Magixx, Nasty C, Harmonize and Johnny Drille on New Music Friday

The release radar lit up with records that stretch from romantic Afropop and cross-continental fusions to heavyweight rap cyphers and hip-hop’s next wave. There’s nostalgia in the mix, but also the sound of artists pushing their lanes forward. Whether you’re looking for something to soundtrack an all-night drive, a slow dance in low light, or a sweat-drenched club set, this batch has you covered.

Magixx – Unlimited

Nigerian crooner Magixx has dropped his electrifying new single, titled Unlimited. The song is Magixx’s first release for the year 2025, following his debut album ‘I Dream In Color’. “Unlimited” is a breezy and vibrant cut which sort of contrasts the R&B tempo vibe of his debut album. Ragee’s production leans on bouncy percussion and clean Afropop melodies, leaving enough room for Magixx’s smooth, unfussy delivery. It’s the kind of record that asks for sunroof drives and late-night rooftop hangs — equal parts romantic flair and youthful ambition. The hook is built to loop in your head, with lines like “Funds unlimited, I fit fly you to Maley” striking the intimacy breath. A love song for slow dances and private confessions.

Chocolate City ft. Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Blaqbonez – Legacy

Two decades in, Chocolate City’s hold on the Nigerian rap scene doesn’t seem to have waned, and the new release from their camp is a rightfully earned flex of its rap pedigree. Legacy plays like a cypher carved in stone — Ice Prince with his polished glide, Jesse Jagz dropping laid-back wisdom, and Blaqbonez threading youthful swagger through the verses. G-Plus Chang and Jace Kim’s beat nods to the label’s golden era while keeping its sneakers firmly in the present. It’s a track that doubles as a victory lap and a warning shot: the throne is still occupied.

Qing Madi ft. Didi B, Jux – LOCA

LOCA is a three-way handshake between West and East Africa, with Afrobeats, Afro house, and Bongo Flava trading passports. Qing Madi leads with a charismatic hook, Didi B injects melodic mischief, and Jux smooths the edges with effortless romance. Del B keeps the production understated but layered, letting each artist’s personality bleed through.

Harmonize ft. Abigail Chams – Lala

“Lala” feels like a conversation you don’t want to end — gentle, intimate, and unafraid of vulnerability. Harmonize sounds newly in love; Abigail Chams wrestles with surrendering to it, and both meet in a chorus that translates roughly to “Lay on my chest, fall asleep.” It’s tender without being saccharine and a reminder of the pair’s uncanny synergy. Produced by Cukie Dady, “Lala” is a soulful blend of Bongo Fleva and soft Afro-pop, built around a tender theme of intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and timeless love. Harmonize pours his heart out as he sings about finally falling deeply in love, expressing joy he’s never felt before and a desire to spend forever with his partner.

Johnny Drille ft. Tiwa Savage – Over The Moon

Johnny Drille and Tiwa Savage have chemistry that feels lived-in, and Over The Moon bottles it perfectly. It’s a soft-lit, heart-on-sleeve ballad where folk sincerity meets R&B elegance. Johnny’s storytelling stays vivid and earnest; Tiwa glides in with harmonies that feel like a warm hand on your shoulder. The production is understated — guitar, percussion, harmonies — letting the intimacy breathe. A love song for slow dances and private confessions.

Rema, Tiwa Savage, Fido, and Cheque on New Music Friday

Nasty C ft. Blxckie – Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)

Nasty C and Blxckie create a hip-hop gem that balances streetwise edge with sophisticated finesse. Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo) has a captivating, bass-driven beat that combines trap’s minimalist edge with rich African rhythmic rhythms. The chorus is instantly catchy, with its simple melody line growing into an anthem through persistent repetition and obvious swagger. Nasty C kicks off the tune with a razor-sharp flow, cutting through the beat with precision and humorous double entendres. Blxckie enters with his trademark comfortable intensity, his silky verse bursting with genuine swagger that anchors the song’s foundation. The collaboration goes beyond a simple team-up, acting as a lively celebration of South African hip-hop’s dynamic present and limitless future, headed by two legends. Produced by Cxdy, the song “Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)” serves as a follow-up to Nasty C’s previous releases “Soft” and “Psychic”. In addition, “Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)” is a standout track from Nasty C’s forthcoming fifth studio album, “Free”, slated for release in September.