Amaarae – BLACK STAR (Album)

Amaarae’s third studio album, BLACK STAR, is the sound of an artist in full bloom; playful, liberated, and fearless with her craft. Where 2023’s Fountain Baby carried a sharper, more brooding edge, BLACK STAR feels like a mischievous wink to the listener, drawing deeply from Ghanaian heritage while galloping through the bright, chaotic worlds of hyperpop, baile funk, and highlife.

Recorded partly in Brazil with local baile funk producers and guided by Amaarae’s long-time collaborator Kyu Steed, the album’s 44 minutes are a genre blender of polished pop hooks tumbling into electronic rushes, while flourishes of Ghanaian rhythms keep the centre grounded. The features are equally audacious: PinkPantheress slips into the mix with pastel-tinted vocals, Bree Runway brings her charged swagger, Charlie Wilson adds timeless R&B richness, and—because why not—Naomi Campbell turns up for a cultural curveball that somehow fits.

Lead single “S.M.O.” distils the album’s ethos, rooted in highlife textures but dressed in futuristic pop clothing. It’s the perfect handshake into a project that thrives on contradiction: intimate yet expansive, familiar yet alien. ‘BLACK STAR’ is Amaarae’s declaration that pop can be anything she says it is.

FOLA – You

On “You”, FOLA slows everything down and lets vulnerability take the front seat. Produced by Kel-P, the track borrows the silky glide of classic Afro-R&B with undertones of The Weeknd’s pop single ‘I Feel It Coming’, adding just enough modern shine to keep it fresh. ‘You’ sits on a minimal production but deliberate delivery from FOLA. Every kick, chord, and pause was designed to let FOLA’s voice carry the emotional weight.

Lyrically, “You” plays like a whispered love note; simple in structure but resonant in feeling. The restraint is refreshing; there’s no overproduction, no vocal grandstanding. Instead, the song moves with an understated confidence, the kind that comes from knowing the story is strong enough to stand on its own.

Serving as the second single from his upcoming debut album ‘Catharsis’, “You” suggests the project will be a deeply personal excavation. If this is the tone-setter, we’re in for a work with many emotional layers from FOLA’s world.

Victony ft. Terry G – Tanko

Victony’s “Tanko” is the sort of collaboration you didn’t know you needed until it landed. By pairing with Terry G—one of the most unpredictable and electrifying figures from Afrobeats’ late-2000s era—Victony creates a high-voltage bridge between generations.

The production, courtesy of The Elements, Bantu, and Blaise Beatz, is pure adrenaline: pulsating basslines, hypnotic log drums, and just enough sonic chaos to give Terry G room to unleash his manic charisma. Victony plays the cool foil here, weaving catchy melodies through the chaos, showing exactly how new-school polish and old-school grit can coexist.

“Tanko” doubles as nostalgia bait and proof that the genre’s past and present can collide in a way that inspires not just listeners but other creatives.

Nonso Amadi – Pillow

Nonso Amadi’s “Pillow” is an exercise in atmosphere—warm, spacious, and heavy with late-night intimacy. Built on mellow percussion and airy synths, the production folds around Amadi’s glossy, feather-light delivery, giving the whole track a dreamlike quality.

Lyrically, it’s all about closeness and unguarded moments, and Nonso Amadi leans into that emotional core with a balance of poetic phrasing and conversational ease. The record is soulful without being syrupy, lingering long after the final note fades.

“Pillow” is quintessential Nonso Amadi—delivering songs that feel less like performances and more like spaces you step into.

Kwesi Arthur ft. King Promise – Real Thing

Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur and crooner King Promise have found the sweet spot between grounded storytelling and romantic sweep on “Real Thing”.  Over Hylander’s warm, percussion-heavy production, Arthur delivers verses with unhurried sincerity while King Promise smooths out the edges with a chorus that glides.

It’s a love song, yes, but one that feels lived-in, more quiet devotion than grand spectacle. The production’s organic warmth makes it easy to imagine this track being played at sunset gatherings or in solitary headphone moments.

