Afrobeats Head

Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

  • Skyy ZNO adds four bonus tracks to “ExitUs”

    Skyy ZNO adds four bonus tracks to “ExitUs”

    Skyy ZNO has expanded his debut album “ExitUs” with four bonus tracks, adding to the project’s original seven-act structure.

    Co-produced with nine-time Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Nicolo, “ExitUs” draws from Afrobeats, Soul, Reggae, Salsa and Dembow while exploring themes connected to survival, displacement and the African diaspora.

    One of the new songs, “Beyond the Horizon,” focuses on the personal effects of displacement and the difficulty of reconciling different aspects of identity. Its lyrics reference fear, being “too late,” and the different roles a person may occupy, including “asylum, villain, savior, forsaken.”

    The song takes a more personal approach to themes explored across “ExitUs,” shifting from the wider experience of the African diaspora to the individual carrying those experiences.

    The expanded version of “ExitUs” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Akili releases new song “I So Blue”

    Akili releases new song “I So Blue”

    New York-based artist Akili has released “I So Blue,” the third single from his upcoming album, “Tobago Nights.”

    The song was written while Akili was in Panama during a difficult period in his life. According to Akili, conversations with his aunt Sharon and an encounter with an old friend, Griselle, influenced the song. Griselle later gave him Willie Dixon’s book I Am the Blues, which became another source of inspiration for the track.

    “I So Blue” combines Afrobeats, Reggae and Blues, with lyrics centered on confronting pain rather than avoiding it. The song explores themes of resilience, personal growth and ancestral wisdom.

    Akili is developing “Tobago Nights” through a monthly single release schedule, with the album planned for October 2026.

    The song is available on streaming platforms.

  • DJ Nwabakaliki releases new song “Reason With Me”

    DJ Nwabakaliki releases new song “Reason With Me”

    Nigerian DJ, producer and songwriter DJ Nwabakaliki has released “Reason With Me,” a new song from the Ebonyi State native.

    His music draws from Igbo musical traditions alongside contemporary Afrobeats, Highlife, Afro-Soul and Amapiano. His catalogue includes songs such as “Bless Me Today,” “My Heartbeat,” “I Choose You” and “Alert Don Enter.”

    DJ Nwabakaliki’s work often explores themes including love, faith, culture, ambition and everyday Nigerian experiences, while incorporating elements of his Igbo heritage into contemporary production.

    “Reason with Me” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Mario Peters releases new Afro House single “NUMBER ONE AFRO HOUSE”

    Mario Peters releases new Afro House single “NUMBER ONE AFRO HOUSE”

    Caribbean DJ and producer Mario Peters has released “NUMBER ONE AFRO HOUSE,” an Afro House track that incorporates Afro-Caribbean rhythmic elements with electronic dance production.

    The track is built around a bass-driven groove, layered percussion, melodic textures and synth elements. Its arrangement moves between vocal, electronic and rhythmic components, with Peters incorporating influences from melodic house and Caribbean music.

    Peters is a DJ, producer and sound engineer whose work spans music production, sound and live entertainment.

    “NUMBER ONE AFRO HOUSE” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Sims-inspired Lagos Life game offers artists song placements for ₦50,000

    Sims-inspired Lagos Life game offers artists song placements for ₦50,000

    The Sims-inspired Lagos Life game is offering artists the chance to have their songs played in clubs, raves and other locations within the game for ₦50,000.

    The game was created by Nigerian developer Shalom Rayhamen and has gained attention across social media.

    Shalom Rayhamen, creator or Sims-inspired Lagos Lagos game

    The paid song placement gives artists an opportunity to have their music featured in different locations as players explore the game’s Lagos-inspired world.

  • GdZilla parts ways with Jonzing World

    GdZilla parts ways with Jonzing World

    GdZilla has parted ways with Jonzing World, the label owned by D’Prince, after joining the label in 2023.

