Valentine’s day and the season of love are upon us. In celebration of the occasion, AMAKA has curated ten songs that discuss love in diverse ways. From heartbreak to self-love, from endless dedication to reconnecting with old flings, our playlist has you covered.
Gyakie - Forever
"Forever" is a symphonious romantic tune by rising afro-fusion Ghanaian superstar, Gyakie. Initially released in 2020 as part of her Seed EP, "Forever" is her biggest tune to date, with over 13 million YouTube views. And it's no wonder why, with a sweet refrain on love, dedication, and loyalty, certainty tugging on the heartstrings of many: "My mind dey for you (my mind dey for you)/ My heart beats for you (my heart beats for you)".
2021's remixed version, featuring Omah Lay, reignited the song's popularity; the official music video has garnered over 25 million views on YouTube since its release.
Nomfundo Moh - Lilizela
Nomfundo Moh is rapidly becoming a leading lady of South Africa's R&B and Afropop scene. Sung in her native Zulu, "Lilizela", discusses the joys of love and brings attention to the positively mystifying emotions it can evoke. Moh's offers folk harmonies that subtly contrast the laid back 90s R&B-esque beat, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Kimberose - Keep on Loving
"Keep on Loving" is a cheerful track for Valentine's Day and love month. Kimberly Kitson Mills, the Ghanaian-English frontwoman of French pop-soul band Kimberose, provides resonant vocals which power the song's uplifting lyricism. Indeed, Kitson Mills reminds you that there will be sunshine after the metaphorical rain, encouraging you to get back up when you fall, brush yourself off and carry on with your whole heart. This line beautifully sums up this sentiment: "I'm a keep on dancin'/ I'm a keep on lovin'".
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Asa - Mayana
After a mini-hiatus, OG Nigerian soul artist Asa, widely known for "Jailer" and "Be My Man", blessed 2021 with the feel-good track "Mayana". "Mayana" touches on feelings of familiarity and home, experienced when in love — feelings where time seems to stand still. Asa is lovestruck in "Mayana" and lets us know that even when nothing else seems to work out, “[true love] will never fail”.
Neyna - Nha Mos (Prod ByFelino)
"Nha Mos" is the sensual product of the emerging Cape-Verdean Kizomba artist, Neyna. English translations of the Portuguese-language song paint a story of a love so strong it can endure any hardship. "Nha Mos" expresses the desire to persevere through the trials and tribulations that inevitably face any relationship. After all, such an all-encompassing love leads to tunnel vision where nothing else matters.
NNEKA - Tea?
Veteran Nigerian artist Nneka (commonly known for hits "Heartbeat" and "Africans") made a long-awaited comeback with her smoky, soothing voice, following the release of EP Maya in 2021. Her song "Tea?" delves into the process of rumination when reconnecting with previous lovers.
"Tea?" replicates the trepidation experienced by easing into the subject with the initial small talk of "How's your mama?". Later, she tackles larger questions along the lines of "Are you still the same?" and "Do you love yourself?" to lead to the wise conclusion:
We both needed time for us to grow
I see that you too, you took it slow
See life is beautiful this now I know
I am loving myself now, from head to toe
Do you love yourself like I love myself?
When we love our self, we can love ourselves
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Nikita Kering' - Ex
"Ex" comes from the first album (A Side of Me) of up-and-coming Kenyan musician Nikita Kering. It is an empowering song about honouring oneself, developing self-love, and not getting caught up in dead-end relationships. Delving into the inner turmoil and conflicting emotions experienced as you wise up, "Ex" prompts us to reevaluate and let go of what no longer serves you:
So don't call me if you ain't
Tryna vibe on my wave
I'm on top of my game
Maïssa - Adios (PM5)
Making her debut in 2021, with singles such as "Champs Elysees" and "Icy", Maïssa is successfully establishing herself as the budding Francophone R&B artist to watch. Already in 2022, Maïssa has graced us with the catchy new single "Adios". It reminds us to embrace self-love, avoid settling for deceit and mixed signals, and bid goodbye to ultimately unfulfilling, toxic relationships.
Titose - Put You In Line
Titose is holding ground for Botswana as one of the frontrunners in the African Trapsoul music scene. Her velvety smooth vocals take centre stage and are supported by a sultry guitar riff melody in the single "Put You In Line".
The relatable track "Put You in Line" examines the experience of being blindsided, ghosted and going through heartbreak and then eventually concluding as Titose does: "I should've known better, guys like you don't get it."
Lady Donli - Searching
Alternative Nigerian musician Lady Donli, in "Searching", laments on the difficulties of soul-searching and answering the age-old existential question of "Who am I?". Donli approaches the subject within the context of relationships, where uncertainty can often lead to their detriment. Lady Donli accurately captures the resulting ambiguity in this verse:
I just wanna know who I am (Who I am)
I hope that you can try and understand
I just wanna know who I am (Who I am)
Searching but I'll be there when I can
"Searching" lets us know it's OK to take time out to introspect and find yourself as doing so will be beneficial in the long run.