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.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

The post Lekaa Beats, Ckay, Tems, DJ Maphorisa and More on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.

Released in 2019 and later gaining worldwide traction through its 2021 remix featuring Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, the song became one of the most widely circulated African records of the streaming era. Its rise was driven largely by viral momentum across TikTok and international radio, eventually translating into sustained chart presence across multiple countries.

With this achievement, ‘Love Nwantiti’ joins a small group of African songs to reach the billion-stream mark on Spotify — a metric that reflects both long-term listener retention and cross-market penetration. The record peaked on several international charts, including entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and official charts across Europe.

Beyond streaming numbers, the song played a defining role in positioning CKay as a global-facing artist, opening doors to international deals, collaborations, and touring opportunities. It also remains one of the clearest examples of how African pop records can move from local success to worldwide consumption without traditional Western market entry routes.

The one-billion-stream milestone reinforces ‘Love Nwantiti’s’ status as one of the most commercially successful Afrobeats songs of the last decade.

The post CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” Hits One Billion Spotify Streams appeared first on Afromixx.

Mayorkun – Still The Mayor

After four years and a brief EP interlude, The Mayor of Lagos stakes his claim again with a third studio album, ‘Still The Mayor’. ‘Still The Mayor’ is a 12-track showcase of polished Afrobeats—high-gloss hooks, Amapiano flair, and high-profile pairings including Davido, Fireboy DML (twice), King Promise, and more. Themes of growth and grit thread through tracks like “Reason 2 Japa”, which explores emigration over Amapiano-laced vocals. The result is a vibrant expansion of his sonic brand without losing his signature charm. Mayorkun strikes a refined balance between radio-ready appeal and genre-bending ambition—his coronation, not just a follow-up. Featuring heavyweights like Davido, Fireboy DML (twice), King Promise, Rotimi, Dremo, The Flowolf, Michii, and Olivetheboy, ‘Still The Mayor’ is a collection that traverses introspection (Innocent, Reason 2 Japa) and crowd-igniting vibes (Blessings on Blessings, Konko Below).

CKay – CKay The Second

The “Love Nwantiti” hitmaker goes deeper with this six-track offering, weaving Emo-Afrobeats, R&B, and alt-pop into one soulful tapestry. ‘CKay The Second’ serves as a sequel to his 2019 ’CKay The First’ EP, which comes shortly after his sophomore album ‘EMOTIONS’. On ‘Ckay The Second’, CKay digs into themes of self-discovery and creative freedom, leaning heavily on emotive vocals and expansive production. Notable collabs bring in American singer Sabrina Claudio on “Again” and Nigerian rocker Bella Shmurda on “Nothing Spoil”. CKay asserts his evolution while holding onto the vulnerability that won him 3+ billion streams, sticking to the similar emotionally sticky template and heartfelt progression.

Zerrydl – My Amigo

Fresh off the success of “Back to Back”, Zerrydl taps into smooth Afro-pop vibes that radiate late-night charm and camaraderie on ‘My Amigo’. With crisp production and catchy melodies, ‘My Amigo’ is a record built for late-night jams and club takeovers. It underscores themes of loyalty and living large, with Zerrydl’s effortless swagger taking centre stage. With a ‘Rookie Of The Year’ win at the 2025 Headies Awards, Zerrydl’s ‘My Amigo’ continues his pace on an impressive career trajectory, distancing himself from his sibling, Shallipopi, as he carves his own sonic lane.

LADIPOE – Folasade

As Mavin Records’ resident lyrical tactician, LADIPOE returns with ‘Folasade’, a soulful blend of rap introspection and mellow Afrobeats. Shortly after the release of an equally emotional song earlier this year, “I No Be God”, it is clear that the artiste is in an emotionally vulnerable headspace that sees him keen on addressing matters of the heart, and this thematic direction is all over his music. Ladipoe has also recently reimagined Styl-Plus’ classic ‘Olufunmi’, which sees him yet again in an emotive bag, delivering relatable lyrics in storytelling form. Likewise on ‘Folasade’, Ladipoe flatters his muse with sweet words of praise and affirmation through poignant lyricism that reassures even a listener. On the track he oozes charm while unpacking themes of longing—delivered with that twitchy, bar-heavy finesse his listeners are drawn to. The single marks another intelligent step in his 2025 journey as he keeps expanding his storytelling palette. And with each new release, LADIPOE is proof that hip-hop artists can wear vulnerability as well as punchlines, and ‘Folasade’ rides that wave with grace and substance.

