2Baba — Balling

2Baba returns with “Balling“, a smooth status update from a legend who no longer needs to prove anything. At this point in his career, every release is measured against decades of influence, and this one lands as a quiet, confident flex: wealth without waste, joy without noise, and a reminder that relevance isn’t always about chasing new trends.

BlaiseBeatz anchors the track with a warm, mid-tempo groove that leans into live-feel percussion, supple basslines, and those honeyed guitar licks that instantly signal 2Baba’s soulful centre. It’s deliberate in its calm: no frantic street-pop tempo, no pressure to keep up. Just a veteran settling into his own breeze.

“Balling” is gratitude wrapped in gentle swagger. “Balling”, for 2Baba, isn’t yacht-life excess; it’s comfort, stability, choosing peace, and enjoying life at your own pace. He salutes his circle, shields his energy, and toes that familiar line between humility and soft bragging that has always been his signature. The message is clear: real success is simple, and no shaking.

It’s not trying to go viral; it doesn’t have to. “Balling” is legacy work, a reminder that 2Baba’s voice still cuts through with the same seasoned warmth, and that even in 2025, he can deliver a track that feels both timeless and necessary.

Fido — Chickendo

Fido slides into Detty December with “Chickendo”, a groovy, uplifting track that cements his growing reputation as Afropop’s newest beacon of hope and melody. Off the massive success of “Awolowo” and the chart-dominating ‘Joy Is Coming‘, he builds on his style, the sweet spot between spiritual gratitude and streetwise flex. The production blends familiar log drums and amapiano-leaning percussion with a warm, melodic softness that lets his voice glide. Fido isn’t interested in chaotic bounce; he prefers groove. The hooks land easily, the rhythm flows, and the whole track feels engineered for both club rotation and personal playlists.

“Chickendo” is classic Fido: cultural nuggets, coded slang, mindset bars, and gratitude stitched into every line. He speaks on elevation, dodging “bad belle”, and securing blessings, all delivered with the emotional sincerity that has made him a fan favourite. It’s end-of-year triumph music: Igbo pride, Lagos confidence, and soft-life ambition rolled into one.

While many still want to see him stretch beyond his influences, “Chickendo” proves he’s mastered his lane. The next challenge is innovation, but for now, this one is a surefire December staple.

Khaid — Sorry I’m Not Sorry

The 22-year-old Nigerian prodigy, fresh off his introspective “Rover” collab with Ayo Maff earlier this year, flips the script here: no more brooding over lost loves; this is a pure, unfiltered declaration of independence. Khaid switches gears and stands firm on “Sorry I’m Not Sorry“, a two-minute burst of self-respect and youthful defiance. Known for his emo-Afropop blend — pain wrapped in melody — he flips the script here with a track that feels like closure, confidence, and catharsis rolled into one.

The production is bright and buoyant, almost deceptively cheerful for the lyrical weight underneath it. Vibrant drums, slick synths, and a restless bounce carry his airy falsetto as he shrugs off toxicity and emotional baggage with a cool, almost playful detachment.

It’s a manifesto: no apologies, no overthinking, no returning to old versions of himself. The hook is a sticky chant waiting to explode on timelines, a Gen-Z rallying cry delivered in a style that balances swagger with sensitivity.

Khaid has carved out a lane that merges dancefloor energy with emotional honesty. “Sorry I’m Not Sorry” feels like a sharpening of that identity — punchy, catchy, and primed for both playlists and Instagram captions.

Tekno — Don’t Stop

Tekno taps back into his pop-savant bag with “Don’t Stop“, a flirtatious, high-energy single that proves he hasn’t lost an ounce of his touch. Even after navigating vocal challenges and sonic shifts in the industry, Tekno’s formula remains bulletproof: keep it simple, keep it catchy, keep it groovy.

Self-produced as expected, the track leans on bubbling percussion, crisp synths, and a bassline built to move waistlines. Tekno understands negative space better than most — he leaves room for the beat to breathe while stacking seductive ad-libs and cheeky melodic runs that turn the track into a dancefloor whisper.

Vocally, he sounds playful and mischievous, gliding through lines soaked in Pidgin romance and sly innuendo. It’s classic Tekno territory: sensual without sweat, catchy without clutter, and flirtatious without forcing it.

“Don’t Stop” reinforces why he remains one of Afropop’s most consistent hitmakers. Not every track needs to chase new trends — sometimes the original formula is still the strongest.

TxC, Davido, Shoday, Scotts Maphuma, Zlatan, AI Xapo — Nakupenda

“Nakupenda” is a pan-African house party disguised as a single — a thunderous five-minute celebration where Johannesburg’s bass-heavy Amapiano heartbeat meets Lagos’ melodic swagger. With TxC leading the charge and Davido, Zlatan, Shoday, Scotts Maphuma, and AI Xapo all showing up in peak form, the track is engineered for the global dancefloor.

TxC lays the foundation: thick log drums, hypnotic synth curls, and a deep, rolling bassline that never lets the tempo dip. Davido opens with smooth, melodic assurance, immediately elevating the track’s mainstream appeal. Zlatan follows with the kind of rowdy, percussive delivery that turns any song into a street anthem. Shoday adds sweetness and next-gen emotion, while Maphuma and Xapo weave in additional texture and rap-coded grit.

