Kordy Blakka has joined forces with the talented Soul Marley to create a captivating Afro drill track titled “Grilled Fish.” This unique and energetic collaboration promises to deliver an infectious blend of Afro beat rhythms and drill-inspired beats, setting the stage for a new musical experience that transcends genres.
This exciting release comes at a time when the global music scene is embracing a diverse range of influences, and “Grilled Fish” is at the forefront of this evolution. Kordy Blakka and Soul Marley’s collaboration is a testament to their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of music and creating art that connects on a profound level.
“I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Soul Marley on ‘Grilled Fish.’ We wanted to create something that would not only get people moving but also showcase the power of musical fusion. The blend of afro and drill styles in this song is something truly special, and I can’t wait for our fans to experience it,”
Kordy Blakka
Soul Marley added, “Working with Kordy Blakka on ‘Grilled Fish’ has been an incredible journey. We wanted to capture the essence of afro drill and create a sound that is both authentic and ground-breaking. I believe this song will resonate with a wide range of audiences and showcase the beauty of musical collaboration.”
Listen to “Grilled Fish” on all streaming Platform
Amaarae is wet and flowing. Flowing with bold and audacious statements made with the body more than the mouth. The boundaries for African music, lead by Nigerian Afrobeats and South African Amapiano are constantly moving, and on her sophomore effort , Amaarae pushes them even further. Burna Boy became the first Nigerian act to headline a UK stadium early this month, and Wizkid sold out three consecutive nights at the prestigious O2 Arena last year, amongst other accolades.
In 2020, the ambitious Atlanta-born and Accra raised Ama Serwah Genfi introduced the world to her dark, mystical but very sexy world on her debut album ‘The Angel You Don’t Know.‘
Before then, ardent followers of the Nigerian Alté community were already familiar with Ama’s whispery, classy Alté-pop from her debut mixtape and features and cameos alongside the rest of the Nigerian Alté community.
Released by Interscope Records on June 9, 2023. The album was supported by two pre-released singles, “Reckless & Sweet” and the very Gen-Z-centric “Co-Star”. ‘Wasted Eyes’ accompanied the album on arrival.
If “The Angel You Don’t Know’ was a dystopian motion picture, ‘Fountain Baby’ is the Utopian aftermath of neo-tantric, sexual and divine feminine expressionism.
In motion picture fashion, the Cracker Mallo co-produced ‘Angels in Tibet’ opens the album with Opera style violin lead orchestra composition—after a short prologue-esque intro.
Amaa goes on a search of sexual and feminine freedoms and hedonistic pleasures on most of ‘Fountain Baby,’ hinted on the cleavage teasing cover art work quite reminiscent of Janelle Monae’s mammary glands flashing antics while rolling out ‘The Age Of Pleasure.’— This is nevertheless juxtaposed by the singer seeking a lover to take her out of the proverbial “streets” on the counter-titled ‘Princess Goes Digital.’
The song plays like a Babyface penned and Toni Braxton performed number from the early 2000s but with a modern day twist, while ‘Sex, Violence, Suicide’ is as futuristic as Utopia on wax, think Mad Max: Fury Road.
There is nothing more new age than titling a single from the album after a horoscope app, ‘Co-Star’ housed some of the best writing, most memorable flow and artistic honesty on the album.
Official Music Video for Co-Star
There’s no way you’re Virgo Cute but far from loyal Gotta be a Leo You so fucking spoiled Maybe you’re a Sag You nag You nasty Aries bitches bad But damn, I’ll pass please Crazy like Aquarius Text me when you’re serious
The song’s verses are delivered in a semi-rap, Doja Cat-esque cadence, over an up-tempo, percussion laden instrumental.
Poetic titles like ‘Princess Goes Digital,’ ‘Water From Home,’ and ‘Come Home To God’ are the beacon fro some of the classy degeneracy.
Amaa has always been unapologetic of making music for the world, hence her focus on embracing her American, European and Nigerian audiences, rather than focusing on catering for the local Ghanaian listenership. It is worthy of note that ‘Big Steppa,’ borrows elements of Hiplife on the instrumentation although the performance is very much Amaa’s forté.
‘Counterfeit’ has some of the most stand out production on the album, if not the best. 2000s R&B pop meets Arabian flutes and West African griot drums as Amaa whispers lyrics about her Hugh Hefner-esque sexcapades but with a lesbian twist, strip club music has never sounded more artistic.
On the very next track, the listener find that all of that is a defence mechanism against unrequited emotions for lovers who like to “love em and leave em,” as she sings” you think I’m feeling a way, it’s not like you love me, I know you don’t love me,” on ‘Disguise.’
“I wanna party right now,” she sings on the songs hook. Day one fans will recognize this of escaping this pattern romantic torture with materialism from 2020’s ‘Sad Gurlz Luv To Party.’
