this is Oxlade’s first single of this year, “Want You”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbXFwuIYJdQ
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Friday, 1 April 2022 17:14 (two years ago) link
(btw we really need to talk about Oxlade! the guy is responsible for both my favourite song (well, it was a tie) and my favourite afropop “project” of 2021, and I can’t find any mention of either on ILM!)― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Friday, April 1, 2022 6:47 PM (forty-four minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
Which were those ? He didn't really have much to his name last year, even if I usually like everything he's on, Kolo with Ice Prince being a big one, Ojújú maybe ? If we are talking about the Dunnie Remix (technically 2020), then as sole voter in the YEP I feel entitled to ask for explanations :D
I think the production on such all-star projects, which requires no risk taken, is what holds back more of my enthusiasm on the Horoscopes EP. I tend to see them as a showcase, a pretty polished postal card for Nigerian music. I did hesitate in also linking Celowi and the closer, my other two favorites on first listen. Also seeing The Cavemen. being featured again made me think I should get interested in whoever is doing highlife in 2022. Anyway, all-pleasant was meant positively.
― Nabozo, Friday, 1 April 2022 17:54 (two years ago) link
I really like Want You, it starts vibey, but then the bass pulse comes, and it finishes almost funky.
― Nabozo, Friday, 1 April 2022 18:01 (two years ago) link
oh, I’m aware “all-pleasant” was meant positively, but it felt too much like damning the ep/album with faint praise when it’s actually damn excellent.
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Friday, 1 April 2022 18:46 (two years ago) link
but let’s talk Oxlade >>>>>>> oh yes, “Ojuju”was definitely *that* song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzvDyh0DOIY…and the Eclipse EP it’s from is *that* project - all four tracks produced by a magically rejuvenated DJ Coublon, all four among my most played tracks of the year.(for some reason, these August releases were given “Troniq Music” as their main artist after having intially been simply credited to Oxlade - Troniq Music being nothing more than the name of the (his own?) record label. very confusing and commercially unwise. I suspect a Starboy-like situation, as in: after Oxlade signed an international deal with Epic Records, he may no longer have been allowed to release that stuff under his own name. haven’t been able to verify this tho)the long and short of it is that Oxlade has become my favourite singer in afropop. the guy’s in love with his own voice and all the things he can do with it and I love him for it.his feature-to-own-material ratio is about 10 to 1, I think, but this year should see more, more, more of solo-him. either way, most of his features are very exciting as well - this vocal tour de force from last year was a big hit in Ghana, for instance:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqmxpTbOHX4Sarkodie ft. Oxlade • Non Living Thing
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Friday, 1 April 2022 18:49 (two years ago) link
At first I thought the hook on Fireboy DML's new single was a bit light and I've rapidly changed my mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaC6tL7zYxoFireboy DML - Playboy
Also since we've established that remixes are a good thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7wqi1HZFq81da Banton - No Wahala remix feat. Kizz Daniel & Tiwa Savage
― Nabozo, Saturday, 2 April 2022 10:17 (two years ago) link
Ojuju is beautiful! I'll have to check out the rest of that EP as I loved "Away" back in 2020 but he hasn't crossed my radar since. "I Want You" didn't make as much of an impression, but I'll revisit it later.
I'm into this new BNXN that's in a hazy, relaxed & warm mood, sounds like an afternoon nap with the windows open
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COgIYkIzg1k
BNXN - For Days
― rob, Wednesday, 6 April 2022 21:13 (two years ago) link
new Black Sherif, “Kwaku the Traveller”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb6I7GoTvzIcan’t remember the last time a Ghanaian artist did so well in Nigeria, if at all: this song is Naija’s most streamed track, the Burna remix of “Second Sermon” is at 10 and he’s got features at 3 (“Always” with Darkoo) and 19 (Poco Lee’s “Yard”).
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Thursday, 7 April 2022 16:13 (two years ago) link
his delivery is so dramatic, with that great voice he has
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Thursday, 7 April 2022 16:22 (two years ago) link
“For Days” is lovely - hints at r&b (which it has in common with some of the Rema and, of course, MiL-Wizzy).
