Phyno, Blaqbonez, Kaestyle on this week’s New Music Friday
It’s been a dramatic week in the Nigerian music scene, with one of Afrobeats’ leading artists going on a rampage on X, armed with tweets aimed at colleagues, while citizens unceremoniously reflected on the nation’s life pulse as it celebrated its 64 years of independence. The culmination of all of this, however, is that at the end of a week like this, there is a reward and the gift of new music Friday, namely Afromixx’s picks. Here are this week’s drops, from September 30th to October 4th.
Back Outside — Phyno feat. Cheque
On his 5th studio album, “Full Time Job,” Phyno’s outstandingly talented craft of rapping in cascading rhythms and flows has intensified over the years. “Back Outside,” a blend of amapiano and afrobeat elements, Phyno delivers an enjoyable record, with Cheque’s sublimely rendered hook adding a high replay value. Cheque’s ability to not only rap but sing was utilised on “Back Outside,” offering an effective chorus to Phyno’s effortless delivery and the song’s fluid rhythm.
Happy People — Kaestyle
Highlife flavour intersects with hip-hop undertones, and Kaestyle creates a record that underscores his range and solidifies his place as a rising act in the music space. His delivery is evocative of Tekno’s music, as he croons and drags on the lyrics. Having taken the country by storm with the escapism record “My Dealer,” Kaestyle conjures “Happy People,” a song that soundtracks merriment with some good palm wine in circulation.
Haibo Freestyle – Blaqbonez
In anticipation of his forthcoming studio album “Of Many Colours,” Blaqbonez released his second single this year, titled “Haibo Freestyle.” Blaqbonez’s first release of the year took on a theme different from the typical emotionally unavailable persona to a lover boy on fire. True to his freestyle nature, Blaqbonez delivers punchlines in Haibo Freestyle with playful confidence and smooth cadence. His trademark wit and biting humour run through the track as he casually weaves social commentary with flexes about his dominance in the rap game.
Timing — Juls feat. Black Sherif, Projexx
Producer extraordinaire Juls teams up with Black Sherif and Projexx to create a sonically rich track in Timing. Black Sherif’s raspy, emotion-filled vocals give the track depth, while Projexx adds a smooth, dancehall-inflected groove. The production is impeccable, with Juls laying down a beat that’s both chilled shakers and immersive percussions.
Good Feelings — Coldplay feat. Ayra Starr
Coldplay and Ayra Starr come together on Good Feelings, a blend of Coldplay’s soaring anthemic style and Ayra’s ethereal Afropop sound. Ayra’s voice brings warmth and a fresh dimension to Coldplay’s sound, offering a cross-cultural collaboration that feels both authentic and inspiring.
Like — Mavins, Andre Vibes, DanDizzy
The new Mavins collaboration, Like, combines exuberant energy with seasoned production from Andre Vibez and DanDizzy’s sharp delivery. The song begins with an infectious beat, luring you in with Andre’s production—smooth but full of high-tempo Afrobeats influences. DanDizzy provides a dynamic element by riding the beat with his witty wordplay and charismatic flow.