Ever since her debut on the mainstream scene, Amaarae’s sexuality had been a topic of curiosity due to her eccentric fashion choices and lyrics. On ‘Fountain Baby the Ghanaian eaves no room for questioning what end of the spectrum she belongs, even though her country is still one of those without legislation to protect people on that end of the sexual spectrum.
Lyrics “like my coffee with some head in the morning,” “pussy like Bermuda afternoons” enable neo-tantric sexual fantasies—the sexualization of the divine feminine evident on the religious references metaphorized into sexual statements on ‘Come Home To God.’
Alimony Ama closes the album with unforgettable lyrics like:
“Shawty say she love me like she love the Lord When I’m in that pussy, I’m above the law If I had the world, I still would end it all Thousand and one reasons not to get involved I’ma call my ex and say I love her in the past tense Drinking from a fountain, she anoint me like a pastor Triple-winged angel ’bout to turn me to a bastard Devil doing favors that a nigga never asked for.”
On ‘Fountain Baby,’ Amaarae sets out to take African music to the world, packaged in decoration that make it easily access to the western demography by borrowing a log of western styles due to her globetrotter upbringing, but she still caters to home with Afropop numbers like ‘Aquamarine Luvs Ecstacy,’ that sound like she took a page off Wizkid’s 2020 classic ‘Made in Lagos.
HIGHLIGHTS: Strong, poetic, fantasy baring lyrics, genre fusion, sonic experimentation, production, ambitiousness.
LOWLIGHTS: the almost sporadic transitioning of songs
STRONGEST SONG(S): Co-Star, Disguise, Come Home To God
WEAKEST SONG(S): All My Love, sex violence suicide
PRODUCTION: 10
LYRICISM:10
FEATURES: NIL
COHESION:8
TRANSITION: 7
TOTAL: 9.0/10
VERDICT: Replete with nearly unforgettable melodies and bad b***h quotes, ‘Fountain Baby is more’ accessible and commercially appealing, to a wider array of audiences but it in no way loses the eccentricity and mystery that the artiste is known for since she debuted on the music scene in 2017.
Amaa’s artistic shape shifting keeps the album from going stale despite having no features. ‘Fountain Baby’ is a worthy ‘SOS’ to ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’s ‘Ctrl.’ A classic if it stands the taste of time.
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With so much good music being released across the continent always, it can be hard to determine what to listen to or where to discover new music or new artist and Hiphop Africa curation team offers a run-down of the best and freshest rap and hiphop songs and significant new releases from the continent every Friday available on streaming services worldwide with a focus on African rap music and its community.
This week our playlist cover star is young Nigerian rapper Tonee C as he releases his new single “To The Moon” a single that celebrates the universal yearning for exploration, pushing boundaries and reaching for the stars, a sonic voyage that encourages listeners to embrace the infinity possibilities that lie within the cosmos. Two years after releasing his last album Nigerian indigenous rapper and YBNL boss Olamide is back with UNRULY, a sprawling collection of Afrobeats and Hiphop from the rapper as can be heard on Doom which is featured on this playlists. Another Album released this week is from Ghanaian Drill champion Kwaku DMC as he releases “Party In The Jungle” a testament that Asakaa music is here to stay. Kong Kong Nywame is out with a 13 track project to keep his fans jumping. Kwaku Frimpong Black Sheriff returned to the scene with a two track EP titled “Take Care Of Yourself Blacko” just to remind the fans and music listeners he is still around with his two new singles embodying the rappers emotions as can be heard on the featured track YAYA and we expect nothing less that 10/10 from the Young Ghanaian Culture Champion. Outstanding singles from this week’s playlist are a lot and as usual diverse with songs every corner of the continent Last Call from PatrickxxxLee from South Africa is a soothing hip-hop song that features Sjava, Nigerian comic rapper, Activist and Actor Falz taps ODOMODUBLVCK and Singer Flavour as they bring eastern Nigerian elements to hiphop creating a straight banger, More artist included this week is New Mavin signee Lifesize Teddy, Boeyylee from Kenya and more artist. Listen Below.
Nigerian living rap legend and label executive Olamide Baddo as he is known has released his landmark 10th album titled ‘Unruly’.
The album is is highly anticipated from the label owner who has found fame not just through street cred but also grooming major stars in Asake and Fireboy DML who are both featured on the rappers 11th solo project, “Unruly,” is a follow up to his 2021 release, “UY Scuti.”
The album is a 15 track body of work which packs a smooth experience as Olamide who now makes music without mainstream pressure takes his fans and listeners on a trip across the his illustrious career over the years as he combines different genres to offer a solid body of work and prove why he is not just an entertainment but a record label champion boss.
