For those who love music, searching through heaps of newly released songs to find the best ones can be overwhelming. In our latest series, ‘Reviewed & Ranked,’ we meticulously listen to, assess, rate, and rank the latest music project releases. This week, we’re ranking albums, EPs, and songs released during last week’s ‘New Music Friday’.
Tems – Love Me Jeje
Pop princess Tems finds herself floating effortlessly on this infectious pop record. Doing ultimate justice to her sample of the classic song by Seyi Sodiumu of the same title. She dishes an amazing love rendition complete with great production and crisp songwriting. An amazing record and a 10/10.
10ten – Problem Choke (ft Qing Madi)
Ten is the head A&R of powerhouse Chocolate City Music, home to Blaqbonez, Young Jonn and Candy Bleakz. On this powerful record, he recruits next-rated artist Qing Madi. The female pop star details the ups and downs everyone faces, offering a shoulder to cry on. A conscious record that highlights the importance of support, this is one song that will be on repeat. Qing Madi is definitely the future.
Adam Srae – See You Soon
On this solemn blues, Adam Srae paints a relatable picture of the ache and longing for familiar faces after drifting apart due to life’s circumstances. The expressive songwriting and great vocal performance help him drive home the message beautifully. The singer is definitely one to keep an eye out for.
Ice Prince – Untitled (ft Odumodublvck & Pyscho YP)
On this bouncy hip-hop track, veteran rapper Ice Prince makes a comeback in anticipation of his coming album. He recruits currently trending rap acts Odumodublvck and Pyscho Yp and each rapper delivers, showing exactly why they have the reputation they do. Hip-hop is in the house and we’re loving it.
Adekunle Gold – Rodo
On Rodo, Adekunle Gold unlocks a new level in his sonic evolution with this pop banger that is sure to disturb the dance floor. Blending the indigenous language of Yoruba and going as far as interpolating the legendary Haruna Ishola’s “Soyoyo” on this fast-paced beat, Tio Tequila wants you to forget your worries and dance and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Crayon – If I Be You
On this catchy Afrobeats tune, Crayon highlights the extent he would go to prove his love to his woman. The Mavin act delivers a trademark smooth and pristine performance reminiscent of his hit records. We could certainly get used to this!
Agatchu – Mopepe
Agatchu is a French-based, Angolan artist with strong Afrobeat elements. In line with his previous releases, the singer and producer glides effortlessly on this infectious rhythm that has us in a chokehold. He certainly deserves kudos for representing the genre amazingly well.
Stoner Nwaigbo – Big Masquerade (ft Ojadiligbo)
Stoner Nwaigbo is an indigenous artist from Nigeria’s south-east. On Big Masquerade, he teams up with singer and instrumentalist Ojadilligbo, who also has strong cultural roots. Together they complement each other and produce a good song rich with national heritage, an icing on the cake, that would make any easterner proud.
F3line – (Hopeless Romantic EP)
On hopeless romantic, fast-rising Nigerian singer F3line bares her emotions with style. On ‘Stupid Love’ and ‘Day One’ she yearns for the right kind of love, and on ‘Lie’ and ‘XOXO’ she questions her choices. ‘Alright’ sees her reaffirming that things will always work out. A compact body of work from the singer, we’re excited for how she evolves from here on.
Stand out songs – Stupid Love, Day One.
Uloko – Problem Child EP
The apex village signee has had a good reception so far in his emergence as a talented act. Whether blending hip-hop and afro-pop influences on ‘Mad o’ and ‘Quilox’ with Pyscho Yp or Afro-swing and Electronic music on Amina, Uloko is comfortable. While there’s always room for improvement, the Benue native has definitely proven that he’s one to keep an eye on.
Stand out songs – Quilox (ft Pyscho YP)
Bella Shmurda – R2 September 12 Ep
This Ep is a prelude to the coming album set to be released on the day of deceased Pop star Mohbad’s first posthumous anniversary. A close friend of the late Mohbad, the Ep finds Bella in a contemplative mood, expressing strong religious and cultural themes. He recruited fast-rising act Bloody Civilian and fellow indigenous acts Jeriq and Zlatan to further drive home his message on ‘1999’ and ‘Oghene’ respectively. He’s grateful to God on Feelings, cherishes his solitude on Loner and directly addresses the passing of his friend on the previously released Brother.
Standout songs – Loner, My Brother.
9ice – Observatory Album
Veteran indigenous artist 9ice returns to the music scene with a fresh album. With well over a decade and a half of musical presence, one would expect better from a cultural legend (arguably). A less-than-ideal vocal performance and disconnect from current music trends mean a lot is left to be desired from the Oyo born musician. His uniqueness and originality shine through on some tracks, but the majority of the album can be better and we expect that.
Stand out songs – Scars, Varnacular, Wayward.
UAX – Love & Hustle Album
UAX is a multi-disciplinary artist. Transitioning from other art forms such as dancing, photography, and video directing to music, the singer has a wealth of experience with expressing himself. This is evident in his well put together album Love & Hustle, chronicling his love life and where he’s currently at in the industry. UAX takes us on a delightful ride we wouldn’t mind revisiting over and over.
Standout songs – Nightshift, Evergreen, Lagos 2 Crazy.
Yimeeka – Yimeeka Ep
Yimeeka is back with a follow-up project to 2022’s Alter Ego. The producer-turned-singer continues to grow and evolve as an artist while experimenting with various sounds. Drawing strong influences from Amapiano and House music, her EP is a colorful melting pot that will have lovers of the genre enthralled.
Stand out songs – In the silence, Away (Ft Pheelz)
Aramide – Hear Me Out Ep
Hear Me Out finds genre-fusing singer, Aramide baring her emotions. On ‘Pressure’ and ‘Pray’, she acknowledges the pressure she faces and seeks guidance and blessings from God. In ‘Waiting’ and ‘Greenlight’, she embraces her romantic side and the lover girl in her. The EP closes out with “Pretty Girl Bop”, an uplifting and empowering tune all women can relate to. A good offering from the singer, we await what the future holds in store for her.
Stand Out Songs – Waiting, Greenlight
Song Ranking
- Tems – Love Me Jeje
- 10ten – Problem Choke (ft Qing Madi)
- Adam Srae – See You Soon
- UAX – Nightshift
- Ice Prince – Untitled (ft Odumodublvck & Pyscho YP)
- Uloko – Quilox (ft Pyscho YP)
- Adekunle Gold – Rodo
- UAX – Lagos 2 Crazy
- Crayon – If I Be You
- Stoner Nwaigbo – Big Masquerade (ft Ojadiligbo)
- Agachu – Mopepe
- Yimeeka – Away (ft Pheelz)
- F3line – Stupid Love
- Aramide – Waiting
- Bella Shmurda – Oghene (ft Zlatan & Jeriq)
- 9ice – Scars
