North America's oldest online destination for Afrobeats
Latest Stories
Play Nigerian sensation Seyi Vibez’s new EP ‘NAHAMciaga’ more than once
Last week, Nigeria’s fast-rising star Seyi Vibez released an outstanding five-track extended play titled ‘NAHAMciaga’. On the body of music, the Ketu-born star sings predominantly in Yoruba, in some English, and calls a name (“Tiwa” on the ‘Apala Interlude’) or makes a charming reference to the late American Drill star Pop Smoke’s popular slang (“I know you fuck with the woo” on ‘Today’) as necessary. On the opening track, its author sings about not carrying last as a Nigerian, explaining until one is exhausted, and “big bunda”. Listen to the infectious records now, as we all wait to see what the twenty-three-year-old star does next.
K Camp announces forthcoming album ‘Float to London’
Making his return to music after undergoing vocal surgery, K Camp plans to release his new album ‘Float to London’ on December 22. Along with the announcement, the Atlanta artist, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, also released a single with SleazyWorld Go titled ‘Spend That Bag’ that’s about intimacy, spending time in Miami, running it up and blowing it. Before you head out, check out the lyric video below.
Nigerian artist Bella Alubo makes new anthem for the continental baddie: Stream ‘African Barbie’
“Savage like Tiwa Savage”
In mid-November, Nigerian artist Bella Alubo, best known for her catchy hooks, rhymes and statuesque built, released an anthem of sorts for the African Barbies around the world. Tapping in on the heels of one of the most successful rollouts in history and the recent rise of Afro sounds, globally, the Jos-bred rapper and singer put words to the public adornment and praise of African babes to a Moofah and Nuviala production. Check out the Amapiano-infused track below to hear just how many boys want an African Barbie to call their own.
If you’re wondering who the babe featured in the cover art, it is a photo of a Sierra-Leonian TikToker named Sonia Tucker.
Brooklyn star Young MA shares new song ‘Open Scars’ about health and transformation: Stream
After what is now known as a health scare that worried fans, Young MA is back and talking about her open scars—detailing what she experienced and how it all happened. On the Tash and Nico Baran production, the Brooklyn-born rapper fully discloses how she would alcohol, act out and cry in an interview with VICELAND’s licensed therapist Siri Sat Nam Singh in 2017 on The Therapist. As she probably knows, her fans and others battle with similarities behind closed doors, so her messaging and sharing her vivid thoughts and vulnerability is honourable. Watch the music video below to catch up to what you’ve been missing—her story about betrayal, letting her fans down for three years, losing faith, and much more.
Stream Nigerian Afropop singer Ric Hassani’s new album ‘Afro Love’ featuring Bayanni and Bella Shmurda
“Love stories from an Africa man.”
Last week, Nigerian singer-songwriter and musician Ric Hassani—born Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu—released an incredible blend of Afropop sounds inspired by the deep love African men feel but do not express. Generally, African men receive rave reviews for being dense, mean and strict, but the ‘My Only Baby’ singer’s explanation may be the simplest version shared. On the opening track, ‘I Go Dey Go There’ featuring Bayanni, the Port Harcourt-born artist explains, “Most times we aren’t taught to be vulnerable—men in general aren’t taught to be vulnerable moreso African men becase we are natural born warriors. Do we feel? Do we love? Very deeply. These stories are stories—love stories that we keep inside: Afro Love.” Is it safe to say Hassani has taken on the role of Cupid? If he creates love letters in song to help fellow Africans show love, we’re all for it.
Staying on course with his brand, Hassani offers tender messaging throughout and uptempo jams (‘IGDT (I Go Dey There’), ‘Ngozi’ (with 1.3 million streams on Spotify), ‘Kaku – Late’ and ‘Amina’) with this well-constructed effort. Stream the riveting account of adoration packaged as a fifteen track album below. It’s only two-days old.
XG, South Korea-based Japanese girl group, closes the year out with their Christmas record ‘Winter Without You’
XG is the only Japanese group to make ELLE Magazine’s Best Songs of 2023. Rolling Stone also included them in its 100 Best Songs of 2023.
Yesterday, XG released the official video for their year-end release. After earning 1.3 million views on YouTube for ‘Winter Without You’, the direction currently populates at #34 on YouTube’s Trending. On the Chancellor, David Park, JAKOPS, and Shintaro Yasuda produced record, the septet sing about what they want for Christmas (“If I could make a wish/You’d show in a minute”). Watch the four-minute video below, set in a snowy, faraway land surrounded by mountains. If you enjoy what you watch, you could see XG on their first world tour in 2024.
Cameroonian-American star Libianca shares new EP ‘Walk Away’ featuring Chlöe, Oxlade, Moliy, and Blaqbonez: Stream
Yesterday, Libianca released a new project called ‘Walk Away’ featuring reputable singers with recognisable buttery vocals and one rapper. Two of her previously released tracks, ‘People’ (with over 520 million streams) and ‘Jah’, made the cut, plus four new ones. If you’re wondering, some topics covered on the extended play are being a blessing, duality, carrying a heavy load, making mistakes, drinking alcohol, and the Lord. Stream the incredible six-track sultry effort below to find new favourites to add to your playlist.
Stream Nigerian star Tekno’s new jam ‘Away’
Unlocking another level of his victorious artistry, Nigerian star Tekno has released a new danceable track featuring South Africa’s infectious log drums at the forefront. On the record, the artist sings about a woman named Funmi that doesn’t tell him the truth and the need to ward off bad energy. After all, partying and spending the money in his pocket are his main objectives. Check it out below to start the party in your head and keep the bad energy away. The record is a follow-up to his latest album, ‘The More The Better’.
Hear Nigerian superstar Tems’ new release ‘Not An Angel’
Instead of fighting to appear clean and pristine to the world, Tems belts out lyrics about a previous love interest, who wasn’t present. As most women of all ages and backgrounds tend to do, the Lagos-born success expresses in the song that she would have given herself for him. After whichever length of time, she’s luckily woken up and is “Now, I’m changing over”, “moving on” and “not turning back” because she knows her worth, the truth, and makes it clear doesn’t need anything more from him. Stream the new track, released today, below to hear her sing further dynamics of their now-baked connection.
Stream Nicki Minaj’s brand new highly-anticipated album ‘Pink Friday 2’
Today, Nicki Minaj released her highly-anticipated album ‘Pink Friday 2’. The twenty-two-track LP features J Cole, Lil Wayne and Tate Kobang, Drake, Lourdiz, Lil Uzi Vert, Skillibeng & Skeng, Future, and Tasha Cobbs. Stream it in full below.
