Independent artist Benedict J has released a new single, “Closing In (The Darkness),” a house track that explores mental health struggles alongside themes of resilience, love, and hope.
According to the artist, the song began as a poem written in January 2026 before being developed into a piece of music. While its lyrics reflect periods of emotional difficulty, the track pairs those themes with upbeat house production, creating a contrast between its sound and subject matter.
Based in North West England, Benedict J is an independent artist whose latest release draws on personal experiences to explore emotional wellbeing and recovery through music.
New York City-based singer-songwriter and producer Shreya Srikanth has released a new single, “Something in the Water,” a song that combines Afrobeats-inspired rhythms with dream pop and influences from the Indian classical tradition.
According to Srikanth, the track explores the feeling of an unexpected connection that is difficult to explain but impossible to ignore. Built around melodic pop songwriting and rhythmic percussion, the song reflects the range of musical influences that inform her work.
Srikanth is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose background includes training in Carnatic music, South India’s classical music tradition, alongside classical piano. Her music also draws on pop, R&B, and jazz influences.
Nigerian hip-hop artist Lil Blinkz has released a new single, “Everyday,” a record centered on perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of personal goals.
According to the artist, the song draws on real-life experiences and reflects the challenges faced by young people striving for success. Through its lyrics, “Everyday” explores themes of resilience, consistency, and maintaining hope in difficult circumstances.
Lil Blinkz is a Nigerian recording artist whose music combines hip-hop with storytelling rooted in everyday experiences. His work frequently addresses ambition, perseverance, and personal growth.
Lagos has inspired countless artists, but for Suki Salaam, the city extends beyond the music itself. It influences the visuals, fashion and creative identity that surround his work.
Suki Salaam in Lagos
Also known as POPGOD, the Lagos-based artist blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, jazz and dancehall into a sound that reflects his diverse musical influences. That approach carries into his visual storytelling, with music videos that feature the city’s streets, architecture and scenery as part of a broader artistic direction.
For Suki, the connection between music and Lagos is intentional.
“I believe that music is more than just sound; it’s a lifestyle. By combining the vibrant fashion scene and the tropical essence of Lagos with my music, I aim to create an experience that resonates on multiple levels and showcases the soul of our city to the world.”
Rather than treating fashion and visuals as separate elements, Suki sees them as extensions of his music, using them to express the character of the city that continues to shape his creativity.
As artists increasingly build identities that stretch beyond their music, Suki’s work reflects a growing emphasis on connecting sound, style and storytelling into a single creative vision.
Suki Salaam is set to release a new album this year
Suki is expected to release a new album later this year, alongside a series of live performances. The forthcoming project will continue to explore the blend of genres and visual storytelling that has become central to his artistry.
The album has not yet received a release date. It will be available later this year.
Cardiff-based artist 80won has released a new single, “Slow Whine,” a song that blends Afrobeats-inspired rhythms with R&B and contemporary pop influences.
According to the artist, the song was inspired by a brief encounter in a Paris café, using that moment as the starting point for a story about attraction, romance, and human connection.
80won is an independent singer-songwriter based in Cardiff, Wales. His music combines elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop while drawing on experiences from everyday life.
