UK-based Afrobeats singer-songwriter Loco Loco has released a new single “Figure 8”, combining traditional Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds.
“FIGURRE 8’’ a celebration of life, love, and the infectious energy that Afrobeat brings to the world,” says Loco Loco who’s originally Nigerian.
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French pianist and composer Marilou Nézeys has shared a new piece “EARTH”taken from her album EARTH.
The solo piano is a piece filled with softness, elegance, and refinement. Its three themes, with joyful and optimistic accents, unfold with both majesty and delicacy. At the crossroads of classical, jazz, and pop, this work remains very accessible to the ear while being rich in writing and structure.
The interplay of minor and major tonalities gives it a unique charm, a distinctive character, and a singular grace.
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DJ Oluteo has shared his new single “Summer Speaker Test”, an amapiano single driven by deep log-drum grooves, jazzy piano lines, and melodic vocal hooks.
While rooted in Lagos, the production is shaped by collaborative efforts with South African beat-makers—bringing true cross-border flavor.
Driven by summer vibes and cinematic textures, the track evolved during studio sessions featuring SA producers. Oluteo says, “This is a celebration of connection—Lagos energy infused with the rhythm of South Africa.”
Born Ibukunoluwa Olutayo, DJ Oluteo is based in Lagos, but has built strong connections in South Africa’s emerging scene.
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Lagos was on fire this past weekend as Afrobeats star BNXN unveiled his long-awaited album, Captain.
The night was everything fans expected bold, energetic, and unapologetically cultural. From the music, the Don Julio drinks, to the electric crowd, the event was a showcase of confidence and celebration, setting the tone for what an Afrobeats album launch should feel like.
At the center of the experience was Don Julio, the world’s leading luxury tequila, raising the bar for how milestones are celebrated in Nigeria’s music scene. Guests sipped on signature Don Julio cocktails curated to match the rhythm and pulse of the night smooth, stylish, and full of energy. Each toast amplified the spirit of BNXN’s “Captain” persona, making The Captain’s favourite tequila the perfect match for a night defined by achievement and cultural pride.
The event brought together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, all sharing in BNXN’s moment while experiencing Don Julio as more than just a drink it was the spirit that fueled the celebration.
“BNXN has carved out his place as a true captain of Afrobeats, and nights like this deserve to be celebrated in bold style,” said Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencers & Advocacy, Diageo South, West & Central Africa. “Don Julio is built on the same foundation of craftsmanship and confidence, which is why it belongs at the heart of moments like this.”
With the BNXN Captain album launch, Don Julio showed once again why it’s becoming The Icon of Celebration present at the high points of culture, artistry, and success, and redefining how Africa toasts its brightest stars.
About Don Julio
Founded on the pursuit of perfection, Don Julio Tequila is the world’s most popular luxury tequila. The brand is committed to celebrating the intentional moments in life, honoring the legacy of its founder, Don Julio González, who began crafting the world’s first luxury tequila in 1942. Don Julio encourages consumers to drink responsibly.
For more information, visit: https://www.donjulio.com/
Rising Afrobeats artist The AYAMI has shared her new single “Papa”, an Afrobeat/Afropop song that speaks to resilience after heartbreak.
The song explores the emotional aftermath of deep love, guiding listeners through a journey of heartbreak, self-discovery, and personal growth.
“Papa” is a heartfelt ode to resilience and transformation.
Born Olena Kim in Ukraine with Korean and Nigerian roots, The AYAMI reflects on past relationships through the song, embracing forgiveness and the lessons learned, while confidently stepping into a stronger, wiser version of herself.
“Papa is the first song where my soul truly speaks on its own, without fear or pressure” The AYAMI shares. “After years of emotional dependence and losing many projects, I finally took control, rebuilt myself, and chose to move forward. This track is not just music—it’s my declaration that nothing and no one will ever stop me again.”
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French artist DJ ARTO has released his new single “Rìo Güeppi” a collaboration with fellow DJ Stéphane Salerno.
DJ ARTO is known for fusing tribal chants, African guitars with high-impact percussive drops.
While Italian native Stéphane Salerno describes his music as “Vinyl soul meets digital groove” and includes elements of funk, deep house and Afro House music in his works.
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Canadian singer-songwriter Fançois Marius has released a new single “New York”
In his usual style, the track is a fusion of Latin pop, reggae and rock influences.
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South African artist Medskolar has released a new single “Motion” is a soulful blend of Hip Hop, Afrofusion, and R&B that captures the energy of resilience, love, and forward momentum.
Medskolar’s storytelling style fuses sharp lyricism with melodic rhythms, creating a track that speaks to both personal growth and universal connection.
“Motion” is more than a song; it’s an anthem for those pushing through challenges and chasing their own rhythm in life,” says Medskolar.
Inspired by the likes of Burna Boy, J. Cole, and Tems. Medskolar is an emerging voice redefining Afro-inspired hip hop — bold, reflective, and emotionally charged.
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Zion, a Nigerian artist based in Finland, has released his debut single “Are You On That?” a blend of AfroRnB and chill rap.
On the song he tells the story of being stood up by a girl, but they talk things through later and actually get together.
The track combines smooth AfroRnB melodies with laid-back rap flows, reflecting both his Nigerian roots and the influence of his life in Finland.
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Deutsche Grammophon artist and Emmy Award winner, Dustin O’Halloran has released a new single entitled “Red”
An improvised piano piece recorded in a single take in his Reykjavík studio, it’s the second of three tracks that will form The Chromatic Sessions EP.
“Red” is a partner piece to Gold — released in July — with a final chromatic track called “Blue” set to follow.
The theme of colours emerged organically during the process of writing and recording. “It wasn’t something pre-planned,” says Dustin, who has also been nominated for an Academy Award. “I was improvising on the piano every day, and I realised I was always thinking about colours as I wrote. When you have the mic set up and you’re recording, it puts you into deep focus. There’s something about that red light being on that really pulls you into the moment.”
O’Halloran has long experienced synaesthesia — a mingling of the senses that may sound familiar to many. It can be something as simple as a taste snapping us back to a place we’ve been, a familiar scent triggering a powerful emotional flashback, or — in Dustin’s case — a certain sound evoking the feeling of a colour.
“I believe that people are more synesthetic than they realise,” he says. “It’s something that you can tune into. All sensations are ultimately translated in the brain — and I think you can learn to connect different parts of those sensations together.”
Such connections are a theme that runs through The Chromatic Sessions — including the connection between Dustin and his audience. All of the Chromatic singles come with downloadable sheet music when bought on Bandcamp, allowing listeners to play the music themselves.
It’s a gesture born of O’Halloran’s wish to forge a closer relationship with his listeners.
“Releasing music digitally feels so distant and disconnected,” he says. “And I think we’re all looking for connection. When people get involved in playing the music, it becomes part of them in a different way. It becomes communal. It becomes theirs.”
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