Afrocritik’s Weekly Music Spotlight: Soulful Rhythms
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Greetings, sonic explorers.
Did you have a great week? We hope it was filled with good vibes and even better music. This past Sunday marked Mother’s Day, so here’s a friendly reminder to show love and appreciation to your mums, mother figures, and nurturers. Whether it’s a heartfelt message, a surprise visit, or simply a moment of quiet gratitude, let them know they’re cherished.
This week, we’re building on the mellow momentum of last week’s cloudy-day curation. But we’re letting the groove run just a little deeper this time—embracing rhythmic swings and soulful beats, while layering in a welcome injection of rap energy. It’s still a relaxed ride, but don’t be surprised if a few bars catch you off guard and bring some spark to your calm.
Before we dive in, don’t forget to follow us on our socials @Afrocritik to stay in the loop with all our editorials and playlists. The April edition of our Monthly Spotlight playlist is still live and waiting for your ears, so be sure to give it a spin if you haven’t yet. And of course, if you or someone you know is an artiste with gems that deserve a wider audience, feel free to reach out to me directly at yinoluu@afrocritik.com. I’m always looking for new sounds to share with our fellow adventurers.
And now, without further ado, this week’s selections come to you in the form of:
SOULFUL RHYTHMS: We begin with a selection of artistes who lean into heartfelt expression, layered with sweet, steady rhythm. Nello MXL sets the tone with “Well”, a soft and sweet love tune tinged with acoustic intimacy, marking a promising entrance for the newcomer. Naya Akanji continues her expressive streak with “Sink/Swim” and “Hey Baby” from her Unravel EP, demonstrating a delicate grasp of songwriting that makes emotions sing.
Ghanaian singer, Josh Blakk, lifts the vibe with “Pot of Gold,” a groovy, bouncy number that’s equal parts smooth and soulful. Amara’s “Me & You” is another emotional highlight, showcasing the blossoming soft-Afro-Pop artiste’s tender songwriting touch. Mr Eazi returns in signature fashion on “Love Me Now,” laying sparse production under his expressive voice to captivating effect. And Rayona’s “Craze” rounds off this section with a dreamy softness that mirrors her own airy vocals.
AFRO-TYPICAL: Our selection of more familiar, classic Afro-Pop/Afrobeats sounds, with artistes who continue to refine the expected. Ayox is making a name for himself with “Delilah” and “What Have You Done” from When Nobody is Watching, delivering impressive efforts full of emotion.
Prolific producer Jaylon’s Baby Boy project is a showcase in versatility—he pairs his beats with top features across “Nufftime”, “My Mind”, and “Stay Ok”. Tim Lyre returns with “Ski”, a catchy, groove-filled teaser for his anticipated upcoming album.
ID Cabasa teams up with Ajebo Hustlers, Bella Shmurda, and Ayo Maff for “Anytime”, a solid track packed with Afropop energy. Bad Boy Timz proves his consistency on the excellent sophomore project, Wa Jo Pa, with “Later”, “Only You”, “Say Wetin”, and “Grateful” emerging as instant standouts. Tanzanian star, Jay Melody, brings his signature Bongo-Flava flair with “Hujaona Bado”, “Kiguu na Njia”, and “Mara Ya Kwanza”, from his Addiction album.
RAP RATIONS: A hearty serving of captivating rap entries from across the continent.
South African heavyweight Kwesta blesses us with gems from his new The Big Bro Theory album—“Say Me”, “Contra”, “Dlala Vilakazi”, and “Shaya” are all solid cuts laced with soul and skill.
Ghanaian rapper, Gemini Orleans, puts in work on “Came Up From Nothing”, while fellow Ghanaian, Kofi Mole, delivers the catchy, energetic “Bleoo” and “No Play” off B4 Da Album. Young South African rappers, saveHXPE and BabyDaiz, team up on “80s Baby,” a bouncy, infectious track that’s hard to ignore. And South African rap artiste, Bad Milk, impresses with “Both Sides”, bringing crisp bars and controlled intensity.
AMAPIANO FIX: Our customary journey into Amapiano and Afrohouse delights.
ShakaMan YKTV enlists a star-studded lineup for “Jaiva Ka Nje” off The Next Better Kid, while Nicole Elocin teases her upcoming A Symphony project with the Shaunmusiq-assisted “Wena”.
Amapiano mainstays, Mas Musiq, Daliwonga, and DJ Maphorisa, combine for the hypnotic “As’galavante”, and Sir Trill delivers “Ziphi Inkomo” alongside MaWhoo and company.
Master Jay gives us “uNkulunkulu,” a track from the upcoming Ta Jay, and Tyler ICU drops the thumping and energetic “Awungeke.” Newcomer Starsamm, signed to Keyqaad, impresses with the Afrohouse track “Quiet” from his Love Is War EP, closing out the section with fresh flair.
As always, this is just a curated taste of what’s waiting on the full playlist. There are even more treasures buried within, so whether you listen straight through or shuffle for surprise, I encourage you to let it run and discover your new favourites. I’d love to hear what resonated most with you this week, or which picks caught you off guard.
If you’re a budding artiste hoping to be featured, or if you’ve 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.
May the rhythms of this week carry you gently forward, and may the words of these artistes offer you something to nod your head to, dance to, or reflect on. Whatever the vibe—relaxed, rambunctious, or somewhere in between—I hope the music keeps you company in all the best ways.
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.