Afrocritik’s Weekly Music Spotlight: Mellow May
By Yinoluwa Olowofoyeku
Greetings, my fellow brave music adventurers.
We’re officially easing into the slower pace of May, and if you’re anything like me, you’re beginning to feel that subtle shift in mood the rainy season tends to bring. The skies are greyer, the sunlight gentler, and the world seems to slow down just enough to invite a little introspection.
With that in mind, this week’s Spotlight is all about embracing the mellow. Whether you’re curling up indoors, gazing out of a window with a cup of tea, or simply in the mood for a softer touch, this edition brings you slower-tempo gems to soundtrack your cloudy, contemplative days.
Before we sink into the smoothness of the sounds ahead, remember to follow us on our socials @Afrocritik to stay updated on new editions and discoveries. Don’t forget to check out the Monthly Editorial Playlist for April—a curation of standout tracks from last month’s Spotlights. And of course, if you or someone you know is a recording artiste whose music would thrive in the adventurous ears of our listeners, feel free to submit songs for consideration via yinoluu@afrocritik.com.
And now, without further ado, here are some of the mellow melodies of May. We have:
HEARTFELT OFFERINGS: Our first stop is the tender, emotional core of this week’s playlist, where voices are vessels for heart and vulnerability. Chike offers a beautifully intimate reinterpretation of “Mma”, taken from the stripped-down edition of his Son of Chike album. The sparse arrangement gives new light to the song’s emotional centre.
Kofee Bean and Supa Gaeta join forces on “Why”, weaving delicate production and plaintive vocals into a strikingly vulnerable experience. Congolese singer, Ferre Gola, bares his soul on “Amour Illusoire”, a heartfelt ballad that balances rich vocal textures with raw emotion. And Nigerian singer, PholaPreye, adds her voice to this emotive line-up with “Journey,” a track that feels both personal and expansive in its emotional reach.
ALTERNATIVE ANGLES: This section is where things get a little left-field—in the best possible way. SirBastien’s Jungle Flakes album showcases his genre-bending genius through songs like “Dreaming in California”, “The Whistle Song”, and “Eye Spy”, each one a testament to his deft musicianship and eclectic ear.
Dwillsharmony brings a sultry, sensual flair on his Brap Music EP, with standouts “Let Me Go”, “Friend Zone”, and “Missing You”, offering a smooth, nocturnal blend of vibes. Emerging act Ona Dema turns heads with her I Just Want You To Know EP; “I am Onaedo” and “You Must Be Mad” mark her as a fresh, exciting new presence with a confident voice.
Rapper, Kobi Wolf, experiments with alternative rap sounds on his Bouncing Castle project, gifting us the bouncy “Alte Party”, the groovy “Majo”, and the dreamy “Wait”. Rounding out the section are newcomers Semzi & Easyscope, who deliver mellow magic on “Cinderella” and “Love Drunk” off their collaborative Easy On Dem album—a promising effort that hits the right notes.
SOME STANDARD FARE: Of course, we still make space for the more expected, yet still beloved, flavours of the mainstream. Rowlene returns with the heartfelt “Don’t Give Up On Me”, an R&B cut that leans into her signature blend of softness and strength. Francophone star Ronisia holds it down with “Fan”, an R&B offering wrapped in her usual poise and polish.
Rising Nigerian singer, Kaestyle, continues to elevate his profile with “A.O.M.G” and “Chineke”, the leading tracks from his sharp new three-pack titled Rookies Don’t Sound This Good. Niniola makes her bold return with “Ginger Me”, a raunchy, catchy Afro-pop song that serves as a reminder of her power in the scene. Dice Ailes resurfaces with “Towa”, a fun, groove-laden single that merges nostalgia and energy in equal measure.
SOUTH AFRICA AS USUAL: We close out, as is tradition, with our sonic passport to the South of the continent. Shaunmusiq’s “Nkosi” is an instant attention-grabber, bolstered by a star-studded cast of collaborators. Amapiano titan, De Mthuda, continues to tell stories through sound on his new Mthuthezeli album, with “Emakhaya”, “Baninzi”, and “Imikhuleko” standing out for their layered instrumentation and emotive depth. Finally, Simmy and Jnr SA combine their powers on “Omama Bomthandazo”, an Afro-House gem that packs both energy and elegance.
And with that, our mellow May journey comes to a close. Of course, there are still a few surprises waiting to be discovered deep within the playlist, so whether you prefer a curated start-to-finish listen or a shuffled sonic adventure, dive in and let the music guide you. I’d love to hear which songs resonated with you most—and if you’re an artiste looking to share your work with a wider audience, you know what to do!
Also, don’t forget to experience April’s Monthly Editorial Playlist. Follow us on our socials to stay on top of that, and let us know which songs from this week were your favourites.
Here’s wishing you a gentle, grounded, and creatively fulfilling week ahead. May the sounds keep you company, lift your spirits, and inspire mellow moments of joy wherever you are. Enjoy the journey, and have a blessed week full of musical highs.
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.