Olamide – Olamide (ALBUM)

YBNL boss and Afrobeats trailblazer Olamide returns with a self-titled project that marks a defining moment in his two-decade-long run. His 11th studio album, ‘Olamide’, is a 17-track testament to his staying power, not just as a rapper but as one of the most prolific artists in Nigerian music history. The album leans into themes of growth, triumph, and cultural pride, featuring an all-star cast that includes Wizkid on “Kai” and “Billionaires Club”, Seyi Vibez on “Free” and “99”, and global icons like Dr Dre on “Indika” and Popcaan. Built on the momentum of pre-released singles “Kai” and “99” — which brought together Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Daecolm — the project is both introspective and celebratory. Tracks like “Hasibunallah”, “Prelude”, and “Lalakipo” echo Olamide’s roots, while the presence of acts like Asake, Darkoo, and Muyeez reinforces his role as a tastemaker across generations.
Fresh off a Grammy nomination and a six-year streak of No. 1 singles in Nigeria, Olamide’s timing couldn’t be sharper. This album positions him firmly in the present, with a clear gaze toward global relevance. An album as confident as its name.

Amaarae – S.M.O

Following her exhilarating, statement-making performance as one of the headliners on the Gobi Stage at the 2025 Coachella Festival, Ghanaian pop star and rapper Amaarae has released her first single off her forthcoming album ‘BLACK STAR’ — a nod to her Ghanaian-African roots.

Amaarae, who teased the album title at Coachella with branded visuals and cut-out stars on a Hummer Jeep, has spent the past few months carefully rolling out the lead single “S.M.O” — from magazine covers to strategic event appearances. The track, an acronym for Slut Me Out, features Amaarae’s siren-like vocals coiling seductively around a heavily pop-influenced production. It’s a perplexing but strangely fluid blend of Ghanaian highlife, Detroit techno, and a vague gqom influence in its syncopation — and somehow, it all just works. On “S.M.O“, she sings about her muse with both bite and allure. 

Amaarae’s third studio album ‘BLACK STAR‘ arrives August 18, following the release of her EP Roses Are Red, Tears Are Blue — A Fountain Baby Extended Play. “S.M.O” is accompanied by a visually arresting music video, directed by Omar Jones, which leans into sensuality, mystique, and a moody aesthetic that perfectly matches the track’s vibe.

Victony – Glory

Victony has now released his first single of 2025, titled “Glory”, following the conclusion of his “Stubborn Tour” and a snippet of the song posted earlier this year. The drop marks the Afro-fusion, soul artist’s first solo offering since his debut album in June 2024 — feature appearances aside. Known for his powerful hooks and featherweight vocals, “Glory” sees Victony documenting personal musings on resilience and eventual triumph.

Themes from his debut album ‘Stubborn’ still linger, as Victony time-stamps tales of perseverance, gratitude, and hard-won glory through a visceral pen — one that tells it exactly as it is, with every delivery note. It’s clear that Victony is still steeped in the ‘Stubborn’ headspace, as the artwork for “Glory” echoes not just the themes but also the creative direction of the album. Perhaps a sequel to ‘Stubborn‘, whether in EP or LP form, is on the horizon, and “Glory” is simply the opening note.

Yemi Alade – My Padi

Yemi Alade’s “My Padi” is a radiant love anthem that showcases the extent she’s willing to go for her person, from “Puerto Rico to Okokomaiko”. Over a vibrant Afro-pop beat produced by 9fingers, she delivers sweet declarations of loyalty and devotion, wrapped in the kind of energy only she can command. Alade’s voice dances effortlessly across the beat, infusing the song with warmth and intention. It’s a feel-good music with purpose; a tad playful yet sincere. “My Padi” serves as her second official single of 2025 and builds anticipation for her upcoming project.

Muyeez – Mortal Kombat

Muyeez returns after a short break with “Mortal Kombat”, his first release of 2025, and it’s nothing short of a carefully curated street-R&B record. The Vibez Inc. standout taps into raw emotion and street-seasoned hunger, pairing his distinct vocals with Larrylanes’ high-stakes production. Over a bouncing, cinematic beat, Muyeez recounts his return to the grind, his focus on the bag, and the mental grit it takes to survive. His flows are confident, the hooks sticky, and the tone defiant, with a title that isn’t only catchy but also mirrors the song’s fighting spirit. Following his 2024 ‘Hat-Trick’ EP, “Mortal Kombat” reminds everyone why Muyeez isn’t a fluke but a promising star with so much to offer Afrobeats. Muyeez’s “Mortal Kombat” is laid-back and streetwise — but still melodic enough to hook mainstream ears.

