Independent Afrobeats artist LIGHTUPP explores pain, resilience and the determination to move forward on “KONRA”, released on April 30, 2026.
Blending Afrobeats and Afro-fusion, the track addresses the experience of facing difficult circumstances while holding on to the possibility of a better future. Its central message focuses on perseverance, encouraging listeners not to give up when confronted with setbacks.
Rather than presenting hardship as something easily overcome, “KONRA” centres on the lessons that can emerge from difficult experiences and the strength required to keep going.
LIGHTUPP is an independent artist working within the Afrobeats and Afro-fusion space. The artist’s music draws on personal experiences and themes of determination, growth and everyday struggles.
Dance music project Vibration Oxide explores the meeting point between Nigerian and South African sounds on “Onyeka”, a track combining elements of Afrobeats, Amapiano and Afro-house.
Built around melodic guitar, vocal hooks, log drums and rolling shakers, the production brings together the rhythmic influences of Lagos and Pretoria. The arrangement develops gradually, layering its percussion and melodies over a steady groove.
“Onyeka” takes its title from an Igbo name meaning “who is greater?” The song centres on gratitude and quiet confidence, reflecting on personal progress and the recognition of how far one has come.
Through its blend of African electronic and popular music styles, “Onyeka” connects the melodic approach of Afrobeats with the percussive structures associated with Amapiano and Afro-house.
Rising artist Money Mike S.A, born Ibrahim Abdul Fakhouri, brings together music, acting and entrepreneurship under his creative identity.
Known for working across rap and singing, Money Mike S.A has also built a catalogue that includes “Believe”, featuring South African rapper Emtee. His work draws on his African-Arabian background and spans different areas of entertainment.
The artist is also the founder of YALLA HABIBI CARTEL, a venture connected to his activities in music and business. His career has included appearances on national television broadcasts and work in film.
Born on December 18, 1996, Money Mike S.A has developed an audience across social media, with a reported following of more than six million.
New York-born artist Fareed Abdallah has spent several decades moving between hip-hop, freestyle, electronic dance music and Latin music, building a catalogue shaped by influences from different musical traditions.
Raised in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, Abdallah developed an interest in music at the age of 15. His early influences included Bob Marley, The Cure, Sting, Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Nirvana, Luis Segura and Shakira.
His career began with a performance at the Roxy Nightclub in 1983, where he opened for hip-hop group The Cold Crush Brothers. He later worked with producers Full Force and Cultjam as part of the hip-hop group Future Force.
In the mid-1980s, Abdallah formed Death City Boyz with Andrew Welsh and John Lindsey. The group secured a record deal with Snowflake/Prism Records and released “Bopsey Twins”, an electro and hip-hop track that received airplay on WBLS’ “Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack”.
Abdallah and Welsh subsequently formed the freestyle group Spirit Matter. Their collaboration with DJ Frankie Bones led to “Crimes of Passion”, which gained club attention in New York and Miami. Another release, “Betrayal”, combined live Latin percussion with guitar-driven production, reflecting his interest in bringing Latin musical elements into electronic dance music.
In 2012, Abdallah established Sosua Sound Recordings and released his debut Spanish-language album, “Love n Tears”. The project included “Bailando en La Playa”, which gained attention on YouTube. Other releases from his catalogue include a bachata version of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”, “Esa Mujer” and the reggaeton track “Vamos Pa La Calle”.
Known by the names El Boricua Arabe and El Boricua De La Bachata, Abdallah draws on his Puerto Rican and Arab identity in his musical work. His releases combine Latin rhythms with elements of reggae, R&B, hip-hop and rock.
His more recent projects include “Urban Tek Volume 2: El Boricua Arabe”. The biography supplied for the release also reports that his YouTube video “Una Noche Con Un Arabe” surpassed three million views within two months of its release.
Outside his recording career, Abdallah has worked as a promoter, rapper, songwriter and poet. He is also a programming director and partner at LHMPR Radio, where he is involved in Latin urban music programming. His performance history includes shows in the United States, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Brazil and the Philippines.
With a career spanning several decades and multiple styles, Abdallah’s work reflects the movement of Latin music through hip-hop, freestyle and electronic dance music, as well as his continued interest in combining those influences.
Bobi Slogan explores the quieter side of romance on “FILO”, a smooth Afrobeats track centred on intimacy, emotional connection and the calm that comes from being close to someone.
The song draws on the feeling of unhurried mornings shared with a partner, focusing on the comfort and stillness that can accompany a close relationship. Its theme moves away from the intensity often associated with romantic expression, instead capturing a more understated experience of affection.
With an atmospheric approach, “FILO” sits between Afrobeats and R&B, using its relaxed mood to frame a reflection on closeness and companionship.
