by Ify Obi
As summer approaches, African women artists are getting set to take over airwaves and parties with much-needed heat.
Releases in the past few weeks have seen slick bars, sultry vocals, and audacious lyrics from seasoned and fast-rising names in music.
In no particular order, we recap a few releases you may have missed but, you should know.
"Work" - Africaine
"Cause if I no hustle then, I go fit chop," softly croons on her latest single, "Work". On the record, she encourages listeners to work for what they deserve.
"No Days Off" - Teni The Entertainer
When Teni the Entertainer first posted the teaser for "No Days Off" on the internet, the single was met with wide anticipation from listeners. Its eventual release did not disappoint. The attention-grabbing "No Days Off" sees Teni in an explorative space as she opts for melodic rap singing.
"WINNY" - Winny
In her self-titled debut, Winny draws inspiration from her personal experiences and relationships. The 7-track project sees the artist exploring the range of her musical capabilities as she blends reggae and r&b/soul with collaborations with fast-rising producers WodeMagic, John P, and Damie.
"Sauce" - Immaculate Taste feat. (feat. Silverstone Barz, Dee Koala, Money Badoo & DETO BLACK)
US-based Congolese label/collective, Immaculate Taste assembled cross-continental hip-hop talent for the spicy single, "Sauce". Over bass-laden 808s Lagos' Deto Black, Nairobi's Silvertone Bars, Cape Town's Dee Koala, and Johannesburg's Money Badoo, take turns to deliver head-thumping bars.
"Lie To Me"- Sikka Musiq
Fast-rising South African singer, Sikka Musiq shares a compelling tale of enduring love with her debut single, "Lie To Me". Sikka Musiq’s Pan-African and global vision incorporates afrobeats, reggae, house, and undertones of amapiano.
"Co-Star" - Amaarae
Ahead of her highly-anticipated album, Amaarae released her latest offering, "Co-Star". With witty lyrics and her usual slick vocals, the singer puts her take on relationships with the twelve zodiac signs.
"Complete" - T'neeya
T'Neeya makes a case for companionship in her newest single, "Complete". The record is carried by the singer's warm vocals.
"Fund$" - Kah-Lo
In her latest release, Kah-Lo maintains her edgy and funky electronic flair. "Fund$" finds the dance-pop artist employing playful lyrics which contrast the darker production marked by its punchy bassline and sharp synths.
"GTK" - Gigi Atlantis, Sholz, Tau Benah
Following a three-year hiatus, Gigi Atlantis returns with an uplifting record titled, "GTK". An r&b/soul record that calls for personal reflection, "GTK" is underpinned by its tranquil mood which is propelled by production provided by Sholz and spoken word verse by Tau Benah.