Spyro ft. Oxlade – Beautiful (Remix)

Spyro breathes new life into his tender single “Beautiful” with a soulful remix featuring Oxlade — and the result is as seamless as it is spellbinding. Spyro holds down the familiar terrain with his smooth, heartfelt delivery, while Oxlade slides in with rich falsetto and poetic lyricism that elevate the record’s emotional depth. The production remains mellow and warm, creating the perfect space for both artists to shine. Their chemistry is undeniable, elevating the track as a soft, romantic groove tailor-made for moments of affection and stillness. It’s Afrobeat love at its most elegant.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW:

The post Olamide, Amaarae, Victony, Muyeez and Others on New Music Friday appeared first on Afromixx.

Rema — Baby (Is It a Crime)

Over the past year, Rema has been a persistent voice calling for a shift in the soundscape of the music industry. He has personally put in conscious effort to effect this change, particularly with his sophomore album ‘Heis’. Emphasizing the need to revisit the past as a collective, the industry has gradually been shifting away from borrowed sounds like South African Amapiano, which doesn’t reflect Afrobeats at its core.  

For his first single of 2025, ‘Baby (Is It a Crime)’ Rema samples the iconic ‘Is It a Crime’ by Sade Adu, the opening track from her 1985 album ‘Promise’. First teased in November 2024, the snippet received a tremendous reception, with fans hoping he would close out the year with this golden sample of the legendary singer.  

On the track, Rema sing-raps over a minimalist hip-hop-style production, layered with Sade Adu’s rich vocals from the original song. His creativity strikes again as he flips a classic, making it appealing to both his Nigerian and global audience. In the days leading up to the release, he was spotted walking out of a vinyl store with Sade Adu’s ‘Promise’ album in hand and shooting the official music video.

Joeboy — SMH

The sonic reset of the Nigerian music industry has been evident in recent releases, with many artists reaching into the past and refining nostalgic sounds. Joeboy’s first single of the year, ‘SMH’, which is possibly also a lead single from his forthcoming studio album ‘Viva Lavida’, feels like a throwback to a distant era.

Produced by Tempoe, ‘SMH’ showcases Joeboy narrating a relationship on the verge of collapse over Tempoe’s sample of Backstreet Boys ‘Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely’, flipping it to a Y2K-inspired production—reminiscent of soundtracks from old Nollywood movies. The duo who have collaborated earlier on ‘Better’ off Joeboy’s sophomore album continue to showcase a profound chemistry together as creatives, a streak most music lovers would hope continue. What sets Joeboy apart is his ability to infuse melodies into every lyric and word uttered, making even heartbreak sound intoxicating. 

Yemi Alade — Keys To My Heart

Shortly after stunning at the Grammys in a traditional red Igbo attire as one of the nominees for Best African Performance—alongside fellow African artists like Tems—Yemi Alade kicks off 2025 on a love note with her first single of the year, ‘Keys To My Heart’.  

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Mama Africa gifts her fans a track that celebrates the beauty and devotion of love, set against an upbeat, groovy production by Valentino Ogbonnaya. Yemi Alade’s delivery reflects her cultural roots, with lyrics predominantly in Igbo and melodies that echo her heritage.  

Cassper Nyovest — Kusho Bani

In his latest release, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest taps deep into his hip-hop bag, kicking off the new year with ‘Kusho Bani’, a track that has already sparked its own challenge across South Africa and beyond.  

With his signature unforgettable lyricism and commanding delivery over a fire beat produced by Young Pepo, Cassper Nyovest starts the year on an impressive note. Though ‘Kusho Bani’ sees him rapping non-stop for almost four minutes, the groove is undeniable, pulling listeners in with an infectious rhythm and lyrics that stick with them—even if they weren’t paying attention at first.

