Darkoo, Obongjayar, Teni, and Odeal on this week’s new music Friday
It’s a beautiful Friday to be immersed in the newest releases of afrobeats, afropop, highlife, rap, and r&b. So, grab your headphones and get into this week’s musical selections. Based on our well-refined taste, there is something for everyone!
Right Now – Darkoo ft. Davido
Darkoo demonstrates an amazing work ethic as an independent artist when it comes to releasing music—it’s timely, delectable, and has a high repeat value. After enjoying the run of her hit single “Favourite Girl,” which sampled Brick and Lace’s “Love is Wicked, the record’s remix and viral guest verse from “Rema” increased its success even more. In a new release ‘Right Now’, Darkoo displays her talents with a rather mellow record in collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido. The chemistry on the song is evident in the velvety flow and sync between the production and delivery from both artists.
Malaika – Teni ft. Fridayy
In what could be described as a gospelesque rendition, Teni’s soul-stirring ‘Malaika’ quickly and unsurprisingly connected with listeners, courtesy of its emotive lyrics and delivery. Just as it connected with listeners, it also did with fellow artists, prompting Haitian-American singer ‘Friday’ to provide a guest verse, which he delivers with his unique, smooth, deep tones.
Free Service – Shallipopi
Shallipopi’s first single of the year, “Free Service,” is a dynamic blend of streetwise energy and humorous charisma that meets his usual laid-back yet confident flow, peppered with slang and street references. Perhaps Shallipopi’s “Free Service” arrived a little too soon, but if you want to soundtrack a happy moment as you would on Christmas, press play.
Just My Luck/Tomorrow Man – Obongjayar
Tailored around love, heartbreak, friendship, or life’s musings, Obongjayar’s music is bound to leave you with a message delivered in a most radical way that you certainly won’t find elsewhere. His first release for this year is his highly anticipated 2-pack singles “Just My Luck” and “Tomorrow Man.” “Just My Luck” features a soulful delivery on a disco-funk rhythm and makes for a feel-good, leg-tapping record. “Tomorrow Man,” on the other hand, is Obongjayar mentally stimulating and awakening listeners like he does through his music. You want to be a doctor/ you want to be an actor/ or a fashion designer/ all talk, no action. Think his tracks like “Message in the Hammer,” “Try,” and “Still Sun.”
Tyla Deluxe – Tyla
Seven months after the initial release of her critically acclaimed debut album made waves, achieving an impressive debut at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and becoming the highest-charting album by a female African solo artist, Tyla releases the deluxe to her debut album Tyla. Featuring three additional tracks: Shake Ah” with Tony Duardo, Optimist, Maestro, “Push 2 Start,” and “Back To You.” Breathing forth new magic into a certified magical album
Temptress – Odeal
Odeal consistently demonstrates that hard work and consistency are qualities that artists should strive for. Three months after his groundbreaking EP ‘Sunday at Zuri’s,’ which spawned tracks like “Soh Soh” and “Free Me,” Odeal embarks on another trip with a new single titled “Temptress.” The new project, ‘Lustropolis’, promises a more sensuous environment while exploring such ideas, as Odeal hinted in an Instagram post.
