Didi B, Davido, Skepta, Asake and More on New Music Friday
New Music Friday has a little something for everybody this week. Didi B and Davido are setting the tone for a proper night out, Joeboy has a new song for the pretty girls, and Skepta has finally brought his long-awaited album The Fork and Knife, with an interesting Nigerian connection.
Magixx and Shoday are back together with another collaboration, while Chike is reminding us that love is important. We have party records, cross-cultural collaborations, catchy Afrobeats and a little romance to round things off.
Which ones deserve a permanent spot on your playlist? Let’s get into it.
Didi B ft. Davido – “PARTY”
If there is one song this week that sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of a Lagos night out, it is “PARTY”. Just as the title suggests, Didi B and Davido deliver a lively record that feels like a celebration of everything that makes the city’s nightlife so infectious. You can almost picture the crowded lounges, the flashing lights, the expensive drinks and everybody trying to have the best night of their lives.
The collaboration works particularly well because both artists understand what they bring to the table. Didi B’s rap delivery gives the record its edge, while Davido brings the melodic charm and familiar energy that have made him such a reliable presence on party records. Their styles complement each other so naturally that listening to them together is an absolute delight.
The production keeps things lively, giving both performers enough room to make their contributions without losing the song’s central groove. There is a lovely balance between the Afrobeats bounce and Didi B’s rap sensibilities, making it easy to see why the collaboration works.
“PARTY” is also part of Didi B’s Shogun in Lagos, a 23-track project featuring several Nigerian and African music stars.
Joeboy – “Pretty Girls”
Joeboy knows his way around a love song, and “Pretty Girls” sees him return to familiar territory. The singer has built much of his appeal around smooth vocals, catchy melodies and an easy approach to romantic storytelling. This latest release gives him another opportunity to lean into those strengths.
“Pretty Girls” brings together Afrobeats and Afropop elements, with rhythmic percussion and melodic hooks giving the record its upbeat feel. It also relies on the famous Diwali Riddim, which gives it a nostalgic feel. It is a lighthearted addition to his catalogue, offering the kind of easy listening that works just as well on a casual afternoon as it does when the weekend plans begin.
For listeners who have missed Joeboy’s softer, melody-driven approach to Afropop, this is a welcome return.
Skepta ft. Asake – “Aloe Vera”
Skepta has finally released The Fork and Knife, his first solo album in seven years, and Nigerian listeners have a particularly good reason to pay attention. The project features “Aloe Vera”, his collaboration with Asake, bringing together two artists whose musical backgrounds make for an interesting combination.
The song is a meeting of British grime and contemporary Afrobeats, although neither artist seems particularly interested in making the collaboration feel like a musical tug-of-war. Skepta delivers his verses with his usual confidence, while Asake takes charge of the pre-chorus and chorus, bringing the layered melodies and rhythmic delivery that have become familiar features of his sound.
Produced by Lex Luger, Jae5 and Vanco, “Aloe Vera” finds a comfortable middle ground between the two artists.
The collaboration has also been a long time coming. Skepta first teased the song in December 2025, giving fans plenty of time to anticipate its eventual release. Now that it has finally arrived as the tenth track on The Fork and Knife, it is one of the project’s most interesting cross-cultural moments.
Magixx ft. Shoday – “Ferawa”
Magixx and Shoday are clearly enjoying making music together. Following their earlier collaboration “CHE”, the two Nigerian singers have reunited on “Ferawa”, another record that puts their contrasting vocal styles to good use.
The appeal of this pairing lies in how naturally their contributions fit together. Magixx brings his smooth, soulful vocals, while Shoday adds a more playful and energetic delivery.
“Ferawa” explores romantic attraction through catchy melodies, playful expressions and a feel-good Afrobeats arrangement. It is the sort of record that does not demand too much from the listener. The hook is easy to settle into, the performances are enjoyable, and the overall atmosphere remains light.
Considering how well their previous collaboration was received, it is interesting to see the two artists revisit that chemistry. “Ferawa” gives listeners another taste of what they can achieve together, and hopefully, this is not the last time we hear them on the same record.
Chike – “Love Is Important”
If the title has not already given it away, Chike is here to make a case for love. The singer returns with “Love Is Important”, a romantic record that centres on genuine affection, commitment and the importance of showing up for the people we care about.
Chike has always had a particular strength in delivering emotionally driven songs. His soulful vocals and expressive approach to songwriting make him a natural fit for records that explore the softer side of relationships. This release continues in that direction, although the production gives it a little more movement than a conventional slow love song.
Produced by Deeyasso, “Love Is Important” blends Chike’s vocals with warm, Kompa-influenced rhythms, creating a sound that is both smooth and danceable. It is a pleasant combination, allowing the singer to retain the emotional quality of his music without making the record feel too heavy.
The song also serves as the second single from his upcoming fourth studio album, Lover Boy. If this release is anything to go by, Chike is staying close to the romantic territory that has made him such a distinctive voice in Nigerian music.
So… did this New Music Friday deliver?
This week’s releases give us a healthy mix of sounds and moods. Didi B and Davido have the party covered, Joeboy is back with his familiar melodic charm, while Skepta and Asake make an exciting cross-cultural pairing on “Aloe Vera”.
Magixx and Shoday continue to build on their musical chemistry, and Chike gives the romantics something to hold on to.
Whatever your mood is this weekend, there is a song here for it:
