Afrobeats Head

Author: Chioma Ugo Nwachukwu

  • Cashboi Kvnq explores attraction and emotional connection on “Orbit of You”

    Cashboi Kvnq explores attraction and emotional connection on “Orbit of You”

    Nigerian artist Cashboi Kvnq has released “Orbit of You”, an Afrobeats track about attraction, emotional connection and the feeling of being drawn repeatedly toward another person.

    Released on July 24, the song combines atmospheric production with melodic songwriting and expressive vocals. The arrangement places the vocal and melody at the centre, while the rhythmic foundation maintains a contemporary Afrobeats feel.

    The song’s central idea is reflected in its title, using the image of an orbit to describe the pull one person can have over another. Its lyrics explore the difficulty of moving away from a connection that continues to draw you back.

    Cashboi Kvnq is an independent Nigerian artist and songwriter whose work incorporates contemporary African music and personal storytelling.

    “Orbit of You” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Brodrick draws from personal experience on Afro Drill track “CHAT”

    Brodrick draws from personal experience on Afro Drill track “CHAT”

    Nigerian artist Brodrick has released “CHAT”, an Afro Drill track exploring betrayal, conflict and reconciliation within a relationship.

    Released on June 19, the song appears on Brodrick’s debut album Tales Untold and draws from an experience in his own life. The lyrics follow a relationship affected by cheating and the attempt to rebuild trust after the resulting conflict.

    “CHAT” combines Afro-influenced songwriting and language with UK Drill production. Brodrick’s melodic delivery sits against the darker rhythmic character of the production, reflecting the musical influences he encountered after relocating abroad at an early age.

    The track was produced by Prodbyzawn and Prodbygravey, with Brodrick credited as the songwriter.

    “Tales Untold” is built around stories drawn from Brodrick’s experiences and perspective. Before beginning his own music career, he worked as a road manager for Nigerian artist 1da Banton before releasing his own music.

    “CHAT” is available on streaming platforms.

  • LODIC explores melancholy and introspection on two-track EP “dust”

    LODIC explores melancholy and introspection on two-track EP “dust”

    Electronic artist LODIC has released “dust”, a two-track EP featuring “reflections” and “dust” that explores melancholy, sadness and introspection.

    Released on August 12, the project marks LODIC’s 10th release and moves further into the darker, more psychological side of the artist’s electronic sound.

    Both tracks combine melodic and cinematic production with emotionally focused songwriting. The songs explore personal experiences while leaving their meanings open to interpretation, allowing listeners to connect the themes to their own relationships and memories.

    The EP is shaped by contrasts between melancholy and euphoria, intimacy and accessibility, and darker production and melodic elements.

    “dust” follows LODIC’s recent single “reflection”, which also examined themes of obsession and identity.

    “dust” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Grandmerit blends Afro House and Amapiano on “Adaniwaye”

    Grandmerit blends Afro House and Amapiano on “Adaniwaye”

    Lagos artist Grandmerit has released “Adaniwaye”, a track combining Afro House and Amapiano with Afrobeat-influenced vocals.

    Released on August 7, the song centres on love, partying and the daily realities of working towards one’s goals. Its lyrics connect enjoying life with the demands of the hustle, while the production is built around percussion, melodic elements and a dance-oriented rhythm.

    Grandmerit’s sound draws from Afrobeats and contemporary African pop, with influences including Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake.

    “Adaniwaye” is available on streaming platforms.

  • Sydney Sharp explores intimacy and distance on “Run”

    Sydney Sharp explores intimacy and distance on “Run”

    Sydney Sharp has released “Run”, the fifth single from her upcoming album Resonate, exploring the tension between intimacy and emotional distance in a romantic relationship.

    Written around the dynamics of a relationship, the song examines what happens when one partner pulls away in response to emotional vulnerability and deeper connection.

    Musically, “Run” moves between lighter and more forceful Afrobeat-inspired passages, paired with Sharp’s soulful vocals. The arrangement maintains a forward-moving feel that contrasts with the uncertainty explored in the lyrics.

    The song was produced in collaboration with musician and engineer Alex Enamorado, who used an Akai MPC to build its layered textures. Sharp and Enamorado have also worked together on several other songs for Resonate, including “Ghost in my Bed”, “PeaceMan”, “Don’t Pick Me” and “Talk to Me”.

    Sharp, who is based in Providence, Rhode Island, began her musical journey as a classical pianist and pop singer-songwriter before incorporating Afrobeat influences into her R&B work.

    “Run” is available on streaming platforms.