Juls — Roots

British-Ghanaian beat architect Juls dropped “Roots”, the lead single from his forthcoming ‘Jigi Jigi Vol. 1 EP’, slated for January 30, 2026. Unlike his 2024 album’s constellation of eclectic features, “Roots” is a bold creative pivot: scanty vocals, no guests, just Juls’ production genius taking centre stage, and a deliberate choice to spotlight his identity as a producer first and foremost.

At its core, Roots is an instrumental riddim that feels like a sonic embrace from the continent’s ancestors. Layered percussion rattles like conversation between tribes; warm highlife guitar flickers and deep Afrobeat basslines tickle the senses; subtle rhythmic nods to genres across Africa coalesce into one cohesive groove. This isn’t Juls solely making a beat but harnessing musical storytelling rooted in heritage and lineage. The track is essentially a riddim that combines elements of different African genres, and you can hear that intention in every note.

Roots to a listener is soothing yet hypnotic, like sitting by a fireside where every instrument speaks. The production is immaculate: crisp, warm and richly textured in the way only Juls consistently delivers. His decade-plus career, from crafting vibey cuts for Afrobeats heavyweights to introducing global audiences to West African colors, has always balanced rhythm with soul, and this track feels like the distilled essence of that journey.

Dremo — “Man2Man”

Dremo wastes no time in 2026, dropping “Man2Man” as his first single of the year on January 9th. The bold, unfiltered track is a PSA to the Nigerian music industry that feels like a group chat leaked over a moody beat.

Produced by The Kazez, the instrumental is minimalist and brooding: deep bass, subtle synths, and a steady trap-inflected rhythm that keeps the focus squarely on Dremo’s words. Without the flashy hooks, Dremo holds a cadence of a raw rap delivery with that signature confident flow he’s honed since his early days.

“Brother man / If we get issue make we iron am / Whether na artiste to artiste / Or man to man / So if you hear your name don’t take it personal / Just want to say my mind.”

It’s an invitation to clear the air directly, not as subliminals, but in the form f a heart to heart “man2man” conversation. What follows is a roll call of grievances, anecdotes, and olive branches. Dremo name-drops heavily — Olamide (for dodging a verse), Phyno and Phenom (over past misunderstandings), Oxlade (a resolved Miami babe drama), Odumodublvck for not liking him, Ajebo Hustlers, Sarz (that Mortal Kombat bet for a free beat), CKay, BNXN (with a retractable jab about being a “bowling pin”), Davido (a cheeky reminder about promised money), Sarkodie, even touching on the endless Wizkid-Davido saga where he felt unfairly dragged.

On first listen, it’s equal parts cathartic and chaotic, but like a true artist, the vulnerability stands out. Dremo sounds exhausted by rumors and politics, pleading for spiritual cleansing while airing it all publicly. Lines like “Make FC free me na, I don tire” hit with relatable frustration, and there’s humor sprinkled in to keep it from feeling too heavy. His pen is sharp as ever; the storytelling is vivid, the bars land cleanly.

Is it a diss track? Not quite. It’s more reconciliation rap which is quite risky in an industry quick to take offense, but refreshingly honest and vulnerable. For a first release, “Man2Man” is bold, necessary, and undeniably engaging. Dremo reminds us why he’s one of Naija rap’s most underrated technicians.

Choke Boi, Fido, Ruger — “Bend Am”

Choke Boi recruits Fido and Ruger for “Bend Am”, a mid-tempo sultry single that feels like the soundtrack to a prolonged December party, with an imposingly crispy production that tugs at a listener from Choke Boi.

The beat is pure Afrobeats-dancehall fusion with its slightly bouncy log drum basslines, shimmering synths, and that irresistible mid-tempo groove that makes you move before the vocals even kick in. Production is crisp and club-ready; no overthinking, just vibes engineered for instant rotation.

Fido opens the record with his signature melodic flow, smooth and infectious like a veteran, adding that emotional pull and a catchy chorus that makes a listener hum and bop along even on first listen. The floor is quickly open for Ruger as he continues with a charismatic, lady-focused narrative delivered with that effortless swagger. His verse is cheeky, confident, perfectly timed to elevate the energy and perhaps the standout. Choke Boi’s “Bend Am” is repetitive in the best way, the kind that organically turs into a mainstream anthem.

