Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight: Soul & Groove II
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Hello,
Greetings to all our musical adventurers and sonic voyagers. We hope you’ve been well, that the week has treated you kindly, and that the new month has begun in the very best way. Are you ready for the return of football? Whatever happens to your favourite teams this season, our playlists are here for you—always ready to deliver something beautiful for your ears and your spirit.
This week’s selection was such a joy to compile, bringing together an even richer blend of songs—soulful and soft, dreamy and groovy—the kind of music that warms the heart while keeping the feet moving.
Before we dive in, make sure to follow us across our socials so you never miss a beat. July’s monthly spotlight is already live for your enjoyment, gathering the best from last month’s selections in case any treasures slipped past your notice. As always, we invite the artists among you to submit your own music for future features—send it to yinoluu@afrocritik.com. We’re eager to spotlight your work as well!
Now, without further delay, let us wander into this week’s brilliant selection:
SOULFUL & SONOROUS: Heartfelt, soulful, and emotive songs to ease us into the journey.
Port-Harcourt native, Vicoka, opens with “God” from his Spirit project, a personal and introspective offering full of tenderness and conviction, followed by “Why” and “Blessings” which add energy and rhythmic pulse to his heartfelt, intentional style. The guitar-driven “Operation Guitar Boy”, “Celestial Emotions”, and “God Loves When You’re Dancing”, from Tommy Wa’s Somewhere Only We Go EP unfold like bold emotional ballads, steeped in folk storytelling.
South African Idols alumna, Shekhinah, graces us with “Steady Pt 2”, “Spoonky”, “Too Good to Fail”, and “Break Up Season” from her luminous Less Trouble album, each one a smooth and narrative-rich Soul and R&B gem lifted by her sweet vocal delivery.
Ghana’s inventive collective, SuperJazzClub, brings “Sugar Honey Ice Tea”, “Fade”, and “Loose” from the deluxe version of Monochrome Radio, weaving understated grooves with their distinctive artistic flair. UK-based singer, Dan Onkar, gives us “Heaven’s Floor” and “Wall to Wall”, a two-track set that blends his unmistakable vocal texture with steady, soulful R&B to mesmerising effect.
Closing this section, Nigerian newcomer, Kenké, delivers “I’m Sorry”, a touching, narrative-driven Soul single that could bring tears to even the most stoic listener.
DIFFERENT SOUNDS: The unusual, varied, and unexpected, still guided by soul and softness.
The multi-national neo-soul quartet, Seba Kaapstad, serves “What The Beep”, “I Don’t Care”, “Off Kilter”, and “Morning Vibes” from their 4ever album, fusing groovy smooth Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B into a highlight of this week’s selections.
Lagos-born newcomer, Mus, offers “Room 206” and “Ajike” from his Ranmileti project, where subtle Afro-Fusion meets soft, sensual expression. London-based Nigerian husband-and-wife duo, The Good Wine, bring “Ezinna” and “Jo” from the Kaya EP, Gospel-rooted in Highlife and enriched with contemporary influences and multilingual charm.
Ugandan songstress Lydia Jazmine’s “True Love,” “Your Ways,” and “Owewala” from The One And Only album blend Bongo Flava, soft Afrobeats, and R&B in a healthy, engaging mix. Kotrell’s “Misbehave” captures the quirkier side of romance with an uptempo twist on his usual balladry.
Festizie’s “Beautiful” and “Winning” from Uwese explore faith and divine victory through a diverse sonic palette. Finally, Toronto-raised Juno Award winner Osé flexes her vocal dexterity on “24Hrs,” a sleek Afrobeats cut with irresistible charm.
GROOVE DRIVERS: A burst of pulse and energy without our usual stop in South Africa, instead roaming widely to find grooves that ignite movement.
Ghanaian superstar, Amaarae, delivers “B2B,” “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2,” “Free The Youth,” and “Dream Scenario” from her long-awaited Black Star album, each a pulsating and dynamic exploration of sensuality and hedonism through the shifting lens of Electronica and Dance music.
Ivorian talent, Serge Beynaud, powers “Créatair” and “Yékiné” from his Créatair album, blending energetic Hip-Hop, Zouk, and multi-genre vitality. Ghana’s Twitch4Eva teams with Dutch Afro-Pop artiste, Yael Daila, for the infectious “Play Pretend.”
South African electronica comes in with “uValo” by Jazzworkx, an AfroHouse entry of immersive depth, and “Ngik’thande”, Shaunmusiq’s latest Amapiano hit. Nigerian Afrobeats keeps the party alive with Candy Bleakz’s “Sinner” remix featuring Rybeena, “You” by fast-rising Fola, the collaborative “Spell” from Young Legend, F3line, and Oladapo, and the return of superstar, Nonso Amadi, with “Pillow”. Nigerian-American singer and rapper, Sudxn, rounds things out with “Oshamo,” an Alté Hip-Hop song dedicated to the ladies.
These are just a small slice of what awaits you on the full playlist, which overflows with more gems waiting to be uncovered. Remember, here we are not about the biggest names alone. Our mission is to make sure you do not miss the noteworthy offerings that might otherwise fly under your radar.
Send us your recent favourites from the coming week’s releases and take some time to enjoy the freshly updated July monthly editorial. We hope you love this week’s spotlight as much as we loved curating it, as the process introduced us to many fantastic songs and artists.
May this music carry you into the week ahead with inspiration and energy. Wishing you the very best as we move deeper into the heart of Q3. Warm regards from all of us until next time.
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.