African Music News: New Music From Burna Boy, Lady Donli, Fireboy DML & More (2024)

Every week, new music shows up, sweeping fans and music lovers off their feet while artists gauge reactions to know the effect of their creativity. At the NATIVE, we are committed to keeping our ears on the pulse of the music scene and bringing the best sounds to your doorstep.

In our last edition, we brought you new releases from Asake, Omah Lay, Libianca and more. Today, we have songs that move from Afropop to Amapiano to R&B, with our select artists showcasing their unending talent and passion for creativity. Lock in!

BURNA BOY – “SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD (REMIX)” FT 21 SAVAGE

A few days out of his sold out stadium tour, Burna boy released “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as he adds more outstanding accomplishments to his belt. He acknowledges his international status over the Brandy-sampled instruments of “Top of the World.” For the remix, Burna boy returns with 21 Savage for a sleek and effortless delivery to accompany his mellow vocals. 

FIREBOY DML – “YAWA” 

Superstar producers, Telz and Magicsticks lay the groundwork for an outstanding track that’s buzzing the airwaves less than 24 hours after its release. Fireboy’s recently released track, “Yawa” introduces an ultra-confident artist. “I’m on a mission, I see no competition,” he sings over an instantly captivating, head-bopping beat. He smoothly dabbles between Yoruba and English as he sings of drowning out the background noise and focusing on his journey.  Midway through the track, infectious log drums join Fireboy’s rendition with subtle whistle adlibs that embellish the track. 

VICTONY – “MY DARLING” 

Off the back of two successful remixes, Victony returns with a two pack release dubbed ‘My Darling + Angelus’. The Juls-produced track features infectious drum patterns accompanied by lush guitar strings. Victony unabashedly paints his love interest in a glorious light as he expresses why she is one of one saying. The track’s hook sees Victony repetitively refer to his love interest with the assistance of high-tempo choir vocals. 

LADY DONLI – “MY ABILITY”

As her sophomore album inches nearer, Lady Donli peels back another layer of her artistry with her recently released “My Ability.” The groovy track features a confident Donli reaffirming her expertise and addressing the naysayers who are unsure of her talents. This stems from the doubt fans have expressed regarding her ability to top her standout debut project, ‘Enjoy Your Life.’ The track’s release is supported by colourful visuals that perfectly suit the gleaming production of the feel-good track. 

DOPE SAINT JUDE – “ALPHAS”

South-African rapper, Dope Saint Jude, delivers some sure-fire bars over a drum-lead beat pattern for her first track of the year. She seamlessly glides across the heart-thumping instrumentals armed with slick bars and silvery vocals celebrating queer love and attraction.  

MAJOR AJ & BLAQBONEZ – “MY OWN”

Carried on a great run of form, Blaqbonez has been most impressive on collaborations from last year. On “My Own” however, fellow Chocolate City signee and uNder alum Major AJ imprints his energy on the visceral cut, setting the tempo before his feature’s rap verse. With sweet horn licks and crowd vocals, it’s a song in sync with contemporary stylings while upholding the distinct message of debauchery and realism at its core. 

TIM LYRE – “CHASING WIND”

A most intentional creative, Tim Lyre is equally great at producing and performing. Those twin aspects come to the fore on “Chasing Wind,” a serene record about the conflicting nature of life. Buttery bass sends a reggae-esque wave through the body, as the musician calmly sings about existential concerns. It’s a potent reminder of Lyre’s unique ability as a musician, this time moving past previously communal ideals to dig deeper into the core of one’s own individuality. 

BABYBOY AV – “QUICK QUESTION”

The sonic experimentation currently underway in Nigerian pop is mindblowing. Artists are digging into the roots of sound, unearthing gems which will resonate for a long time to come. “Quick Question” bears evidence of such artistic vision. Carried on a mellow palmwine music groove, it’s a sensual record that shows Babyboy AV at his most tender. “Me I be different kind of person/ Baby, make we connect,” he sings, promising his love interest the better experiences of life. A magical record, this one. 

MOHBAD & BELLA SHMURDA – “PARIWO”

The bromance between Bella and Mohbad has provided some wholesome cultural moments. On “Pariwo” they translate their obvious love for each other into a banging afropop record. With both honing on their strengths—Bella’s hook prowess and Mohbad’s rap-styled flow–it’s a feel-good that shines with a mellow flair. One for the dancefloor and all the fun spaces in between. 

MINZ & ZINOLEESKY – “SOKOTO”

Earlier this year, Minz scored a ubiquitous hit with “Wowo”. After its remix and fairly recent visuals, the artist has moved on from what has been a productive run. “Sokoto” joins forces with the expressive Zinoleesky, both musicians impressing their distinct vibe. It’s Minz who sets things off with his atmospheric vocals, establishing the theme of romantic tension. Zino polishes the idea, while the amapiano-tinged production does great in its movement, exploding in its final minute from its initial silky control. 

TOMI AGAPE – “CONTROL” FT T.U.C

It’s been a while since we got Tomi Agape music but she more than makes up with the sexy direction of “Control”. Utilising T.U.C’s avant-garde production that has House roots but swirls with ambient elements, there’s a visual sense of rolling lights in a dancefloor. It’s essentially a vibe song, as Tomi sings with a hint of naughtiness, “Control it, my emotions rolling”. 

SKALES – “AS I WAKE UP”

It’s been a tale of resilience and verve that Skales has continued to put out music. A lot of artists who blew up around the same time as him have eased their grasp on the pop sphere, but not S to the K. “As I Wake Up” is unarguably his most immediately appealing record in a while. With assured songwriting upholding positivity amidst everything that’s happening, it’s a feel-good capsule that truly mirrors the freshness of a brand new day. 

BORELSON – “SUMMERTIME IN TORONTO”

Amapiano continues to be the most influential genre around Africa. On this new cut, Gabonese Congolese musician Borelson curates a fun vibe that’s direct in its pursuit of happiness. Crowd vocals, rap verses, a hyped interlude—all the classic elements are present, and by the end of the record, its effusive vibe would have made its mark on the listener. 

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