“No Wahala” is one of those surprisingly (well, I’m starting to get used to it) big global Afropop hits on TikTok/Shazam. They’re going the “Love Nwantiti” route with it, with all sorts of remixes (there’s a French one out, for instance). Absolute banger, of course - the kind that sounds like it’s always existed. Love the slide guitar.
“Playboy” is good, not “Peru”-good, but very solid, and it might grow on me some more.
Can we take a moment to let Fireboy’s success sink in? “Peru”, in its *excellent* Ed Sheeran remix version, peaked at #2 in the UK for several weeks and is still in the top 5, and currently sits at 53 in the Billboard Hot 100. Man even has a video with Madonna under his belt. I wish him Elton John and of course Jon Bellion collabs next.
btw, the Peru remix spawned some of the dumbest reviews in TSJ in living memory, I’m talking about the second and third 4-scores.
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Thursday, 7 April 2022 17:01 (two years ago) link
and yes, rob and everyone else who hasn’t heard it yet, do check out that Oxlade EP, as well as the Basketmouth album!
― I'm too sophisti for the pun generator, so sophisti it hurts (breastcrawl), Thursday, 7 April 2022 17:22 (two years ago) link
loving this from Boj (who goes waaay back in the Naija scene) with Moliy and Mellissa (who you might both know from the Amaarae album, they’re sisters apparently): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyqSIHjvgUk“In The Loop”previous single, the Juls-produced “Culture” with Enny, is good too:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWtCDU1EQmc
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Saturday, 9 April 2022 08:58 (two years ago) link
8-song EP on the softer side featuring two songs with Azana including title track Nanini
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DKNliP8GacLebza TheVillain feat. Sino Msolo & Tosh - Sosha
― Nabozo, Saturday, 9 April 2022 15:03 (two years ago) link
Introducing Magixx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=divDTLBDmCwMagixx - Chocolate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwsGYaF-cEMMagixx feat. Ayra Starr - Love Don't Cost a Dime (Re-up)
― Nabozo, Saturday, 9 April 2022 18:40 (two years ago) link
hadn’t checked in on prolific Ghanaian (self) producer Magnom for quite some time, but “Sweetie”s low-key vibe hits the spot for me today:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gs9kaxxI4U
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Tuesday, 12 April 2022 19:37 (two years ago) link
"kwaku the traveller" is really something, isn't it? immediately commanding. idk if i've ever heard this kind of delivery over a drill beat
― in places all over the world, real stuff be happening (voodoo chili), Tuesday, 12 April 2022 20:00 (two years ago) link
Mellow & Sleazy are dropping a 9-song album (EP ?) in three days. I am enjoying the drive and percussions in recent single SJEPA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkAeAc23vLUMellow & Sleazy (feat. Focalistic & M.J) - SJEPA
― Nabozo, Sunday, 17 April 2022 10:19 (two years ago) link
Actually, that edit is no good and they should all be creditedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHkm9Odpzw4Focalistic, Mellow & Sleazy and M.J - SJEPA
― Nabozo, Sunday, 17 April 2022 10:22 (two years ago) link
went on vacation for a week so I'm behind here, but that Boj "In A Loop" song is really nice
― rob, Monday, 18 April 2022 14:07 (two years ago) link
Billboard profile on the newly Warner-signed Pheelzhe’s hoping for Cardi B and/or ***Ye and/or Rihanna and/or Drake on the remix for “Finesse”
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Tuesday, 19 April 2022 21:37 (two years ago) link
I mentioned Poco Lee’s “Yard” upthread because of its Black Sherif feature, but it merits more than just a mention - it’s a great track!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbDSxVrT4ZAPoco Lee ft. Black Sherif, Bella Shmurda & Alpha P • Yard
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Thursday, 21 April 2022 20:17 (two years ago) link
(the fact that it’s produced by P.Priime may have something to do with it)
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Thursday, 21 April 2022 20:19 (two years ago) link
BOJ feat. Wizkid & Darkovibes, Awolowo remix is alright
― curmudgeon, Friday, 22 April 2022 11:52 (two years ago) link
I'm out the loop and doing a DJ set on Sat. What's really making you tick?
