FOLA & Ayra Starr — “TREAT U RIGHT“

There is a noticeable confidence in the way FOLA has approached every release over the past year. Rather than chasing loud moments, he has gradually built a reputation around melody, emotional songwriting and records that feel lived in. “TREAT U RIGHT” continues that trajectory, but with an even bigger statement: his chemistry with Ayra Starr feels two artists naturally finding each other’s musical language. The record arrived shortly after Ayra Starr’s own prior collab with FOLA providing background vocals on “Tornado.” 

From the opening seconds, ‘TREAT U RIGHT’ settles into an easy-going Afropop groove built on soft percussion, warm chords and an understated bounce. The instrumental leaves enough breathing room for both vocalists to glide comfortably through the record. FOLA is the emotional anchor, his songwriting leaning toward reassurance rather than flamboyance, and here he makes simple promises sound believable. Singing partly in Yoruba, Pidgin and English, he frames love as consistency, every melody feeling conversational, almost like he’s thinking aloud.

That restraint which distinguishes his discography becomes one of the song’s greatest strengths.

Ayra Starr glides in straddling the atmosphere. Rather than arriving with an explosive vocal run, she slides effortlessly into the record, matching FOLA’s softness while adding her own unmistakable personality. Her verse carries the confidence listeners have come to associate with her, balancing flirtation with emotional self-awareness. Her delivery carries an elegance in that prevents the collaboration from becoming another predictable Afrobeats love duet. 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of ‘TREAT U RIGHT‘ is how naturally both artists complement one another. Their voices mesh seamlessly herewith Ayra Starr’s ‘Tornado’ being a sneak peek of the possibilities in their chemistry. FOLA’s tender tone allows Ayra’s slightly sharper vocal texture to shine, their voices meeting somewhere in the middle, creating harmonies that feel organic.

Lyrically, the song revolves around reassurance, emotional availability, and treating a partner with care. These aren’t groundbreaking themes within Afrobeats, but FOLA and Ayra Starr make them engaging through conversational writing and believable performances.

‘TREAT U RIGHT’ succeeds because it sounds intentional. The chemistry is believable, the songwriting remains focused, and neither artist sacrifices their individuality to accommodate the other. It is an easy listen on first play with its replay value lies in the melodic restraint, the conversational songwriting, and the comfort both artists have found within the same sonic space.

Jorja Smith ft. Wizkid — “Alive”

British R&B powerhouse Jorja Smith teams up with Afrobeats superstar Wizkid on “Alive”, the lead single from her highly anticipated third studio album ‘What Are The Odds’. Jorja Smith, known for her soul-stirring vocals and introspective songwriting, brings emotional depth and effortless cool. Wizkid, the global Afrobeats ambassador with undeniable melodic charm, adds his signature smooth flair, and together, they create pure magic.

Produced by P2J with mixing by Sam Harper and mastering by Prash “Engine-Earz” Mistry) “Alive” clocks in at a breezy 3:27. It’s built on hypnotic percussion, warm basslines, subtle Afrobeats rhythms, and lush, atmospheric production that feels both intimate and expansive. Jorja Smith’s velvety vocals lead the way, while Wizkid’s verse injects rhythmic bounce and playful energy—a seamless fusion that highlights their complementary styles.

The song has that late-night, lights-low vibe: sensual but never over-the-top, celebrating the honeymoon phase of attraction with the confident lyrics Jorja opens with: “All night, you make me feel so alive/Don’t stop, oh, you’re doing it right/You make me feel so alive/We be up all night, her verses expressing longing and commitment. Wizkid arrives exactly where the song needs him; his melodic cadence is understated, almost conversational, floating over the production with the effortless calm that has become one of his strongest artistic trademarks, reinforcing the mood the song has already established. Their performances feel collaborative in the truest sense, each creating space for the other. Jorja provides emotional texture while Wizkid brings rhythmic fluidity, resulting in a record that feels cohesive from beginning to end. 

