Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight: Subtle Twists
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Hello, musical mavericks.
I hope you’re well and that last week brought you a few bright moments. If you’re still feeling adventurous after last week’s fresh sounds, you’re in luck: we’re keeping that spirit alive with a few extra twists, like a hint of citrus in a fine cocktail. This week’s blend features a healthy mix of familiar favourites and unexpected flavours, plus some emerging artists worth adding to your watchlist.
Make sure you’re following the playlist so you never miss an update. June’s Monthly Spotlight is just around the corner, and you’ll want to be ready. As always, if you’re an artist creating something you think we should hear, send your music to yinoluu@afrocritik.com. We’re always listening, and the very best gems will be showcased for all to enjoy.
Without further ado, here are this week’s tracks:
ALTERNATIVE TWISTS: We begin with Com Amor Brazil, a colourful new EP by British-Ghanaian producer, Juls. It’s a tropical voyage through Brazil’s baile, salsa, and batucada sounds, refracted through Juls’ signature laid-back Afro-fusion lens. With songs like “Dança no Sol”, “Batido do Sol”, “Atabaque Riddim”, and “Bunda”, the project offers a breezy, sun-soaked listen, supported by vibrant performances from a range of featured artistes.
We also meet Emly, a fresh new Nigerian voice making her debut with “Somebody Else”, another impressive launch in collaboration with MBA For Africa. It’s a stirring entry into the scene, full of feeling and vocal presence. Ghanaian-American genre-shifter, Amaarae, returns with “S.M.O”, a fast-paced, energetic cut with frenetic drums and a dizzying melodic structure that leans fully into her experimental instincts. Temi B, a Nigerian singer based in Canada, introduces herself with “Falling”, a heartfelt and soulful debut full of longing and vocal control.
From Côte d’Ivoire and Switzerland, rapper KT Gorique and producer, Riga, expand their collaborative world with the deluxe version of their Radio Pirate album. The standout tracks include “Ah We”, “Run”, “Doser”, and the pensive “Ennuis (alterlude)”, which draw from Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, Reggae, and even electronic motifs, propping up an already daring body of work with sharp flows and unexpected textures.
NOTABLE STAPLES: This section brings a few solid entries that lean more comfortably into genre norms, but still bring their own interest. Nigerian Street-Hop gets a bold entry from Famous Pluto, the younger brother of Shallipopi, who steps into the spotlight with “Runs Am”, a wild and confident new track already generating buzz.
Tanzanian Bongo Flava mainstay, Lady Jaydee, returns with her Silver album, which expands her already wide stylistic range. Tracks like “Po Po”, “Because Of Love”, and “Enjoyment” explore balladry, mid-tempo swing, and danceable grooves, all anchored by her rich vocal command and songwriting polish.
We also get a fun Afro-Pop duet from Nigerian singers, Shoday and Rybeena, on “Gaddem”, a flirtatious, upbeat tune with instant replay value. Spyro teams up with Oxlade on a remix of his hit “Beautiful”, transforming it into a sweet, sensuous Afropop jam with soft percussion and airy melodies. Newcomer Cookie thekid closes this set with “Trouble”, a sleek and confidently delivered single that blends R&B smoothness with Afro-Pop bounce.
ENERGY INJECTORS: The pace picks up with a handful of energetic cuts. Nigerian artiste, La Grace, still fresh on the scene, drops his Hustler’s Diary EP with raw energy and ambition. Tracks like “Lagos to Jamaica” and “Lifestyle” are filled with spirit and unfiltered drive.
“Fire” by Laime featuring Odumodublvck and Hotkid brings a fiery Afro-Piano fusion, with each artiste bringing strong personality over bouncing drums. Ghanaian singer, Kuami Eugene, returns with “Do Better”, an upbeat motivational anthem built for dancing and singing along.
Rising Nigerian singer, Bagetti, brings crisp vocals and sticky melodies on “Yoro”, while BoyOctave, another Nigerian newcomer, keeps the tempo high with “Come On”, an infectious and vibrant pop track.
AMAPIANO SIGN-OFF: We close with a now-familiar piano flourish. South African DJ Sicky offers up dancefloor fire on his Time After Time album, with standouts like “Awyebo”, “Di Baddie”, and “Msamaria” leading the charge. Each track is a high-energy statement filled with groove and intention.
We also spotlight a few smoother, vocal-centric offerings. “Amalanga” by Piano City and Kelvin Momo features a rotating cast of South African talent, gliding over deep production. “Inkomo Zika Baba” by South African vocalist Mlindo The Vocalist is a moving, gospel-touched Amapiano ballad, while “Umusa” by Nomakhosini and Aymos showcases rich harmony and spiritual atmosphere.
If you’re chasing pop-leaning sparkle, look to “E’Pop” by King P and collaborators, “All Week” by South African vocalist, Nkatha, and producer, Nova MusiQ, and “Tikita” singer Queencess Kyanga and her team. For a cool-down moment, try “Aloha” by South African DJ 787, a lovely instrumental piece that floats and shimmers.
That’s a wrap on this week’s spotlight, but it’s only a glimpse of the full playlist. There’s much more waiting for you on the full list, so go take a dive. Did you enjoy the subtle twists? If you’ve found something left-of-centre or genre-bending lately, feel free to send it our way — we’re always curious about what’s out there.
If you’re a budding artiste hoping to get featured, or if you’ve just stumbled across a sleeper hit that deserves more ears, don’t hesitate to drop me a line at yinoluu@afrocritik.com. Let’s keep the circle of discovery growing.
Wishing you fresh sounds, bold energy, and small wins as we cross into the second half of the year. Stay adventurous and stay tuned.
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.