Did you make it through the week? We thought you’d like to listen to some of the newly released music this weekend while you relax after a long week working or hustling. Refreshing your mind is good for you and here’s some new music to do it!
Teni ‘Maitama’ Ft Mayorkun, Costa Titch & Ch’cco
Nigerian superstar Teni releases her new single ‘Maitama’ via Platoon. ‘Maitama’ leans into the South African house sound where Teni’s distinctive and honeyed vocals entwine with the sounds of the long drum; a familiar hallmark within Amapiano. Teni embraces her native vernacular on this track, which she layers over the infectious beat, surrounded by high-pitched piano melodies and rippled baselines. The single features guest vocals from Nigeria’s very own ‘mayor’, singer Mayorkun and South African artists, rapper Costa Titch and multi-award-winning singer Ch’cco.
Mayé ‘Catch Cold’
Introducing exciting new Afropop talent MAYÉ with his brand new single titled ‘CATCH COLD’ released via Nigerian-based independent record label Quville Limited. Produced by one of TurnTable Charts’ ‘2022 Producers to Watch’ godOmarr, ‘Catch Cold’ is an instantly infectious pop offering with Afrobeats and Dancehall sensibilities, which sees Mayé in his elements as he rails against an ex-lover that abandoned him when he was down on his luck.
Espacio Dios ‘Pelo’ Ft Maglera Doe Boy
“Pelo is the story of life’s hardships and hope,” says Espacio Dios of his new single. In Pelo, Espacio Dios expresses his hopes for love; he wants his potential love interest to know that he is worth opening up to, being vulnerable around and that is safe to exit their shell. It is complemented by the impactful Maglera Doe Boy, who expresses the same feeling in a minor-toned symphony, with the influences of Setswana and SeSotho.
Robot Boii & Nhlonipho ‘Uxolo’ Ft Mandz Not Hot, Mac Lopez & Teakay
Viral hitmaker and youth culture leader, Robot Boii, and fast-rising producer and musician with numerous radio hits under his belt, Nhlonipho, have joined forces to create a new wave of African Amapiano announcing upcoming EP, Yithi Sonke, with lead single Uxolo featuring Mandz Not Hot, Mac Lopez and Teakay. With both artists deeply resonating with the message of the song, which is all about love and forgiveness, Robot Boii shows a side of him not so commonly known, categorically stating that he wants people when it comes to matters of the heart to have “accountability” stating “a lot of people are in relationships where no one is willing to accept their wrongdoings and will rather end a relationship instead of taking accountability and apologizing for the sake of love to win.
Yanga Chief ‘Benjamins‘
Following the release of To Each His Own, Yanga Chief joins forces with award-winning rapper, Emtee, and new kid on the block, HennyBeLit, to bring us another hit titled ‘Benjamins’. Listen here. On ‘‘Benjamins’, Yanga Chief fully owns that he worked hard for his money and will spend it how he sees fit – whether it’s on his family or girls that you think he might be interested in, but are actually his besties. Known for his rap cadence, the award-winning rapper’s flow is impeccable as he recounts how comfortable his upbringing was “mna ndikhule kamnandi, and’funi noxoka” and life is so good the Xhosa King, Dalindyebo, calls him the Prince.
Thando Skwatsha ‘iimini nentsuku‘
Thando Skwatsha debut offering ‘iimini nentsuku’ blends introspection and cultural homage. Drawing from his isiXhosa heritage, family, and life experiences, the narrative discourse of ‘iimini nentsuku’ (which means days and nights) is centred around the recurring theme of past love, breaking free from hardships and strengthening his ancestral bond. After an opening “isaziso”, lays the foundation for his cathartic experience, Thando confronts scars of past love through first and third-person narrative in songs like, “umuntu”, “khumbula” and “mina nawe”, while cultivating hope and spirited dance music on songs like “iskhalo sabantwana”, “iimini nentsuku medley” and “all night”.
Nobuhle Ashanti ‘Choices‘
The 24-year-old, multi-faceted artist, Nobuhle Ashanti releases her debut solo single, Choices, from her upcoming album which will be out in 2023. In this project, Nobuhle Ashanti gathers top liners who complement her gracious piano skills. Inspired by the difficult decisions that Nobuhle Ashanti has had to make and how she has learned to come to terms with and live with them, “Choices” is about the decisions one has to make in life. The track is intended to create an experience that reflects how people feel when they need to make choices. It is arranged and produced to play with the listener’s senses, with the improvisation on the trumpet representing the over-thinkers thought processes before and after a decision is made.
Featured image by Luke Peterson on Unsplash