Maleek Berry – If Only Love Was Enough

Thirteen years after stepping onto the scene with multiple EPs, hit songs like “Eko Miami”, and countless songwriting/production credits, Maleek Berry finally unveils his debut album, ‘If Only Love Was Enough’. Spanning 17 tracks, the album is lush, romantic, and tailored for the soft-hearted listener. It includes a standout collaboration with long-time friend Wizkid, as well as the recent single “Lately” featuring Ruger.

Maleek Berry leans into his signature R&B-laced Afropop—equal parts soothing and formulaic. At times, the sound risks becoming too familiar, but collaborations add dimension and help him break the mould just enough. It’s not a reinvention, but it’s a comforting return to a sound that has been missing in the current sonic landscape. It’s a late arrival, but a necessary one. Maleek Berry offers an R&B-forward take in an Afrobeats-heavy era, reminding fans of the softer textures that shaped his early career.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

The post Mayorkun, Zerrydl, Ladipoe, CKay and Others on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.

This week, we have got a stellar line-up as big names in the industry have come through with either a single or album for our listening delight.

Big Wiz, Rema, Bnxn, and Ckay are some of the big names who will be thrilling our sense of sound with their new tracks which will either get music lovers emotional or on their feet.

Without further ado, let’s go into some of our top picks for the week.

Wizkid x Brent Faiyaz – Piece Of My Heart

For so long, Wizkid kept his fans and music enthusiasts alike constantly anticipating his new track. He has been teasing his new track with Brent Faiyaz for weeks now. The D-day finally arrived, and much to the delight of many, Piece Of My Heart was released. Upon release, it didn’t take much time before the audience started to eat it up.

Piece Of My Heart is a chill, melodious tune that explores themes of love that will forever be remembered. Brent Faiyaz came strong with his contribution on this track. His silky smooth vocals on the hook gave so much emotional touch to the tune. As expected, Wizkid did what he is known for as he delivered a masterpiece on this one.

Tiwa Savage – Forgiveness

Next up is a special from the Queen of Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage. A song titled Forgive is what Mama Jam Jam delivers to us in this newly released track.

Exploring the essence of peace, she delivers a message on not wanting material things. She rather have her loved ones forgivess, as well as more affection.

A chill, relaxing track to get you in your feelings, Tiwa Savage put a lot of emotions into this track. She has continued to deliver hits that pass on relatable messages, and this is one of them.

Lojay – Falling

A big name, especially in the R&B genre, Lojay is a name synonymous with sweet sounding Afrobeats love ballads. He has had a few months to work on something new for the fans, and finally delivered a new sensational upbeat track.

Released on the 18th of October 2024, Lojay titles this one “Falling.” A track that speaks on how much he feels for his woman, Lojay’s vocals are delectable on this new track as he sings on the length he is willing to go to show his lady that his love is all hers.

Bnxn x Rema – Fi Kan We Kan

When two heavyweights come together for a track, only the very best is expected. From infectious beats, relatable lyrics, and general high vibes, these are some of the expected aspects. Bnxn and Rema definitely ticked all these boxes in their newly released collaboration.

Titled “Fi Kan We Kan,” the duo speak on wanting their money when it’s due and enjoying life the best way they can.

Bnxn starts with his smooth flows for his verse and the hook, and Rema joins in with even more energy that he is known for and together, they both deliver a potential party banger.

CKay – Emotions (Album)

African’s Boyfriend, CKay, drops his highly anticipated album “Emotions.” His second studio album, Emotions, which is a 12-track album, showcases CKay’s emotional depth and musical versatility. The album features a collection of songs that dive into matters of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability, which CKay has become well-known for expressing in his unique sound.

The guest artists on the album include Olamide, TY Dollar Sign, The Cavemen, and Nora Fatehi.

This album marks another significant milestone in CKay’s career as he continues to expand his global reach and solidify his place in the Afrobeats music scene.

The post Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Lojay, and More Make our “New Music Friday” List appeared first on Afromixx.

From EPs to singles to awesome collaborations, our fresh list this week has it all. Phyno takes the lead as he drops a single ahead of his album, Reminisce also returns to the music scene with his EP, and many more that dropped this week that I am sure we are eager to listen to.

Songs for your night drive, songs for your feelings, songs to get you up on your feet in that party, this week’s fresh picks have it all. So, let’s get straight into it.

Phyno ft Arrdee – Time of My Life

A collab that we didn’t see coming, Phyno teams up with U.K Drill rapper Arrdee to give us this hit and they title it “Time of My Life.”

