10 Songs You Need To Hear This Week’ is a 10-track-listing playlist highlighting the best songs released over the past few days from Africa and the Caribbean (Jamaica).
Ghanaian rap sensation Black Sherif is back with another fire track that’s sure to turn heads. Following the success of his recent hit “Zero,” featuring UK-based singer Mabel, Black Sherif returns with the hard-hitting single “Shut Up.”
“Shut Up” sees Black Sherif embracing his unapologetic side as he delivers a powerful message to his critics and detractors. With it’s gritty lyrics, the track is a defiant anthem that asserts Black Sherif’s confidence and determination in the face of adversity.
In “Shut Up,” Black Sherif doesn’t hold back as he confronts the naysayers and haters who doubt his talent and success. The song serves as a rallying cry for anyone who has ever been underestimated or doubted, urging them to tune out the negativity and focus on their own path to greatness.
As always, Black Sherif brings raw emotion and authenticity to his music, drawing from his own experiences and struggles to create songs that resonate deeply with listeners. “Shut Up” is no exception.
Following their recent hit ‘Jakpa,’ Ghanaian music duo Dopenation have released another tune. In their latest effort, ‘Fear Woman,’ they sing about some of the unethical behaviours of women, particularly cheating. They provide instances of these scenarios to help listeners understand the tale and theme. This is Dopenation’s second official single for the year.
Copta – The Coldest I Ever Been (EP)
The Coldest I Ever Been by Copta is the first of its kind; a complete body of work not only written, recorded and performed by myself but I also entirely produced this Ep under the producer name “The Coldest”. To achieve this I adopted a self-contained formula in crafting this Ep to challenge my artistry in a way I had never attempted before.
Mixing and mastering was outsourced to Insvne Auggie who is known for producing Filipino-Ghanaian alt-pop artist Anabel Rose’s popular song “Do Not Disturb”.
A general theme of positivity and self-empowerment runs through the 20-minute project filled with inspirational anthems. TCIEB is a cohesive collection of tracks, with a consistent subject matter applying playful bar-for-bar sparring to deliver hard-hitting truths about street life sugarcoated with shameless flexing and humble faith.
The closing song, “100 Fire Emojis” in particular, is an appreciation of social media and the advantages it gives artists in 2024 in building connections.
Ghanaian artist Epixode and his brilliant ensemble, The KRUS, return with a colorful new track that will get you dancing and uplift your spirits. This vibrant song, titled “Efie Nsem (Kwahu),” is more than simply a catchy tune; it also conveys a compelling message about the value of contentment and a life devoid of drama.
The song, based on the English phrase “Chop Your House Matter,” encourages listeners to focus on their own lives rather than getting caught up in gossip and drama. With its catchy song and beat, “Efie Nsem (Kwahu)” is a timely reminder to focus on your own journey and find fulfillment.
South African international rap sensation Nasty C shares two new releases “See Me Now” (Remix) featuring Maeta and “coMPRess” both freshly out today via Def Jam Recordings. The smooth-tinged and vocalled “See Me Now (Remix)” – produced by Sammy Soso (known for Tyla’s “Water”), is the first collaboration between Nasty C plus the hotly tipped and buzzworthy R&B phenomenon Maeta – who currently holds the No.1 spot on the US R&B Airplay charts with her hit single “Through the Night”. On “coMPRess” Nasty C offers his signature HipHop flow and shares an introspective side over the 808 heavy production.
The twined Ivyson Pack arrives on the heels of his phenomenal 2023 LP, ‘I Love It Here’. The album has impressively generated over 100 million streams fueled by its lead track, “No More.” Right out of the gate, it landed notable feature from NATIVE, WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC, uDiscoverMusic, and many others. He bulldozed the way for the record with the anthemic single “Prosper In Peace” [with Benny The Butcher]. Bella Naija seasoned it and OKAYAFRICA hailed it as “tasteful and satisfying track that delves deep into the mind of the Nasty C. GRUNGECAKE urged music fans to, “hear the gents shed light on their rags-to-riches stories, the crab-in-the-barrel mentality, and more.” The album release also landed him much loved freestyles on Charlie Sloth‘s riveted “Fire In The Booth” (Apple Music) and The Kenny Allstar Freestyle on BBC Radio 1Xtra as well as spins across CapitalXtra (DJ Semtex) and BBC Radio 1, etc.
Infiltrating culture worldwide, Nasty C stars as Manzo in the Disney+ animated series, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Plus, his On The Radar Freestyle piled up over 1.6 million YouTube views. Not to mention, the keen gamer made history as the “First African brand ambassador for Activision’s Call of Duty.”
Marince Omario – Dilemma (EP)
Dilemma gives reasoning to Marince Omario’s perceived hiatus in the music scene. Oblitey is upfront about his experiences, detailing a period where he was on the fence and sought a solution in the titular track.
Prodigy follows as the second song on the ep. An introspective song about self-discovery and potential, It expresses the feeling of having a special gift or talent within you, and the journey of figuring out how to use it while learning from past experiences and disappointments. Prodigy resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of their place in the world, and it offers a gentle reminder that we are all capable of great things.
