American band The Beat Generation continues to create music that not only makes the listener want to move and dance, but also to ponder a better way to treat each other, and ourselves.
Their new single “The Wave” was composed and performed by Lawrence White and recorded with Nigerian guitarist extraordinaire, Ayo Isreal who Mr. White has worked with often.
Influenced by philosophers Alan Watts and Joseph Campbell and scientists Carl Sagan and Alfred Einstein, Mr. White’s lyrics reflect on the vector of science, religion, and art, and how our actions today reflect our evolution into higher beings while the music seduces our senses with a killer groove.
“The Wave” by The Beat Generation is out now on all platforms
The Lagos-born artist is confident, bold and passionate as he talks about his love for God and his Christian faith; and unapologetic about his criticism of the gospel music industry.
Not that he expects perfection. As he’s quick to admit that it’s not exactly easy or ‘popular’ to be a Christian. Especially in Lagos.
“People like to say ‘nobody holy pass’ But that’s the point. They don’t understand that Christians are imperfect people who found Christ.”
This human imperfection and redemption in Christ is the inspiration behind his new EP For the Lost Ones Who Found Jesus.
“I just wanted to tell my story. Because I didn’t know Jesus before I accepted him
And all the songs on the EP are basically stories of my journey from finding Jesus for myself and my life as a Christian.”
What Church do you attend?
I’m a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of Church. It’s my family church.
When did you give your life to Christ and become born again?
I like that question because people don’t understand me when I say I grew up in church but I only became born again in 2022.
And why did you finally make that decision?
I was in my final year of university and I realized I only have my parents and God. So I remember thinking “what is my purpose in life?”
So I decided to seek God personally, I started reading my Bible and I haven’t looked back since then.
Some gospel artists have recently been criticized for collaborating with secular artists. Would you ever do the same?
Like I’ve always told my team: it’s God over management and God over me so if God tells me to collaborate with anyone, I will. Even though they’re secular artists.
Would it be a secular song though?
So there’s a difference between a secular song and a worldly song.
Artists like Timi Dakolo, Bez, Asa, Omawumi and Waje all sing secular songs, but those are not wordly songs.
I mean, if it’s a secular song but has a good message then I have no problem with it.
But I wouldn’t collaborate on a worldly song.
And this is backed by the scriptures because the Bible says that those who love the world do not love the word.
Do you consider yourself a firebrand gospel artist?
I’m a Christian and I take my relationship with God seriously. I believe the genres are for easy identification. But I see this as God’s calling for me
The music industry does not understand this so they put me in the Afro Gospel category. They feel like once you mix the gospel with worldly beats, it becomes secular.
But for me it’s the message and the lifestyle. For example, some artists have songs about God but their lifestyles are obviously not Christian-like.
How long have you been singing?
Since junior church. At first I didn’t want to do gospel music but then I stumbled on Ephesians 4:11-12 and it spoke to me.
It says the gifts of God fall into three categories and I knew that my gift was supposed to do those three things.
Even though I was dissatisfied with gospel music I forged ahead because I know I don’t have to follow my predecessors because Jesus himself was a pattern breaker.
Who are your gospel music influences? Did you even have any? Since you were so dissatisfied with the industry?
Even though I’m unhappy with the state of the industry I still listen to gospel music because I can’t deny that there is the fire of God in them.
But I don’t exactly have any influences. I used to feel hesitant to say that but I’m getting bolder.
There’s, however, people I’d like to work with. Like Andendlessocean and DC3.
Can I ask what exactly is your problem with the gospel music industry?
It’s not exactly a problem but I don’t like the fact that people just pick a scripture and sing it.
My issue is not with the inspiration but the creativity because why are you repeating a verse 10 times?
Why can’t we have gospel music storytellers? Why must it always be soft rock or indigenous sounds?
I mean, nobody does Trap or Amapiano. It’s just not creative.
Aren’t you worried about how your comments would be perceived by your peers in the industry?
I don’t think I’ve said anything wrong
What can your fans expect from you as the year come to an end
I’m working on something for next year. We’re keeping it under wraps for now, but I’m excited about it and I cannot wait to share it.
Saelem’s new album For The Lost Ones Who Found Jesus is out now on all platforms
Inspired by the likes of Chris Lake and Fred Again, the song features emotional chords and a hypnotic lead that captures the pull of falling into something familiar.
Bryce Alakai was born in Hawaii and is now based in Las Vegas.
“Falling Back” by Bryce Alakai is out now on all platforms.
“Spiritual” introduces the emotional core of the project. Blending elements of Afrobeats and alternative R&B, the song centers on clarity, surrender, and the quiet power of being seen when you cannot see yourself. Built around warm vocal layers, steady percussion, and meditative writing, “Spiritual” sets the tone for a body of work focused on growth, identity, and transformation.
“This song came from a moment where everything finally made sense,” Yinminu shares. “It’s about letting go of what you’re trying to force and allowing yourself to be guided. It’s the feeling of being understood without having to explain.”
The release marks the beginning of a five-song rollout that spans different genres and emotional chapters. WE ARE NOT THE SAME moves through themes of surrender (“Spiritual”), confidence (“Missed Calls”), heaviness (“Secrets”), emotional transition (“Changes”), and survival (“It’s Not The Same Anymore”). Each track offers a different vantage point on the central idea that transformation, though sometimes uncomfortable, is necessary.
“Spiritual” was recorded in Oakland with collaborators, Diaspora Boys.; who helped shape its textured, intimate soundscape. The track arrives with striking visuals featuring Yinminu overlooking the Pacific coastline in flowing red fabric; an image that mirrors the song’s energy: calm, powerful, and centered.
“Spiritual” by Yinminu is out now on all platforms
American artist Rodney Hazard’s new project CrashLanding.exe is an instrumental and remix EP showcasing his signature fusion of warm organic instrumentation, rich textures, and Afro-house rhythms.
The track blends emotional melodies and atmospheric production with DonCu’s expressive vocal delivery, resulting in a powerful and uplifting sound.
The title comes from West African pidgin and means it will take time, a message about patience, growth and the slow but meaningful process behind every dream.
Through “E Go Tey,” Cysco continues to explore powerful and uplifting soundscapes built around movement and progression.
French DJ and producer Flave (FR) joins forces with Afro-Lebanese artist Joy Zahar to present “To The Back”, a multicultural fusion of House, Arabic textures, and Afro House energy.
“To The Back” stands out through the meeting of two complementary sonic identities. Flave (FR) brings his signature deep and groovy bass line, while Joy Zahar enriches the production with a dynamic rhythmic energy, infused with Arabic textures and Afro House elements crafted with precision.