Alive focuses on emotional presence, companionship and finding peace in another person. Those themes are expressed with enough sincerity to feel believable, even if they aren’t particularly groundbreaking. The song understands that not every love record needs high emotional stakes; sometimes comfort itself is compelling. Its minimalist approach leaves plenty of room for silence between melodies, allowing the vocals to breathe naturally. Every element feels intentionally placed, from the soft drum patterns to the understated bassline and ambient textures. Nothing fights for attention, making the listening experience feel immersive.

Reekado Banks — “Worthy Challenger” (EP)

Reekado Banks drops his new 5-track EP ‘Worthy Challenger’. Clocking in at just under 13 minutes, the project serves as a concise, confident return to form for the Afrobeats veteran, packed with catchy melodies, dance-ready grooves, and a clear nod to his chart-dominating prime.

Reekado Banks (Richard Isong) burst onto the scene in the 2010s with massive hits like “Ore Mi,” “Beamer,” and Mavin-era anthems that made him a household name. After a period of relative quiet, ‘Worthy Challenger’ feels like a deliberate reassertion inspired by responding to Burna Boy’s 2020 “not a worthy challenger” comment while delivering music that prioritizes vibes, replay value, and club energy over lengthy introspection.

The EP is short and sweet, leaning into polished Afrobeats with melodic hooks, percussive rhythms, and Reekado Banks’ signature smooth, emotive delivery. The EP opens with “Samankwe”: an energetic opener with infectious rhythms and playful lyrics, “She Is Mine” is a smooth and romantic, while “Mathematician”: carries clever wordplay and rhythmic flow, showcasing Reekado Banks’ lyrical side alongside the grooves. “Mercy” is a mid-tempo plea or celebration, blending emotion with danceability. “Nobody” with Libianca is the emotional closer and standout feature. Libianca’s soulful tones pair beautifully with Reekado Banks for a heartfelt, anthemic finish that elevates the project.

Production keeps things tight with vibrant percussion, warm melodies, and layered vocals that echo Reekado’s golden era while feeling fresh for 2026. It’s purposeful hit-making designed to remind everyone why he was once untouchable on the charts. The title is a direct, cheeky response to past jabs with a humorous hint at a follow-up called “Clout Animal” referencing old Wizkid drama. “Worthy Challenger” is Reekado Banks doing what he does best: delivering polished, hook-heavy Afrobeats that moves bodies and hearts. And at just five tracks, it avoids bloat and focuses on strengths.

Frenna, Odeal & Wizkid — “Coca Body”

On paper, Frenna, Odeal, and Wizkid sound like an effortless combination. All three artists thrive in music that prioritizes melody, groove and understated charisma over excess, making “Coca Body” feel less like a surprise collaboration and more like one that was always waiting to happen. The result is a smooth, late-night record that comfortably blurs the lines between Afrobeats, Afro-R&B and contemporary soul.

Coca Body wastes little time establishing its mood. The production settles into a silky rhythm driven by mellow percussion, rich basslines and soft guitar textures that immediately evoke warmth. Rather than chasing the high-energy bounce that often defines Afrobeats, the instrumental leans into sensuality, creating a laid-back atmosphere where every vocal performance has room to breathe.

Frenna sets the tone with confidence. His delivery carries the relaxed swagger that has long defined his music, approaching romance with effortless charm instead of exaggerated bravado. He glides through the production with melodic ease, making the opening feel inviting without trying to dominate the record. His performance establishes the song’s central mood before handing it over naturally to his collaborators.

Odeal feels right at home. Few artists in the current Afro-R&B space navigate intimacy as comfortably as he does, and “Coca Body” gives him another opportunity to showcase that strength. His voice introduces a gentle vulnerability that balances Frenna’s confidence, adding emotional texture without slowing the momentum. His phrasing is smooth, his melodies feel instinctive, and his presence deepens the song.

Then comes Wizkid. He folds seamlessly into the existing chemistry with his signature melodic cadence, subtle vocal inflections, and understated delivery reinforcing the song’s relaxed energy. There are no attempts to overpower and like his collaborators, he understands that Coca Body works best when every performance serves the atmosphere first.

That collective restraint becomes the song’s greatest strength. All three artists move through the production with remarkable cohesion, passing the record between themselves as though they had been performing together for years. Their contrasting vocal textures complement one another, giving the collaboration enough variety while maintaining a consistent emotional tone.

