New Music Friday: 10 Essential Nigerian Tracks You Need to Hear
As January 2026 draws to a close, the global music spotlight shines brightly on Lagos, Nigeria. This week's New Music Friday showcases an impressive array of releases that highlight the evolution and diversity of the Nigerian soundscape. From groundbreaking collaborations to soul-stirring ballads, the music scene continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its innovative fusion of styles and genres.
Turbulence – Wizkid x Asake: A Chill Afrobeats Masterpiece
Following their explosive collaboration on Jogodo, which shattered Spotify streaming records, Wizkid and Asake return with Turbulence. This track marks a fascinating stylistic shift where Asake embraces Wizkid's signature laid-back vibe. The smooth production and undeniable chemistry between these two titans create a perfect late-night Afrobeats gem that demonstrates Asake's impressive versatility as an artist.
Motho Waka – LADIPOE x Maglera Doe Boy: Continental Brilliance
Mavin Records' lyrical powerhouse LADIPOE joins forces with South Africa's Maglera Doe Boy on Motho Waka, which translates to my person in Setswana/Sesotho. This collaboration represents the growing synergy between Nigerian and South African hip-hop scenes. With minimalist production by Andre Vibez that allows intricate wordplay to shine, this track proves that lyrical depth remains essential in 2026's musical landscape.
MY HEALER – Seyi Vibez x Omah Lay: Street Energy Meets Melancholy
In an unexpected but brilliant pairing, Seyi Vibez collaborates with Omah Lay on MY HEALER. This track bridges the raw energy of street-pop with Omah Lay's signature melancholic style. Seyi Vibez delivers urgent verses while Omah Lay provides melodic cushioning, creating a dynamic contrast that makes this song an ideal weekend starter with emotional depth and musical sophistication.
Akonuche (Remix) – Priesst, Victony, Shoday: Elevated Pop Excellence
The remix of Akonuche transforms a cult favorite into a sophisticated pop standard. By incorporating Victony's vocal dexterity alongside Shoday's contributions, Priesst creates a seamless blend of energies that elevates the original track. This collaboration showcases how strategic feature additions can breathe new life into existing material while maintaining the essence that made it popular initially.
Where You Dey – Simi & Chike: Intimate Ballad Perfection
Simi and Chike prove to be a match made in musical heaven with their breathtaking ballad Where You Dey. Playing out like a conversation between longing hearts, Simi's chirpy yet emotionally heavy vocals find perfect harmony with Chike's velvet-smooth delivery. In an era dominated by high-tempo club tracks, this song provides a much-needed moment of intimacy and emotional connection as Valentine's season approaches.
Solace – Kunmie: Proof of Lasting Talent
Following his viral breakthrough with Arike, Kunmie demonstrates he's no one-hit wonder with Solace. This lush, mid-tempo production showcases significant growth in his songwriting while retaining the romantic charm that initially captivated audiences. The track's musical maturity suggests Kunmie has the staying power to become a mainstay in Nigeria's competitive music industry with his genuine ear for melody.
Do Not Disturb (DND) – Lovn: Bold Afro-Fusion Experiment
Lovn pushes creative boundaries with Do Not Disturb (DND), an audacious blend of traditional Fuji elements and contemporary pop. Channeling Adekunle Gold's refined, high-life-infused vocal style, Lovn successfully utilizes Fuji's percussive drive to power modern pop hooks. This innovative approach positions him as one of the most experimental voices among Nigeria's new generation of artists.
Igboro – Boy Spyce: Nostalgic Street-Pop Revival
Mavin Records sensation Boy Spyce takes a sharp detour from his lover-boy persona with Igboro, a high-energy anthem that pays homage to Nigerian music history. Brilliantly interpolating the 2009 street classic Igboro Ti Daru by Klever J and Eedris Abdulkareem, this track bridges legendary late-2000s energy with today's polished sound, creating nostalgia for older fans while introducing fresh street-pop to Gen Z listeners.
Dare You – Ginton x Minz: Underrated Global Groove
The collaboration between Netherlands-based producer Ginton and Afropop sensation Minz on Dare You stands as perhaps the week's most underrated gem. Blending House music elements with Afrobeats, this track creates a hypnotic global groove perfect for summer sunsets. Minz delivers a confident performance over production that showcases how Nigerian artists are increasingly incorporating international influences into their sound.
ENOUGH FOR ME – Sinach x Sunmisola Agbebi: Gospel Excellence
No music roundup would be complete without spiritual nourishment, and legendary gospel artist Sinach delivers exactly that with ENOUGH FOR ME. Teaming up with powerhouse vocalist Sunmisola Agbebi, this track provides a masterclass in gospel excellence with stunning vocal chemistry. Serving as a grounding conclusion to a week of high-octane releases, it reminds listeners of music's power to uplift and inspire beyond entertainment.
This week's releases demonstrate why Nigeria remains at the forefront of global music innovation. From Wizkid and Asake's chart-dominating collaboration to Sinach's soul-stirring gospel anthem, these ten tracks offer something for every musical taste while showcasing the depth and diversity of Nigeria's thriving music industry.
