New Music Friday: 10 Essential Tracks to Add to Your Playlist
The music scene in 2026 continues to heat up with an exciting array of releases from both established stars and emerging talents. This week's selection showcases the diversity and creativity of Nigerian artists across various genres, from Afrobeat and gospel to hip-hop and R&B.
Top Picks for Your Weekly Playlist
Here are 10 standout songs that deserve your attention this week, featuring chart-topping performers and promising newcomers who are making waves in the industry.
Featured Artists and Their Latest Releases
Ayo Maff - God Is Working
Street pop sensation Ayo Maff returns with another powerful "Afro Adura" record that blends moving melodies with relatable lyrics about faith and perseverance. The song arrives just as Muslims begin observing Ramadan, capturing the spiritual essence of seeking divine fortitude and blessings during this holy period.
Mavo feat SSSoundgawd - Aura Salad
Mavo continues his impressive run with "Aura Salad," a track that has been eagerly anticipated by fans for weeks. The production features heavy log drum punctuations complemented by Mavo's signature flows, while SSSoundgawd adds a clever interpolation of KC & The Sunshine Band's 1975 classic "That's The Way I Like It."
Rnboi featuring Ayra Starr - MON Bebe
Ayra Starr makes her first appearance of 2025 on this collaboration with French artist Rnboi. "MON Bebe" showcases her stunning vocals over a sensual blend of R&B chords and hip-hop basslines, creating a steamy record that highlights the beauty of contemporary R&B music.
Moses Bliss featuring Soweto Gospel Choir - Your Love II
Gospel music star Moses Bliss teams up with the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir for this remix of his hit worship song. The track combines Bliss's uplifting melodies with the choir's breathtaking choral vocals, resulting in a powerful spiritual experience.
Nonso Amadi - Greedy
Nonso Amadi delivers another infectious track with "Greedy," gliding effortlessly over bouncy production that blends dancehall rhythms, R&B melodies, and pop cadences. The result is an earworm that showcases his versatility as an artist.
Zoro featuring Jeriq - Nzogbu
Veteran Igbo rapper Zoro collaborates with hip-hop star Jeriq on "Nzogbu," a chest-thumping song that demonstrates how Igbo cultural themes and hypermasculine subtexts can seamlessly integrate with drill production. The track is energetic and culturally resonant.
Laycon feat Tytanium - Reason
Rapper Laycon returns with "Reason," an introspective song that highlights his lyrical prowess. The track combines heartfelt bars with reflective lyrics that provide insight into his personal struggles and artistic journey.
Reeplay & Antiworld Gangstars - Pompous
Reeplay enlists his Antiworld Gangstars crew for "Pompous," a swaggering hip-hop joint that showcases their clever use of Pidgin English and street lingo. The song paints vivid pictures of their luxurious lifestyle and street credibility.
Stahgee featuring Lordeyang - People
Stahgee demonstrates his versatility as one of Eastern Nigeria's most dynamic hip-hop artists with "People." This contemplative track features warm melodies that add diversity to the typically linear exploration of drill music.
Töme - Cry Me A River
Canadian-Nigerian singer Töme makes a bold statement with "Cry Me A River," a genre-bending record where her glossy vocals shine. The song reflects her current mindset of enjoying life while having little tolerance for drama and distractions.
The Vibrant State of Nigerian Music
This week's releases underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of Nigeria's music industry. From faith-inspired tracks to genre-blending experiments, these songs represent the creative energy driving contemporary Nigerian music forward. Whether you're looking for spiritual upliftment, energetic anthems, or smooth R&B vibes, this week's selection has something for every music enthusiast.
