The rate of music releases has become intense in over the years making it even more difficult to discover new acts unlike before. This has caused a number of great artists to fall within the cracks as at times there is no form of appreciation towards their art. We would like to introduce to you our brand new segment “Fresh Tunes: Africa” which is set to shine light upon great music across Africa from both established acts and emerging acts.
In today’s “Fresh Tunes: Africa”, we will be highlighting music from the likes of SimulationRxps, WANO, Ivy Leeg, Rema and many more. Please do note that the curated undergoes a selection process by the Editorial team.
1. SimulationRxps – Gaz Lam
Returning with his first release of the year is Cape Town based rapper and songwriter, SimulationRxps who gradually announced his forthcoming EP “Based On Iwaar” which is set to feature the likes of K.Keed and Lookatups. I have personally received an opportunity to listen to the EP and it is amazing as he explores a variety of sounds whilst staying true to his roots. “Gaz Lam” is an adaptation to what the daily life of a bread winner or a hard worker within an environment that doesn’t embrace their talent or craft.
SimulationRxps expresses the various character development elements that one would need to undergo in which he supports his closest friend to continue working and pushing even though it may seem like their work goes unseen but it is definitely seen by all the right people. It is an anthem that is to keep people motivated even in this tough economy as anything could happen tomorrow.
The single is indeed a great start to his EP release which is set to drop on the 2nd of August so hopefully you enjoy this release, just as I have.
2. WANO – Come By
Making your debut could be one of the most scariest things that an artist has to experience as at times navigating in the music space can be difficult especially when it is your first release ever. The multi-talented artist, WANO is quite a unique one as “Come By” exposes his various music palettes that fall within ‘Jazz’, ‘Rap’ and Neo-Soul. “Come By” is a song that takes over the form of a love letter as he notes down his love for the special lady in a well layered verse with a strong hook/chorus that sticks quite well to the ear.
WANO has set a great standard for himself as his production quite speaks for itself and is a perfect representation of his love and commitment to his craft. He is definitely one to look out for in the course of the year as “Come By” has showcased a new talent and sound that I cannot wait to hear more of. “Come By” is a must add to your library if you haven’t, you will enjoy each moment that it brings from the mellow and relaxed tone to the mesmerising songwriting style.
3. Ivy Leeg & Fentse. – Linger On (feat. Barry Staxx, Carter IV, Doushii & Novatron)
Rapper and Songwiter Ivy Leeg unites with R&B songstress Fentse. to deliver quite a jam titled “Linger” which features the likes of Barry Staxx, Carter IV, Doushii & Novatron. The single is quite different to what Ivy Leeg and Fentse. have done in the past individually as Ivy Leeg is more known for his conscious rap music whilst Fentse. is known for her play between the Alternative and RnB sounds.
When I first heard this, I thought of Ivy Leeg’s favourite producer, Kaytranada as the sonic design and play really spoke to me and complimented the two artist’s songwriting abilities from Fentse.’s lovely hook to Ivy Leeg’s detailed verse. It is truly amazing seeing artists shift between genres and I believe that this genre-bending single will be well received early enough for the summer season.
4. REMA – YAYO
Nigerian superstar, Rema surprised his fans two weeks back with the release of his sophomore album “HEIS” which features hit singles, “HEHEHE”, “YAYO”, “BENIN BOYS” and many more. The project incapsulates the origins of Afro-beats and it’s original sound through the mixture of various sides to the genre. Our most favourite single off this offering is “YAYO” which is more of a celebratory single as Rema acknowledges all the good in his life and how far he has come from when he started out to now.
If you haven’t added this fun-filled single to your playlist then you are missing out on some amazing African music. From the lyricism to the production style, it definitely stood out amongst the various singles off the project.
5. Tesh Carter – On and On
Tesh Carter is an artist, songwriter & dancer from Lagos, Nigeria that has been in the industry for over a decade. Her journey in music first began when Clarence Peters from Capital Hill Records discovered her in 2012 which led to the creation of ‘In The Air’ and many more. She has since released over 15 tracks over the years with her sophomore EP “Toxic” being the one that catches our eye. The 2024 project features a variety of 5 tracks which showcases a variety of sides to the ‘Afro-beats’ sound as she infuses it with numerous elements within dance and pop.
