Lekaa Beats, Ckay, Tems, DJ Maphorisa and More on New Music Friday
This week’s New Music Friday arrives with intention. From introspective R&B confessions to underground Lagos urgency, cross-continental rap link-ups, and amapiano’s ever-expanding dancefloor language, this slate of releases captures artists operating at different points of momentum but united by clarity of vision. Whether it’s Tems leaning deeper into emotional stillness, CKay refining mood over motion, Burna Boy stepping into another global collaboration, or new-wave and club-driven records finding fresh life through experimentation, these songs reflect a moment where African music continues to stretch outward without losing its pulse.
Angels — Lekaa Beats ft. Omah Lay & Odumodublvck
Fresh out in the opening days of 2026, “Angels” arrives as a textured meeting point of styles — an Afrobeats/afro-fusion heartbeat grounded in melodic introspection and gritty lyrical flair. The track is produced by Lekaa Beats, the British-Nigerian beatmaker known for crafting broad-reaching blends of Afro-rhythms with hip-hop and electronic flourishes.
At 119 BPM and set in a warm key, the song immediately falls into a groove that’s both reflective and engaging, a sound that’s easy to slot into Afro-centric playlists without feeling generic.
Omah Lay anchors the track with his familiar emotive voice, bringing a soulful and melodic sensibility to the hook and verses. His delivery leans into themes of emotional complexity — the struggle to let go, healing from pain — with a kind of honest vulnerability that has become part of his artistic signature.
He’s nicely counterbalanced by Odumodublvck, whose verse injects rawness and street energy into the mix. What could have been a uniform pop groove instead becomes a dynamic push-and-pull between smooth introspection and rap-tinged urgency, a smart choice that gives the track texture and keeps the listener alert through its runtime.
Lekaa’s production is one of the standout elements here: layered yet spacious. Atmospheric synths hover under punchy rhythms, giving “Angels” a cinematic feel that still sits comfortably in everyday Afrobeat rotation. The contrast between melodic hooks and harder verses is purposeful, and it reflects a broader trend in contemporary Nigerian music where genre lines are increasingly porous. Lyrically, the song plays with emotional dichotomies, the pain of letting go and a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that financial windfalls could speed up healing — which makes for both contemplative listening and strong replay value.
“Angels” started building even before its official release, with snippets circulating online and fans expressing early excitement on social platforms. Lekaa Beats himself shared enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), calling “ANGELS” possibly “the best song he’s made yet“.
The chemistry between Omah Lay’s melodic sensibility and Odumodublvck’s grit — filling a sweet spot between Afrobeats’ more sentimental side and the street-poet energy that Odumodublvck brings.
“Angels” feels like a statement track from artists at different corners of the Nigerian scene. It blends emotion with edge, melody with grit, and shows Lekaa Beats as a producer capable of bridging worlds without diluting their distinct flavors.
Whether it becomes a staple on 2026 playlists or grows in stature over time, “Angels” proves to be an engaging, layered record worthy of repeated listening — a promising sign for what this trio might offer next.
BADAMINTON — CKay’s
“BADAMINTON” feels like another evolution of CKay’s signature blend of emotion-steeped Afrobeats and melodic introspection. It chases seismic reinvention and doubles down on what has defined him as one of Afrobeats’ most feel-driven voices; smooth vocals, mid-tempo gait, and an atmosphere that nods to the intimacy of late-night drives and quiet reflections.
Opening with a loop-driven, familiar riff, “BADAMINTON” eases listeners into a soundscape that sits comfortably between relaxed groove and gentle rhythm momentum. The beat is grounded in mid-tempo Afro-centric percussion with warm synth layers that give the song a laid-back, almost meditative energy — the kind that fits both reflective playlists and weekend chillouts.