The album also includes collaborations with heavy hitters in the Nigerian music scene with artists like CKay, BNXN and Rema including label signees mentioned above Asake and Fireboy DML. The production credits on “Unruly” includes P.Prime, B Banks, Eskeez, Magicsticks, CKay, and Alex Lustig.
Ghanaian twin music duo DopeNation collaborates with the multiple award winning rapper Sarkodie on an electrifying new track that fuses the captivating melodies of Afrobeat and Highlife with the vibrant rhythms of Amapiano.
“Check My Zingo” is a captivating fusion of Afrobeat, Highlife and Amapiano, three genres that have been making waves across the African continent and beyond. DopeNation’s unique ability to blend these styles effortlessly is a testament to their versatility and creative prowess. The song immediately grabs the listener’s attention with its infectious melodies and energetic production, setting the tone for a musical journey that is both captivating and exhilarating.
Stream the latest
The song’s production is top-notch, with a combination of groovy basslines, rhythmic percussion, and captivating synths that create an irresistible sonic landscape. The duo’s vocal delivery is flawless, effortlessly riding the waves of the beat and injecting their unique style into every verse and chorus.
With “Check My Zingo,” DopeNation once again proves their ability to push musical boundaries and deliver an extraordinary listening experience. The track is an embodiment of their artistic growth and evolution, showcasing their versatility as musicians and their commitment to crafting memorable songs. It is undoubtedly a testament to their undeniable With “Check My Zingo,” DopeNation once again proves their ability to push musical boundaries and deliver an extraordinary listening experience. The track is an embodiment of their artistic growth and evolution, showcasing their versatility as musicians and their commitment to crafting memorable songs. It is undoubtedly a testament to their undeniable talent and their contribution to the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeat , Highlife and Amapiano music.
Let me drop some rhymes about JayClux, the Nigerian artist with mad skills on stage and behind the scenes. His music style is unique and raw, blending melodic raps with custom style flows.
JayClux, born Oluwaseun Jackson in Lagos, on April 15, 1992 Nigeria got his stage name from combining Jehova and Santa Claus. He sees himself as the ultimate gift bearer, bringing music, ideas, and networking finesse.
“TOP DAWG,” by JayClux is his brand new Afro-alternative track that showcases his rise. It’s the first new single he has worked on with a new team who sees his vision and is helping him carve out his dreams. The song features Karam69.
Being a top dawg means having power and success, dominating the game with finesse. It’s about celebrating victory with the people who’ve been there since day one”.
JayClux started his musical journey at eleven, writing lyrics and spitting bars like a true heaven-sent.
“TOP DAWG” is his first official single and the one he believes in the most. He dropped a few mixtapes before, but this one’s the real deal. It’s the track that’ll make you believe in his craft and push the Like and Follow button on his career.
The TOP DAWG music video was shot by ichoot media productions. Big shoutouts to Michael Jackson, Jigga, and Diddy, his biggest influences who paved the way for him. Their artistry and success inspired him to find his own voice, creating a rare and individual sound.
His music is a fusion of Afro-Alternative and Hip Hop subgenres, but Afro-alternative is where he thrives.
With this release, he aims for big success, reaching new heights and making progress. It’s a song that resonates with those who strive for the top.
So listen up, vibe out, and get ready for the JayClux flow.
This word arises from a “wordplay” originated from the combination of the words “Ket” which means crazy, clueless, or under the effect of a substance that alters the normal state of consciousness, and the word “Catechesis”.
This concept arises from the fact that Djimetta’s fanbase takes the movement as seriously as a religious movement, they receive projects and singles such as sermons, verses, testaments, and see Djimetta as a spiritual leader, which made him see the movement of this project as a cult object, nothing serious or religious in the project, it is only in a figurative sense.
Taking into account that Djimetta had to do the exercise of reconnecting with his inner child, embracing the fun side of things and a little of his naive insanity, the KETQUEZE concept arises, with the aim of showing and defending the idea of bringing life in a more fun way, as he believes that the most effective method of teaching and learning is to take things in a light and relaxed mood.
In this way, in this project several everyday subjects are addressed, which this time cover much more than the Mozambican public, anyone in any corner of the world who understands Portuguese, will be able to easily relate to this narrative.
Listen on Spotify
Djimetta is also increasingly developing a more differentiated, original sound, and very characterized by versatility, to the point of having several “flows”, voices and approaches in a single sound and giving the impression of having one or two more participants in the music. , at this very moment, Djimetta is the only Mozambican artist who makes Trap, melodic rap and boom bap in a very effective way, this because he respects their moods, phases and emotions a lot, and allows himself to express himself without judging his instinct.
Free State rap duo, Stino Le Thwenny take us back to the mid-2000s with their Kwaito-influenced debut album, You Want Some More?
