It’s week 2 of our Fresh Music Friday Playlist and we are back to thrill your listening pleasure and bring to you the freshest and best songs from the motherland released this week June 9th 2023. In the fast-paced world of music, staying up to date with the latest releases can be a daunting task. That’s where the “Fresh Music Friday” playlist comes in—a curated collection of fresh tracks hiphop sings released every week that opens the door to an exciting world of musical discoveries with songs from all corners of Africa from East, West, North & South.
We have Abuja based fast rising WTW stars Tobii & DXNZEL as this week cover stars.
Our Playlist for this week boast of a diverse line up of artist representing every region from the motherland with Wasted Eyes by Arguably Ghanaian biggest export in her own right Amaarae fresh off her Fountain Baby album, Mbuzi from East African Boeyyle, South African Tyson Syabatelli, Stormy and Didine Canon 16 representing North Africa along side other artist featured here to make the 20 track playlists a juicy one. This week we have With The Wave Boys from Oil rich Nigeria’s capital city Abuja as our cover stars with their new single Psyche featured on the FMF Playlist
Hip Hop and Rap music have been around for 50 years, seeing many shifts in production, distribution, and consumption. The internet is a key driver in helping shape the ever-evolving music industry and with the emergence of DSPs in the music streaming era, modern-day music listenership travels far and wide, reaching its audience almost instantly.
With the growing number of streaming platforms to choose from, Swedish-founded music company, Spotify has become one of the leading and trusted digital music services across the globe. With its user friendly interface, vast music library, personalized recommendations, user-curated playlists and much more, Spotify has helped various African rappers reach global markets and put them on the map.
With thousands of emcees in the African continent alone, here are the top 10 African rappers with the highest monthly Spotify listeners.
Olamide (Nigeria) – 3,540,854
Nigeria’s top indigenous rapper and label CEO, Olamide has been at the top of his game for over a decade and the YBNL boss isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With 9 studio albums to his name and another on the way, Baddoo as he is sometimes called, has established an exceptional career for himself and cult following of supporters who can’t get enough of his music.
ElGrandeToto (Morocco) – 3,005,015
ElGrandeToto or Toto is a Moroccan rapper who performs in Darija, French, and English and is arguably the biggest artist from the North African country. Having started off in 2016, he seemingly became an overnight success which motivated him to work harder, ultimately reaching Moroccan mainstream success with 2 albums and countless single releases.
Blaqbonez (Nigeria) – 1,770,235
Currently one of the most hardworking Nigerian rappers, Blaqbonez is a master of his craft both in his music, release strategy, and comic personality. His large online following and listenership are a reflection of his star power and a testament to Hip Hop music still having a spot at the top of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Black Sherif (Ghana) – 1,395,599
Disrupting the Ghanaian music scene and instantly breaking boundaries, the young and talented rapper from Konongo, Ghana, Black Sherif is flying the flag of the black star nation high globally. His unique sound is geared towards creating a mass cult following, with the end goal of creating a global icon.
Wegz (Egypt) – 1,215,472
Ahmed Ali, professionally known as Wegz, is an Egypt-born emcee raising the flag for Egyptian trap and Arabic Hip Hop. Since first starting out, Wegz has been experimental in his music, blending various sounds to create his own, and further promoting the growing Egyptian music scene as a voice for the youth.
ODUMODUBLVCK (Nigeria) – 1,262,026
Currently the most talked-about Nigerian rapper, Odumodublvck is living up to the hype with consistent releases and multiple features, with his hit song, Declan Rice amassing over 6 million streams already. As his debut EP nears completion, it’s safe to say his numbers will keep rising much as his status across the continent.
Nasty C (South Africa) – 1,009,778
Following his entry into the mainstream post the release of his debut album, Bad Hair in 2016, Nasty C‘s star rose to great heights though many had already anticipated it. Formerly David Junior Ngcobo, the 26-year-old rapper is a skilled emcee and one of the best in South Africa, having collaborated with the likes of T.I, Cassper Nyovest, Ari Lennox, Davido, and American Electro-dance music trio, Major Lazer in Junior’s most streamed collaboration, Particula.
Ice Prince (Nigeria) – 885,855
An OG in his own right and former vice president of Chocolate City, Nigerian rapper, Ice Prince has been around well before the streaming era took off and is still buzzing on the streaming platforms having served back to back hits in his prime. With 4 studio albums and an evergreen smash hit in Oleku, the Jos-born emcee bought his “super cool cat” energy to the Nigerian rap scene, paving the way for the new generation of rappers to thrive and be commercially successful.
Saudi (South Africa) – 807,880
Sawfside rapper, Saudi began building a name for himself in 2016 through single releases and crafting a unique sound. He dropped D.R.U.G.S Inc the following year under his former label, Ambitiouz Entertainment where he frequently collaborated with fellow label mates, Emtee and Sjava. In 2018, Saudi was offered the opportunity to feature in Schoolboy Q’s X from the Black Panther Album alongside 2Chainz which earned him international recognition and skyrocketed his listenership.
