The seventh installment of E.L’s Best African Rapper (BAR) mixtape makes a stylish return after a three-year pause, representing a decade of excellence.
It may feel like just yesterday when the original BAR mixtape made it to fans with tracks like ‘American Passport’ and ‘Borle.’ Surprisingly, that was ten years ago, yet the series is still with us. Unprecedented! Ghana’s longest rap marathon has made significant progress since its humble beginnings without becoming a parody of itself. That said, three years have passed since “BAR 6” dropped. But who is still counting? The wait is over. After being recorded across three studio albums in the past year and undergoing rigorous quality control, “BAR 7” steps out of obscurity into reality. Fan rage has subsided, and now it’s time to press play.
While each mixtape in the series continued to push E.L’screative boundaries, its latest brings superiority to what he began a decade ago, to be the Best. African. Rapper. “This album is very dear to me,” he says. Veritably, it ascends to a plane of perfection, making this seventh installment (arriving in the seventh month) an indication of the quality within. “I feel like ‘BAR 7’ is a culmination of all the experiences I’ve had with the past BAR projects,” E.L mused, “It is a reflection of the man I am today. I also feel like this is the best installment yet.”
“BAR 7” is not a follow-up to “BAR 6.” It is a testament to how E.L’s musical journey and artistic excellence have evolved over the past ten years. Indeed, this is a project worthy of the God Number, and E.L is excited to share his latest with the world.
Nigerian music sensation ODUMODUBLVCK continues his meteoric rise with the release of his latest single, “Not All That.” The new track is a powerful response to critics, doubters, and everyone who said he is not all that.
Known for his unique blend of braggadocious rap, ODUMODUBLVCK has been making waves in the music industry with a string of successful releases. “Not All That” serves as a reminder of his dominance and a defiant stance against those who underestimate his talent.
The song is a direct attack on his detractors, with ODUMODUBLVCK taking aim at specific individuals who have questioned his abilities. Notably, he addresses a previous diss from fellow artist Jaywon, delivering a sharp and cutting response.
Produced by the talented Cross, the track boasts a high-energy beat that perfectly complements ODUMODUBLVCK’s aggressive delivery. The rapper’s lyrical prowess is on full display as he effortlessly weaves together witty wordplay and powerful punchlines.
Towards the end of the song, ODUMODUBLVCK takes a moment to boast about his achievements, dropping names of high-profile artists like Burna Boy, Skepta, Wizkid, and Teezee who have shown support for his music.
For ODUMODUBVLCK, “Not All That” is a declaration of dominance. His confidence and lyrical skills are on full display. The song is a must-listen for fans of hip-hop.
Talented Ghanaian singer and songwriter Adina Thembi returns with a new single following the success of her previous hit “Emergency.” For her second single of the year, Adina Thembi teams up with multifaceted Ghanaian music act Bisa Kdei on the highlife-themed song “Obi Tan Wo.” The chemistry and synergy between the two artists are impeccable, clearly showcasing their musical prowess. Listen to it and share your thoughts with us.
Afrobeats superstar Tekno is back with another musical offering! Barely two months after making waves with his groundbreaking partnership with emPawa Africa and the release of the chart-topping “Wayo,” the award-winning singer and producer is ready to thrill fans once again with two new singles, “Gon Gon” and “No Forget.” These latest tracks, released under his Cartel Music and emPawa Africa imprints, promise to cement Tekno’s status as a global music sensation.
Nigerian music star Tekno has once again blessed fans with new music, dropping two singles simultaneously, titled “Gon Gon” and “No Forget.” These tracks mark his latest collaboration with emPawa Africa, following his recent public appearance with Mr. Eazi.
“Gon Gon” is a love-soaked tune that finds Tekno in his element, delivering infectious melodies and irresistible rhythms. The song is a declaration of love, with Tekno promising his lover exclusivity and comparing their love to iconic power couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Rihanna and ASAP Rocky. The production, done by Egar Boi (Yemi Alade, Zlatan, Erigga, Babyboy AV), creates a vibrant atmosphere for Tekno to shine.
Written by Jacob Hunter, on “No Forget,” Tekno continues his exploration of love’s complexities. The song is a poignant reminder of promises made and kept, with Tekno assuring his lover of his love and commitment. The production, handled by Loudaaa (Ayra Starr, Simi, Crayon, and Lojay), complements the song’s emotional depth, creating a soulful and intimate atmosphere.
Both “Gon Gon” and “No Forget” once again show Tekno’s range as an artist, demonstrating his ability to create music that resonates on both physical and emotional levels. As Tekno continues to evolve as an artist, these two singles serve as a promising glimpse into what fans can expect from his future projects.
These releases follow the success of Tekno’s hit single “Wayo” released in May and mark a new chapter in his career under his new partnership with emPawa. This collaboration is expected to bring more diverse music to Tekno’s audience, exploring his writing and singing prowess.
“I’m excited to share these new tracks with my fans. ‘Gon Gon’ is all about fun and love, while ‘No Forget’ is more about deep emotional connection. I hope everyone enjoys these songs as much as I enjoyed creating them,” said Tekno in a recent interview, expressing his enthusiasm for the new releases.