Lyrically, Coca Body embraces familiar themes of attraction, admiration and romance. The writing succeeds through personality and delivery. The title itself celebrates beauty with warmth while the verses maintain a flirtatious, organic confidence.

For Frenna, “Coca Body” highlights his ability to bridge European Afrobeats with the broader global sound. Odeal continues to cement his reputation as one of the most compelling voices operating between Afrobeats and alternative R&B, while Wizkid once again demonstrates why he remains one of the genre’s most reliable collaborators.

“Coca Body” appeal lies in its atmosphere, polished vocal performances and the effortless chemistry between three artists who understand that sometimes the strongest records are the ones that never try too hard.

Joshua Baraka — “What Do I Know?”

New Music Friday brings emotional depth courtesy of Ugandan talent Joshua Baraka and his new single “What Do I Know?”. The track marks an introspective solo return for the rising star following collaborations and his debut album Juvie. Few artists in East Africa have experienced the kind of upward trajectory Joshua Baraka has enjoyed over the past two years. From Nana to Wrong Places and his debut album Juvie, the Ugandan singer has steadily built a reputation for writing emotionally transparent records that blur Afro-pop, R&B and soul. “What Do I Know?”, his latest release, continues that introspective streak, trading grand statements for quiet self-reflection.

From the opening moments, the record establishes an atmosphere of vulnerability. The production is deliberately restrained, built around warm chords, soft percussion and subtle rhythmic textures that leave plenty of room for Joshua Baraka’s voice. Rather than leaning on infectious hooks from the outset, the instrumental unfolds patiently, inviting listeners into the emotional space before the melody fully settles.

Joshua Baraka sounds remarkably comfortable in that space. His greatest strength has never been vocal acrobatics but emotional honesty, and “What Do I Know?” leans heavily into that quality. His delivery feels conversational, almost as though he’s processing his thoughts in real time. Every line carries a quiet uncertainty that makes the songwriting feel believable. That uncertainty becomes the song’s central theme. Instead of presenting himself as someone with all the answers, Joshua Baraka explores the confusion that often accompanies love, growth and self-discovery. The title itself captures that tension. It’s less a rhetorical question than an admission that not every emotion arrives with clarity.

Melodically, the record is understated but memorable. Joshua Baraka avoids overcrowding the song with unnecessary vocal runs, allowing simple melodies to do the emotional heavy lifting. Every element feels intentionally placed. The percussion remains gentle throughout, while ambient textures and carefully layered harmonies create depth without distracting from the vocal performance. The arrangement gives the song an intimacy that many contemporary Afro-pop releases often sacrifice in pursuit of bigger moments.

More importantly, the single reinforces why Joshua Baraka continues to emerge as one of Africa’s most compelling young songwriters. And while “What Do I Know?” may not be designed for instant viral moments, but it possesses the qualities that often give songs a longer shelf life. It is thoughtful, emotionally grounded and quietly captivating—another reminder that Joshua Baraka’s greatest asset is his ability to make uncertainty sound beautiful.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST

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10. Crayon

Crayon carved a vital niche in Mavin’s modern roster during his tenure, delivering consistent commercial output and collaborative synergy that bolstered the label’s depth in the streaming era, with a catalogue that approached and surpassed 375 million streams. His versatility across melodic and street-edged sounds earned critical respect for artistic range, while his sustained presence and role in elevating the collective catalogue underscored strong longevity and label-specific value in keeping Mavin’s sound vibrant and competitive.

9. Ladipoe

Ladipoe has brought lyrical credibility and reliable consistency to Mavin’s lineup since 2017, bridging rap-sung hybrids with commercial and critical appeal. Standout releases like “Feeling” and frequent high-profile features have generated tens of millions in streams while earning respect for thoughtful songcraft, supporting the label’s group projects and expanding its sonic palette. His steady output and multi-year tenure reflect strong longevity on the roster and valuable label-specific contributions in maintaining Mavin’s reputation for quality and versatility amid the streaming era’s demands.

8. Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille exemplifies Mavin’s emphasis on artistic longevity and sonic diversity, his 2017 signing yielding the most consistent catalogue presence among current signees. Through multiple acclaimed albums, the enduring “Johnny’s Room Live” series, and loyal fan engagement that translates to sustained streams and touring, he has maintained relevance across shifting industry tides. While his numbers are more niche than the global stars, his distinctive alternative-R&B fusion earns critical admiration and adds essential label-specific depth, proving Mavin’s ability to nurture enduring talents beyond viral hits.

7. Dr. SID

Dr SID earns his place as a key architect of Mavin’s inaugural era, delivering standout individual hits like the anthemic “Surulere” (with Don Jazzy) and carrying forward melodic Afro-pop excellence from Mo’ Hits into the new label via Solar Plexus and features. His awards (Soundcity, NMVA), production-savvy style, and enduring catalogue resonance (millions of streams on classics like “Over The Moon”) reflect a personal hit-making legacy and cultural impact as one of the first faces of Mavin, even as later acts surpassed him in streaming volume.

6. Korede Bello

Korede Bello delivered some of Mavin’s most iconic early commercial moments, his 2014 signing producing hits like “Godwin”, the Headies Best Pop Single winner, and the RIAA Gold-certified “Do Like That” that became the label’s highest-certified digital single at the time. Those breakthroughs, alongside group anthems and Nigeria Teen Choice recognition, anchored Mavin’s formative wave and drove significant local sales and cultural resonance in the pre-streaming-to-digital transition. Though his later catalogue is smaller, the foundational impact and label-defining hits secure his place as an essential architect of the brand’s early success.

5. Reekado Banks

Reekado Banks defined Mavin’s breakthrough mid-2010s phase with explosive early commercial success and award-winning momentum that helped solidify the label’s reputation before the global streaming boom. His 2016 album Spotlight cracked the top 10 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, while signature hits and the Headies Next Rated crown (plus Rookie of the Year honours) drove massive local and regional dominance during his 2014–early-2020s tenure. That era-spanning impact, paired with his anchoring role in iconic group records like “Dorobucci”, reflects high cultural and label-specific value as one of the acts who put Mavin on Nigeria’s map, even as later artists eclipsed his raw streaming totals.

4. Wande Coal

Wande Coal earns a rightful top-tier spot for his individual vocal mastery and foundational influence on the “Mavin sound”, even with a shorter direct tenure (2012–2014). His Mo’ Hits-to-Mavin transition carried iconic artistry forward—hits like those from Mushin 2 Mo’ Hits remain revered benchmarks for Afrobeats crooning and production—while his overall career (650+ million Spotify streams, enduring monthly listeners in the millions, and legend status affirmed by peers) reflects elite individual achievement. He embodies the label’s early prestige as a hitmaker and vocal benchmark, outweighing longer-but-less-iconic runs in pure artistic legacy.

3. Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr embodies Mavin’s evolution into a global critical and commercial powerhouse; her meteoric rise since her 2021 signing delivers the label’s most potent blend of streams, acclaim, and generational influence. Clocking more than 3.4 billion total Spotify streams in just a handful of years—with her album The Year I Turned 21 alone, surpassing one billion, and “Rush” becoming the most-streamed solo track by any Nigerian female artist—she earned a historic Grammy nomination in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category. Her international chart dominance, Latin Diamond RIAA certification for “Santa”, and role as the youngest African female to crack major global playlists underscore profound cultural impact, while her rapid yet sustained output affirms both longevity on the roster and the label-defining prestige of elevating Mavin’s female artistry to worldwide stages.

2. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage is the irreplaceable foundation stone of Mavin Records, the artist whose longevity and cultural authority from the label’s 2012 inception bridged the pre-streaming and digital eras with unmatched authority. As the first major signee and self-crowned Queen of Afrobeats, she racked up over 800 million career Spotify streams while delivering era-defining albums like R.E.D and anchoring collective anthems such as “Dorobucci”; her trailblazing awards haul—including the first MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act by a woman—cemented Mavin’s early prestige and Nigerian dominance. Her enduring influence as a role model for African female pop stars and her pivotal role in establishing the label’s brand give her unmatched label-specific value, even as streaming metrics favour later signees.