    The artist announced the end of their contractual relationship on social media, describing it as the closure of a chapter in his career. He said the decision was mutual and acknowledged that “not everything went the way I hoped it would,” while expressing gratitude for the experiences and lessons from his time with the label.

    GdZilla first drew attention around his Jonzing World signing after appearing in a mask bearing his GdZilla identity. He later removed the mask several months into his career.

    In his statement, GdZilla said he is now moving into a new chapter with “a renewed sense of purpose,” adding that he is older, wiser and more intentional about his next steps.

    He also addressed listeners discovering his music for the first time, writing: “This time, I’m not asking you to only follow the name. I’m asking you to listen.”

  • Shizzi shares his account of how he produced Davido’s “Dami Duro”

    Shizzi shares his account of how he produced Davido’s “Dami Duro”

    Shizzi has shared his account of how Davido’s 2011 hit “Dami Duro” was produced, days after the pair exchanged words over the song’s production.

    The dispute began after Sexy Steel said in an interview that the beat was originally made for him. Davido subsequently said he started working on the beat in August 2011 for Sexy Steel before Shizzi came in and contributed to the production.

    https://x.com/shizzi/status/2106127529757311111?s=46

    Shizzi initially responded to Davido’s account by writing, “Distorted stories…🧢” Davido then replied, “I know right! @shizzi We Co produced a Classic,” before reposting a 2011 tweet in which Shizzi had responded “Yes with davido!” when asked if he produced “Dami Duro.”

    Shizzi has now released a 12-minute video explaining his version of events. He said he visited Davido and noticed him working on a beat. According to Shizzi, he took over the instrumental, worked on it for several days and made multiple adjustments before sending it back to Davido.

    He said Davido subsequently mixed the beat himself and recorded his vocals for “Dami Duro,” after which Shizzi added further production touches. In the video, Shizzi also played parts of the instrumental while demonstrating how he worked on the production.

    The new explanation has generated further discussion online because of Shizzi’s 2011 tweet acknowledging that he co-produced the song with Davido.

    Contemporary and later references to the song have also credited both artists as producers, including the original release listing.

    The song was released in October 2011 as the second single from Davido’s debut album, “Omo Baba Olowo.”

  • Boy Rae releases new single “i’m ready”

    Boy Rae releases new single “i’m ready”

    Boy Rae has released the new single “i’m ready,” an Afrobeats track.

    Boy Rae is an Afrobeats artist whose previous releases include the 2025 EP “Before It Turned Sour” and singles including “Goddess,” “Spazzin” and “#1.”

    The artist has described his music as influenced by melodic rap and R&B, citing artists including CKay, Polo G and The Kid LAROI among the acts that have shaped his sound.

    “I’m Ready” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Mahakwe releases new single “Overloading”

    Mahakwe releases new single “Overloading”

    Mahakwe has released the new Afrobeats single “Overloading,” an introspective track about pressure, exhaustion and disconnection.

    The song follows a night spent working for money as fatigue and emotional strain begin to build. The repeated line “I feel heavy” becomes a central phrase, reflecting the physical and emotional weight described throughout the track.

    Performed in Pidgin English, “Overloading” focuses on the experience of carrying personal struggles while continuing to push forward. The restrained production keeps the focus on Mahakwe’s vocals and the song’s themes of fatigue, vulnerability and persistence.

    The song is available on streaming platforms.

  • 3As Energy releases new single “Baila Conmigo”

    3As Energy releases new single “Baila Conmigo”

    3As Energy, formerly known as Adebayo Adiamo, has released the new Afrobeats single “Baila Conmigo.”

    Released on August 27, 2026, the song’s title translates to “Dance With Me.” It centres on dancing, connection and enjoying the present moment, with Afrobeats rhythms forming the basis of the production.

    The release marks 3As Energy’s transition from the name Adebayo Adiamo to his new artistic identity.

    “Baila Conmigo is an invitation to forget your worries, feel the rhythm, and enjoy the moment. It represents the energy and direction of this new chapter,” 3As Energy said.

    The song is available on streaming platforms.