Liberian Afrobeat sensation, JZyNo is set to release his latest single “Mood” on July 26th, 2024, an uplifting collaboration that sees him join forces with Nigerian star Khaid and offer a feel-good glimpse into his forthcoming six-track sophomore EP titled “LIBERIAN BOY”.
“Mood” follows the relatable tale of two college students as they lock eyes for the first time and feel the sparks fly. JZyNo explains ‘It’s about that immediate, undeniable connection that transcends physical and mental attraction.’
With its immersive soundscape of dreamy electric keys, a grooving beat, and electrifying vocals, “Mood” delivers an infectious, danceable, and laid-back vibe destined to become the soundtrack of summer.
The track’s lush instrumentation and smooth production transport listeners to a state of carefree bliss, perfect for sun-soaked days and starry nights with lovers.
Produced by Gigz Beatz, “Mood” is released alongside a vibrant music video that was shot in the heart of Nigeria. Distributed by Africori, “Mood” is set to make waves in the Afrobeat scene, capturing hearts and ears alike with its infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.
Squareball Entertainment’s star, 1da Banton, continues his hot streak with the release of two new singles, “Digest” and “Paid in Full.” Following the success of tracks like “Holy Man,” “Evidence” featuring Bella Shmurda, and “Best Life” with Desiigner, 1da Banton proves once again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
“Digest,” co-produced by Amujeei and Fiokee, showcases 1da Banton’s signature sound. The song features his usual blend of sweet melodies, infectious rhythms, and captivating lyrics. It’s a quintessential 1da Banton track that is sure to resonate with lovers of his music.
In contrast, “Paid in Full,” produced by Esan Olumide, Denzl, Alex Tochukwu Chiyeze, and Lex Jnr, offers a slower tempo and a more introspective vibe. The song highlights 1da Banton’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to create music that appeals to a wide range of audiences.
The release of these two singles further solidifies 1da Banton’s position as a leading force in the Afrobeats scene. His ability to consistently deliver hit songs and connect with fans on a deep level shows his talent and hard work. With “Digest” and “Paid in Full,” 1da Banton proves that he is just getting started and that there’s even more to come from his arsenal.
Afropop Queen and global music icon YEMI ALADE has outdoored her highly anticipated new album REBEL QUEEN via Effyzzie Music Group and IDOL. Rebel Queen will serve as the sixth studio album and tenth project overall from the GRAMMY Award and Latin GRAMMY Award winning Yemi Alade, in an illustrious discography that cements her reign as Africa’s Queen of afropop. The album title ‘Rebel Queen’ signifies Yemi’s boundless, unapologetic love for her African heritage and her unwavering commitment to charting her own path in the music industry, while the exquisite music on the album showcases her signature blend of vibrant afropop, dancehall, amapiano, lingala, afrobeats, reggae, and R&B, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that will resonate with music lovers worldwide.
Known affectionately as Mama Africa for her celebration of African heritage, Yemi Alade’s multilingualism shines through in Rebel Queen, as she sings in Yoruba, English, Igbo, French, and Swahili. This cross-cultural approach underscores her commitment to spreading African music and culture across the globe. Tracks like ‘Karibu’, a Swahili-infused intro, pay homage to Africa, while ‘Tomorrow’ preaches the wisdom of living in the present moment. ‘Happy Day’ celebrates joy and resilience, and ‘African Woman’ is a powerful anthem celebrating the might and grace of African women, while ‘Peace and Love’ calls for compassion, adding a poignant and timely message to the album.
The superb 16-track album also features an impressive lineup of collaborations, including Beninois French legend Angélique Kidjo on ‘African Woman’, Jamaican icon Ziggy Marley on ‘Peace and Love’, Congolese rap star Innoss’B on ‘Lipeka’, and dancehall sensation Konshens on ‘Baddie Remix’. These collaborations highlight Yemi’s ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles, creating a dynamic and eclectic album. Each track is a unique capsule of her thoughts, melodies, and a truckload of nostalgia, offering something new, old, and borrowed. This album stands out not only for its musical diversity but also for its emotional depth, capturing a wide range of human experiences and emotions.
Yemi Alade delves into personal themes with songs like ‘Ije Love’, an irresistible serenade to a lover, and ‘I’m Sorry’ and ‘Chairman’, which are anthems for living life unapologetically. ‘Bop’ is a dancehall number about overcoming life’s challenges and staying positive, while ‘Big Connection’ embraces Yemi’s superstar status and lavish lifestyle. ‘Big Vibe’ brings out her sensuality, as Yemi yearns for a lover’s strong emotional and physical connection, and ‘Looking Nice’ celebrates enjoying life without worries. The aptly titled ‘African Woman’ sees Yemi honouring the strength and grace of African women, while she extols the virtues of living in the present on ‘Tomorrow’. All in all, this versatile collection will resonate widely across the world, capturing the essence of Yemi Alade’s multifaceted artistry.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her Rebel Queen album, Yemi Alade says, “I created this album with the sole purpose of creating music I grew up loving, and the variety of African music that I have grown to love now. I was inspired by the core African music of highlife and different genres that got us excited as Africans. I channelled older African music that could be played at parties, weddings, clubs, and all sorts of occasions, where we really started enjoying African music, and spreading our culture and heritage across the continent. This album has something new, old, and borrowed. Every song is unique and a capsule of my thoughts, melodies, and truck load of nostalgia”.