― Urbandn hope all ye who enter here (dog latin), Tuesday, 26 April 2022 16:47 (two years ago) link
people, don’t sleep on Oxlade’s “Want You”. textbook example of a grower, that one.
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Wednesday, 27 April 2022 10:42 (two years ago) link
I'm out the loop and doing a DJ set on Sat. What's really making you tick?― Urbandn hope all ye who enter here (dog latin), 26. april 2022 17:47 (three days ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Urbandn hope all ye who enter here (dog latin), 26. april 2022 17:47 (three days ago) bookmarkflaglink
Anything Fireboy and/or Rema, Sungba Remix, Kwaku the Traveller
― human and working on getting beer (longneck), Friday, 29 April 2022 17:45 (two years ago) link
New Burna Boy out 2 July titled 'Love, Damini' (his real name)
― Nabozo, Friday, 29 April 2022 18:21 (two years ago) link
yesss
― jammin on the dud (Spottie), Friday, 29 April 2022 18:27 (two years ago) link
For fans of Osama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZhKGa_d-TkThee Suka - Aluwawa
― Nabozo, Friday, 29 April 2022 18:32 (two years ago) link
Also we haven't posted either Mufasa or Jinja. Tekno has entered that sweet territory of effortlessness and he has endured remarkably well since his initial streak of hits (Duro - Pana - Rara - Samantha).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H0AEH3kPTYTekno - Jinja
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6LPkQyYdwgTekno - Mufasa
― Nabozo, Friday, 29 April 2022 18:42 (two years ago) link
He has endured, but he is a bit past his prime, no?
― human and working on getting beer (longneck), Friday, 29 April 2022 18:57 (two years ago) link
There is no denying that Tekno has a formula, but it does not sound stale to me, rather like the classic afrobeats sound.
Playfully yours from Ghana, previously mentioned re-Horoscopes EP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Qfe8JZHJEKwabena Kwabena - Fingers
― Nabozo, Friday, 29 April 2022 19:12 (two years ago) link
I like those two recent Tekno singles a lot, especially “Jinja”, but his problem is he hasn’t sounded current in ages, which *might* be by choice, but it has made him more or less irrelevant as a hitmaker. there’s something sad about his career. he was almost on a par with Wizkid and Davido at one point (remember he gave “If” to Davido when Davido was at the nadir of his career), but when he finally released his debut album in December 2020, at least three years after the fact, I don’t think anyone talked about it, anywhere. at least the album’s bizarre title, Old Romance, made a lot more sense than when he came up with it in 2017 or whenever it was. I listened to it once, and it was nice enough, but again, out of touch with the times and no urgency to it whatsoever.but who knows, he might catch a wave again someday 🌊
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Saturday, 30 April 2022 10:42 (two years ago) link
but speaking of endurance: this slept-on track from 2019…
In other news: Wande’s still got it (see also the Amaarae track posted over the weekend): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snpa4_kUkkg melvitto ft. Wande Coal • Gentility― breastcrawl, woensdag 5 juni 2019 23:38
― middot • is • my • middle • name (breastcrawl), Saturday, 30 April 2022 10:43 (two years ago) link
A friend turned me onto this great lo-fi afropop track from Nigeria (not to be confused with the Toronto indie-pop act of the same name):
Hotkid - "Star"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksEfm6MuJ0w`
― sean gramophone, Monday, 2 May 2022 13:49 (two years ago) link
^^ really nice, thanks to your friend
― in places all over the world, real stuff be happening (voodoo chili), Monday, 2 May 2022 15:15 (two years ago) link
liking the boj album a great deal, even if he does tend to fade into the background and let the guests shine sometimes
― in places all over the world, real stuff be happening (voodoo chili), Wednesday, 11 May 2022 15:35 (two years ago) link
Focalistic touring the US through June. In Houston MY 13; Dallas May 14
― curmudgeon, Friday, 13 May 2022 02:03 (one year ago) link
but who knows, he might catch a wave again someday 🌊
