The rapper’s second release of the year, ‘Yolo,’ is a humble declaration that promises a reborn Kwesi Slay with deeper artistic resolve.
Born Bernard Kwesi Appiah, Kwesi Slay made his 2018 debut with “Seven,” featuring Kwesi Arthur.
He went on to release several collaborations with Medikal (‘Frass’), Quamina MP (‘Pussy Cat’), and Kuami Eugene (‘Follow Me’)
Early this year he returned from a seven year hiatus with the Afro-Soul single ‘Tuutu Doo.’
“I needed to disconnect to realign,” Kwesi Slay reveals. “My break was a period of recalibration and creative rebirth. I needed a break to gather strength to come back stronger. Through it all, I’ve lived, grown, and now, I’m ready to speak again, louder than ever before.”
Enter ‘Yolo,’ an Afrobeats anthem meant to reignite the artist’s passion for music. This upbeat track is centered on the universal truth: you only live once. Or as Kwesi Slay plainly puts it: “How you dey live today? Nobody dey care. If you die today? Nobody dey care.”
Blending vibrant drums, rock-inspired energy, and addictive Afrobeat rhythms, “Shake” is a full-throttle party anthem made for dancefloors, nightlife, and high- vibe moments.
Known for his smooth, confident, “cool rebel with a soul” aesthetic, Badboi Jay delivers a track that captures both swagger and fun. Drawing sonic inspiration from Rema, Burna Boy, and Shallipopi, “Shake”
Speaking on the single, Badboi Jay shares:
“‘Shake’ is about letting go and catching a vibe. I wanted something that instantly lifts the room and gets people moving.”
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Henrykane is wrapping up the year with his most emotional and energetic release yet, “Lost & Found”, an Afropiano love anthem produced by Swftbmb.
The Afropiano track unfolds as a heartfelt story of a man reaching out for a second chance hoping to reconnect, hoping to be seen, and ultimately hoping to be found again.
“This is my most personal song of the year,” Henrykane says. “It’s a plea, it’s a confession, it’s a love story. But it still has that sweet Afropiano energy the streets love.”
“Spiritual” introduces the emotional core of the project. Blending elements of Afrobeats and alternative R&B, the song centers on clarity, surrender, and the quiet power of being seen when you cannot see yourself. Built around warm vocal layers, steady percussion, and meditative writing, “Spiritual” sets the tone for a body of work focused on growth, identity, and transformation.
“This song came from a moment where everything finally made sense,” Yinminu shares. “It’s about letting go of what you’re trying to force and allowing yourself to be guided. It’s the feeling of being understood without having to explain.”
The release marks the beginning of a five-song rollout that spans different genres and emotional chapters. WE ARE NOT THE SAME moves through themes of surrender (“Spiritual”), confidence (“Missed Calls”), heaviness (“Secrets”), emotional transition (“Changes”), and survival (“It’s Not The Same Anymore”). Each track offers a different vantage point on the central idea that transformation, though sometimes uncomfortable, is necessary.
“Spiritual” was recorded in Oakland with collaborators, Diaspora Boys.; who helped shape its textured, intimate soundscape. The track arrives with striking visuals featuring Yinminu overlooking the Pacific coastline in flowing red fabric; an image that mirrors the song’s energy: calm, powerful, and centered.
“Spiritual” by Yinminu is out now on all platforms
The track blends emotional melodies and atmospheric production with DonCu’s expressive vocal delivery, resulting in a powerful and uplifting sound.
The title comes from West African pidgin and means it will take time, a message about patience, growth and the slow but meaningful process behind every dream.
Through “E Go Tey,” Cysco continues to explore powerful and uplifting soundscapes built around movement and progression.
Afrobeats artist Hunchovibe returns with a bold new single, “Black Romeo,”pushing his signature Afrobeats-driven sound into a darker, more atmospheric direction.
“Black Romeo” tells the story of a new-gen lover from the streets of Lagos: smooth, bold, and unafraid to show his heart.
Originally from Nigeria and now based in Amsterdam, Hunchovibe blends Afrobeats rhythm with raw emotion, creating a sound that’s both romantic and street.
“Black Romeo is straight from my world. The vibe, the energy, the attitude. It all connects for me on this one. This is for the ones who love hard, hustle harder, and never fake their feelings.”
The Canadian collective ALLIANCE SuPRM (LeFLOFRANCO and Tha Incradouble Pack) continues its rise with a new track, “Qu’est-ce qui s’passe?” (What’s Going On?).
This track, with its Afrobeats and reggae fusion influences, invites a clear-eyed reflection on our humanity.
Produced by Sonny Black, the track stands out for its captivating energy, blending driving beats, assertive rap vocals, vibrant samples, and modern synthesizers.
Driven by profound and conscious lyrics, the song questions the excesses of the modern world while conveying a message of hope and unity. “Abuse of power, daily scandals… what’s going on?! Money before love for one’s neighbor… what’s going on?!”
It’s a vibrant, rhythm-rich track that pays homage to the vintage soul of Afrobeat while bringing a fresh, modern pulse.
Born Yusuf Adeyi Ogunlade, Froshdada says he’s determined to maintain the ‘purity’ of Afrobeats
“A lot of artists and lazy producers are trying to water down Afrobeat, but I still believe in holding on to the real, rich Afro-sound. Think Fela’s spirit with today’s bounce. “