Offering further context behind the soundscapes on Rebel Queen, Yemi Alade adds, “Growing up, African pop music was a mixture of music that carried messages and helped us through different situations in life. This album is a blend of what my playlist consists of right now including the new and old pop music that cuts across generations and boundaries. There are a lot of discussions about ‘what is African music’, ‘what should afrobeats or afropop sound like’, so I wanted to strip everything down and go back to the core and essence of African feel-good music that has heavily influenced Africans globally, and reflects our different sounds across the continent. I am a true rebel in words and in action. I have always charted my own course and walked the path less travelled, and this album shows that”.
Revered as one of Africa’s best live performers and one of the continent’s biggest touring artists, Yemi Alade will also be heading back on the road with this new album Rebel Queen at the end of the summer for a massive world tour. Aptly tagged the ‘African Rebel’ tour, it kicks off at Pop-Kultur Berlin on August 30, and Zénith Paris on September 21, and the jaunt comes on the back of last year’s incredible ‘African Baddie’ summer world tour, which spawned sold-out shows and electrifying live performances across Royal Festival Hall in London, Chicago’s Millennium Park, Nuits d’Afrique in Montreal, Sweden’s Uppsala Reggae Festival, and Melkweg Amsterdam, just to mention a few.
Yemi Alade’s journey to ‘Rebel Queen’ is a testament to her originality, bold spirit, and global domination, proving her mettle in a male-dominated industry. With this album, Yemi Alade not only cements her place as a leading voice in global music but also invites listeners to embrace the diverse and vibrant sounds of African music. As she embarks on her ‘Rebel Tour’ following a successful ‘African Baddie’ world tour, ‘Rebel Queen’ promises to be another milestone in her stellar career, showcasing her as one of Africa’s most influential and dynamic artists.
Imagine the passionate love of Martin and Gina from “Martin” set to the infectious beats of Afrobeats and Highlife—this is the essence of VONDEE’s latest track, “COMPANY.”
The record is a musical journey that resonates with the heart. It’s lyrics convey a heartfelt desire for that one thing we seek for today in our relationships – companionship.
The Metalbeatz-produced track is accompanied by a visualizer, reimagining the iconic photoshoot of 2Pac and Janet Jackson from the classic film “Poetic Justice.” The visuals breathes new life into this timeless moment, featuring a cameo from popular Ghanaian social media influencer Kojo Junior.
Now whether you’re at a party, enjoying a summer night, or pushing through a tough workout, the lively beats and heartfelt lyrics make “COMPANY” an essential addition to your playlist.
Alte pioneer Boj has unveiled his highly anticipated album, 12 Summers. Following the release of previous collaborations like “Love Garden” with Adekunle Gold and “JABO” with ODUMODUBLVCK, the 13-track project showcases Boj’s range as a songwriter, record producer, and artist.
12 Summers is a reflection of his experiences, growth, and evolution as an artist. With a star-studded lineup of collaborators including Victony, Oxlade, Blaqbonez, Adekunle Gold, Gyakie, Valentino Rose, Cruel Santino, Ajebutter22, and Blanco, the album offers a diverse range of sounds.
The album’s title suggests a coming-of-age narrative, with each track potentially representing a pivotal moment or memory from the past twelve years. Boj’s ability to craft relatable and infectious melodies, combined with his knack for collaborating with talented artists, makes 12 Summers a truly exciting project.
As fans delve into the album, they can expect a sonic journey filled with nostalgia, introspection, and celebration. Boj’s alte signature is evident throughout the project.
With 12 Summers, Boj further solidifies his position as a leading figure in the Nigerian alte scene. The album is one every listener should feed into.
Nigerian singer and rapper Khaid has released a new EP titled “444,” confidently exhibiting his range and versatility. This project follows his previous releases, such as “I Don’t Care” with Mavin Records’ Boy Spyce and “Run Away” with Ghanaian songstress Gyakie.
“444” is a three-track project that offers a diverse range of sounds. The EP kicks off with the introspective “I Don’t Wanna Die,” a hip-hop-infused track where Khaid effortlessly showcases his lyrical prowess and confident delivery. The second track, “Way Back,” featuring Afrobeats heavyweight Olamide, takes a different direction, blending infectious melodies with catchy lyrics. The project concludes with “Letter From My Bro,” a track with a more introspective vibe that highlights Khaid’s vocal range and songwriting abilities.
With “444,” Khaid demonstrates his ability to experiment with different genres while maintaining his signature sound. The EP testifies to his talent and potential to become one of the important voices in the Nigerian music industry.