The track is unapologetically hedonistic fun, with the both artists willfully syncing with Choke Boi’s production. Ruger’s feature run continues strong, Fido proves again why he’s underrated, and Choke Boi holds his own as the host.

Jay O feat. Jordan Adetunji — History

On January 8, 2026, North London’s rising R&B heir JayO teamed with buzz-worthy British-Nigerian artist Jordan Adetunji to deliver “History”, a smooth, atmospheric single that feels like the perfect late-night companion for the year’s opening chapter.

From the jump, “History” unfolds as a lush alternative R&B groove built on soft keys, subtle bass, and layered harmonies, a soundscape that doesn’t shout but gently envelops. It’s understated yet immersive, marrying JayO’s emotive warmth with Jordan’s introspective tone in a way that feels effortless and exact. The track’s 2:31 runtime at ~130 BPM knits energy with intimacy, giving both voices the space to shine without over-processing or crowding.

Lyrically, the song sits in that pivotal romantic moment where vulnerability meets possibility. Lines like “We could make history / Or just be another mystery” are emotional fulcrums, delivered in haunting harmonies that stay with you even after the track fades. 

JayO’s melodic leadership on the hook carries a sincerity that feels lived-in, while Jordan Adetunji, fresh off his global breakout and Grammy-buzzy ascension, adds an incisive edge that elevates the narrative.

What’s notable here isn’t bravado, but chemistry, two distinct vocal textures converging in a transatlantic vibe that bridges R&B sensitivity with UK melodic sensibilities. JayO’s smooth delivery complements Jordan Adetunji’s airy, nuanced flair, making “History” feel less like a feature track and more like a genuine musical conversation.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

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Jailer – Sarkodie, Victony

In recent years, Sarkodie has continuously tapped into the brilliance of Afrobeats artists in Nigeria with terrific hooks for his equally hard-hitting rap bars. Intersecting with Afro-R&B artists, Sarkodie has been able to express himself on the melodies of these artists. From Non-Living Thing with Oxlade to Till We Die with Ruger, Sarkodie has built a musical world that centres on heartbreak and love. Unsurprisingly, Jailer with Victony adds another notch on Sarkodie’s belt.

Bus Stop – TAR1Q, Young Jonn

Within 24 hours of the release of his second EP, TARIQ’s “Okada Airlines” started at No. 12 on the Nigerian Apple Music Albums Chart and rose to No. 9. The young artist signed to Chocolate City Label went 8 for 8 with his latest EP, which featured Young Jonn, Khaid, Killa, and Bola BMH. TARIQ’s ability to create surreal, infectious melodies of high replay value positions him for many milestones in the Nigerian music scene and beyond. Bus Stop with Young Jonn is one of the many confirmations from the EP. Other standout tracks from the EP include Living Thing, Zuko, Jigga, and Oyi Eh.

Goosebumps – Qing Madi

Armed with hit songs like American Love, Ole featuring BNXN, and Vision, just to name a few, Qing Madi continues to impress and make grand musical strides for a rising star. In preparation for her debut album, Qing Madi shares a lead single title, ‘Goosebumps’. Known for her relatable lyrics and clean, clear vocals, her new single Goosebumps reflects these traits and showcases Qing Madi’s prowess to tell love stories in the form of beautiful music. 

KUKU GOOGLE AM – 2Baba

Afrobeats legend 2baba is said to be working on a last record, possibly his last, that will bid farewell to the music industry. With his new single, which will most likely be included on his upcoming album, 2Baba taps into one of his many ranges as an astonishingly creative artist. On his new single “KUKU GOOGLE AM,” 2Baba expresses a variety of controversial narratives fuelled by comparisons in the music, influencing, humorous, and entertainment industry as a whole. Like a Fela Kuti performance, each of 2Baba’s lyrics is met with a callback of “KUKU GOOGLE AM”. 

