Afrocritik Weekly Music Spotlight: Detour Week II
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
We hope you’re doing well and have had a great week. It’s a brand-new month, and just like that, August is upon us. Did you celebrate National Girlfriend Day, or perhaps were you celebrated yourself? Either way, we’re glad to have you back with us. Whether you’re on a high or just getting by, know that our playlists are here for you.
This week, we continue to veer slightly off the usual path, making time for some detours and uncovering vibrant sounds from the latter half of July. These tracks may have slipped under your radar, but they certainly deserve a moment in your rotation.
As always, remember to follow us on socials. And if you haven’t yet caught up on the June Monthly Spotlight, it’s still live and will soon be updated to reflect the best of July. Don’t forget, our inboxes are always open; your submissions help shape what we spotlight each week. Got a song or project you think we should feature? Send it in to yinoluu@afrocritik.com. We’re eager to spotlight your work, too!
Without further ado, here’s this week’s brilliant selection, which comes in the form of:
TENDER AND ALTERNATIVE: We begin this week’s journey highlighting some heartfelt jams and some different vibes. First is the expressive soundworld of South Africa’s Halo Yagami, whose experimental R&B project, Ingubo Enamehlo, opens up a meditative sonic space through the mellow confessionals of “Ngonyiwe”, the airy solemnity of “Ngiyala”, the rhythmic flow of “Mkhwenyana”, and the haunting textures of “Nginesifiso”. Ghanaian Afro-Roots legend, Rocky Dawuni, returns with the spiritually charged “I Got A Song”, a Reggae single full of reverence and resilience.
Back in Nigeria, rising talent, Llona, crafts evocative imagery through emotive poetic rap on “Dead Flowers”, a track that bleeds vulnerability. Moonlight Afriqa’s “Assa” gives us a delicately sung, heartfelt number full of quiet yearning. Iyanya, long a mainstay in Nigerian Afro-Pop, delivers a softer, more introspective turn on “Bluewaters”, his latest reflective release.
And rounding out this segment is Mádé Kuti, who explores personal and political terrain on his new album, Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?, from which “Story”, “Our Own”, “Wait and See”, and “Life As We Know It” emerge as thoughtful, searching cuts that build on the Afrobeat legacy while pointing towards new futures.
PARTY STARTERS: Jainy, a Nigerian-Ghanaian Afro-R&B newcomer, delivers an infectious trio of tunes from her debut The Real Jainy EP, with “Follow”, “Ojoro”, and “Shege”, blending bubbly melodies and rhythmic bounce. Guchi continues her prolific run with the vibrant No Skips, Just Feelings, offering “Balance” and “Intentional”, tracks that are as polished as they are catchy.
Ghanaian rising star, Camidoh, gives us an array of vibrant Afro-Fusions on his Trustn God album, particularly with standouts like “Your Ghost”, “Ayekoo”, and “Many Many Things”.
Kashcoming’s Blessed, I’m Not Lucky EP fires on all cylinders with energetic Amapiano-infused cuts like “Gbomowa”, “Hallelujah”, and “Trumpet”, ready-made for peak-time dancefloors. Guap arrives with Awala The EP, a six-track display of stylistic range and youthful flair, giving us the cheeky “Dara”, the smooth “Allen Avenue”, and the hyper-charged “Gazo”.
South African vocalist, Lady Zamar, links up with Nigerian act, Fido, for the flirty, uptempo “Show Me”, a cross-border banger that brings equal parts romance and rhythm. And finally, Ghanaian superstar Amaarae teases her next project with “Girlie-Pop!”, a sugary, left-of-centre pop gem that only she could deliver.
SOUTH AFRICAN SIGN-OFF: We end our detour with a signature return to the sounds of South Africa. Mkeyz paints a sweeping picture across the Isiko II album, where cuts like “Hero to Zero”, “Intsizi”, and “uMbulele” blend emotive lyricism with rich Amapiano soundbeds. TitoM and Yuppe’s collaborative project, Us Or Against Us, offers a suite of textured, soulful bangers such as “Bambelela”, “Elihle”, “Mhlobo”, and “Kwenzakele”, highlighting their signature vocal-driven approach to the genre.
Dj Moscow serves up a sleek set of groovy floor-fillers on the Amaphutha album, with standouts including “Ngyakhuleka”, “Ngiyenzeni”, “Amaphutha”, and “Lashona”, all hitting with precision and flavour.
As always, these songs are just a small cross-section from the full playlist, and even more hidden gems await your discovery. Make sure you’re following us on all platforms so you never miss a beat.
Over here, we know that the biggest names may dominate the headlines, but our mission remains to spotlight the special offerings that may otherwise slip past unnoticed. If you’ve stumbled on any recent favourites this week, feel free to send them our way. And if you haven’t already, go spend some time with the June Monthly editorial while we get the July edition ready for you.
Wishing you joy, clarity, and moments of delight as you navigate this new month. May the music move you, soothe you, and set you free.
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.