Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight: BIG JOL!
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Hello!
Greetings to all our sonic voyagers, seekers of rhythm, and lovers of melody. We trust you are doing well and that your week has been kind to you. Can you believe August is already on its way out? The -ember months are fast approaching, bringing with them a new season of sound, discovery, and endless playlists to lift your spirits. Whatever the time of year, our playlists remain your faithful companions, ready to soundtrack your days.
This past week was light on mainstream releases, but rather than leave us wanting, it carried us to South Africa, where one big party is underway. So, this week, we let the South Africans lead us into a massive jol.
Before we dive in, here’s a gentle reminder to follow us on our socials so you never miss a spotlight when it drops. July’s monthly editorial is in its final moments, and very soon we’ll be bringing you the August edition—a full look at this month’s best offerings, in case you missed anything along the way. And as always, artists among you are welcome to submit music to us for consideration. Don’t hesitate to send it in at yinoluu@afrocritik.com. We’re eager to spotlight your work too!
Without further delay, here’s this week’s brilliant selection
SNAZZY SINGLES: Before the jol begins, we linger for a moment with a few Afrobeats gems that stand tall.
Tanzanian singer, Loui, sets the tone with Balcony Hearts, a smooth and energetic EP where “Whine”, “Joro”, and “Snapchat” pulse with rhythm and flair. Hanna shows her range and versatility on “Tough Crowd”, Salle impresses with “Underskirt” and also shines on Mr. Vic’s “Cool My Mind”. Together, they offer funky and expressive tracks that speak to their growing power as unique voices.
Taves on “Way2Yung”, Drahocenny on “LMLY”, and Garvicii on “Heartless” bring groovy takes on love and relationships, each pairing bright melodies with bouncy cadences that carry the weight of their youth and creativity.
Seasoned names remind us of their craft, with Mr Eazi’s “Casanova”, Kuami Eugene’s “Emotional”, and Fally Ipupa’s “Plus de larmes” blending expressive storytelling with energetic production to get us dancing. HEVI’s “Circle”, Juls with a full entourage on “Baile Em Chamas”, Logos Olori’s “Porom Po”, and Kaestyle’s “Accelerate” lean into syncopation and vocal energy to deliver thumping bangers that keep momentum high. Kosi O’s “Don’t Run”, Wizard Chan’s “Amen”, and AYLO’s “Don’t Think It’s Love” bring a more introspective edge, laying thoughtful expression on top of high-tempo, danceable instruments that create space for both reflection and movement.
BIG JOL!!!: And now the real party begins as we head south into the heart of the sound.
Mr. Pilato, Ego Slimflow, and Tebogo G Mashego anchor the Manyikenyoso: In The Fun House project with “Nkhethe ko khethe”, “Pompa Lebili”, and “Tilili”, all dripping with gangster Amapiano energy built on cadence, attitude, and heavy-hitting drums. Fiso el Musica’s Inception Deluxe gives us “Moferefere Pianong”, “Baya Poka Poka”, and “Mama”, a trio of smooth Amapiano numbers that mix gentle singing with a harder rapped edge for an intriguing balance.
DJ Stoks shapes warmth and reflection on his Sculptured album, weaving soulful vocals over carefully layered instrumentals on “Imikhonto”, “Rolex”, and “Abalele”. Josiah De Disciple’s “Amasango”, Royal MusiQ’s “Hamba Kanje”, and Abidoza’s “Sgora” with Cassper Nyovest turn up the energy with gritty and hard-edged Amapiano designed for those who want it raw and immersive.
On a more soulful tip, Nkosazana Daughter’s “Emsakazweni”, MOND and Zeh McGeba’s “Only Now”, and Nitefreak’s “Mulalo”, deliver AfroHouse that is emotionally stirring and deeply immersive, built on vocals that pull you inward.
The jol does not end there. Dj Vitoto’s “Saharian Girl”, Malumz on Decks’ “Isishayile”, Shimza’s “Fire Fire”, and MoBlack’s “Yamore” complete the cycle with deep, groovy AfroHouse. These songs are mesmeric, laced with vocal power and hypnotic beats that move the feet while swaying the hips, each one perfectly sculpted to keep the dancefloor alight.
As always, these are only a handful of the gems on this week’s playlist. The full selection is waiting with more discoveries and delights, and we encourage you to dive deeper. Here at Afrocritik we are not only about the big names. Our aim is to ensure that you do not miss noteworthy offerings that may slip under your radar. This week we let South Africa take center stage for a massive party, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
As we prepare to leave August behind and edge into September, we remind you to enjoy the last legs of July’s monthly spotlight before it is gone, and to keep an eye out for August’s edition very soon. Do share with us your recent favorites from the coming week’s wave of releases, and let us know what has been on repeat for you.
We hope this spotlight brings you as much joy as it brought us to curate. Enter September with music in your heart and a smile on your face, and may your week ahead be bright, inspired, and full of rhythm.
Warm regards,
Yinoluwa “Yinoluu” Olowofoyeku is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative who finds expression in various media. His music can be found across all platforms, and he welcomes interaction on his social media @Yinoluu.