“Real Thing” marks Kwesi Arthur’s first drop of the year, and if it’s any indicator, his upcoming project will lean into music that feels both personal and timeless.

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Tyla — WWP (We Wanna Party) [EP]

Tyla’s music journey has witnessed a jaw-dropping meteoric rise, diligently supported by her talents from the start of her career—in the form of smash singles and her 2023 debut album ‘TYLA’, which was followed by a deluxe in 2024. Preceded by two lead singles and a listening party that conveys the essence of her newly released pop EP ‘We Wanna Party‘, Tyla reminds fans with the 4-track project why she’s the globally preferred pop star from Africa, and how long she intends to fill the shoes.
Across four tracks—“Bliss”, “Is It”, “Mr Media”, and “Dynamite”—Tyla blends the sensual leanings of R&B with Amapiano drums and the soft rebellion of pop’s next wave. The production across the EP is bright and bouncy, but still sharp.
Standout “Dynamite”, which, according to Tyla, was recorded in 2022, brings in Wizkid for a flirtatious back-and-forth with an energetic and assured delivery. “Dynamite” showcases a chemistry born from a blend of Wizkid’s punchy energy and Tyla’s mellow glide. “Your body bang like dynamite” might sound like a TikTok hook waiting to happen, but the record carries more sonic weight than gimmick.
On Mr Media, Tyla switches pace and tone, addressing critics with sharp wit and calculated softness. It’s a flex, but one wrapped in clean production and deliberate confidence.
‘WWP’ is exactly what Tyla curated it to be: an upbeat, party groove crafted by the soul of a South African who understands the heritage of her home.

Asake ft. Tiakola — BADMAN GANGSTA

Asake has entered his jet-set global villain arc, and BADMAN GANGSTA is the soundtrack. Teaming up with French-Congolese rapper Tiakola, the track pulls from Amerie’s “1 Thing” for its rhythm bed, but what they build over it is more than just a sample flip.
Asake raps and croons like he’s taking victory laps, blending Yoruba and pidgin with cheeky baritone flair. Tiakola’s French delivery slots in, adding texture like pepper in a sweet stew. Together, they play off each other with a synergy that proves international collabs don’t need to feel manufactured.
Produced by AoD and P.Priime, the beat leans into nostalgia without getting lazy—plenty of bounce, smoky sax notes, and space for both artists to stretch.
The music video, shot in noir-ish black and white, is part documentary, part luxury diary: Paris runways, studio booth confessions, and flexes wrapped in realness.
More than just a one-off, BADMAN GANGSTA feels like a proper marker in Asake’s journey.

Fireboy DML — Dopamine

Fireboy’s pen has always flirted with the poetic, but ‘Dopamine‘ is straight-up chemical seduction. He takes the science of feeling good and wraps it into a sonic experience that’s warm, melancholic, and flirtatious in equal parts.
Produced by Anoop D’Souza and Jonah Christian, the track is lush without being showy—think layered harmonies, slow-rising synths, and subtle reggae pulses anchoring his smooth vocal delivery. It’s Fireboy back in his Afrobeats-meets-R&B bag, but the writing has matured.
Love is a drug, and he’s both the addict and the supplier. ‘Dopamine‘ captures that emotional grey space between obsession and honesty, wrapped in clean arrangements that don’t overpower the message. As the first single off his upcoming project, it sets the tone: Fireboy’s going deeper but still wants to make you sway.

Ayra Starr — Hot Body

Ayra Starr is in her pixie cut era, and she’s not holding back. ‘Hot Body‘ is the follow-up to the grown-and-sexy lane she tapped into on ‘Gimme Dat‘ with Wizkid, but now she’s owning it with a brand-new single following the announcement of a partnership with ROC Nation.
With Ragee and The Elements on co-production, the track leans into dancehall but keeps that polished Afropop core. It’s light, breezy, and playfully bold—a summer anthem made for mirror selfies and girls’ night out clips.
Lyrically, Ayra Starr is in self-love mode, but it’s less preachy, more “You see it, and I know you see it.” With the right push, ‘Hot Body‘ could be one of those records that haunts charts and pool parties well into next year.

Amaarae — Girlie-Pop!

Nobody does alt-hyperfemme like Amaarae, and Girlie-Pop! is peak cyber sugar with an attitude. It blends hyperpop’s glitchy aesthetics with West African bounce, all while Amaarae plays the role of lyrical assassin in baby-pitched vocals.
“Sexual agency” might be the academic term, but this song is pure energy. She sings like she’s rolling her eyes at anyone who doubts her power.
Produced by long-time collaborator Kyu Steed and Maffalda, the track pops, glitches, and shifts in unexpected ways. It’s rebellious with intentional chaos—but also controlled, with a confidence so palpable it excites the listener for her forthcoming project on the horizon. If ‘BLACK STAR‘, her upcoming album, is cut from the same cloth, we’re in for a cultural moment.

Chella — Loyal

Following the release of his smash hit ‘My Darling‘, which made Spotify’s Summer Song and Global Impact lists, Chella rides the wave of global appeal with a similarly energetic groove on Loyal.  On the song, Chella proves he isn’t a one-hit wonder as he crafts a record that holds the listener’s attention while evoking specific emotions. With lyrics like “Every day I’m singing Hosanna”, the track almost feels spiritual, though rooted in romantic devotion.
There’s an honesty in his voice that makes it feel more lived-in than performed. Smooth Afro-R&B production gives it playlist replay value, while his delivery does the emotional heavy lifting.
Like his previous hit, Chella’s ‘Loyal‘ is already picking up on TikTok, and if he keeps this up, he’ll be bumping shoulders with the bigger names sooner than expected.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

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But this year, the titan in the world of music festivals offered something quietly radical beneath the lights and lasers: Africa’s pulses.​

With a lineup that spans two weekends, April 11–13 and 18–20, the festival has stayed true to its kaleidoscopic ethos. Headliners like Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott draw the biggest fonts on the bill, but nestled within are the names shaking global tables and continental charts alike. From the rich horns and energy of Seun Kuti, the ancestral fire of Egypt 80 behind him, to the candy-coated chaos of Tyla, to the sultriness of Amaarae, and the evergreen pop audacity of Rema, this year’s Coachella doesn’t lean into them all.

And it’s not tokenism. It’s timing. It’s the reality that Afropop, Alté, and new-school Afro-fusion are no longer fringe or ’emerging’, they are here, disruptive and deliberate. Their sets? We’ll get into that. But know this, their inclusion wasn’t just a win for visibility; it was a show of African music’s viability. These are artists the crowd came to see, not just discover.​

Amaarae

Amaarae made her Coachella debut on Sunday, April 13th, at the Gobi Stage, arriving in a Hummer H2 emblazoned with ‘BLACK STAR’—the title of her forthcoming third studio album. Styled by Aaron Christmon and Marquise Miller, she paid homage to her Ghanaian roots, putting the crowd on the music of La Même Gang, Eazzy, Yaw Tog, Joey B, and the Asakaa Boys. Notably, she made history as the first Ghanaian-born female artist to perform a solo billed set at the festival. A highlight of her performance was when she shaved her wig on stage, symbolising the bold new era of a BLACK STAR.

Tyla

Tyla took to the Outdoor Theatre Stage on Friday, April 11th, delivering a performance that blended beauty, elegance, and vocals. She stunned in a Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2000 bra and fringe belt, performing her hit “Push 2 Start” and a mashup of “On and On” with Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat.” Her signature “Tyla Dance” captivated the audience, marking a triumphant debut at the festival.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 opened their set on the Outdoor Theatre Stage on Friday, April 11th, with a fiery tribute to Fela Kuti’s “Everything Scatter.” This performance marked Seun Kuti’s third appearance at Coachella, solidifying his status as the Nigerian artist with the most performances at the festival. His set was a powerful blend of Afrobeat rhythms and political messaging, thrilling fans and honoring his father’s legacy.