CKay’s vocal delivery on “BADAMINTON” is melodic and effortless — signature smoothness that lets his voice float above the rhythm rather than force its way through it. The track emphasize themes of playful romance and flirtation, carried by catchy hooks and relatable lyricism that speak to emotional back-and-forth in relationships.
There’s a playful duality to the track: on one hand, it’s an easy listen with sunny chorus lines; on the other, it hints at emotional nuance beneath the surface. That’s part of CKay’s strength as a songwriter, creating songs that sound simple on first listen but grow more layered with repeated engagement.
“BADAMINTON” sits comfortably in CKay’s evolving catalogue of emotive Afrobeats and Afro-fusion. It follows a recent pattern of feel-forward singles, after 2025’s ‘BODY’, for example. The production choice to lean into minimalism and ambience over maximal hooks underscores CKay’s confidence in mood as narrative.
There’s a subtle confidence in its groove, a warmth in the performance, and a relatability in its themes that make it feel effortless yet engaging. It won’t necessarily redefine Afrobeats, but it reaffirms CKay’s gift for atmosphere, melody, and emotional resonance.
If you press play once, you’ll feel the softness of its mood; if you press play twice, the layers begin to unfold. That’s the hallmark of a record with staying power, and it’s a promising sign for where CKay is steering his sound in 2026.
WHAT YOU NEED — Tems
“WHAT YOU NEED” is one of those rare moments where stillness becomes its own instrument. Originally the sixth track on Tems’ introspective ‘Love Is a Kingdom’ EP, it received a fresh spotlight with her stripped-back performance on COLORSxSTUDIOS, and the effect is revelatory.
Right from its opening, “WHAT YOU NEED” feels intimate and skeletal — not in a minimal aesthetic for its own sake, but as a deliberate canvas for Tems’ voice. The production is understated, giving the song room to breathe and letting subtle harmonies and restrained percussion carry the emotional weight. This is the sort of record that works best in quiet spaces — late nights, reflective drives, and moments when music feels like company rather than background noise.
Tems leans into her vocal strength here: textured, rich, and full of controlled vulnerability. Unlike upbeat Afrobeats fare designed to get bodies moving, “WHAT YOU NEED” is kinetic in feeling, not tempo — a slow burn that pulls the listener deeper with every line. It’s no surprise that COLORS’ minimalist set amplified this quality, stripping away distraction and putting her voice front and center with quiet intensity.
Lyrically, the song explores deep emotional honesty and self-awareness in relationship dynamics. Tems reflects on love that feels divided and unfulfilling, admitting that she may not be what her partner truly needs. The repeated refrain “I’m not what you need” becomes both confessional and cathartic, capturing the pain of recognizing misalignment while also asserting self-care and truth over comfort.
There’s no dramatic crescendo here, just a steady unraveling of emotion, each phrase weighted with nuance. In this sense, “WHAT YOU NEED” embodies Tems’ strength as a songwriter who doesn’t need expansive fireworks to make a profound impact.
The COLORS performance affirms everything that makes the track compelling: a focus on authentic emotional connection. Under the stark visuals and pared-down soundscape of COLORS’ stage, Tems’ delivery feels almost confessional, as if she’s laying bare her inner dialogue for the world to hear. Each inflection, silence, and breath matters — it’s artistry that trusts the audience to feel rather than be told what to feel.
“WHAT YOU NEED” is the sort of record that reveals itself over time. Its emotional honesty, coupled with Tems’ signature vocal warmth and lyrical clarity, positions it as one of the most affecting songs in her catalogue.
BIRTHDAY — Fredo ft. Burna Boy & Steel Banglez
“BIRTHDAY” feels exactly like what its title promises: an energetic celebratory anthem that bridges UK rap swagger with Afro-fusion warmth. The track unites Fredo ft. Burna Boy & Steel Banglez, embodying a collaboration that plays to the strengths of all involved.