The song that blew my mind from this particular project has to be “On and On” as it simply taps into a mysterious side of love over an ear-grabbing production. Tesh Carter leads the song with an easy-listen storytelling approach with a touch of excitement through the groovy hook. If you have not yet listened to Tesh Carter’s ‘Toxic’, now is the perfect time as she continues to grow and explore many other sounds within Afro-beats. She is definitely one to look out for in over the year or two.
6. Loatinover Pounds, Qwellers & Uncle Partytime – Eish
From the gradual era of ‘Sosh Plata’ to working with numerous stars within the Hip-Hop space such as A-Reece, 25K, Jay Jody, Blxckie & many more is Pretoria’s very own, Loatinover Pounds as he unites with the Qwellers and Uncle Partytime over his brand new single titled “EISH”. The single is a core representation of what simplicity mixed with a solid formula looks like as he stuck to the basics with the catchy repetitive, one-line hook to the unique flow and easy-listen verse.
If you haven’t yet given this tune a listen then you are missing out to what I would deem as a vibe contributor.
7. Oskido, Scotts Maphuma & Deep Sen – Chomi Kepopile (feat. King Talkzin)
It is always amazing when a legend unites with the newer generation to empower and create amazing music that resonates with the modern youth. Oskido has had quite an amazing journey to say the least in where he got to introduce us to numerous Kwaito and House stars such as Professor, Winnie Khumalo, Uhuru, Trompies and many more under his label imprint ‘Kalawa Jazmee’ which was a unity amongst two entities. Nonetheless, he has done so much for the youth under his ‘Legend Live’ label as he has managed to share his spotlight with numerous upcoming talent in which ‘Chomi Kepopile’ becomes a perfect example.
The groovy tune is not only strong in message but accommodates a mood of calmness and joy as they celebrate all the great moments in life. If you haven’t yet given this tune a listen then you are missing out on some amazing ‘House’ music. You will definitely enjoy this release.
8. Oriiginelle & Soduh Beats – Expensive Hunger
Now would be the best time to give Hip-Hop’s finest players their flowers and in this I am referring to Eswatini’s very own Oriiginelle as she encompassed her fans on a mind-healing journey in her latest 5 track offering titled “Expensive Hunger” which features the likes of Zulu Mecca, NOVL., Toby From 59th and more. “Expensive Hunger” is truly a skeleton representation of what Hip-Hop entails of from the rawness within the lyricism to the experimentation of various sounds to conscious rap.
Listening to this project feels like reading a book in your pocket, that is how moving it truly is and you would be missing out if you don’t take the time to appreciate such easing quality art. She is definitely one to look out for this year as she continues to rise up the ranks with her cadence and personality. Oriiginelle is truly a rare breed behind the mic and we cannot wait to hear what else she has to offer to us in the year.
9. Shekhinah – Steady
Shekhinah is back with her 2nd single of the year titled “Steady” which is set to lead to her 3rd studio album. The single ‘Steady’ is an infusion of RnB with Rock elements and Pop elements. “Steady” is a song about peace, love and freedom. It embraces the importance of stillness in life as Joy belies within those moments.
The single is definitely a must add to you library as you can enjoy it with your loved ones whether it be in the lounge or a day out at the beach, park or even in the bus or car travelling somewhere. It is like your companion buddy that is there to easy you down and constantly remind you how much you are loved.
10. Chante – Stay The Night
Cape Town’s very own Chante has been quite proactive in these last few months as she recently released her debut EP “Transparent” which features singles such as ‘Lovers & Friends’, ‘Slide’, ‘Clarity’, ‘My Time’ & ‘Stay The Night’. The EP has accumulated numerous achievements for Chante over the last few months as some of the songs continue to chart on various playlists across Spotify and Apple Music.
‘Stay The Night’ is a song that embraces love and happiness on the dance-floor over the mixture pop, dance and RnB sounds in one. Chante complements these infusions with an amazing storyline guided by her soothing vocals over a catchy chorus and hook. It is definitely an enjoyable track that is a must add to your library as it will leave you and your loved ones in the mood of happiness and free-will.
Listen to “Fresh Tunes: Africa” playlist on Spotify, Apple Music & Pandora below:
