Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid

Just before the teaser and eventual release of ‘All The Love‘—perfectly timed for 2025’s Valentine season—Ayra Starr had teased what many of her devout fans thought would be her next 2024 release, ‘Gimme Dat’. In the visualizer/teaser, Ayra was seen walking the streets and riding in a golf cart, wearing headphones connected to a mini turntable held by a young man who trailed her. Sadly, due to imperfect timing, it wasn’t released, and Ayra never officially addressed it, until what would become the final audio teaser of “Gimme Dat” featuring the vocals of Afropop global star Wizkid, who croons, “Goddamn, arabirin, goddamn.”

Ayra Starr’s place in the music industry as the reigning Afropop queen is, for now, uncontested. And with the release of “Gimme Dat,” she puts her best foot forward, going two for two with her second release of 2025. Announcing the guest artist was Ayra saving her best card for last, even though she’s already made it clear through several releases that she has many surprises up her sleeve. On the opening notes of “Gimme Dat,” Ayra revisits a familiar past, sampling the acoustic guitar riffs from Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s 2000 classic “911” and Wyclef Jean’s “Diallo”, layered with bouncy drum rhythms, trumpets, and alternating African riffs.

With the ease of a hot knife through butter, Ayra glides over this mid-tempo rhythm alongside the guest artist, in a sheer display of Afrobeats royalty. With its laid-back energy, ‘Gimme Dat‘ is the perfect soundtrack for a weekend of unwinding.

lost – Fola ft. Kizz Daniel

Fola continues to showcase his talent and dexterity in crafting moving records that leave a lasting impression. 2025 is proving to be a busy one for the rising star, and with each release—whether a feature or solo effort—it’s clear he’s up to the task. Just seven days ago, Fola and his label boss Bella Shmurda dropped what could be considered a record label anthem, “Dangbana Riddim,” where both artists affirm their focus on reaching the good life.

Midweek, Fola shared a video across social media where he’s seen with Wizkid, previewing an unreleased track alongside the caption: “Big Wiz said ‘it sounds like it’s out already.’ Get your speakers ready for Friday.” “Lost” opens like a medley, with unfolding guitar strings before the percussion and slapping heat of the bass crash in, heightening the track’s emotional charge. The pause in heavy percussion allows Fola’s emotion to cut through: “Kowa comfort mi, Le mo body mi, Ko yo burden mi ah, I know you got eyes on money mi, She say not really, Ko te button mi ah.”

Not wanting to chronicle his desires alone, Fola enlists one of Nigeria’s finest mainstream acts, Kizz Daniel, to share in the creation. Kizz continues Fola’s expressive thread with the poise of a veteran and the perspective of a fellow yearner.

Do Me – Runtown

For his first release of 2025, Runtown leans into his inherently calm signature on “Do Me”, with minimalist production reminiscent of the early 2000s. He reflects on his lifestyle, relationships, and situationships that strain his connection with a partner, troubles he attributes to the very lifestyle and wealth that define him. Runtown’s sound here is like a psychedelic breeze, taking the listener on a mellow road trip that relaxes them. The consistent bass guitar and the soulful vocals of the backup songstress add a rich layer, brought together by the craftsmanship of emerging producer FADAH.

Laho II – Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy

Fresh off a viral link-up at Burna Boy’s historic Stade de France show, Shallipopi and the African Giant roll out ‘Laho II’. A remix that feels both calculated and chaotic in the best way. The original Laho already had the streets in a chokehold with its infectious slang and rugged delivery, but Burna’s entry gives it that jet fuel. Producer, Progrex retains the raw bounce of the beat but threads in synths and heavier basslines, transforming a street anthem into a continental crossover. Shallipopi doesn’t switch up his gritty cadence; Burna slides in with a melodic flex, brushing off bad energy: “no take my kindness for weakness.” It’s that classic big bro–lil bro link-up, and it knocks.

Gen Z – Zinoleesky

Zinoleesky finally unpacks his debut album ‘Gen Z’, a 16-track deep dive into the world of a modern-day street-pop star with a global vision. From the jump, Zino’s distinct vocals and range are a standout. The Niphkeys-produced “Most Wanted” set the tone earlier in the month, and now we’re seeing the full scope: gritty, bouncy, and occasionally vulnerable. Tracks like “Suit & Tie” with Toosii and “Abanikanda” with Naira Marley showcase his duality, a blend of local lingua laced with international polish. He dips into trap, dancehall, and sweet boy Afrobeats without losing that Agege tint. It’s bold, even if a little scattered at times.

