New music from Rema, Cruel Santino, Darkoo, Fireboy DML, Somi, and other African artists arrived this week, spanning Afrobeats, alté, amapiano, and more.
Cruel Santino previews album with two tracks
Nigerian artist and songwriter Cruel Santino released “Oz” and “International Collector,” offering a preview of his forthcoming album King of the Bounce, which he has been teasing for nearly three years. “Oz” draws on the Nigerian alté sound, a genre-bending movement Santino helped pioneer.
“It goes back to the sounds and energy that inspired this journey,” Santino said.
“International Collector” features a looping rhythm and atmospheric bassline. Santino noted he began working on the song in 2022 and revisited it over time.
“I’m always creating across different mediums, music, film, visuals, and sometimes a song needs space to become what it’s supposed to be,” he said.
Linda Sikhakhane shares second single from self-titled album
South African saxophonist Linda Sikhakhane released “Linda,” the second single from his forthcoming self-titled album. The song features soprano saxophone, contrasting with the tenor sax on the previous single “Days Begin To Sing” featuring Omagugu. The band includes drummer Kabelo “Boy” Mokhatla and American musicians on piano and bass. Sikhakhane worked from musical sketches under the production guidance of Nduduzo Makhathini.
Darkoo and Asake bridge eras on “That Girl”
Darkoo‘s “That Girl” featuring Asake is built on the chord progression and beat pattern of the Diwali riddim, a rhythm popularized by artists such as Brick & Lace, Sean Paul, and Bounty Killer. The song’s lyrics echo classic R&B themes of toxic romance.
“I might be the one to make the difference in your life,” Darkoo sings.
Asake’s verse takes a relaxed, deliberate approach.
“Omo I really wanna rock your boat,” he sings.
Rema blends dancehall and EDM on “Tea”
Rema’s new track “Tea” opens with the line,
“When you hear my voice, it’s party time,”
delivered in a style reminiscent of a call to prayer. The song combines dancehall elements with EDM (electronic dance music) influences, including a droning bassline and saw-like synths.
K-Trap and Oxlade explore love and betrayal
UK drill artist K-Trap collaborates with Oxlade on a track that moves between road rap and gentler themes. K-Trap raps about a budding relationship, while Oxlade provides melodic vocals.
“Tell me when you’re free, maybe we can do lunch,” K-Trap raps.
Honeymoan release album ‘Love Destroy Me’
South African alternative band Honeymoan released their album Love Destroy Me. Singer-songwriter Alison Stewart’s lyrics use comic relief to explore darker themes, set to lo-fi shoegaze rock.
