Afrobeats Head

Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

  • Dodo Joe revisits the origins of “Turkey Sandwich”

    Dodo Joe revisits the origins of “Turkey Sandwich”

    Dodo Joe’s “Turkey Sandwich” traces back to a home recording made when the artist was 20 years old. Originally released in 2022 as the title track of his Turkey Sandwich (Movie Soundtrack) project, the song was recorded in his mother’s house using acoustic guitar layered with keyboard arrangements.

    Built around understated instrumentation, “Turkey Sandwich” combines acoustic guitar and keyboard textures to create a stripped-back sound. The recording reflects the home studio environment in which it was made and captures an early stage in Dodo Joe’s catalog.

    Since then, Dodo Joe has released several projects, including The Boy With A Beard, Orange Juice From Their Eyes, Rooster Blvd, and Reckless Recluse, continuing to explore indie and alternative influences across his music.

    “Turkey Sandwich” is out now on streaming platforms.

  • Markus D’Ambrosi, The Officer and MC Lillo Rework “Fantasy Girl” as an Afro House Release

    Markus D’Ambrosi, The Officer and MC Lillo Rework “Fantasy Girl” as an Afro House Release

    DJ and producer Markus D’Ambrosi joins The Officer and MC Lillo for “Fantasy Girl,” an Afro House reinterpretation of Johnny O’s Freestyle classic.

    The release combines melodies from the original with Afro House rhythms, hypnotic percussion, and contemporary electronic production, reimagining the song through a modern club music lens while retaining its nostalgic character.

    The collaboration brings together artists from different generations of dance music. Markus D’Ambrosi has worked as a DJ and producer for more than three decades, while The Officer is known for his contributions to the European Freestyle scene. MC Lillo adds rap vocals to the updated version.

    “Fantasy Girl” is out now on major streaming platforms.

  • THE NAME IS TT Celebrates Womanhood and Congolese Identity on New Single “Mwasi”

    THE NAME IS TT Celebrates Womanhood and Congolese Identity on New Single “Mwasi”

    Congolese-Canadian artist THE NAME IS TT explores themes of feminine strength, confidence, and cultural identity on her new single “Mwasi,” an Afro-fusion release that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop influences.

    Meaning “woman” in Lingala, “Mwasi” is built around contemporary Afrobeats production, melodic vocals, and dance-driven rhythms while celebrating the resilience and self-assurance of women. Sung in a mix of Lingala, French, and English, the track reflects THE NAME IS TT’s multicultural background, connecting the sounds of Toronto’s music scene with the musical traditions of Central Africa.

    Based in Toronto, THE NAME IS TT draws inspiration from her Congolese heritage, creating music that bridges African and Western influences. As a queer Congolese artist, she also brings perspectives that contribute to the growing visibility of underrepresented voices within contemporary African music.

    “Mwasi” is out now on major streaming platforms.

  • V8BAKARI Blends Afro-Pop and Latin Rhythms on New Single “Colombiana”

    V8BAKARI Blends Afro-Pop and Latin Rhythms on New Single “Colombiana”

    South African Afro-pop artist V8BAKARI returns with “Colombiana,” a new single that brings together Afro-pop and Latin musical influences in a cross-cultural collaboration of rhythm and melody.

    Built around vibrant percussion and Latin-inspired instrumentation, “Colombiana” reflects V8BAKARI’s interest in combining African sounds with musical traditions from other parts of the world. The song also draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Palenqueras, incorporating that influence into its contemporary Afro-pop sound.

    “Colombiana” follows V8BAKARI’s “V8XPERIMENT” series, continuing the artist’s exploration of genre-blending production while expanding his musical palette beyond conventional Afro-pop. The release highlights his evolving approach to creating music that connects African rhythms with global influences.

    “Colombiana” is out now on major streaming platforms.

  • Eylsia Blends House and Afro Influences on New Single “The Greatest Love”

    Eylsia Blends House and Afro Influences on New Single “The Greatest Love”

    Independent artist Eylsia explores a new direction on her latest single, “The Greatest Love,” a release that combines house rhythms, Afro-inspired elements, and her signature ballad style.

    Built around melodic production and emotionally driven vocals, the song marks a stylistic shift for Eylsia, moving beyond the sound of her earlier releases while maintaining the introspective songwriting that has become a defining part of her music. The fusion of dancefloor textures with ballad-inspired melodies gives “The Greatest Love” a balance of energy and emotional depth.

    The release follows a career shaped by periods of success, personal setbacks, and artistic reinvention. According to Eylsia, the song reflects her desire to continue experimenting with new sounds while remaining rooted in honest, personal expression.

    “The Greatest Love” is out now on major streaming platforms.