With a star-studded lineup of features and producers, where Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, Makwa, and Lunatik made the cut; Stino Le Thwenny did everything but hold back from delivering a masterpiece of a project.
The duo delved into the essence of Kwaito where, from beginning to end, they emulated the golden era of the beloved house music variant popularized by the likes of Trompies, Mapaputsi, and late artists, Lebo Mathosa and Mandoza.
Furthermore, the album title is derived from 2005’s Sista Bethina (or Sister Bettina), a popular Kwaito track by Mgarimbe that subsequently became the country’s unofficial national anthem.
Undoubtedly, this project in its entirety evokes nostalgia while, at the same time, reminding us of how far South African music has come and how artists like Stino Le Thwenny, through their art, are able to pay homage to the pioneers who paved the way for them and many others. It deserves all the praise.
Get ready for an electrifying event in the world of hip-hop as Str8up HipHop presents The Sideh Kai Preview Throwdown, featuring the only ILL BLISS. This highly anticipated event celebrates the bonafide rap legend and model of consistency.
Save the date: July 30th. The venue of choice is Pop Haus, situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Lekki 1. The action kicks off promptly at 5 pm, so attendees are encouraged to arrive on time and not miss a moment of the excitement.
But that’s not all. Alongside the exclusive preview of ILL BLISS’ much-awaited rap album, Sideh Kai, attendees can look forward to a lineup of incredible events that will keep them on the edge of their seats. The Str8Up HipHop Roundtable will bring together experts who will delve into the hottest topics in the hip-hop scene. Prepare to be amazed by mind-blowing rap battles and captivating B-Boy showdowns, where talented individuals will compete for instant cash prizes. Throughout the event, the atmosphere will be set by the phenomenal skills of our badass DJs, while awe-inspiring graffiti artistry will be on display.
To secure admission, exclusive invitations are required. Visit the Str8up HipHop Instagram page @str8up_Hiphop and click on the link in the bio to receive your invitation. Missing out on this unforgettable experience is not an option, so be sure to claim your spot.
For those interested in sponsoring the event or have any inquiries, please direct message Str8up HipHop on Instagram @Str8up_Hiphop or call 08060406244.
The Sideh Kai Preview Throwdown is a production of Str8up HipHop, brought to you in collaboration with Buckwyld Media, Pop Central, and Dark Cypha Entertainment. The organizers are proud to present this extraordinary event and eagerly anticipate an evening filled with the brilliance of ILL BLISS and the pulsating energy of the hip-hop world. Get ready to be blown away by an unforgettable experience.
Returning back from the United States to his home in Maputo after 4 years away Nicko Journey finally ended his silence with his first Portuguese-speaking album, Calicaland.
The album is a Soulful hip-hop and Trap infused project which is pleasing to the ears with the music and lyrics speaking for itself and definitely no language barrier can stop the listening pleasure derived from this masterpiece from yet another talented musician from the motherland Africa.
Listen to the project on Spotify
It was a real soul searching process. I ruminated for a long time, trying to figure out how to lead with the right foot in terms of releasing music. I’ve always swung back and forth (from commercial to experimental intent), but fate had other plans by bookmarking my 2022 with my uncle’s disappearance. I had recorded about 40 songs for two unrelated projects (that will still come out) before I set out on this one. I took my time with it, ensuring my intentions were pure and that I could deliver songs that my people could sing for the foreseeable future.”
“I want these songs to accompany everyone through life..”
Nicko Journey
After the release of his first album The Art Salesman (while based in San Francisco, California), Nicko set out to find a new sound. After a growing popularity of lusophone music back in his hometown, he tried his hand in the new trend, releasing his first underground hit, “Nicko, o Dinheiro te Mudou” in 2020. Shortly after this, he returned to his hometown of Maputo, Mozambique. With his newfound buzz, he went on a historic run of featured appearances in songs from artists such as LayLizzy, Dygo Boy Jurus and King Cizzy. This rapid fire release pattern was followed by a long hiatus which lasted a year and a half, at which point he released the first single of this new album, titled Star. This project starts with the fast paced, high energy “battle-cry” of a song Honra, which gives us a very vivid look into the mindset of this young African artist, showing the world that he has arrived and is here to stay. This is followed by a prayer on the song Oração, which really sets the spiritual theme of the project, showing his grace and appreciation for the opportunity to set out on the path he’s on. We are quickly transported to Rumores, a goliath of a song, filled with choirs and an impassioned vocal performance from Nicko, casting aside doubts and proving claim to greatness. The project features fellow Cypher Studios alum Mbudzi Chi Moio and Konfuzo_412. With years of heavy anticipation built up by his loyal fans and his sense of artistic purpose renewed by a defining life experience, this album is the kickstart to a highly anticipated music career.
Follow the rapper for more on Instagram: @nickojouney