You4Me – Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage enters the summer mood board early with ‘You4Me’, a buttery R&B-Afrobeats fusion that samples Tamia’s 1998 “So Into You“. It’s soft, sultry, and soaked in nostalgia, yet it doesn’t feel dated. Mystro’s production holds it down with a groove made for slow dancing under city lights. Tiwa’s vocals glide over the beat with that seasoned softness—half Brandy, half Mary J., all her. The lyrics hit that sweet spot between poetic and playful: “drive me loco, automatic.” Coming off the Craig David collab and now teasing her next project, ‘This One Is Personal,’ Tiwa’s clearly tapping into a more reflective space, but not without still serving up grown and sexy bops.

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THE MACHINE IS COMING – ODUMODUBLVCK

Nigerian rap sensation ODUMODUBLVCK has unleashed a surprise mixtape, ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING‘ —a 16-track project that further showcases his dynamic artistry and reinforces his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in Nigeria’s rap scene. Arriving just in time for his scheduled performance at The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards, the mixtape marks a defining moment in his fast-rising career.

THE MACHINE IS COMING thrives on sonic unpredictability. ODUMODUBLVCK effortlessly blends Afro-fusion, hip-hop, and his signature Okporoko Rhythms—a unique fusion of highlife melodies with drill and grime elements. Across its 41-minute runtime, the mixtape moves seamlessly between gritty street anthems and introspective reflections, ensuring a compelling listening experience with each play.

The 16-track project boasts a heavyweight lineup of guest appearances, featuring some of today’s most relevant artists, including Victony, Shallipopi, BOJ, Rondodasosa, Vector, Falz, Ajebo Hustlers, and Afroselecta-BBK, among others. These collaborations amplify the project’s expansive vision, with each artist adding their own flair. Tracks like Pity This Boy featuring Victony, which had already gained traction prior to the tape’s release, showcase ODUMODUBLVCK’s ability to craft emotionally charged anthems. Other standout collaborations include Juju with Smur Lee and Shallipopi, as well as the Ramadan Remix featuring Tolibian and BOJ, both of which were fan favorites even before finding a home on this project.

Meanwhile, solo cuts like “Wage War”, “Go Report”, and “Kylian” underline ODUMODUBLVCK’s commanding presence, proving he doesn’t need features to deliver hard-hitting verses over pulsating beats.

Beyond its immediate impact, ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING’ serves as a prelude to his forthcoming album, ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE‘, which he has been teasing since the start of 2025. Described as an “appetizer,” the mixtape offers a glimpse of the raw energy and boundary-pushing sound that fans can expect from his full-length project.

IRON BOY – BLACK SHERIF

Ghanaian powerhouse Black Sherif returns with his deeply personal sophomore album, ‘Iron Boy‘—a 15-track odyssey that balances raw intensity with profound introspection. Fusing elements of hip-hop and Afrobeats, the album features standout collaborations with Nigerian heavyweights Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez, adding layers of sonic depth to his already compelling storytelling.

At its core, ‘Iron Boy’ is an exploration of resilience—an anthem for those navigating life’s hardships and emerging stronger. Tracks like “The Victory Song” and “So It Goes” echo themes of perseverance, capturing the spirit of overcoming adversity through sheer determination.

Speaking on the album’s essence, Black Sherif describes it as a soundtrack for “anyone carving their own path, embracing their truth, and defying the odds.” He reinforced this message in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing: “Do you know what it means to be a Gospel Artist with a Popstar Destiny?”—a statement that hints at the album’s deeply spiritual undertones.

With Iron Boy, Black Sherif once again proves that his music is more than just sound—it’s an experience, a movement, and a testimony of survival against all odds.

REFLECTION STATION – TAY IWAR

Tay Iwar’s first single of the year, “Bad Belle,” released three New Music Fridays ago, came alongside the announcement of an EP titled ‘Reflection Station’, which arrived today, April 4th. The five-track EP is deeply introspective, consciously revisiting the past and drawing from its influence to craft melodies that resonate with profound musings on healing, resilience, mercy, and love. According to Tay Iwar via Instagram, ‘Reflection Station’ is “a checkpoint for motion, memory, mercy. One borrowed spirit from Zule Zoo, and turned resistance into rhythm. This is what healing sounds like when it doesn’t ask for permission. Each track holds a mirror—to feel, to remember, to float, to rise, to survive. A reminder to move with purpose. I hope you let it find you.”

In Tay Iwar’s world of alternative R&B and soul music, his five-track EP soothes the listener, starting with the opener and title track, ‘Reflection Station‘, where he speaks on resilience and the need to keep going until the desired result is actualised. On the song, he interpolates 2Baba’s ‘4 Instance’, borrowing its rhythm: “For instance, say I be the one them no give chance / Say I be the one wey dey make plans / I still dey maintain my own stance.” The 14-minute EP takes the listener through a relatable journey of struggle and triumph, drawing inspiration from Zule Zoo’s “Bad Belle“ and closing with the poignant Survival, where he reflects on his coming-of-age experiences. With Tay Iwar himself steering the production, the EP is refined in sound and texture, making for a 14-minute listening session worth looping.

OFA: DELUXE EDITION – OXLADE

In an exciting turn of events, Oxlade announced the deluxe edition of his debut album, Oxlade From Africa (OFA), released in September 2024, through a short, creative video on his socials. In the video, Oxlade is seen having a conversation with himself about why a deluxe version was necessary instead of saving the songs for another project, which would typically be a wise decision. However, his other self insists that these songs belong to this era—an era about Oxlade. OFA, which has seen significant commercial success, particularly with “OLOLUFE“ featuring Ghanaian rap legend Sarkodie, now includes four additional tracks—”DOINGZ“, “OMALICHA“, “SHO MI“, and “VANITI“—bringing ‘OFA: Deluxe Edition‘ to life with no guest features.

The deluxe opens with the masterfully crafted shakes and groovy log drums of “DOINGZ“, where Oxlade desperately seeks the love and attention of his muse, offering financial and material excesses in return. It flows into “OMALICHA“, enriched by vibrant highlife-inspired guitar riffs on a mid-tempo production. Here, Oxlade flexes his silky vocals, pleading for love and expressing how her absence might drive him to the brink. “SHO MI” takes a more sober and philosophical approach, with Oxlade reflecting on life’s musings and his gratitude for divine intervention. Wrapping up the now 20-track album with “VANITI“, produced by Magicsticks, Oxlade closes on an introspective note, sharing wisdom passed down from his grandmother: “Asan lasan laye.”

MOST WANTED – ZINOLEESKY

In a scene filled with numerous talents, Zinoleesky’s distinct voice and technical delivery set him apart. At the start of the year, Zinoleesky positioned himself in a more active mode following a controversial incident involving his former, now deceased, labelmate Mohbad and his record label boss, Naira Marley. He announced his debut album, Gen Z, with a short trailer video, set for release on an undisclosed date in April. In anticipation of his forthcoming studio album, Zinoleesky has now released his first single of 2025, ‘Most Wanted’, produced by frequent collaborator Niphkeys.

On the track, Zinoleesky’s vocals and execution shine as the highlight. Niphkeys employs log drums in a calm and steady manner, allowing Zinoleesky’s cadence to glide smoothly over the production. The song reaffirms his ability to blend melody and introspection while maintaining his signature street-savvy edge.

REASON 2 JAPA – MAYORKUN

With the announcement of his third studio album, ‘Still The Mayor’, set to drop in 27 days, Mayorkun has released a new single ahead of the pivotal moment. ‘Reason 2 Japa’ follows his last single, “Innocent“, released in November 2024 and featuring Fireboy DML—both serving as lead singles for the forthcoming album.

With ‘Still The Mayor‘ approaching, Mayorkun takes a more retrospective approach to ‘Reason 2 Japa‘, blending log drums with a contemporary feel that immerses listeners in both nostalgia and modern-day Afrobeats. On the track, Mayorkun reaffirms why he is still indeed “The Mayor of Lagos (TMOL)“, boasting an impressive track record of hits and number-one records. Despite its groovy nature, ‘Reason 2 Japa‘ touches on serious themes, including the state of the economy and how it has driven not just him but many of his compatriots to seek a better standard of living. He also references the few things he keeps his mind off as he navigates these realities, making for a track that is both engaging and reflective.

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