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).
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Rema – HEIS (Album)
The greatest praise Rema could receive is probably that he has always had a clear vision for his art. Rema (born Divine Ikubor) has operated with the certain air of a generational genius since referring to himself as “the future” right away in 2019. His ethereal melodies, dynamic stage performances, and frightening images have inspired a new generation of budding artists, while also serving as a lighthouse for Afropop’s global spread. A lot has transpired in the two years since he released his debut album, Rave & Roses—including the breakout track “Calm Down” and its Selena Gomez-assisted remix, which sent the singer to the top of the charts in Europe and the United States.
HEIS, Rema’s follow-up to Rave & Roses, arrives unexpectedly and is packed with more of the unrestrained experimentation that has earned him a name. The album—11 songs in under 30 minutes—marks Rema’s transition into a new age as he grapples with the delights of global popularity and the pressures of being at the vanguard of African music. He is eager to be recognized for his contributions to the culture, defiantly establishing himself at the pinnacle of Afropop’s taxonomy on the punk-influenced “HEHEHE”. Over a boisterous instrumental on the title track, he makes a case for cross-continental pollination by incorporating Swahili into the song, which proclaims his musical grandeur.
Both of Nigeria’s 2023 breakout talents have joined Rema’s metaverse: Shallipopi, a fellow Benin native, dials in for a love letter to their city on “BENIN BOYS,” and Abuja rapper ODUMODUBLVCK offers a thundering verse on “WAR MACHINE.” Still, the storyline of HEIS is completely Rema’s, as he declares that he’s poised for further success on “MARCH AM” and boasts about his triumphs on the P.Priime-produced “YAYO”. It all feels like the work of a frank creator reminding his audience that he’s still at the forefront of Afropop, laying the groundwork for the genre’s future.
RJZ x Nxwrth – Dance On The Moon (EP)
Ghanaian music producer and rapper Nxwrth, alongside versatile artist RJZ, both members of the Ghanaian alternative music group La Meme Gang, have teamed up for an exciting new extended play. The project, titled “Dance On The Moon,” features a 7-track list that takes listeners on a journey through a spectrum of diverse sounds.
Nxwrth, renowned for his experimental soundscape, crafts a distinct palette of sounds that creates a sonic voyage for listeners. This EP display their joint creativity and musical range. RJZ and Nxwrth appeared to be nonconformists in their body of work, not paying heed to what the industry is used to.
“Dance On The Moon” includes features from Sky Skuu, Larruso, Kofi Mole, and M16, adding even more depth and variety to the project. All songs are produced by Nxwrth, ensuring a cohesive yet explorative listening experience.
Taves – Are You Listening? (EP)
On his 2024 EP, Nigerian singer-songwriter Taves skillfully blends Afropop, R&B, and soulful folk twists into a platform for candid conversations—a philosophy shaped by a diverse range of influences. “We took a lot of road trips when I was younger as a family because my dad lived in a different state,” Taves tells Apple Music. “He would play a lot of classic Nigerian music, especially Aṣa. It felt like she was hoping that somebody would understand where she was coming from, and I related to that a lot because I am a middle child. Often, it felt like people didn’t really understand the way I expressed myself.”
Artists like Khalid, Remy Baggins, Nonso Amadi, Post Malone, and The Weeknd helped the singer from Ibadan carve his own niche. “I felt like the type of music I would make would be different from the mainstream,” Taves says, “and these people made me feel like, ‘OK, that’s not such a bad thing.’”
Across eight tracks, Taves positions “Are You Listening?” as an invitation into his world. “It’s like I’m having a conversation with someone, or I’m telling you something,” explains Toluwanimi Aluko, better known as Taves. “There’s a lot I have to prove, so I need everyone to pay attention. I need to know you’re locked in and on the same wavelength as me.”
One standout track, “Bad Romance,” captures this ethos. “I don’t want to say it’s about a toxic relationship because that’s corny, but it’s more like it’s not good for either of you—but also who cares? It’s just me saying, ‘OK, we are both aware this might not work out, or it probably shouldn’t work out, but at the end of the day, just do what you want.’ Have zero regrets, basically.”
E.L – Chakido
E.L continues to rev the hype engine. After setting the internet ablaze with the surprise announcement of “BAR 7” a few days ago, the rapper keeps his foot on the gas. The roars keep getting louder, and he has our ears perked again with something equally surreal. Titled ‘Chakido,’ the latest release from the award- winning rapper spotlights his knack for the phenomenal. He teams up with producers Weeley and Pure Andy, who lay down a minimalist Trap beat that masterfully blends old-school and new-school funk.
What follows is a tuneful Hip-Hop sound that encapsulates the quintessential E.L experience: luxury samples littered with his classic Ga one-liners. Factor in its deep bass, capable of rocking any venue, and it’s clear why the Best African Rapper will dominate this season.
Last week, E.L announced the return of his BAR series for its seventh installment. He shared the news with a surprise video for the aptly titled ‘BAR 7 (Intro).’ The trailer sent Hip-Hop enthusiasts and ELiens into a frenzy, signaling the return of the iconic series after a three-year hiatus.
Amerado – Date Rush
Ghanaian rapper and songwriter Amerado is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest single, “Date Rush.” Produced by the acclaimed Tubhani Muzik and accompanied by a visually stunning video directed by Gordon Appiah, “Date Rush” is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery.
In “Date Rush,” Amerado delves into the emotional journey of losing a partner only to find a better one. The song’s poignant lyrics and catchy beats resonate with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of relationships. Tubhani Muzik’s masterful production enhances the track’s emotional depth, creating a heartfelt and uplifting soundscape.
The visualizer, directed by the talented Gordon Appiah, brings the song’s narrative to life with striking imagery and a captivating storyline. The video perfectly complements the song’s themes through meticulous cinematography and creative direction, offering a visual feast for fans and new listeners alike.
Amerado, known for his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability, continues to push the boundaries of Ghanaian music with “Date Rush.” This release marks another milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and commitment to producing music that speaks to the heart.
Bhadmayors & AlorG ft. NSG – Free My Mind (Remix)
Ghanaian music group BhadMayors made waves in April with their viral hit “Free My Mind,” featuring Alor G. The song quickly gained traction on social media, earning co-signs from several influencers and A-list artists. Among those who endorsed the track was the renowned Afro-Swing British music group, NSG.
This endorsement has now led to the release of an official remix of “Free My Mind” featuring NSG. The popular British group brings a fresh new vibe to the song, which is expected to boost its global appeal. The remix was performed live for the first time by NSG at the recently concluded Wireless Festival in the UK. The collaboration between BhadMayors and NSG aims to take “Free My Mind” to new heights on the international music scene.