A single straight out of his upcoming album in October, Phyno gives his fans a bit of his magic to hold on to till the album drops.

Reminisce – Sui Generis (EP)

An OG rapper who has given us hits upon hit, Reminisce returns with an EP, and living up to his M.O, Reminisce drops fire bars with catchy choruses. On the EP, he enlists guests artist such as Bad Boy Timz, Bhadboi OML, Bardbanks, Easy Scope, Logos Olori, Lucid, and Vector Tha Viper.

Ladipoe ft Taves – Compose

Another collab that we love to see in the industry, we have Mavin’s rapper, Ladipoe on, and he features upcoming singer Taves on this track titled “Compose.”

Taves gives us a catchy hook with his ever-refreshing voice, while Ladipoe delivers hot bars and rhymes that he is known to give. Definitely a hit that’s going to get everyone singing along to.

Larry Gaaga ft Joeboy – Ready

Larry Gaaga, a big name in the music industry known to make some of the biggest collabs in the industry, does it again, and this time, he brings on Joeboy to deliver this tune titled “Ready.”

This track highlights Larry Gaaga’s talent for knowing the right artist for a track and shows off Joeboy‘s musical talents to create a hit.

CKay – In My Bed

CKay returns with another infectious tune for the music lover, and he titles this one “In My Bed.”

Known for his unique style and sound, CKay has been known to get fans in their feelings with his songs, and this isn’t anything different as he speaks on matters of love and intimacy.

Fave – No Games

The songbird Fave gives us something to tune in to with her latest release, “No Games.”

The talented Nigerian singer has drawn the attention of music lovers with this new, soothing tune that makes it so nice to listen to when going for a late-night drive.

The post Phyno, Reminisce, Fave, and More on this Week’s New Music Friday. appeared first on Afromixx.

Fireboy DML – Adedamola

Two years after his third studio album, Fireboy DML released his fourth, eponymously named “Adedamola.” The star-studded album features Lagbaja, Lojay, Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, and Spinall. Fireboy DML disproves naysayers by making a 14-track album of delicious, well-produced, sequenced music. Unlike Fireboy DML’s persona on his last studio album “Playboy,” “Adedamola” abandons that in favour of the “LTG” charisma and approach, which critics and fans think is his most natural state. From the execution to production and writing, “Adedamola” takes on a similar approach as “LTG,” an album acclaimed to be Fireboy DML’s finest. And consequently—if you haven’t heard it yet—it’s a sublime lover boy project that’s every bit as brilliant as his first.

Standout tracks: Iseoluwa, Letting Go, Back and Forth, Wande’s Bop, Change Your Life, and Yawa.

Harmonize – Better Go

Harmonize does it again with his new release. “You Better Go” is a heartbreak ballad clad in soulful melodies expressed in Swahili and is quite the infectious record. Complemented by Cookie Kapika’s production, the synths and pulls of guitar elevate Harmonize’s vocals, peeling the hurt behind the lyrics “Babe I’ll Let You Go”

Angelique Kidjo – Joy ft. Davido

5X Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo teams up with one of Nigeria’s finest Davido to spread joy through music. With uplifting lyrics, ‘Joy’ sends a message of triumph over pain and that the result of a weathered stormy phase is usually joy. “I found my hope when it was lost/When it was lost I helped my heart out of the dark/ out of the dark I found the power.” Davido and Angelique Kidjo croon as they celebrate resilience and strength.

Ckay – Egwu Iji

The Ojà (flute)-dominated song marks the 4th song from Ckay in 2024. The flute (which sounds a little too similar to the one on Kcee’s smash hit “Ojapiano”) permeates the song, and the robust log drums give sparks to Ckay’s flattery lyrics. Egwu Eji underlines Ckay’s range as an artist and his ability to deliver on even experimental productions. 

Tobe Nwigwe – Hood Hymns

Tobe Nwigwe, an American rapper and singer of Nigerian heritage, featured a diverse range of artists on his most recent album, ‘Hood Hymns,’ including two Nigerian features. Odumodublvck departs from rapping on the album and is heard vocalising, while Afropop artist Adekunle Gold contributes his unique delivery. Tobe Nwigwe’s “Hood Hymns” combines hood themes and lyrics with gospel-inspired execution reminiscent of Kanye West’s “Jesus Is King” album.

Standout tracks: Can You Imagine, Heal, Anointing, Gold.

The post Fireboy DML, Angelique Kidjo, Harmonize on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.