Following his collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Kai’—which also marked their fifth song together—Olamide enlists Willis’ expertise while bringing together former YBNL members Young Jonn and Asake, alongside Seyi Vibez and Zimbabwean artist Daecolm. “99”, released on 9th of June, contrasts the expectations of many as it sidesteps the implication that a heavy Afrobeats star presence means a party-starter record. And while this is the case for Olamide’s second lead single off his forthcoming album, “99” is still a certified Afro-house masterpiece in how it utilizes each guest’s verse in delivering a laid-back Afro-house groove. 

A closer look at Olamide’s craft reveals that he’s never been a conventional artist when it comes to making music, regardless of how commercial his sound may be. Hence, the existence of albums like the mellow UY Scuti, where he mostly croons, and the pulsating Ikigai, which evokes memories of his early rap days.

And on 99, he shapeshifts again, but not in the way long-term listeners might anticipate. Over the Willis-assisted production, Olamide opens the track with a sing-rap delivery and the exuberance of someone celebrating a newly acquired financial goal, driven by the desire to “party like it’s ’99”—a sentiment Young Jonn drives home with deft, sticky melodies. Asake plays it safest, sticking to the rhythm and delivering his verse with a similar cadence, complementing Olamide and Young Jonn’s contributions with the appropriate messaging for “99”.

Seyi Vibez brings his unconventional apala-fuji–infused delivery, adding flavour and panache to the track, as Young Jonn serenades listeners yet again for the third time:
“Meji, meji, I’m gonna party like ’99, leave all my stressin’ behind tonight”—
but this time layered with the vocalizing of Zimbabwean dance-electronic artist Daecolm, who readies for his bit. His verse is velvety and lightweight, as he takes a more sensual approach, closing the track with a refined dance music tint.

If Olamide’s “99” is anything to go by, it’s that the 17 track album will be a genre-blurring experience, offering fans a vast sonic engagement.

The post Olamide Recruits Asake, Young Jonn, Seyi Vibez & Daecolm on Groovy Afro-House Cut ‘99’ appeared first on Afromixx.

Born Olayinka Owoseni, Yimeeka is a Nigerian underground artist whose powerful, yet delicate vocals create otherworldly melodies, making her a significant force in the Afro-house scene. Her musical journey began in the church choir at the age of 12, culminating in her professional debut with the “Alter Ego” EP in 2022. The bedroom-produced EP blended Afro-R&B and Afro-Pop, showcasing Yimeeka’s dual talent as both producer and artist. It also featured notable collaborations with Pheelz (whom she considers her best friend and a major influence), D1wav, and Joyce Olong.

Yimeeka views music as a form of raw emotional expression, and each release is an intimate encounter with her thoughts and feelings, woven into expertly crafted productions. In August 2023, she released the two-track single “Issues/Tsunami,” marking her first foray into Afro-house. The execution and delivery of this project immediately established Yimeeka as a rising figure in the Nigerian Afro-house landscape. This was followed by a self-titled, six-track Afro-house EP in April 2024, a confident statement that she had found her distinct sound. Seven months later, she reinforced this notion with another EP, this time in collaboration with producer BLACK CULTURE.

On ‘INÓ,’ as with her previous work, Yimeeka explores themes of love, heartbreak, and life, often enveloped in Afro-house rhythms, with the strength of her melodies sometimes overshadowing the narrative. Whether driven by sheer passion or a deep connection to traditional percussion, Yimeeka is no doubt poised to become a key figure redefining the sound of Afro-house in Nigeria and beyond.

The post Meet Yimeeka: Nigeria’s Next Afro-House Star appeared first on Afromixx.