― butt-mooning is a polysemous word, hoss! (breastcrawl), Sunday, 15 May 2022 11:33 (one year ago) link
disclaimer: unabashed Oxlade fanboy here, but here’s yet another song of his I just•can•not•stop playing:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x80x3_JqOwsSmallgod ft. Oxlade • Biou BiouOxy is permanently crazy in love, basically.Smallgod is a Ghanaian-Dutch entrepreneur-turned-artist/A&R guy whose new album features an impressive line-up of Ghanaian, Naija, UK and Dutch guest artists: https://thenativemag.com/essentials-smallgod-connecting-the-dots/
― butt-mooning is a polysemous word, hoss! (breastcrawl), Monday, 16 May 2022 21:18 (one year ago) link
Omah Lay has announced his first album Boy Alone is being released on 24 June 2022. Woman is the latest song revealed after Understand and the Bieber duo. I find it dangerously drowsy though, which I suddenly have less patience for after Rema's energy.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtZqhnXyGwOmah Lay - Woman
For those interested, Kwaku the Traveller now has a video. The guy loves the camera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIDiI5kyBDQ
― Nabozo, Thursday, 26 May 2022 12:39 (one year ago) link
In the last hour or so I've been discovering King Promise who has shaped up a nice career. This little ballad is unassuming but pleasant enough to post, I dig the use of amapiano. Other favorites include his early singles Selfish, Alright with Shatta Wale which I will post for pleasure (2020), Fine Wine with R2Bees, CCTV. His other single from 2022, Bad 'N' Rude with WSTRN, is not bad either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCbAYj9tH2kKing Promise - Ginger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgA3PEO9V9UKing Promise (feat. Shatta Wale) - Alright
― Nabozo, Thursday, 26 May 2022 13:58 (one year ago) link
Also, I'm usually not a fan, but legit sound production from Stonebwoy on his latest and I didn't remember he was doing such an excellent Burna Boy impression.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD2pME-cLiYStonebwoy - Therapy
― Nabozo, Thursday, 26 May 2022 14:04 (one year ago) link
Fresh and irresistibly groovy from SA, hope it hits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0RbA4RntcAKonke & Musa Keys (feat. Nkulee501, Skroef28 & Chley) - Kancane
― Nabozo, Friday, 27 May 2022 15:01 (one year ago) link
The man behind Dorobucci and Adaobi is reborn from his ashes to gather some young stars around... a very soft beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8SNlvR86xcMavins, Crayon, Ayra Starr (feat. LADIPOE, Magixx & Boy Spyce) - Overloading (Overdose)
― Nabozo, Sunday, 29 May 2022 15:47 (one year ago) link
that is a beautiful tune, thank you
after all these years i'm still a total sucker for classic dorobucci/passionfruit kinda vibes
― sean gramophone, Monday, 30 May 2022 13:23 (one year ago) link
Two new Ghanaian hits that both incorporate that big backing chorus line thing that’s all the rage in Naija pop this year.Wendy Shay’s bleak “Survivor” even has a bit of Yoruba in the chant - in hopes of a crossover perhaps? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUbqTYsQpGsKuami Eugene’s “Take Away” is all about tauntingly flaunting it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZBYRX6USqE
― butt-mooning is a polysemous word, hoss! (breastcrawl), Thursday, 2 June 2022 08:09 (one year ago) link
more of a good thing:is there such a thing as “too much Oxlade”? don’t think so!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pDQjwaH3qkOxlade • Ku Lo Se
― butt-mooning is a polysemous word, hoss! (breastcrawl), Monday, 13 June 2022 17:25 (one year ago) link
more of a good thing, part 2:lyrically at least, this is Bloody Samaritan Redux, but do we need more female fuck-you songs in afropop? I think we do!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06IoLBDI7IAyra Starr • Ase(oh, and London producing)
― butt-mooning is a polysemous word, hoss! (breastcrawl), Monday, 13 June 2022 17:26 (one year ago) link
2022 will be remembered as the Asake takeover.Here’s Peace Be Unto You:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MefXQvGTYtE
― human and working on getting beer (longneck), Friday, 17 June 2022 08:08 (one year ago) link