It’s New Music Friday, and this week has seen a few good releases today and throughout the week. After sorting through the long list, here are the picks for the week’s (26-30 Aug) releases. Fireboy DML’s nearly unexpected release proved to be one of his best albums yet; Ckay takes on a new sound approach; Angélique Kidjo and Davido present another collaboration; and Tobe Nwigwe provides hood-themed performances on gospel-leaning compositions.
Fireboy DML – Adedamola
Two years after his third studio album, Fireboy DML released his fourth, eponymously named “Adedamola.” The star-studded album features Lagbaja, Lojay, Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, and Spinall. Fireboy DML disproves naysayers by making a 14-track album of delicious, well-produced, sequenced music. Unlike Fireboy DML’s persona on his last studio album “Playboy,” “Adedamola” abandons that in favour of the “LTG” charisma and approach, which critics and fans think is his most natural state. From the execution to production and writing, “Adedamola” takes on a similar approach as “LTG,” an album acclaimed to be Fireboy DML’s finest. And consequently—if you haven’t heard it yet—it’s a sublime lover boy project that’s every bit as brilliant as his first.
Standout tracks: Iseoluwa, Letting Go, Back and Forth, Wande’s Bop, Change Your Life, and Yawa.
Harmonize – Better Go
Harmonize does it again with his new release. “You Better Go” is a heartbreak ballad clad in soulful melodies expressed in Swahili and is quite the infectious record. Complemented by Cookie Kapika’s production, the synths and pulls of guitar elevate Harmonize’s vocals, peeling the hurt behind the lyrics “Babe I’ll Let You Go”
Angelique Kidjo – Joy ft. Davido
5X Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo teams up with one of Nigeria’s finest Davido to spread joy through music. With uplifting lyrics, ‘Joy’ sends a message of triumph over pain and that the result of a weathered stormy phase is usually joy. “I found my hope when it was lost/When it was lost I helped my heart out of the dark/ out of the dark I found the power.” Davido and Angelique Kidjo croon as they celebrate resilience and strength.
Ckay – Egwu Iji
The Ojà (flute)-dominated song marks the 4th song from Ckay in 2024. The flute (which sounds a little too similar to the one on Kcee’s smash hit “Ojapiano”) permeates the song, and the robust log drums give sparks to Ckay’s flattery lyrics. Egwu Eji underlines Ckay’s range as an artist and his ability to deliver on even experimental productions.
Tobe Nwigwe – Hood Hymns
Tobe Nwigwe, an American rapper and singer of Nigerian heritage, featured a diverse range of artists on his most recent album, ‘Hood Hymns,’ including two Nigerian features. Odumodublvck departs from rapping on the album and is heard vocalising, while Afropop artist Adekunle Gold contributes his unique delivery. Tobe Nwigwe’s “Hood Hymns” combines hood themes and lyrics with gospel-inspired execution reminiscent of Kanye West’s “Jesus Is King” album.
Standout tracks: Can You Imagine, Heal, Anointing, Gold.