1. Rema

Rema stands unchallenged at the pinnacle of Mavin Records’ legacy, his dominance forged in the streaming era, where pure commercial metrics reign supreme. With over 5.9 billion total Spotify streams—including lead streams exceeding 5 billion—and “Calm Down” (featuring Selena Gomez) becoming the first African-led track to surpass one billion streams while peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, he delivered the label’s single greatest global breakthrough. That record-shattering run, coupled with his RIAA Gold-certified album Rave & Roses, a sold-out O2 Arena headline, and recent AFRIMA sweeps, including Artiste of the Year, cements his unmatched cultural impact as the artist who propelled Afrobeats into mainstream American consciousness; his label-specific value is incalculable, as Mavin’s UMG majority investment and worldwide expansion were built on the foundation he laid since signing in 2019.

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After years outside of mainstream conversation—following a run of celebrated early albums and hits—the Port Harcourt first son re-entered the spotlight through powerful collaborations and unforgettable verses that reminded the music world of his sonic prowess

What made this comeback so refreshing was its substance over strategies. Rather than relying on artificial media stunts or fleeting social media moments, Duncan Mighty returned with voice, lyrical depth, and a commanding presence that cut across generational tastes and industry silos.

A Hiatus, Then a Renaissance

Before 2018, Duncan Mighty enjoyed early acclaim with critically loved albums like ‘Fully Loaded (Koliwater)’ in 2009 and ‘Legacy (Ahamefuna)’ in 2010 — the latter fuelling tracks such as “Obianuju” and “Port Harcourt Son”, staples in Nigerian music history. After that peak, his national visibility waned as newer acts rose and the industry shifted toward faster-paced pon-pon beats. By 2017, many considered him a regional favourite rather than a mainstream force. 

Then came 2018.

Then, in 2018, an unexpected wave of high-profile features catapulted him back into the spotlight, earning him praise as one of Afrobeats’ greatest comeback stories. With the release of “Fake Love” featuring Wizkid, Duncan Mighty exploded back into relevance. Wizkid’s melodic prowess perfectly met Duncan Mighty’s raw, emotive verse, creating a track that dominated airwaves and reaffirmed Mighty’s relevance. That single kickstarted what many media outlets would later call a career renaissance.

In interviews following the track’s success, Duncan Mighty himself credited Wizkid for helping rekindle his broader appeal, by showcasing his enduring talent to a wider audience. Once the momentum began, Duncan Mighty became one of the most sought-after featured artists in Nigeria. His voice, lyrical flair, and distinct blend of Ikwerre-infused melodies made his verses not just welcome but coveted on records across the industry. 

Here are some of the key songs that defined Duncan Mighty’s collaboration surge in 2018:

 Standout Collaborations

“Fake Love” – Wizkid feat. Duncan Mighty

This track ignited everything. Produced by Killertunes, it pairs Wizkid’s smooth R&B vibes with Duncan Mighty’s heartfelt chorus and verse. Duncan’s lines about loyalty and fake relationships resonate deeply, and his melodic ad-libs elevate the song into an anthem. “Fake Love” topped charts, racked up millions of streams, and became the blueprint for the resurgence. Duncan himself credited it as the spark. Without this surprise Wizkid collaboration, the 2018 wave might never have happened. It’s the standout—soulful, replayable, and the perfect reintroduction.

“Aza” – DMW feat. Davido, Peruzzi & Duncan Mighty

Davido assembled his DMW crew, Peruzzi and himself with Duncan Mighty for this boastful money anthem. Produced by Fresh VDM, Duncan Mighty’s melodic bridge ties it together amid the energetic verses. It became a street favourite, proving his versatility beyond romance into braggadocio.

“Flenjo” – Lil Kesh feat. Duncan Mighty

Lil Kesh closed the wave with this laid-back, enjoyment-focused track, produced by Rexxie. “Flenjo” means “enjoy yourself”, and Duncan’s relaxed verse embodies that vibe perfectly. A fan favourite for its beer-parlour appeal, it capped Duncan Mighty’s run on a high note.

“Lova Lova” – Tiwa Savage feat. Duncan Mighty

Tiwa Savage’s sultry vocals meet Duncan Mighty’s charming response in this highlife-tinged duet. Lines like comparing love to “oil spillage” showcase playful chemistry. A massive hit blending Afrobeat and highlife, it dominated radio and clubs. Duncan Mighty holds his own against Nigeria’s leading lady, making it a resurgence highlight.

