New Music Friday: Featuring Davido, Shallipopi, Mannywellz, Mr Eazi and more 

By Chinonso Ihekire

The new month is spinning off with dance-heavy releases from A-list acts to emerging Afrobeats talents. It also seems that more American acts are joining the Amapiano evolution and everyone’s putting out a guest verse here and there. 

From Davido’s love grooves, to IllBliss’ beautiful bore, the playlist has something for everyone, and something to enjoy at least. Here are our keep-sakes from the tracks in Afrobeats’ blossoming library. 

Davido – Awuke

On this Bacardi-driven jam, Davido returns to the spotlight with another danceable love song. Assisted by Reggaeton royalty YG Marley, he churns out a very warm melody that hooks you throughout the song. Marley’s soft-toned RnB influence on the song elevates the groove, further proving that RnB-leaning pop is the strongest approach to Amapiano. 

Shallipopi – Order

This is another breezy club-focused hit from the Benin superstar. The song floats with a repetitive chorus, with most of the song’s groove peaking in the heavily percussive dance track. A party-starting jam, but not really anything of shock value, not even Olamide’s monotonic verse. 

Fido – Awolowo Remix

After Fido stepped into the limelight with the hyper-climaxing pop jam, onlookers have been anticipating a remix with any of the A-list superstars. And Tiwa Savage on this remix feels like a perfect choice. Although her verse does not add any special colour to the song, her persona, brand image and soothing vocals make it a noteworthy alternative version – just not a better one.

Mr Eazi – For My Head 

Returning to his Banku sound, Mr Eazi goes into the heart of Ghana to bring back his Skin-tight type of jam on the African love pop song. He teams with Accra-based superstars Mugeez and D Jay, serenading his lover’s persona in the song with street-style romantic poetry. It’s a feel-good song with strong replay value. 

Crayon – You

It seems Crayon has hacked his choruses, with 2010s-type RnB-pop flows mixed with Afrobeats’ electronic programming. Tag-teaming fellow hitmaker Young Jonn, he steps out with another love song that you probably won’t realise when you start singing along to its chorus. With good lyricism and high recall, the song stands tall with a high replay value. 

Mannywellz – Angels 

US-based Afrobeats’ RnB maverick, Mannywellz, brings back his alternative RnB in a stronger showcase, with bouncy 808s and a Trap Soul melody giving it its glimmer. Its cinematic intros and Mannywellz’ poetic lyricism shine throughout the record as well. It’s a befitting sequel to his recent TikTok hit Ouu Wee. 

Skales – In My Cup

It seems Amapiano is still going to be the sound of the end of year festivities as almost every superstar right now including Skales is on the front row of Amapiano and Afro Pop fusions. Tag-teaming American rapper Ace Hood, the song dazzles for its Hip Hop and Afro Pop chemistry, with interesting lyricism from both musicians. It’s a feel-good jam also brimming with replay value. 

Illbliss – L X R 

Arguably the most enjoyable Amapiano Street Hop fusion out in recent times, IllBliss pushes the tempo a notch higher on this dance track. It’s indolent lyricism is saved by the beauty of the instrumental, an absolute hypnotic groove that swells with replay value.  

Larry Gaga – Obodo 

Did we miss any other important releases? Mail us your forthcoming releases to be featured in the New Music Friday Playlist every weekend at Deosartista@gmail.com 

Cheers to the weekend! Tell us what songs have you on lock this weekend!