Marwan Moussa (Egypt) -796,390
Rapper/ producer and songwriter, Marwan Moussa has become one of the main influences in the growth of Egyptian Hip Hop in recent years. He explores the various elements of Egyptian rap and also expands his creativity through his lyrics and music visuals to appeal more to his growing audience.
Honorable mention: Sampa The Great (Zambia) – 712,535
Missing out the top 10 slightly and the only female who came close is award-winning Zambian singer-songwriter & rapper, Sampa The Great. Sampa released her debut album, The Return, following years of soul-searching and personal growth, which earned her many accolades and acknowledgments in the Australian music scene. The Zambian-born and Botswana-raised rapper’s unique musical style landed her an opportunity to have her song, Never Forget feature in the 2022 “Wakanda Forever” trailer – adding to her very long list of wins.
Izzo Bizness is a Tanzanian rapper making waves in the East African hip-hop scene for over a decade. He is unique for his versatile flow, catchy hooks, and socially conscious lyrics.
He is also a businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who runs his own record label, Uprise Music.
Background
Izzo Bizness was born Emmanuel Bryceson Simwinga on 13th November 1986 in Mbeya, Tanzania. He grew up in a musical family, as his father was a choirmaster and his mother was a singer.
Rapper Izzo Bizzness on stage
Izzo started rapping at the age of 11, inspired by artists like Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Jay-Z.
He attended Mbeya Secondary School and later moved to Dar es Salaam to pursue his higher education, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2010.
Career
Izzo Bizness started his music career in 2006 when he released his first single, Mr Christmass. The song was a hit and earned him recognition and awards. He then joined the Bongo Flava group Wakilisha, which consisted of other rappers like Quick Rocka, Ngwair, and Fid Q.’ under MJ Records.
In 2009, he left Wakilisha and signed with Uprise Music, a record label he co-founded with producer Dupy.
He has continued to release singles and collaborate with other artists, including an EP titled “The Capricorn”.
Trust God album release
Izzo Bizness will release his debut studio album, “Trust God”, on 18th June 2023. The album will consist of 18 tracks featuring artists like Joh Makini, Mwasiti Juma, Dizasta Vina, and Damian Soul.
The album is a testimony of his faith journey and gratitude to God for his blessings and challenges. He announced the album title and release date on his social media platforms with the hashtag #TrustGod.
The album is anticipated to be a milestone in his career and a source of inspiration for his fans and listeners. The Trust God Album is expected to explore themes related to Izzo Bizness’s faith journey and his relationship with God.
Izzo Bizness is a rapper who trusts God and expresses his faith through his music. He is a testament to how God can use rap to spread His message and His glory. He is a rapper who deserves your attention and support.
Izzo explained that the project will be available on major streaming platforms.
Tyson Sybateli feels like a new man as he finally delivers his anticipated first release of the year titled “It Worked.”
Since dropping Home in May 2022, Tyson spent his time promoting the project through performances, interviews, as well as delivering stellar feature verses. He soon bagged a partnership with Puma and although things seemed to be looking up from an outsider’s perspective, Sybateli admits that he used that time to self introspect and “figure s#*t out.”
The high-energy track details the rapper’s days of feeling pressured, building his brand while building himself, and finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel – it all worked out.
We are inching closer to the release of J-Smash‘s debut album, Toxic Perfectionism, and while we wait, he decided to give us a taste of what to expect in the upcoming project.
The DJ/ producer brought together Flow Jones Jr., Thato Saul, Kwesta, and YoungstaCpt for his latest hit, The Truth and it’s a head-bobber of note.
Thato Mathata opens the track with his signature cadence as he speaks of life in the township, later handing the mic to Jones who delivers the chorus. YoungstaCpt and Kwesta draw the track to a close boasting about their credentials and undeniable lyrical abilities.
Kenyan rappers Sewersydaa and Bueno were recently seen together in studio, sparking speculations of a collaborative project. The two artists are among the best drill artists in the country.
In a snippet shared online, the two rappers trade bars in a studio session, potentially working on a project collaboration.
Sewersydaa is one of the hardest drill artists out right now in the country. He is a member of the Wakadinali group, one of the hottest drill groups in the country.
This is an indication that drill fans are set to receive a dope project. Bueno has been a consistent drill artist dedicated to making the best of his art.
With dope releases and collaborations, this is a project worth looking out for. Keep following our pages for updates regarding this collaboration.
The Nigerian based rap duo consisting of Von Trap and Fist, who released their EP titled “Bloom” back in November 2022 had a chat with our correspondent James Uwe to talk about the the EP 6 months after its release.
So let’s get on with it;
Q: First off, who are Peer Pressure?
A: Peer pressure is a rap duo consisting of Femi “Vontrap” Fadiya and Yusuf “Fist” Dawaki. It was formed in 2016, though we’ve been making music together since 2007. Born and raised in the city of Kaduna, we both attended the same primary school, where we bonded over our love for music and quickly became friends; a friendship that has continued over the years as we both got involved in the rap arm of a youth group (Youth With A Purpose) and have continued making music together ever since.
Q: Peer Pressure? An interesting name for a rap duo. What brought about this name and what does it mean?