“Bio Bio” – Reekado Banks feat. Duncan Mighty

Reekado Banks tapped Duncan for this upbeat, dance-ready cut shortly after “Fake Love”. Duncan’s opening hook and playful verse add infectious energy, turning a solid track into a party staple.

The chemistry shines: Reekado’s youthfulness meets Duncan’s maturity. It kept the momentum going, showing his feature wasn’t a fluke.

“Gimme Love” – DJ Xclusive feat. Duncan Mighty

DJ Xclusive delivered a groovy, mid-tempo lover’s plea here. Duncan’s passionate delivery on the chorus—“Gimme love, make I feel alright” makes it irresistible. Self-produced with masterful mixing, it highlights Duncan’s ability to enhance romantic tracks. A solid entry that reinforced his hot streak.

“Uju (Remix)” – B-Red feat. Duncan Mighty

B-Red remixed his earlier single “Uju” by adding Duncan Mighty, transforming it into a bigger hit. Duncan Mighty’s verse and backing vocals bring emotional weight and cultural flair. This under-the-radar gem exemplifies how his presence upgraded good songs to great ones, especially in love-themed Afrobeats.

Overall Impact

What made this resurgence surprising? Duncan Mighty hadn’t released a major solo hit in years, yet starting in mid-2018, top artists sought his signature touch—his emotive hooks, cultural depth from the Niger Delta, and effortless blend of romance and street wisdom. His collaborations injected freshness into a scene growing formulaic, proving his style remained timeless.

Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence was surprising because it felt organic yet explosive—driven by one viral collaboration that snowballed into a movement. In an era when many artists revive careers with contrived narratives or overexposure tactics, Duncan Mighty’s 2018 resurgence is a testament to artistry and respect — and a reminder that a powerful verse still speaks louder than any marketing ploy.  The “Port Harcourt First Son” reminded everyone why he was mighty in the first place. Many of these remain classics, and his comeback stands as a testament to talent enduring beyond trends.

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Bout U – Rema

For this week’s New Music Friday, Rema takes the lead with his new R&B-leaning single “Bout U,” which he teased a week ago across his socials. The release comes less than a month after his first single of 2025, “Baby (Is It A Crime),” which sent fans into an absolute frenzy and held the internet in earnest anticipation. The track, which sampled Sade Adu’s iconic vocals on her song ‘Is It A Crime’, has gone on to accumulate over 34 million streams on Spotify alone. But Rema wasn’t done making a statement about his artistic ambidexterity.

Having just released a polarizing album built heavily on upbeat Afrobeats percussion reminiscent of the 2010s—the previous year’s sophomore project ‘Heis‘—Rema’s second official release of 2025 offers a clearer hint at the direction of his sound. Known for his audacious approach to music and his knack for unconventional sonics—a reputation that has followed him since his 2019 debut—it’s no surprise the Nigerian pop star is switching things up and embracing the lover boy lore and R&B exploration.

“Bout U,” like his first single this year, revisits earlier glimpses of this side of Rema seen on his debut album, except now, they’re refined Afro-R&B offerings distilled for a more inclusive global audience. The track opens with an electric guitar riff that immediately lights up the listener’s ears and sets the tone before a love-consumed Rema serenades his muse with an uncanny delivery of desire and devotion. On a hip-hop-esque production, with guitar riffs adding a romantic tinge, Rema dwells on the physique of his muse with high hopes for what they could share, gliding between singer and rapper with the signature flair his longtime collaborator London brings: “this love affair got me living in the clouds, living in the clouds.”

Unlike the first verse, which comes with a rap flow and rhythmic jabs, the second verse leans more melodic and reassuring, as he makes heartfelt promises to his lover—clearly hoping to make what they share worthwhile—as he croons, “There’s something about you.” Beyond Rema’s braggadocious tracks like the big four-proclaiming “Hehe” his 2025 releases demonstrate artistic superiority among peers, largely through sheer range.

