Davido, Ladipoe, Erykah Badu And More On New Music Friday.
Every week, artists from across Africa and beyond give us something new to sit with, dance to, argue over, or quietly add to our favourite playlists. This new music friday brings together sharp rap verses, smooth R&B, infectious Afropop, soulful collaborations and Amapiano grooves that are impossible to ignore. Here are five releases we think deserve your time.
Davido & NO11 — "Gimme Dat Ting"
With Oriade on the horizon, Gimme Dat Ting offers another glimpse into Davido's next chapter although it's not the one many expected. Contrary to the traditional influences hinted at by the album's title and rollout, the record embraces glossy Afropop, infectious melodies, and a carefree, nightlife-ready energy.
Built around buoyant percussion, playful chants, and an instantly memorable hook, the song never takes itself too seriously. Davido slides comfortably into the pocket, delivering the charismatic melodies that have long made him one of Afrobeats' most reliable hitmakers, while NO11's catchy refrain gives the record its strongest earworm.
Lyrically, there's little ambition beyond having a good time, but that's precisely the point. Gimme Dat Ting isn't trying to unpack identity or purpose; it's designed for movement, celebration, and immediate replay. Whether it ultimately reflects the direction of Oriade remains to be seen, but as a standalone record, it does exactly what it sets out to do: keep the energy high.
Steve Lacy & Erykah Badu — "pure colour"
Steve Lacy has always excelled at making emotional confusion sound beautiful, and pure colour continues that tradition with remarkable restraint. Joined by the incomparable Erykah Badu, he trades polished declarations for vulnerability, allowing uncertainty to sit comfortably at the centre of the record.
Built around sparse instrumentation and dreamy textures, the song unfolds slowly, giving every lyric room to breathe. Steve sings about losing himself in another person, questioning his own identity and wrestling with expectations placed on him, while Erykah Badu's brief but hypnotic appearance feels almost like an inner voice cutting through the noise. Her spoken, meditative delivery shifts the song from heartbreak into something more introspective, gently steering it towards healing rather than despair.
What makes pure colour so compelling is its honesty. There's no dramatic climax or oversized hook chasing virality. Instead, Steve Lacy trusts the emotion to carry the record, letting silence, repetition and understated production do much of the storytelling.
It's the kind of song that grows louder the quieter your surroundings become a beautifully understated reminder that some of the strongest records don't demand your attention; they patiently earn it.
LADIPOE & Pa Salieu — "No Level"
There's something refreshing about hearing two rappers from different worlds meet each other without either compromising their identity. On No Level, LADIPOE and Pa Salieu build a collaboration that feels like a conversation.
The production sits comfortably between Afrobeats and contemporary hip-hop, driven by moody basslines, crisp percussion and enough space for both artists to command attention. LADIPOE approaches the beat with the effortless confidence that has become one of his greatest strengths, delivering measured verses that never feel rushed. Pa Salieu brings a welcome contrast. His unmistakable rasp injects urgency into the record, giving it a rougher edge that complements LADIPOE's smoother delivery.
Rather than fighting for the spotlight, both rappers understand the power of restraint. Their contrasting styles create the song's momentum, making No Level one of those collaborations that feels inevitable in hindsight. It's confident, replayable, and another reminder that African hip-hop continues to thrive when artists allow their individuality to coexist instead of compete.
Tobe Nwigwe, Flavour & C.S. Armstrong — "PERFECTION"
Few artists approach collaboration with the intentionality of Tobe Nwigwe, and PERFECTION is another example of why his music feels so distinct. Bringing together Flavour and C.S. Armstrong, the record blends soul, gospel, hip-hop and African influences into something that feels deeply human.
The production is warm and expansive, built around rich instrumentation that allows every voice to shine without overwhelming the song's message. Tobe delivers his verses with the calm conviction that has become synonymous with his work, while C.S. Armstrong's soulful vocals provide emotional weight throughout. Then comes Flavour, whose unmistakable voice introduces a warmth that ties everything together beautifully, reminding listeners why he remains one of Africa's most expressive vocalists.
Rather than chasing a viral moment, PERFECTION embraces patience. It unfolds gradually, rewarding listeners willing to sit with it, making the record feel less like a single and more like an experience. It's thoughtful, uplifting, and one of this week's most rewarding listens.
Sam Deep, Aidah, Njelic & Thatohatsi — "Rapela"
Amapiano continues to prove that sometimes the strongest records are the ones that refuse to rush, and Rapela understands that better than most.
Built around rolling log drums, airy synths and understated percussion, the production settles into a hypnotic groove almost immediately. Instead of relying on dramatic beat switches or explosive drops, the song allows its rhythm to evolve naturally, creating the kind of immersive atmosphere that has made Amapiano a global movement.
Aidah's vocals float effortlessly above the production, adding softness without interrupting the momentum, while Sam Deep, Njelic and Thatohatsi ensure every element feels carefully placed. Nothing sounds excessive. Every progression serves the groove.
Rapela isn't interested in instant gratification. It's designed for long drives, late-night sets and dancefloors where the music is allowed to breathe. In a week filled with bigger names and louder releases, it quietly reminds listeners why South Africa continues to shape some of the continent's most exciting sounds.
Whether you're in the mood for effortless Afropop, thoughtful lyricism, soulful collaborations or slow-burning Amapiano, this week's releases have something worth returning to.
If you're looking for more new music to soundtrack your weekend, We've put together the best new releases from across Africa and beyond, so whether you're discovering a new favourite or catching up on everything that dropped this week, there's something waiting for you:
