The 9 Songs You Need to Hear This Week=
The best music of the week featuring DJ Spinall x Wizkid, Radio 123, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, 10LEC6, Espacio Dios and more.
Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our Best Music of the Week column.
Here's our round up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, which you can also check out in our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow OkayAfrica on Spotify and Apple Music to get immediate updates every week and read about some of our selections ahead.
Olamide "Science Student"
Olamide kicked off the year in full force with the release of his single "Science Student," a highly-potent injection of energetic beats and infectious melodies. The controversial street banger, which was banned in Nigeria, now gets an epic, anti-drug music video featuring high-level choreography that gives off some "Thriller" vibes.
By the way, did you see our take over of Spotify's African Heat playlist? It kicks off with "Science Student" then goes through all the hottest tracks out right right now from Davido, Maphorisa, Kwesta, MHD, Wizkid, Tiwa and many, many more.
Wizkid & DJ Spinall "Nowo"
Okay, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Wizkid and DJ Spinall make a pretty stellar duo, as evidenced by their collaboration "Opoju," from Spinall's 2017 album Dreams. The two link up again on the new track "Nowo," and it's just as blazing.
10LEC6 "Quakerz"
10LEC6 is a French group signed to Ed Banger Records. The outfit has taken new life with the addition of singer Nicole, who delivers some gospel inspired Bulu rapping inspired by her Cameroonian background. The result is a highly infectious genre they're calling BULUPUNK!
Radio 123 'Manga Manga' EP
Radio 123 is part of a new wave of South African bands defying all traditional rules and breaking genre boundaries. The Joburg duo, comprised of members Nyameko Nkondlwane and Simangaliso Mfula, just released a new EP titled Manga Manga. And oh boy, it's a treat.
Adekunle Gold "Ire"
Adekunle Gold's latest single "Ire" is a touching, guitar-led ballad backed by traditional Yoruba percussion sounds. The personal track sees the Nigerian artist reflecting on his life's journey.
LISTEN TO OUR ARTIST PLAYLIST WITH ADEKUNLE GO ADEKUNLE GOLD
Espacio Dios 'Percussive Planet' EP
South African artist Espacio Dios just released a new EP. The project is his most focused to date and a culmination of the artist's genre bending attempts. Aptly titled Percussive Planet, the project boasts drums and percussion that support thumping electronic bass lines and synths, pads and marimbas.
Tomi Agape "In The Night" feat. Nonso Amadi
London-based Tomi Agape—who you might remember from her feature on Juls' Leap of Faith—draws inspiration from her African roots for this dancehall-leaning cut "In The NIght," a collaboration with Nonso Amadi.
Flappy & Ramos "Challenge"
The buzzing Flappy and Ramos are back with "Challenge," a new single with they mention is meant to be an
"inspirational, motivational and encouraging song that gives you hope and faith after listening to it... Take a deep breath and enjoy!"
"Challenge" is available everywhere now from Okaymusic.
Steeky "Crazy"
Nigeria's Steeky comes through with "Crazy," a head-nodder of a tune focused on his smooth delivery and a booming bass line.