Despite the star power, nothing feels overcrowded. Every act gets their moment, and the chemistry is the glue. Swahili, Pidgin, English — the languages fold seamlessly into one another, creating a universal love anthem rooted in rhythm, movement, and collaboration.

“Nakupenda” beyond a new music Friday release, shows Amapiano and Afrobeats are no longer cousins; they’re collaborators. And this track is exactly what December needed: love as groove, unity as bassline.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

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Beyond its refreshing burst of energy, “Rover” carries sticky production and equally catchy lyrics — qualities that have come to define Khaid’s music — making it instantly addictive. His lush vocals radiate a warmth that sits comfortably on Bolabmh’s bubbly production as he opens the two-minute track reflecting on a short-lived past love. He finds solace in drugs before ushering listeners into a chorus that’s as infectious as it is memorable: “I dey for back seat of my rover, with my dealer we dey talk about the mulla, but you dey for back seat of your rover with Anita wey you jam for Ipaja.”

Khaid’s opening verse sets a solid template for guest artiste Ayo Maff, whose delivery becomes the perfect icing on this sonic cake “Rover” is shaping up to be. As the song unfolds, it becomes clear that Khaid and Ayo Maff’s intent is to create a hustle anthem — one with a celebratory tone rather than the gritty desperation typical of such records. Ayo Maff continues Khaid’s legacy of prioritizing financial stability over heartbreak. “Hasta la fuego, hasta la fuego, omo wetin dey sup / Mo wo Telemundo, mo wo Telemundo, omo I no fit chop / Say me I’ve had enough, who said money can’t buy love,” he sings, his cadence smooth as silk, trading affection for ambition.

The energy stays buoyant as Khaid returns with a message of staying true to hard work and the grind, reflecting on the “becoming” days that shaped him. He closes out the delicious record with a final reprise of the now-familiar chorus, sealing “Rover” as an anthem that blends ambition, rhythm, and the unmistakable joy of self-made success.

With “Rover,” Khaid once again proves his versatility and instinct for sonic reinvention. The song bridges introspection and celebration, heartbreak and hustle, a balance that only few young artists can pull off so effortlessly. It’s the sound of a rising star still evolving, yet completely in tune with his generation’s pulse.

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Get Better – Zlatan ft. Fola

Following a string of pivotal moments in his career and his confirmation under Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda’s label, fast-rising star Fola has released his first single of 2025, featuring rapper Zlatan. The song comes just months after his six-track EP in December, which featured his breakout single and its remix, alongside standout tracks like ‘bye bye’ and ‘who does that?’ featuring label boss Bella Shmurda.

On ‘Get Better’, a hustler’s anthem of relentless ambition, Fola shares his desires for the finer things in life while emphasizing the effort it takes to attain them. The theme of hustle comes naturally to both artists—given their shared grass-to-grace stories—with a sublime delivery that strengthens the song’s overarching message. Get Better is many things at once: reassuring, inspiring, and a call to remain steadfast in the pursuit of success. Zlatan’s verse is compelling, reinforcing the song’s message with his masterful cadence: “Dangote still striking deals, Adeleke just buy new jet and you say make my grind reduce (for where), I don see who get before wey no get again na why my morale dey boost, My soldier dey shine e boot.” Fola cradles the concept of Get Better in the hook, singing: “I just want things to get better, ko po ko dun kpa, Me I’ve been working, mo need cheddar, ani mo fe buga, Iye Iye Iye, I swear I can’t deny.”

I No Be God – LADIPOE

It’s fascinating how LADIPOE can rap-sing about virtually any subject matter he chooses. Though he is known for taking long breaks between releases, in recent times—particularly in 2024—he has been more active, dropping three singles, with the latest addition being ‘I No Be God’. This could hint at an impending LADIPOE project, or perhaps he’s simply overloading fans with music, reminiscent of his Revival Sundays era. LADIPOE kicked off 2024 with ‘Hallelujah’, a song of resilience laced with powerful rap bars in June, followed by ‘Compose’, a love-struck track featuring the talented taves, and later capped the year with ‘EKWE’ alongside Adekunle Gold and Kel-P.

I No Be God is a vulnerable love letter—an open confession to a lover—exploring how life’s imperfections can interfere with an otherwise perfect relationship. The track opens with a vibrant guitar progression, escorted by hard-hitting bass and soulful vocals, as the chorus unfolds: “I no be God, I be somebody’s son, I no fit to answer whenever you call me, only because I’m in love, I’m in love, I getty shoulder whenever you worry, I don’t care, when nobody dey, me I go dey, ’cause you want me, I’ll be there when you call my name, Yes, I’ll be there in a hurry.” LADIPOE openly acknowledges the burdens he carries but reassures his partner that his shoulders will always be hers to lean on, using every line to plead for understanding.

Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko) – Lady Donli

Lady Donli, known for her soulful fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and funk, has added yet another classic to her discography with her first release of 2025, ‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’. Over a funky, jazz-infused production rich with delicious guitar licks, she delivers a heartfelt expression of love, her melodies wrapping around the song’s warm instrumentation like a gentle embrace.

‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’ captures a love story slowly turning sour, though Donli struggles to pinpoint exactly why. A relationship filled with beautiful moments can be difficult to let go of, and so she pleads, “Can you keep on loving me (biko biko)” repeatedly, her voice carrying the weight of desperation and longing. With this release, Lady Donli continues to carve her place in the industry, showcasing her soulful vocals and eclectic sound. If you’re planning a long drive this weekend, ‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’ might just be the perfect soundtrack to unwind to.

For You — Khaid

Tossing another release into his emotive songs bag, Khaid’s ‘For You‘ is a passionate burst of desire and affection, with each word pouring out with sincerity on the wings of emotion. His velvety vocals glide over the mellow production, heightening the weight of his devotion. “Tell me if you dey like I really dey for you, Oh like I dey for you, Omo yanga dey for two, I fit to risk am for your sake, So make you no dey carry do, Omo no April fool, Wait till I get my hands on you,” he sings, laying bare his yearning. The track leans into the delicate balance between vulnerability and reassurance, making it a heartfelt addition to Khaid’s growing repertoire of love-centered records.

Hey Jago — Poco Lee

Hypeman and celebrity Poco Lee has teamed up with rising street pop artist Shoday to release a song dedicated to fashion entrepreneur Rahman Jago and the city he grew up in. Produced by X, ‘Hey Jago’, like every typical street pop track, is an energetic party starter, blending raw street energy with a pulsating beat. Shoday handles the verses, infusing melody with streetwise grit, while Poco Lee delivers a combination of hypeverse and slang that transforms the track into a rallying anthem. Teased heavily in the previous week, ‘Hey Jago’ capitalizes on the momentum built from snippet videos, ensuring an instant connection with fans who thrive on its infectious vibe. With its mix of street lingo and high-energy delivery, the track is poised to find its place in clubs and parties across the scene.

LISTEN TO: Zlatan, LADIPOE, Poco Lee and others on New Music Friday

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Akanchawa – Qing Madi

As she gears up to unveil her highly anticipated debut album on January 31st, Qing Madi has released another single, adding to her two previous lead singles, to give listeners a taste of what to expect. Just four days ago, she released ‘Favorite Psycho,’ a soul-stirring ballad delivered with an Afro-R&B flair, and ‘Goosebumps,’ one of her best releases, in October 2025—both are expected to feature on her forthcoming album, ‘I Am The Blueprint.’

Her latest release, “Akanchawa,” is a tender song set against vibrant guitars and a cadenced production that keeps the listener preoccupied with thoughts of their lover. As usual, Qing Madi is willing to risk it all for her lover on “Akanchawa.” An added incentive is that you can listen to Qing Madi’s “Akanchawa” alongside ‘Goosebumps’ as a two-pack single.

Green Light – DJ Kaywise, Black Sherif, Buju Banton

When Dancehall meets Afrobeats, the sonic result is always pleasing. With his latest record, DJ Kaywise recruits Black Sherif from Ghana and legendary Jamaican singer Buju Banton. Not only is the timing of the release perfect—with the message emphasizing an intense drive and a mind determined to achieve a goal—but the A&R for the song did a remarkable job, finding a common characteristic between Black Sherif’s and Buju Banton’s music: a powerful, piercing delivery of whatever message they aim to convey.

Dance – Rose May Alaba, TAR1Q

Rose May Alaba collaborates with rising Afro-Pop/Afro-R&B sensation TAR1Q on the log drum-laden “Dance.” The production significantly uplifted her delivery and the choral effect of the chorus, creating a celebratory atmosphere. TAR1Q’s verse complements Rose May Alaba’s, as he introduces a unique melody, seamlessly blending with the production. There’s no doubt TAR1Q’s vocals enhance this song, elevating it to another level. As the title of Alaba’s latest release suggests, if you’re looking to start or end your weekend in high spirits, simply “Dance.”

Broken – Godwin, KITSCHKRIEG

Godwin, the 23-year-old musician from Kaduna, Nigeria, adds another soulful tune to his Afro-R&B repertoire with “Broken.” Rendered with prominent guitar and mellow production, Godwin chronicles a heart-wrenching love story that, although it didn’t begin that way, has now hit rock bottom. In the chorus, he expresses his willingness to fix her, believing she’s broken inside. Despite the heavy weight Godwin conveys, he manages to bring listeners into his world and allow them to feel what he feels through an impeccable delivery.

PRAY – Carter Efe, Khaid

Carter Efe and Khaid open the year with a groovy performance that is sure to top charts if promoted effectively. The collaboration, which would have been even more impactful if released earlier, perhaps in December, features Khaid gliding with impressive timing and cadence on the pacy production, laced with subtle log drums. The Afro-Pop record is a vibrant anthem of joy and indulgence, celebrating life’s pleasures with infectious energy. It’s a feel-good track that invites listeners to revel in moments of success, carefree vibes, and the thrill of living in the moment, all set against a backdrop of upbeat rhythms and celebratory lyrics.

LISTEN TO THE FULL PLAYLIST BELOW

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