The song sits in a mid-tempo groove that’s danceable without tipping into full-on club banger territory — a sweet spot that accommodates both rap cadences and melodic lines. Fredo opens with his signature UK rap cadence, delivering lines with grounded confidence and street-rooted flair. It’s familiar territory for listeners who know his catalog, but here it’s polished and purposeful, setting the tone before the track expands.
When Burna Boy enters, his presence adds Afro-centric buoyancy and global charisma. His contribution fits the rhythm and lifts the vibe, weaving effortlessly between Fredo’s verses.
Steel Banglez’s production anchors the track with a polished, cohesive sound that balances rap grit and Afrobeats brightness. Instead of layering heavy elements, the beat lets melody and rhythm play off each other, giving space for both artists’ deliveries to breathe.
The instrumental leans on lively percussion and infectious melody lines that feel ideal for road trips, evenings with friends, and general feel-good playlists. It’s vibrant, uplifting, and fun — exactly the type of backdrop a global collaboration deserves.
Contrary to the title’s literal implication, “BIRTHDAY” isn’t about celebrating a date on a calendar so much as celebrating life, allure, confidence, and joy in the moment. Its lyrics lean into flirtatious praise and positive energy, giving the track a bright, playful edge.
“BIRTHDAY” delivers just what it sets out to be: a confident, feel-good collaboration with cross-continental appeal. Fredo’s grit meets Burna Boy’s melodic presence over Steel Banglez’s polished beat, resulting in a catchy, uplifting track that fits both UK rap and Afrobeats-leaning rotations.
Aiboo — DJ Maphorisa GL_Ceejay, Jazzwrld Thukuthela
“Aiboo” arrives as a fresh and compelling entry into the early 2026 dance circuit, a collaboration that marries South African groove sensibilities with production polish and vocal allure. The track, released via New Money Gang Records and distributed under Sony Music Entertainment Africa, immediately makes its presence known as a lively but layered sonic experience.
The backbone of “Aiboo” is unmistakably rooted in Amapiano and Afro-dance production — a signature terrain where DJ Maphorisa thrives, blending rhythmic complexity with irresistible sway. His influence here is clear: the beat isn’t just rhythmic, it’s textural, inviting both body and ear to stay engaged throughout the groove.
Layers of melodic textures woven by GL_Ceejay and Jazzwrld add warmth and harmonic dimension over the core piano-inflected movement, while Da Lee LS’s rhythmic diversity keeps the track buoyant without ever feeling overcrowded. Vocal contributions from Thukuthela bring an emotive lift — an evocative human element that offsets the electronic layers and anchors the track in feel as well as rhythm.
“Aiboo” unfolds with a pace that’s energetic enough for clubs and parties, yet sophisticated enough to hold up for casual listening. It feels like a moment built for movement — whether on a packed dancefloor or streamed through headphones on repeat — and there’s a seasonal warmth to the sound that makes it feel like a great companion to the early months of 2026.
Parts of the performance channel the influence of the amapiano and dance music surge that has defined recent years in South Africa and beyond, where textured production and layered rhythms have become key to global appeal. Artists involved here — especially Jazzwrld — have been central figures in that landscape, with multiple collaborations and hits solidifying their presence on charts and playlists.
While “Aiboo” is first heard as a vibe-driven track, there’s an emotional undertone carried in Thukuthela’s vocal lines — a quality that transcends language and connects with the universal feeling of celebration, movement, and momentary escape. It’s music that works both as a sensory experience and as a cultural statement, demonstrating how contemporary African dance music continues to push rhythmic boundaries while retaining emotional resonance.
As a collaborative effort, “Aiboo” feels like a statement of intent from all involved: a track that doesn’t just ride the momentum of amapiano and Afro-dance energy, but actively contributes to it. There’s warmth in the production, tension in the layered rhythms, and a hooky buoyancy that suggests high replay value.
For listeners tuning in early, this feels like a season opener for 2026, a vibrant, inviting, and well-crafted piece that bridges club readiness with musical sophistication.
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