Peruzzi — Mad Me

Peruzzi keeps the love season in focus with a smooth Afro-R&B cut, ‘Mad Me’, a song that sees him completely enchanted by his muse. With little prior notice, the singer-songwriter delivers a sultry, heartfelt tune that fits seamlessly into the Valentine’s mood.  

Co-produced by Sensi and Irock Classic, ‘Mad Me’ is built on lush melodies and infectious rhythms, perfectly complementing Peruzzi’s expressive storytelling. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, confessing his overwhelming love with lyrics like “Mad me, fine girl you dey mad me, you put your hands all over my body.”

Following his last drop, ‘Jah Love’ with Olamide, this new offering keeps the momentum going as Peruzzi reminds fans why he remains one of Afrobeats’ most skilled songwriters. With romance in the air, Mad Me’ is positioned to become the soundtrack for lovers this season, and a must-add to every playlist. 

ODUMODUBLVCK ft. Victony — Pity The Boy

The hype is real, and the wait is finally over! ODUMODUBLVCK has unleashed ‘Pity The Boy’ featuring Victony, a track that had already taken over TikTok before its official release was produced by Niphkeys.

This mid-tempo banger finds ODUMODUBLVCK in his storytelling bag, laying out a narrative of deep infatuation so deep that even when his girl is running through his pockets, he remains helplessly devoted. His signature delivery, playful yet commanding, makes every lyric feel like a moment.  Victony, as expected, slides in with finesse, adding his signature melodic touch and elevating the song’s appeal. The synergy between both artists is seamless, making ‘Pity The Boy’ an instant fan favorite.  

With a catchy hook, groovy production, and undeniable chemistry, this record is already shaping up to be one of the standout collaborations of the year so far.

LISTEN TO THE FULL NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PLAYLIST BELOW

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In the Best African Music Performance category, the nominees include:

“Tomorrow” by Yemi Alade

“Higher” by Burna Boy

“Sensational” by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay

“Love Me Jeje” by Tems

“MMS” by Asake featuring Wizkid

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For Best Global Music Album, the lineup is just as impressive:

“ALKEBULAN II” by Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

“Paisajes” by Ciro Hurtado

“HEIS” by Rema

“Born in the Wild” by Tems

“Historias de un Flamenco” by Antonio Rey

Tems’ multiple nominations only reflect her versatile artistry, international appeal and global dominance, making her one of the most celebrated African stars at this year’s Grammys. For the Best R&B Song category, “Burning” goes head-to-head with other R&B powerhouses:

“After Hours” by Khelani

“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” by Coco Jones

“Ruined Me” by Muni Long

“Saturn” by SZA

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This year’s Grammy ceremony, set for February 2, 2025, 8PM ET/5PM PT promises to highlight the growing global influence and recognition of African artists on the world stage. With artists and their creations experiencing an increasing embrace of African music by international audiences.

The post Tems Leads African Artists’ Historic Run at 67th Grammy Awards with Three Nominations appeared first on Afromixx.

Set within a grand, medieval northeastern mansion, a spouseless Yemi Alade reigns supreme as the head of this household. The song itself chronicles Alade’s lively fantasy for a romantic interest, which was brought to life through an energetic choreography that evokes the festive spirit of ancient Egyptian feasts.

Through Director Pink’s lens, a suitor’s arrival becomes a celebration, accompanied by animated pantomime and synchronised dance that keeps pace with Jazzmanbeatz’s robust, rhythm-driven production. As the narrative unfolds, the scenes shift to more contemporary settings, where the dancers—and Yemi herself—perform elaborate choreography in remote parts of the city.

Pink’s clever interplay of multiple settings and frames not only ties the visuals together seamlessly but also allows the dancers’ brilliance to shine as they flow with the beat, each movement as dynamic as the song’s pulse.

As Yemi Alade performs the final scene and the music fades out, Director Pink informs viewers that the fantasy has ended and leaves viewers suspended in curiosity—was this a true romance tale or simply a glimpse into Alade’s vivid imagination?

Watch the video ‘Ki Lo Wa Wa’ below to find out.

The post Director Pink’s Vision and Yemi Alade’s Fantasy Unfold in “Ki Lo Wa Wa” Visuals appeared first on Afromixx.