—a dynamic he’s mastered over time.

Kukbeatz’s production amplifies this duality, layering bouncy percussion with melodic undertones, ensuring Toro remains both danceable and emotionally charged. The song marks a crucial moment in Ruger’s career, building momentum for Blown Boy Ru, slated for release in late 2025.

Coming off the success of his 2023 debut album, RU The World, which featured the smash hit Asiwaju (now surpassing 150 million Spotify streams), Ruger continues to push the boundaries of his sound. Since bursting onto the scene under Jonzing World in 2021 and launching his own Blown Boy Entertainment imprint in 2024, he has carved out a distinct lane, fusing Afrobeats vibrancy with dancehall grit.

His COLORS performance captures him in his rawest form—stripped of distractions, exuding effortless charisma.

Wizard Chan — FLAKO (feat. ODUMODUBLVCK)

The Nigerian music scene continues to thrive, and Wizard Chan is adding to its brilliance with his latest single, FLAKO, a high-energy collaboration with ODUMODUBLVCK. Produced by Mr Soul, the track bridges their contrasting styles, merging Wizard Chan’s soulful finesse with ODUMODUBLVCK’s relentless intensity. The result? A bouncy, feel-good anthem that resonates with both meaning and groove.

FLAKO opens with Wizard Chan’s sultry vocals, a staple of his reggae-infused Afro-fusion sound. Known for his ability to fuse futuristic elements with traditional roots, he sets the stage with introspective yet uplifting lyrics. His delivery carries an effortless warmth, drawing listeners in with his heartfelt storytelling.

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Then, ODUMODUBLVCK storms in, injecting the song with his signature “Okporoko Rhythms”, a fusion of hip-hop, grime, drill, and Afro-pop. His fiery verse contrasts Wizard Chan’s laid-back charm, creating an electrifying push-and-pull dynamic. His punchy lyricism crackles with streetwise swagger, adding an unpredictable and exhilarating edge to the track.

The production, helmed by Mr Soul, masterfully blends reggae undertones with hip-hop’s crisp percussion, crafting a soundscape that is both danceable and rich in texture. The track balances playfulness with depth, making it an irresistible listen.

Marking Wizard Chan’s first release of 2025, FLAKO teases what’s to come from his forthcoming album, expected later this year. Following the success of his 2024 EP, The Messenger—which housed introspective gems like ‘Mr Sailor Man’—this single signals artistic evolution, proving he’s unafraid to expand his sound.

Bad Belle — Tay Iwar

Tay Iwar, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer renowned for his vibrant blend of R&B and Afro-fusion, has unveiled his latest single, Bad Belle, marking his first release of 2025. This track follows his 2024 collaborations, including the second installment of the Gold II EP with Le Mav and the two-pack single Patience & Heart/In Your Absence.

Bad Belle was released unexpectedly, with minimal promotion, yet it has swiftly captivated listeners across streaming platforms. The song spans approximately three minutes, during which Tay Iwar’s meticulous and unique vocals take center stage, delivering a performance that is both soulful and compelling.

The term Bad Belle is Nigerian Pidgin English, often used to describe envy or ill will. In this track, Tay Iwar explores themes of jealousy and negativity, weaving them into a narrative that resonates with authenticity and depth. His ability to infuse personal experiences into his music allows listeners to connect on a profound level, making Bad Belle a testament to his storytelling prowess.