Mukutu – Reekado Banks

The culture of snippets is great for gauging fan reception and getting insights into how well a release might perform. But what’s even better is when those snippets evolve into strong, full-length records—rather than being just another case of a great snippet, terrible song.

A week ago, Nigerian singer and 2015 Headies Next Rated award winner Reekado Banks teased “Mukutu,” a song marking his first release of the year. Its catchy rhyme scheme, infectious chorus, and the masterful improvisation of log drums instantly struck a chord with fans across his social media platforms—culminating in its New Music Friday drop.

“Mukutu” is a product of creative freedom, with Reekado Banks exploring different flows that feel almost detached yet cohesively tied together within the lush ambience of log drums. On this track, he expresses a desire for an easy-going life, hinting at a hedonistic lifestyle while making clear his preference for chasing wealth over chasing trouble.

Police – Kizz Daniel ft Angeliue Kidjo, Johnny Drille

After postponing his ‘Uncle K‘ album originally slated for November 2024 due to undisclosed reasons, Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel has made a comeback. He returned by pulling earlier rollout posts from Instagram and announcing a new release date: May 24. What was initially meant to be a four-track EP featuring Victony, Runtown, and Phyno now appears to be expanding into a full-length studio album.

According to updates from his camp, Kizz Daniel plans to release a new track every week leading up to the ‘Uncle K‘ album drop—roughly seven lead singles—with “Police,” featuring Angélique Kidjo and Johnny Drille, as the first.

Over a dance-inducing, mid-tempo production helmed by M.O.G Beatz, Johnny Drille, and Blaisebeatz, Kizz Daniel and his collaborators explore themes of devotion and love in his signature rhythmic style that resonates effortlessly with mainstream audiences. “Police” is a heartfelt ode to commitment, with “Abena”—an Akan name for females born on Tuesday—symbolizing the love subject across the three verses.

The track opens with a brief choral harmony before Kizz Daniel and Johnny Drille confess how everything else becomes secondary when their lover is around, tapping into the emotions of a hopeless romantic amid layered percussions, shakers, and log drums. Angélique Kidjo’s contribution, though brief, is striking—her powerful vocals add gravitas. As ‘Uncle K‘ approaches, lead singles like “Police” are essential to the storytelling arc, offering glimpses of what’s to come.

Forever Getting It (Album) – Lil Kesh

Bred and nurtured by the streets, Lil Kesh’s rise to fame and success has been due to many things—but above all, his talent and connection to the street. Since his emergence under the YBNL imprint, courtesy of indigenous rap legend Olamide, Lil Kesh has built a reputation for crafting anthems that reflect the raw, sometimes immoral, but always relatable realities of the streets.

With ‘Forever Getting It (FGI)‘—his third studio album and a titular nod to his debut Young and Getting It (YAGI)—Lil Kesh revives familiar elements with the same artistic vibrancy that marked his YBNL days. The seven-track project showcases hunger-fueled rap styles centered around introspection, hustle, fraud, and women—all executed with his decade-old flair for hit-making.

The album kicks off with “More Money More Life,” a reflective track on his journey and rise in class, attributing his wealth to internet fraud: “More money more life, everyday we online.” On the upbeat, dance-commanding “No Disorder”—a lead single—Lil Kesh shines, interpolating “Shele Gan Gan,” which he reprises again on “Lifestyle” as the album progresses.

FGI could mean many things to Lil Kesh, but to the music scene, it’s a reminder that his greatness hasn’t waned. Features include Reekado Banks, Monaky, Fireboy DML, and Ayo Maff.

Dangbana Riddim – Bella Shmurda ft Fola

Is a label project brewing? We certainly wouldn’t mind. For the second time, FOLA and his label boss Bella Shmurda showcase their undeniable chemistry on “Dangbana Riddim.” As the name implies, this lively track is made for both outdoor parties and at-home vibes.

Bella Shmurda and FOLA deliver compelling performances, their vocals standing out as the track’s highlight. They muse about all they’ll do to secure the bag and enjoy life. Beyond the synergy in their delivery, the production arrangement is airtight, featuring synchronized tom-tom drums and melodic guitar lines that make “Dangbana Riddim” the perfect soundtrack to your weekend.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY BELOW:

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