The third song titled DND presents a more resolute performance featuring The ART, they ask for zero disturbances as they focus on their goals and cheddar. Marince Omario ends the project with ‘What Do They Know’ which is a rhetorical question posed to one’s whose opinions or claims about his craft and well-being aren’t trustworthy, believable or welcome.
1da Banton & Bella Shmurda – Evidence
Afrobeats artists 1da Banton and Bella Shmurda collaborate to release two brand-new tunes, Evidence and Holy Man. It might just be another Good Friday.
Evidence, produced by the German trio 255, is a calm, mid-tempo track that adds a positive vibe to your day. It’s a laid-back song brimming with faith in accomplishment. From the first lyrics, “And evidence choke, evidence choke, and the boys dem know, boy dems know,” 1da Banton and Bella Shmurda make it plain they’re in command.
The song honors their hard-earned accomplishments and the lavish lifestyle that comes with it. Imagine cruising along the coast with the windows down, feeling every ounce of your achievement; that’s the enthusiasm that the song Evidence brilliantly conveys.
Holy Man, on the other hand, is produced by Haitian record producer Michael Brun and takes a slightly different approach. Here, 1da Banton and Bella Shmurda demonstrate their lighthearted side, realizing that no man is flawless. They’re just ordinary men who enjoy the high life. The catchy music and playful words generate an appealing energy that will get you moving.
Kofi Jamar ft. Kofi Mole & Kwesi Amewuga – Wombom
In the pulsating heart of Ghana’s music scene, a new anthem has emerged, destined to ignite the spirits of hustlers and dreamer-chasers across the nation. Kofi Jamar’s latest offering, “Wombom,” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful tribute to the tireless determination and unyielding perseverance of those who dare to chase their dreams against all odds.
At its essence, “Wombom” serves as a rallying cry for the unsung heroes of our society – the ones who toil day in and day out, sacrificing comfort for the pursuit of greatness. It’s a celebration of the hustle, a reminder that success is not handed out on a silver platter but earned through grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
The lyrics of “Wombom” resonate with a sense of self-assurance and confidence, urging listeners to embrace their worth and unapologetically celebrate their achievements. In a world where humility often reigns supreme, Kofi Jamar’s unabashed braggadocio serves as a refreshing reminder that sometimes, you have to blow your own horn if you want to be heard.
What sets “Wombom” apart is its seamless fusion of hip-hop, hip-life, and Afro influences, creating a sound that is uniquely Ghanaian yet universally relatable. The collaboration with Kwesi Amewuga and Kofi Mole adds depth and richness to the track, elevating it to anthem status within the Ghanaian music landscape.
Behind the infectious beats and captivating hooks of “Wombom” lies the masterful production of Grandpa Made It, a rising luminary in Ghana’s music scene. With his deft touch and acute attention to detail, Grandpa Made It breathes life into Kofi Jamar’s vision, infusing the track with an irresistible energy and vitality. The song’s mixing by Aaron Dugud and mastering by South Africa’s Kelsey further enhance its sonic brilliance, while the visually stunning visualizer, directed by Kwaku Kwakye, adds a compelling visual dimension to the narrative.
As “Wombom” reverberates across the airwaves and captures the hearts of listeners far and wide, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of music – to inspire, uplift, and unite. It transcends its status as a mere song; it embodies a declaration of defiance, a clarion call for all those who refuse to be bound by the constraints imposed upon them.
To all the dreamers, hustlers, and hard workers, take heed of Kofi Jamar’s message in “Wombom.” Crank up the volume, feel the rhythm pulsating through your veins, and allow its infectious energy to propel you forward on your journey to greatness. For in the end, if you don’t blow your own horn, nobody else will.
Simi & Tiwa Savage – Men Are Crazy
Nigerian music powerhouses Simi and Tiwa Savage have joined forces for an electrifying new collaboration titled “Men Are Crazy.” The duo’s highly anticipated track addresses the complexities of relationships and the often unpredictable nature of men.
With its provocative title, “Men Are Crazy” immediately grabs listeners’ attention and sets the stage for a candid exploration of modern romance. The song challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, offering a refreshing take on love and relationships.
Simi and Tiwa Savage pull no punches with their unfiltered lyrics, delivering a raw and honest portrayal of the ups and downs of dating in today’s world. Lines like “Men Are Crazy But I Still Want One In My Bed O” capture the essence of the track’s bold and empowering message
Simi and Tiwa Savage’s collaboration on “Men Are Crazy” marks a significant moment in Nigerian music history, showcasing the power of female artists to push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire change.
Gyakie – December
Ghanaian sensation Gyakie is back in the spotlight with her debut single of 2024, “December,” following the success of her previous hit “Rent Free.”
In “December,” Gyakie delves into the complexities of love and longing, painting a poignant picture of a relationship tested by distance and absence. The song tells the tale of a partner who is always away, even during the festive holiday season in December, leaving the other partner consumed with worry and longing for their return.
“December” hits a chord with listeners, eliciting sentiments of nostalgia, desire, and emotional vulnerability. Gyakie’s expressive delivery brings the song to life, transporting listeners into the characters’ private world and heartfelt problems.
