On this episode of ‘Reviewed & Ranked’, we listen, analyze and rank the best songs from the “New Music Friday” of Week 17.
Ayra Starr & Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes
Two of the biggest acts in the country have collaborated and they deliver a 10/10 performance on this Afro-pop smash. Both artists highlight the importance of staying away from negative energy, keeping God close and staying focused on their careers. Complete with pristine lyrics, top-notch production and unforgettable rhythm, we’re definitely in love with this. No bad vibes please!
Victony & Asake – Stubborn
When two of the biggest artists out of Nigeria in recent times collaborate, you naturally expect something spectacular, and that’s exactly what the listener gets here. Both writers have great songwriting and catchy melodies in their arsenal, and it has never been more apparent than on this groovy and infectious pop record. One for the books, we definitely recommend.
Sarkodie – Brag
Successful Rap icon Sarkodie isn’t new to putting beats in a bodybag. After a long and successful career, the rapper has decided to show-off a little on this Hip-hop record. Decimating the beat in his signature quick fire style, the winner for Best International Flow at the Bet Awards in 2019, shows why he’s one of the rap legends on the continent. As long as Sarkodie keeps flowing like this? No one can say hip-hop is dead.
Jeriq – Ije Nwoke
Eastern indigenous rap act, Jeriq, has been at the forefront of putting igbo culture on the Hip-hop map in recent times. Once again, he delivers with precision on this hardcore drill beat. After successfully releasing ‘Evil Twin’, his joint Ep with Psycho YP, his first solo release of the year is impressive. On Ije Nwoke, he reminds listeners why he’s one of the best rappers around. Perfecting a unique blend of Igbo language and Hip-hop, he’s extremely unique and should be protected at all cost. Another smash from the rapper.
Kechi Trina – Feel It
On this banging Afro-pop track with Amapiano elements, female singer and songwriter Kechi Trina delights the listener. She waxes lyrical about a lover that leaves her wanting more, while dishing out intoxicating melodies. The listener is left with no choice but to be carried away by this perfectly executed offering. We can’t wait for what the future has in store for the singer.
Boj & Adekunle Gold – Love Garden
This is one of the collaborations that few could’ve seen coming. Alte pioneer Boj taps Adekunle Gold for this relaxing love confession. Both artists float beautifully on this soothing and bouncy Afro-pop record. This is bound to make ladies shake their body while falling in love at the same time. Both artists have a well executed chemistry that we can’t help but commend.
Shyflows – God is the greatest
Shyflows is an indigenous rapper that makes a strong case for himself with this single. Rapping predominantly in the Yoruba language, he appreciates God and his mother, crediting them for where he is in life and for setting him on the right path. However, we’re sure the artist can do with better production and engineering. Well written, with a properly executed concept, we’re impressed and we’re convinced Shyflows is one to watch out for in the future.
Mannywellz – The Purple Tape Ep
American based Nigerian singer and producer Mannywellz, serenades the listener on this alternative Ep that combines elements from Folk, Jazz, RnB, Hip-hop and other genres. The artist paints a worthwhile picture of his emotions and love life on this beautifully produced project that’s complete with catchy melodies, pristine songwriting and great engineering. A beautiful project that establishes Mannywellz as one of the best ambassdors of Afrobeats right now.
Stand out songs – Heart of Stone, Effortless.
Tiwa Savage – Water & Garri Album
On this soundtrack to the movie of the same name, Tiwa Savage explores the complex emotions people go through. She goes through the motions in her love life on ‘Lost Time’ and ‘Love O’, she goes even further by recruiting Asa, Ayra Starr and Zacardi Cortez to further explore the topic on ‘Emotions’, ‘Gara’ and ‘I Need You’ respectively. With a star studded guest list, she utilizes live production and melodious harmonies to take the listeners through a whirlwind of emotions on the rest of the album. A good offering from the “African Bad Girl” herself.
Stand out songs – I Need You (ft Zacardi Cortez), Emotions (ft Asa), Gara (ft Ayra Starr).
Vibez Inc & Seyi Vibez – Vibez Inc Mixtape
Announcing the official launch of his Record Label, Seyi Vibez assembles his label roster on this mixtape aiming to introduce them to the world. He taps some of the biggest stars right now who elevate the quality on this album (sorry, mixtape). With a central theme highlighting their journey, faith and lifestyle, we can’t help but see the vision. However, it’s evident that artists on his label still need a good dose of artist development and Seyi himself needs to take a breather sometimes or work with songwriters. A uniquely gifted artist, it’s apparent that having the most extensive discography in the last three years might now be catching up to the Billion Dollar Baby crooner. We’re excited to see how the future unfolds for the label, but if there’s anything we’re sure of, it’s that Seyi Vibez will never be far from the charts.
Stand out songs – On God (ft Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck & Tml Vibez), Ogo (ft Tion Wayne), Gatti (ft Seyi Vibez & DwillshHarmony).
Top Songs Ranked
Mannywellz – Effortless
Ayra Starr & Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes
Victony & Asake – Stubborn
Tiwa Savage – I Need You (with Zacardi Cortez)
Mannywellz – Heart of stone
Sarkodie – Brag
Jeriq – Ije Nwoke
Tiwa Savage – Emotions (ft Asa)
Kechi Trina – Feel It
Vibez Inc – On God (ft Seyi Vibez, Odumodublvck & Tml Vibez)
Tiwa Savage – Gara (ft Ayra Starr)
Boj & Adekunle Gold – Love Garden
Vibes Inc – Ogo (ft Seyi Vibez & Tion Wayne)
Vibez Inc – Gatti (ft Seyi Vibez & DwillsHarmony)
Mannywellz – Unbelievable
Shyflows – God Is The Greatest
