Independent artist roova has released a new single, “Preach,” a melodic record that blends rap, R&B, and Afro-influenced production.
According to the artist, the song centers on the chemistry between two people, pairing playful lyrics with melodic vocals over laid-back production. Drawing from contemporary rap and R&B influences, “Preach” focuses on themes of attraction and connection.
roova is an independent artist whose music combines melodic rap with Afro-inspired sounds and contemporary R&B influences.
Emerging artist OceanRyam has released a new single, “Mr. Controlla,” a song that blends Afro-inspired rhythms with R&B influences while placing its vocals and melodies at the center of the production.
According to the artist, the track marks a new creative direction, with the instrumental designed to complement rather than dominate the vocal performance. Lyrically, “Mr. Controlla” explores themes of attraction, charisma, confidence, and emotional control through a storytelling approach.
OceanRyam is an independent artist whose music combines Afrobeats and R&B influences with melodic songwriting. “Mr. Controlla” reflects her evolving sound ahead of future releases.
Emirati experimental musician and producer Dahar has released “Tawakal,” a collaborative single inspired by “Doa Al-Tasha’om” (“Leave Pessimism Behind”), a reggae song by Libyan artist Baker Ben Zayed.
According to Dahar, the track reinterprets the original through Afro House production while retaining its message of optimism. Blending electronic rhythms with melodies drawn from the Libyan classic, “Tawakal” brings together influences from North African reggae and contemporary dance music.
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Dahar is an experimental producer whose work explores the intersection of electronic music and regional musical traditions. “Tawakal” continues that approach through its collaboration with Baker Ben Zayed.
Paris-based producer and DJ Tony Blanck has released “AfroKonk,” a two-part Afrobeats instrumental built around rhythmic percussion and electronic production.
According to the artist, the track is centered on a conch shell melody that serves as its lead motif, combining with dark synth basslines and a driving Afrobeats groove. Designed as an instrumental, “AfroKonk” draws on dance music influences while incorporating organic and percussive elements.
Originally from Martinique and now based in Paris, DJ Tony Blanck is a producer whose work blends Afrobeats, Afro House, Caribbean, and world music influences across original productions, remixes, and DJ sets.
Nigerian artist BYTunes has highlighted “Leke” as one of the standout tracks from his 2026 album, COPACETICMUSIC GENRE. The seven-track project also includes previously released songs such as “Kowowole,” “Run Come,” and “Amnesty.”
Like the rest of the album, “Leke” is built around BYTunes’ self-described CopaceticMusic sound, which blends elements of Afrobeats with influences drawn from genres including hip-hop, dancehall, Fuji, amapiano, highlife, and R&B. According to the artist, the approach reflects his ongoing exploration of genre fusion rather than a departure from his earlier work.
BYTunes, born Adebayo Olotu, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and the creator of the CopaceticMusic movement. In recent interviews, he has described the project as an effort to develop a sound rooted in Nigerian music while incorporating a range of contemporary influences.
Zimbabwe-born, West Coast-based artist ALPHA CENTAURI has released a new single, “Higher Up,” the fourth release from his forthcoming debut album, The Future Right Now, scheduled for release in August 2026.
According to the artist, the song reflects on the challenges of pursuing a creative career, including financial pressures, family expectations, and the balance between everyday responsibilities and making music. Its lyrics focus on perseverance and the determination to move beyond self-doubt and outside expectations.
Recorded with a full band, “Higher Up” incorporates jazz instrumentation while drawing from the artist’s blend of hip-hop, funk, R&B, Afrobeat, and retro pop influences.
ALPHA CENTAURI is a Zimbabwe-born artist based on Canada’s West Coast. His debut album, The Future Right Now, is expected later this year.
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.
