July brought forth a cascade of musical treasures, with several African artists delivering exceptional Afropop and Afrobeat albums. Here are the top 5 albums that graced our ears and playlists last month:

Iyke Parker And Leonardoddj – Heartstrings & Loop

Off the back of their two pre-released songs “Piece of Art” with Korshi T and Nel as well as “Pain and Pleasure” with 99PHACES, Ghanaian Producer/DJ duo Leonardoddj and Iyke Parker have released their long awaited debut project “Heartstrings & Loops.”

With guest features from fellow DJs TMSKDJ, Kofi Kay and Didi Dj of Ghana and Itsurgirlno of France as well as verses from Nigerian vocalist Karah and Ghanaian compatriots Cozypols, Juma Mufasa, Ess Thee Legend, Kiki Celine and Kimilist the project is an addition of moments where DJs, Producers and Artistes come together to create music.

Heartstring and Loops; is not just a collection of songs, but a musical diary that speaks to
the hearts of a generation. Whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just navigating the chaos of life, there’s a track here that will hit home and keep you moving on the dance floor. – Leonardoddj and Iyke Parker.

With production credits from Iyke Parker, Leonardoddj and Kofi Kay, the project is a fusion of House, Amapiano and Dance which will get many groovy during the summer and beyond. The project, mixed and mastered by Webiejustdidit and Insvne Auggie is currently streaming on DSPs.

Nxwrth & RJZ – Dance On The Moon

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.

Chike – Son Of Chike

SON OF CHIKE marks the triumphant return of award-winning Nigerian pop and soul sensation CHIKE two years after his critically acclaimed sophomore album The Brother’s Keeper. Inspired by his family heritage, and his artistic evolution since his last album, the glorious 12-track opus sees Chike returning to his cultural roots, and celebrating his family name Osebuka. Symbolizing his identity as his father’s son, and an artist building on the legacy of his previous works, Son of Chike is a heartfelt celebration of what it means to be human, centred around the complexities of relationships and personal growth.

Written and composed by Chike, and produced by his longtime collaborator DeeYasso (Oxlade, Dave, Wande Coal), with guest appearances from Olamide, Qing Madi, Ladipoe, Amaeya, and the late Mohbad, Son of Chike is a powerful exploration of the human experience, which sees Chike taking listeners on a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant journey. With evocative storytelling, enchanting melodies, and rich soundscapes, the album explores identity, self-discovery, love, joy, heartbreak, resilience, family heritage, and the beauty of life, among many complex themes.

Driven by its celebratory chart-topping lead single, ‘Egwu’ featuring the late and loved Mohbad, which has already garnered over 250 million global streams, Son of Chike opens in defiant mood with the Ladipoe-assisted ‘Unto You’, which sees Chike emphasizing the importance of staying true to yourself. ‘Lifetime Love’ takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of romantic relationships, capturing the essence of enduring love and passion, while ‘Apple’ continues this theme of romance, as Chike portrays love as an essential part of life. ‘Ego Oyibo’ sees Chike reflecting on the beauty of cultural pride and personal connection, and he celebrates the beauty and strength of his heritage on ‘Mma (Beauty)’.

Elsewhere on ‘Someone’, Chike provides an introspective look at the pain of unfulfilled promises, and he offers a message of empowerment and moving on from a past relationship with ‘Your Loss’. ‘Not Your Daddy’ stands out with its assertive message of independence and self-worth, while ‘Balance Am’ tries to find harmony in life’s challenges. Closing out with the powerful anthem ‘Man Not God’ that calls for humility and gratitude, Son of Chike reveals Chike at his absolute best, offering a deeply resonant body of work that beautifully weaves his evocative storytelling with rich musical arrangements.

BOJ – 12 Summers

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.

Khaid – 444

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.