New Music Friday: 10 Essential Nigerian Tracks to Kickstart Your Weekend
Welcome to the final Friday of January 2026, where the Nigerian music scene ignites with a spectacular array of fresh releases. If the initial weeks of the year seemed like a gradual warm-up, today marks a vibrant explosion of creativity that the industry has eagerly anticipated. From the soulful introspection of Omah Lay to the aggressive trap beats of Cheque and the uplifting spiritual melodies of Moses Bliss, this week's New Music Friday offers a diverse sonic palette to suit every listener's preference.
Here are ten standout songs that deserve an immediate spot on your playlist, showcasing the dynamic range and innovation within Nigeria's thriving music landscape.
1. ANGELS – Lekaa Beats, Omah Lay, Odumodublvck
This collaboration serves as a masterclass in musical texture, expertly produced by Lekaa Beats. ANGELS seamlessly blends the high-energy, gritty melodic delivery of Odumodublvck with the smooth, harmonious vocals of Omah Lay. The track evokes the sensation of a late-night drive through the bustling streets of Lagos, making it an ideal choice to launch your weekend festivities.
2. BADMINTON – CKay
With his latest single, BADMINTON, CKay adheres to a proven formula that resonates with audiences. To fully appreciate this track, one must reflect on his 2025 hit BODY, a massive collaboration with Mavo. BADMINTON follows a similar template, leveraging the production sensibilities that propelled its predecessor to success. Built around a mid-tempo, loop-driven structure and a repetitive riff, the song creates an immediate sense of familiarity, perfectly crafted for extensive radio airplay and listener engagement.
3. Birthday – Fredo, Burna Boy, Steel Banglez
This glossy fusion of UK Rap and Afro-fusion, produced by Steel Banglez, combines Fredo's signature West London cool with Burna Boy's globally impactful chorus. Birthday is a celebratory anthem designed for club environments, where its vibrant energy can truly shine.
4. Super – CupidSZN
As a MAVIN signee, CupidSZN is rapidly emerging as a leading figure for the next generation of Afropop artists. Super is an upbeat, infectious record that radiates youthful energy and romantic optimism. With its bright, synth-heavy production, this track comes highly recommended for weekend parties and social gatherings.
5. Dis Year – Berri-Tiga
Following the success of his previous hits, Berri-Tiga returns with Dis Year, a classic piece of motivational Afrobeats. The song skillfully blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop influences, resulting in a sound that feels both heritage-rich and modern. His smooth vocals deliver lyrics centered on hope, prosperity, and the relatable aspiration to maximize the potential of the coming twelve months.
6. Ovah – Kemuel
Kemuel is carving out a distinctive niche in the alternative music space with Ovah, a soulful, mid-tempo track that highlights his impressive vocal range. Less focused on the dancefloor and more on creating a specific vibe, the production is lush and expansive. This song serves as a powerful reminder that the Nigerian music scene has ample room for R&B-leaning artistry and emotional depth.
7. Up To The Sky – Cheque Superboy
Cheque makes a triumphant return to the Trap sound that initially catapulted him to fame. Up To The Sky is a high-energy record featuring rapid-fire flows and a defiant message about ambition and rising above adversity. For fans of his earlier work like Zoom, this track feels like a welcome return to form, blending his melodic sensibilities with a street-ready edge.
8. OH MY DAYS – Islambo
Islambo's OH MY DAYS is a frantic, high-energy anthem that captures the chaotic and vibrant spirit of Lagos streets. Loud, unapologetic, and engineered for virality, the song features slang-heavy lyrics and percussive production that make it an instant favorite among the core street-pop audience.
9. Thank You Lord – Kabex, Hotkeed
Kabex and Hotkeed deliver a unique blend of Gospel and street influences with their latest release, Thank You Lord. This song of gratitude maintains its edge, with a heart centered on a crowd-vocal chorus. It resonates deeply with anyone who has achieved success against formidable odds, offering both spiritual uplift and relatable authenticity.
10. Unending Joy – Moses Bliss, Greatman Takit
Closing out the week is a powerful collaboration from the Gospel realm, as Moses Bliss and Greatman Takit present Unending Joy. This track functions as both a celebration and a worship song, demonstrating that Gospel music in 2026 remains as vibrant and rhythmic as any secular genre. It provides a fitting conclusion to a week of diverse and impactful musical offerings.