Rema

Rema’s Coachella debut was, in many ways, a dramatic cocktail of anticipation, disruption, and recovery. Slated for a 45-minute set at the Mojave Tent, the Nigerian superstar didn’t appear on stage until nearly 30 minutes in, leaving the crowd to navigate an extended DJ warmup that wore thin by the minute. When he finally emerged, his opening songs were marred by awkward lip-syncing, his mic often nowhere near his mouth while vocals boomed through the speakers. But just as murmurs turned to groans, the energy shifted: the backing track cut, the live band found its footing, and Rema leaned into his strengths, leading the crowd through spirited performances of “Calm Down”, Darkoo’s “Favourite Girl”, and his 2025 releases.

However, beyond the headliners, Coachella’s strength as a festival lies in its diverse lineup, showcasing emerging talents and established artists from various corners of the world. And just like past festivals, the 2025 Coachella has kicked off with an event that promises an eclectic mix of performances, art installations, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Next weekend, the second leg of the festival resumes. But for now, let’s sit with what we’ve witnessed so far. African artists are taking up space and setting their own stage.

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Notable names joining the Lit Stage include Ayra Starr, Amaarae, Gabzy, Franglish, Tiakola, and Congolese sensation Innoss’B. Rising Nigerian star Qing Madi also makes her debut alongside Odeal and June Freedom. The Afrobeat and Afro-fusion acts bring fresh energy to a lineup poised to celebrate the best of African music on a global scale.

For fans of Amapiano, the Piano People Stage will host genre-defining artists such as Uncle Waffles, Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small), and DBN Gogo. They will be joined by a strong roster of performers, including Vigro Deep, Mörda, and Oskido, ensuring a high-energy experience throughout the festival.

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As Afro Nation celebrates its 5th year, the 2025 event promises to be a landmark moment, highlighting the global influence of African music and showcasing its diversity. With both Afrobeats and Amapiano reigning strong, the festival strengthens its position as a unifier of cultures, creating unforgettable experiences for attendees worldwide.

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Seun Kuti, alongside his legendary band Egypt 80, will bring the indomitable spirit of Afrobeat to Coachella. Continuing the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, Seun’s performances are usually an explosive fusion of traditional African rhythms, powerful saxophone solos, and politically charged messages. Meanwhile, Amaarae’s dreamy vocals and bold stage aesthetics will make for a vibrant celebration of creativity and self-expression that will suck the crowd in.

Furthermore, you can trust Rema—the Rave Lordé—to bring his electrifying and emotionally charged Afro-rave fusion to the festival. And finally, Tyla, whose live sets often deliver a high-energy performance infused with dynamic choreography, pulsating rhythms, and a sexy aura, will complete the lineup of exceptional African acts bound to captivate the audience.

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The presence of these African artists at Coachella highlights the increasing prominence of African music on the global stage. And what was once considered a niche genre has now evolved into a cultural force influencing mainstream music worldwide. The 2025 Coachella festival promises unforgettable performances from these African music powerhouses as they continue to reinforce the power of African music in connecting cultures on a global stage. 

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On tracks 1, 5, and 8, Amaarae breathes her extra-thin ethereal voice to deliver typical sensuous rap bars. “Hearts were Meant to Fly,” which is stylized as “H3@rt$ W3re M3@nt T0 F7¥,” was first heard in the background of the movie trailer. In the track’s first verse, Childish Gambino and Amaarae exchange the first few lines with some sort of effect on their vocals before Amaarae rides out the rest of the verse. Amaarae’s high-pitched, infantile voice on “Talk My Shit” seems to water down her lines in comparison to Flo Milli’s. “Talk My Shit” premiered at Childish Gambino’s “Bando Stone & The New World” listening party in New York City on July 6, 2024. Amaarae‘s verse on “In The Night,” the third feature, was short and more of a voice effect that complimented Jorja Smith’s incredible delivery. 

Donald Glover has announced on his radio program Gilga Radio that “Bando Stone and The New World” will be his final album as Childish Gambino.

This collaboration is yet another significant milestone for Amaarae, as it garners more attention to her sound and potentially positions her for even bigger future collaborations.

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