Lil Kesh, Fido, Fave, Kojo Blak and Emo Grae on This Week’s New Music Friday

This week passed by swiftly, but not so quickly that Afromixx couldn’t put together a fantastic playlist to kick off the weekend. This week saw the release of singles, EPs, and albums across Africa. We’ve painstakingly tracked good records, curating and sequencing them for your listening pleasure. 

Lil Kesh ft. Fireboy, Ayo Maff — Vex For U

With the snippet shared a few days ago on social media before its release at midnight today, ‘Vex For U’ showcases an impressive collaboration from three unique artists who, in a little over three minutes, were able to have standout deliveries without outshining each other. And the result of this is a creation with high replay video. With Fireboy at the helm of the hook and transitional verses, Ayo Maff and Lil Kesh compliment each other, neither seeming out of place. 

Fido — Mr. Lover 

Fido continues to prove that he has so much to offer than what he appears to have been given in his fast rise to fame, and in a series of tweets he has vowed to make it known, claiming he is a bag of talent slowly creeping to disrupt the music industry. His latest release, “Mr. Lover,” is said to be a leak and wasn’t entirely a planned official single. But apparently, even an unplanned release is good enough to score Fido another golden track, the kind that gains mainstream success. Fido is aware of his capabilities, and he proves that on Mr. Lover with a flow and cadence you’re probably familiar with, but this is Fido. 

Olamide ft. Russ — Hello Habibi (remix)

Bringing a major twirl to one of the hit songs off his ‘Ikigai’ album, Olamide taps Russ for a transcultural collaboration. And since he linked with Asake on “Reason,” Russ shows he doesn’t discriminate against delivering hard-hitting bars regardless of the disparity in culture for as long as there’s a beat. The highlight of the remix is Olamide’s final verse that closes the song. He goes in unrestrained as a rapper out of retirement and reminiscent of Olamide on “Eyan Mayweather.”

Emo Grae — Be There 

Emo Grae’s talent has never been questioned, but perhaps the typical personal troubles one may stumble on are what plague him and his shot to mainstream acceptance. With a pen that tells tales of romance and heartbreak delivered with a distinct musical voice, Emo Grae makes a comeback with “Be There,” and he’s willing to risk it all for his love interest. 

Kojo Blak ft. Olivetheboy – Rugged 2.0 

Lately, Ghanian pop music is laced with delicious highlife riffs that form the basis for infectious rhythms and ultimately songs with a high replay value. On Rugged 2.0, Kojo Blak and the fast-rising Ghanian pop star deliver such a track that showcases both artists in a relentless pursuit of their love interests. The song shares how the pursuit of love can be a lengthy process, but not a lengthy one enough for these two love-struck boys. 

Fave — Dutty Love (EP)

Following three lead singles, Fave returns with a sophomore EP, and with her relatable storytelling and soul-stirring vocals, she delivers a 7-track EP that makes you return while switching favourites. 

STANDOUT TRACKS:  Complicated, Dutty Love Song, Lose My Mind.

Black Culture, Yimeeka – INÓ

On INÓ, Black Culture’s robust production of African percussions that speak excellence and creativity coupled with Yimeeka’s delicate, ethereal vocals shines through the 14-minute long avant-garde EP. It’s a beautiful blend of the rich tapestries of western African music and art. 

Monaky — Candor

With a mix of upbeat tracks and soulful ballads, Candor positions itself as a versatile body of work that caters to a wide range of listeners while reflecting Monaky’s growth as an artist. Working with three guest artists on his second studio EP, Dessy Carter, Rhedi, and Llona, Monaky infuses elements of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional African rhythms that feel both innovative and familiar.

STANDOUT SONGS: Chandelier, Cerebral, Hi Grade, Gone Rogue.