Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

  • Vibration Oxide blends Afrobeats, Amapiano and Afro-house on “Onyeka”

    Vibration Oxide blends Afrobeats, Amapiano and Afro-house on “Onyeka”

    Dance music project Vibration Oxide explores the meeting point between Nigerian and South African sounds on “Onyeka”, a track combining elements of Afrobeats, Amapiano and Afro-house.

    Built around melodic guitar, vocal hooks, log drums and rolling shakers, the production brings together the rhythmic influences of Lagos and Pretoria. The arrangement develops gradually, layering its percussion and melodies over a steady groove.

    “Onyeka” takes its title from an Igbo name meaning “who is greater?” The song centres on gratitude and quiet confidence, reflecting on personal progress and the recognition of how far one has come.

    Through its blend of African electronic and popular music styles, “Onyeka” connects the melodic approach of Afrobeats with the percussive structures associated with Amapiano and Afro-house.

    “Onyeka” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Money Mike S.A explores his background and journey on “Made Off the Streets”

    Money Mike S.A explores his background and journey on “Made Off the Streets”

    Rising artist Money Mike S.A, born Ibrahim Abdul Fakhouri, brings together music, acting and entrepreneurship under his creative identity.

    Known for working across rap and singing, Money Mike S.A has also built a catalogue that includes “Believe”, featuring South African rapper Emtee. His work draws on his African-Arabian background and spans different areas of entertainment.

    The artist is also the founder of YALLA HABIBI CARTEL, a venture connected to his activities in music and business. His career has included appearances on national television broadcasts and work in film.

    Born on December 18, 1996, Money Mike S.A has developed an audience across social media, with a reported following of more than six million.

    “Made Off The Streets” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Fareed Abdallah traces decades of genre-blending in Latin urban music

    Fareed Abdallah traces decades of genre-blending in Latin urban music

    New York-born artist Fareed Abdallah has spent several decades moving between hip-hop, freestyle, electronic dance music and Latin music, building a catalogue shaped by influences from different musical traditions.

    Raised in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, Abdallah developed an interest in music at the age of 15. His early influences included Bob Marley, The Cure, Sting, Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Nirvana, Luis Segura and Shakira.

    His career began with a performance at the Roxy Nightclub in 1983, where he opened for hip-hop group The Cold Crush Brothers. He later worked with producers Full Force and Cultjam as part of the hip-hop group Future Force.

    In the mid-1980s, Abdallah formed Death City Boyz with Andrew Welsh and John Lindsey. The group secured a record deal with Snowflake/Prism Records and released “Bopsey Twins”, an electro and hip-hop track that received airplay on WBLS’ “Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack”.

    Abdallah and Welsh subsequently formed the freestyle group Spirit Matter. Their collaboration with DJ Frankie Bones led to “Crimes of Passion”, which gained club attention in New York and Miami. Another release, “Betrayal”, combined live Latin percussion with guitar-driven production, reflecting his interest in bringing Latin musical elements into electronic dance music.

    In 2012, Abdallah established Sosua Sound Recordings and released his debut Spanish-language album, “Love n Tears”. The project included “Bailando en La Playa”, which gained attention on YouTube. Other releases from his catalogue include a bachata version of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”, “Esa Mujer” and the reggaeton track “Vamos Pa La Calle”.

    Known by the names El Boricua Arabe and El Boricua De La Bachata, Abdallah draws on his Puerto Rican and Arab identity in his musical work. His releases combine Latin rhythms with elements of reggae, R&B, hip-hop and rock.

    His more recent projects include “Urban Tek Volume 2: El Boricua Arabe”. The biography supplied for the release also reports that his YouTube video “Una Noche Con Un Arabe” surpassed three million views within two months of its release.

    Outside his recording career, Abdallah has worked as a promoter, rapper, songwriter and poet. He is also a programming director and partner at LHMPR Radio, where he is involved in Latin urban music programming. His performance history includes shows in the United States, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and the Philippines.

    With a career spanning several decades and multiple styles, Abdallah’s work reflects the movement of Latin music through hip-hop, freestyle and electronic dance music, as well as his continued interest in combining those influences.

  • Bobi Slogan explores intimacy and quiet connection on “FILO”

    Bobi Slogan explores intimacy and quiet connection on “FILO”

    Bobi Slogan explores the quieter side of romance on “FILO”, a smooth Afrobeats track centred on intimacy, emotional connection and the calm that comes from being close to someone.

    The song draws on the feeling of unhurried mornings shared with a partner, focusing on the comfort and stillness that can accompany a close relationship. Its theme moves away from the intensity often associated with romantic expression, instead capturing a more understated experience of affection.

    With an atmospheric approach, “FILO” sits between Afrobeats and R&B, using its relaxed mood to frame a reflection on closeness and companionship.

    “FILO” is available on streaming platforms.

  • PhillBill brings Cameroonian rhythms into focus with self-created sound Bikossa

    PhillBill brings Cameroonian rhythms into focus with self-created sound Bikossa

    Cameroonian singer, songwriter and producer PhillBill is developing a musical identity around Bikossa, a fusion of Makossa, Bensikin and Assiko rhythms with contemporary Afropop and Amapiano.

    Born Diyani Bill Munyenge in Buea, PhillBill studied Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Buea before training as a music producer in Nigeria. He spent several years as part of the group Ridimz before pursuing a solo career. As PhillBill Beatz, he has produced music for Cameroonian artists including Blanche Bailly, Ko-C, Daphne and Mimie, and contributed to Locko’s album “Era”, which received Gold certification in France.

    Bikossa draws on traditional Cameroonian sounds and places them within contemporary African pop production. PhillBill has described the style as an effort to revive melodies associated with the music he grew up hearing, incorporating rhythms such as Mangambeu alongside Makossa, Bensikin and Assiko.

    His 2025 debut EP, “The SoundMan”, introduced the sound through a collection that includes “Tètèri”. Released in March 2026, the song explores self-belief and perseverance, encouraging listeners to remain focused on their own path despite criticism and difficult circumstances. Its official music video has surpassed 2.4 million views on YouTube.

    PhillBill’s work has also received international attention. BBC World Service programme “This Is Africa” featured an episode on his career in August 2026. He was named Best Central African Artist at the 2026 Afromada Music Awards, following a nomination at the 2025 TRACE Awards.

    Beyond his solo work, PhillBill has production credits on “Paris Fever”, a collaboration involving Senegalese singer Wally Seck and Chris Brown, according to the BBC feature. His work on Locko’s “Era” also forms part of his production catalogue.

    For live performances, PhillBill works with a seven-piece band. The launch of “The SoundMan” included a sold-out live concert at the Institut Français du Cameroun in Douala, followed by a headline performance in Essen, Germany.

    PhillBill’s work brings together his experience as a producer and his interest in preserving elements of Cameroonian musical heritage within contemporary African sounds.