Saint Tropez, Juls, Victony

Weeks after teasing “Saint Tropez” on his social media pages, the track is finally released on DSPs alongside 17 other songs off Juls fourth studio album, “Peace and Love.” If you’re familiar enough with Juls work as a producer, you can tell from the shakes and Caribbean-like percussions a song he worked on. And on this sonic experience, Victony thrives, conveying a lustful yearning for a romantic subject with innuendos and harmonious hints. 

Rebel Music – Black Sherif 

Clearly, Black Sherif is in album mode for his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Iron Boy.” And to further build anticipation, he has released a new single title, “Rebel Music,” a typically intense music that Black Sherif says he’d be selecting as a soundtrack for judgement day if he was ever made to choose. On Rebel Music, Black Sherif bares his life’s experiences and journey in a visceral and gritty manner that pulls a listener into not just his music but the story. 

Mr. Heartbreaker – Rose May Alaba, Odumodublvck 

Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, to a Nigerian father, Rose Mary Alaba’s R&B record “Mr Heartbreaker” intersects with ODUMODUBLVCK’s gritty and intense delivery of heartbreak from their point of view. While Rose’s verse chronicles a sad heartbreak story, ODUMODUBLVCK’s is more crude and, to an extent, hilarious. 

Lonely – Joshua Baraka

Ugandan new generation artist Joshua Baraka delivers yet another sublime piece of music to listeners. This comes five months after he released the deluxe version of his 2023 studio EP, “Growing Pains.” In yet another tale of heartbreak, Joshua Baraka poured his tender vocals on plucky guitars and consistent kicks.

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Back Outside — Phyno feat. Cheque

On his 5th studio album, “Full Time Job,” Phyno’s outstandingly talented craft of rapping in cascading rhythms and flows has intensified over the years. “Back Outside,” a blend of amapiano and afrobeat elements, Phyno delivers an enjoyable record, with Cheque’s sublimely rendered hook adding a high replay value. Cheque’s ability to not only rap but sing was utilised on “Back Outside,” offering an effective chorus to Phyno’s effortless delivery and the song’s fluid rhythm.

Happy People — Kaestyle

Highlife flavour intersects with hip-hop undertones, and Kaestyle creates a record that underscores his range and solidifies his place as a rising act in the music space. His delivery is evocative of Tekno’s music, as he croons and drags on the lyrics. Having taken the country by storm with the escapism record “My Dealer,” Kaestyle conjures “Happy People,” a song that soundtracks merriment with some good palm wine in circulation.

Haibo Freestyle – Blaqbonez

In anticipation of his forthcoming studio album “Of Many Colours,” Blaqbonez released his second single this year, titled “Haibo Freestyle.” Blaqbonez’s first release of the year took on a theme different from the typical emotionally unavailable persona to a lover boy on fire. True to his freestyle nature, Blaqbonez delivers punchlines in Haibo Freestyle with playful confidence and smooth cadence. His trademark wit and biting humour run through the track as he casually weaves social commentary with flexes about his dominance in the rap game.

Timing — Juls feat. Black Sherif, Projexx

Producer extraordinaire Juls teams up with Black Sherif and Projexx to create a sonically rich track in Timing. Black Sherif’s raspy, emotion-filled vocals give the track depth, while Projexx adds a smooth, dancehall-inflected groove. The production is impeccable, with Juls laying down a beat that’s both chilled shakers and immersive percussions.

Good Feelings — Coldplay feat. Ayra Starr

Coldplay and Ayra Starr come together on Good Feelings, a blend of Coldplay’s soaring anthemic style and Ayra’s ethereal Afropop sound. Ayra’s voice brings warmth and a fresh dimension to Coldplay’s sound, offering a cross-cultural collaboration that feels both authentic and inspiring.

Like — Mavins, Andre Vibes, DanDizzy 

The new Mavins collaboration, Like, combines exuberant energy with seasoned production from Andre Vibez and DanDizzy’s sharp delivery. The song begins with an infectious beat, luring you in with Andre’s production—smooth but full of high-tempo Afrobeats influences. DanDizzy provides a dynamic element by riding the beat with his witty wordplay and charismatic flow.

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