UP Music: New African Releases

• Big Pin - Nairobi Party

Big Pin is back! And the veteran musician’s flow is still as fluid as ever. It’s a pretty decent comeback by Big Pin, however he could have switched his style up a bit since he sounds like the same old Big Pin. Still, Nairobi Party is sure to be a huge party anthem. It’s an uptempo song that surprisingly incorporates elements of bhangra music. Directed by Moses Osidiana, the song’s video has fairly good visuals that showcase Nairobi’s party scene. Check it out below.

 

• Dela - Hello

Dela’s cover of Adele’s Hello was a big hit last year. And it’s no surprise that she has finally released a video for the song. But perhaps she didn’t need to. It’s an okay video, but the lack of an evocative plot to accompany the pleasant instrumentation, Dela’s magnificent voice and the beautiful lyrics make it end up being an anticlimax to the song. Still, you be the judge by checking it out below.

 

• Dremo - Fela

Desiigner’s Panda became a huge breakout hit this year after Kanye West featured him and sampled the song on his album The Life of Pablo. Panda has a catchy trap beat and resultantly, various other artists like Maino, Lupe Fiasco and Lil Kim released their own versions of the song. Also on the list is Nigerian rapper, Dremo. His version titled Fela is a tribute to the king of Afro Beat Fela Kuti. And he totally slays the beat. Give it a listen below.

 

• Amos and Josh - Moto Moto

Amos and Josh are not just a duo but a cohesive unit. Since they first appeared on Tusker Project Fame, Amos and Josh have continued to show immense growth with every song they have released. And Moto Moto may just be their best track yet. The song has an upbeat tempo and a catchy chorus that will definitely make it a club staple. The video has some fairly well choreographed dancing too, but the visuals could have been better. Check it out below.

 

• Bebe Cool - African Gal

Bebe Cool has mastered the art of making reggae and dancehall hits and his latest song- African Gal, continues in the same vein. The song has a mid tempo reggae beat and in it, Bebe Cool sings about his love for an African girl while praising her beauty. It’s a simple theme but Bebe Cool’s delivery gives the song edge. Directed by award winning director, Clarence Peters, the video shot in South Africa has splendid visuals and lots of eye candy too. Check it out below.

• Adekunle Gold - Ready

Ready is a beautiful and well executed song with a trademark Afro Beat sound. In it, Adekunle Gold croons about singlehood and being ready to settle down. If you’re single and searching the song and its accompanying video will definitely resonate with you. Check it out below.

 

• Raymond - Kwetu

Imagine living with your girlfriend in an affluent neighbourhood. And then someday she insists you take her to the neighbourhood you grew up in which is a far cry from where you both currently live. Raymond’s Kwetu that has a typical Bongo Flava sound is based on this theme. If you love Ali Kiba and Diamond’s material, it’s a song you should certainly give a listen. Listen to it below.

 

• Sarkodie - Take it Back

Sarkodie is arguably Ghana’s best rapper. And in Take it Back he continues to prove why by delivering bars criticizing other rappers laziness and weak flow. It’s a great hip hop song with mid tempo beats but unfortunately a rather abrupt ending.Check it out below.