A: Lol. We knew we wanted to make music together, but it was so hard to come up with a name that truly captured who we are and what we intended to do with our music. The idea for the name came when we realized that we had actually influenced each other (positively, of course. Lol) subconsciously over the years. We inspired and encouraged each other to grow in ways that we probably wouldn’t have if we weren’t friends, and that’s what we want to also do with the music: inspire and encourage people to grow and be responsible. When people think of peer pressure, it’s almost always in the negative sense . We want people to see that peer pressure can also be positive, as it has been in our case. The bible makes it clear that “whoever walks with the wise shall become wise”(proverbs 13:20). That, right there, is Peer Pressure.
Q: Your EP “Bloom”. What does it mean and what led to the birth of this project?
A: The word bloom is to be in a state of freshness and beauty, and we often think of a flower whenever that word comes to mind. We were at a point where it seemed like life had become so difficult and came with so many challenges, but in that moment we also understood that God was using the challenges and difficulties to make us grow and make our lives even more beautiful. So for us, Bloom is beauty and hope against a backdrop of hardship and pain.
Q: What were your expectations of this project and what do you hope it’ll achieve, and do you think it’s achieved that purpose thus far?
A: Our first expectation was to make people aware that we were back in business after almost 4 years. Lol. We also wanted and hoped that people would think through some of the subjects we touched on the EP, and hopefully have conversations about them. Ultimately, our hope was, and is, that as people listen to the project, they reflect on the fact that God can bring so much beauty and growth from chaos and hardship. About our first objective/expectation, we have definitely seen more engagements and our fanbase has grown, and that’s always a delight for any creative. For our ultimate objective, however, It’s hard to say whether or not the project has achieved its purpose in the same way farmers can’t really tell if their seed planting was successful just after they plant the seeds. We have planted the seeds, and it may take years for them to grow. And even when they do, we may not be able to tell, because our field is the human heart, and the hearts are spread across the world.
Q: What are your favorite songs off the EP?
A: Get Back – That song just hits home every single time. It’s a song of hope. The message is simply this: “you’re never too far gone for redemption”. Life will beat you down, your own mistakes will weigh you down, but as surely as God lives and you put your faith in him, you can Get Back up.
Q: Who’s the quickest to bring in his verse and who takes the most time?
A: VonTrap is always the first to bring verses. Fist likes to take his precious time so that he can eviscerate his partner and clear any doubts as to who the superior rapper is. 😂
Q: Who’s more likely to sing on a record?
A: Fist. He’s basically Usher that sometimes turns on his inner Kendrick Lamar.
Q: Who’s the playful one?
A: VonTrap fancies himself as the playful one, but somehow that doesn’t manifest in the music, but he definitely is. Fist, on the other hand, effortlessly jests on songs, even though he takes real life a little too seriously.
Q: I keep asking this particular question when I get to talk to artists: what’s the biggest mis conception about CHH in Nigeria and what would you hope to see change?
A: The biggest misconception about CHH in Nigeria is that the artistes aren’t hardworking and lack skill, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth. CHH artistes in Nigeria are some of the biggest hip-hop nerds who actually study rap and all its elements. They can go toe to toe, bar for bar with some of your faves.
Q: Why should people keep listening to Peer Pressure and what’s next for this rap duo?
A: Peer Pressure makes good music, if we do say so ourselves. Great sound, profound and uplifting lyrics, fine men. What’s not to love about us? Lol We are currently working on new music. We hope to release more singles, collaborations and projects this years and in the coming years as well
Listen to Bloom the EP below on your favourite music store and follow Peer Pressure on social media @peerpressure
Almost a year ago, Dee Koala released her hit single, Gwan featuring MagleraDoeBoy to a warm response, only to seem to pick up heat in 2023 but did you know it took just over two years for the track to come together?
Having recently celebrated her 25th birthday and a new brand endorsement, Dee Koala paid The POPCast a visit for an interview where she broke down the making of her song with MDB. “It was supposed to be a Maglera song,” says Dee as she recollects first meeting the Klerksdorp emcee to Ms. Cosmo.
Former first lady of chocolate city, Princess Esindu, most commonly known as Pryse replied a tweet that alluded to her 2013 hit song on Tuesday June 6. A tweep replied to a tweet that asked “which Nigerian rap song was so good it belongs in a Museum?” and mentioned ‘Niger Delta Money,’ the song that took Pryse across the country and announced her signing to Chocolate City. Pryse replied the tweet saying “that song was mid I never wanted it as a single.”
Pryse was signed to Chocolate City alongside another female rapper in 2013. Not long after she dropped the song that many know her for today, ‘Niger Delta Money.’
After the initial buzz of her first few years, leaving Chocolate City, the femcee seemed to have fizzled into oblivion.
Well, Pryse is back today and is now consistently dropping freestyles on her social media accounts @itspryse.
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![[Interview]: Peer Pressure Talks About Their EP “Bloom”](https://hiphopafrica.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Peer-Pressure-768x512.jpg "[Interview]: Peer Pressure Talks About Their EP “Bloom”")
