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2024 was massive for Bryant Barnes, who was able to attract up to 4 million Spotify monthly listeners on his debut year. The Texas-native singer-songwriter and instrumentalist is set to maintain that momentum this year, having just unveiled a new song called "Why Can't You". This release finds him getting ready to join 070 Shake…
Just like we do every weekend, we updated the New Release Friday Spotify playlist with new tunes. The first song on the playlist is "Emotional", a collaboration between Bucharest natives UNKLFNKL (pronounced 'Uncle Funkle') and Jeasmine. It was released via Universal Music Romania. https://youtu.be/iyv4g3hVZvw "Emotional" is a dance-pop tune with hints of tropical house. Jeasmine's…
Atlanta-based artist Isaiah Stone has unveiled his second ever single, "Get Down". The American newcomer debuted towards the end of last year with the song "No One Cares", introducing his intoxicating blend of funk and rock'n'roll. https://open.spotify.com/track/1Teo2M1SuvA6SlF4bMKYhs This new song is extra funky, inviting listeners to the dancefloor. With an utterly addictive groove, "Get Down"…
The London-based R&B UK artist has just dropped her first single of 2025. With this one, she joined forces with producer 2thousand5 (also known as Nico Bryant) to create an introspective and empowering alt-R&B inspired by her personal struggles with anxiety. She named the song "Paint The Clouds". As Yoji indicates, "Paint The Clouds" was…
One thing about the Nairobi live music scene that contributes to its overall appeal is the diversity in the type of music showcased. Different show formats exist for different audiences, from animated club performances to mellow, cabaret-style sets. Although bands do not have a prominent presence in Kenyan mainstream, there's always a chance to see…
Canadian musicians Dayside and Guffchild returned last weekend with another amazing tune called "Daddy's Girl". The song features vocals by Mosez Jones and Pope Silk, who are also from Canada. While "Daddy's Girl" sounds vibrant and fresh, its lyrics narrate a dark 'ugly' story that most listeners will find saddening yet familiar. The accompanying video is perfectly illustrative.…
Born in Portugal to African parents, Lionee, who is currently based in France, incorporates a variety of cultural influences into his music. The artist is known to fuse different sounds, his latest single being a blend of dancehall and modern pop. "Make A Badman Chase You" is the title of the new song, which arrived…
https://open.spotify.com/track/4IMCQeE8fgUwamRElVRIFS With his first ever song, "Namé Miki", New York producer Gan Music takes listeners on an amazing sonic journey. The afro-house tune feels blissful and transporting. Musically, it blends melodic piano with vibrant percussions, the resulting sound gelling nicely with stirring vocals to give "Namé Miki" its fascinating vibe. I can't stop playing this…
As the whole world was preparing to usher in the new year, enigmatic Italian artist Liberato was unveiling LIBERATO III, the third instalment in his self-titled album series. The LP is 9 tracks long, and was released together the music video for one of the standout songs: "TURNÀ". "TURNÀ" is a hip hop-influenced dance-pop anthem:…
Having delivered straight heat in past, the pair returns with another dance anthem Out now via Insomniac is this massive release from Italian producer TWENTY SIX and Spain-based Cuban singer Tayson Kryss. The duo had previously collaborated on "Buscando Money". With "Pegado", TWENTY SIX and Kryss created an outright dancefloor-filler; the house-pop record is guaranteed…
Dutch musician Mike Chandon who makes music using the moniker Moodssupply opens his 2025 account with a new dance-pop tune, "You Don't Listen". It involves an eclectic and intoxicating fusion of funk, soul, pop and disco, something that defines Moodssupply's style. https://open.spotify.com/track/7JjRTtAWZND9U2XoH4Il6D "You Don't Listen" features passionate female vocals, with the lyrics describing a situation…
I'm hoping that it has been a joyful beginning of 2025 for you. Whichever the case, let's purpose to keep things extra positive this year. I believe that listening to good music is a great place to start, and "Bwadra" by singer Naid has just the right vibe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LMT5RHgtY4 Naid hails from Mayotte, a French…
https://open.spotify.com/track/72hQEp8PXDtmjKtmDODG9E As the year comes to an end, and we wait to enter a new one, our playlists should feature more fu, electrifying tunes. "Alive" by electronic duo BHAVIOR would be a great choice for such a playlist; it feels so blissful. The up-tempo house track carries strong vocals and feel-good melodies which totally capture the…
https://open.spotify.com/track/72vTmWHekWLDPLhxBCaVMU Alt-hip hop artist ARIA is closing the year with the lavish "BVLGARI". The newly released trap song is synth-heavy and energetic. On it, ARIA delivers smooth rap verses which are sandwiched between a captivating hook. The song is full of personality. "BVLGARI" was released independently by the US singer, rapper and producer. Give the…
The current rise of ohangla music in Kenya seems to be facing no obstacles. This sub-genre of Luo vernacular music is increasingly getting interest from new fans. Every other day, a new song drops, fuelling fans' excitement. Here are some 11 songs that you should listen to as we head into 2025. The list comprises…
HEVI HEVI's newest single begs to be added to your end-of-year playlists. Tanzanian newcomer HEVI has a new song that you've got to give a listen to this holiday season. Titled "My Rider", it is a catchy, midtempo afro-pop tune with hints of amapiano. The song arrived paired with a colourful visualizer that captures its…
What is Skiza Tunes? Skiza Tunes is a personalized ring back tone service offered by Kenyan telecom company Safaricom. This service has been available to all its users for well over a decade now, with customers able to download or record a Skiza Tune that will then be heard by their callers, or themselves when…
Adrian Dzvuke Zimbabwean-born Perth-based artist Adrian Dzvuke returns on our stereos with a blistering new track which he named "focus". The up-tempo song features Morgan Then (of Slumberjack duo). With a vibrant and innovative production combining elements of afro-house and afrobeats, "focus" is utterly dance-inducing. Adrian soulful vocals are full of desire, accentuating his sensual…
Coster Ojwang achieves new levels of songcraft on new album Not many artists of today's generation are able to capture the essence of Luo folk music like Coster Ojwang. Powered by an impressive vocal range, his singing style involves alluring traditional melodies which bring to mind those captivating presentations during secondary school music festivals. But…
https://open.spotify.com/track/2BMI8Nohlz0APkdvMQ2Qnn Regular Aipate readers probably know who Bronze Whale are; the US indie-electronic duo has featured in the platform a few times. But in a nutshell, Aaron Jaques (songwriter & producer) and Benny Alley (vocalist & producer) have entertained listeners for well over a decade now, switching to their current style in 2018, and releasing…
Lyric Jones (Photo by Alissa Wyle) When they visited Los Angeles last year, Melbourne-based duo Close Counters got to collaborate with Lyric Jones, an artist and DJ based in the city. The result is a beautiful dance track blending funk, house, disco and soul. "Feeling Takes Over Me" is irresistibly groovy, with Close Counters saying…
From Dublin, Ireland comes another gripping song from indie rock band Dakota 66. Aipate shared their music for the first time a couple of months ago. That was when they'd just dropped the poignant "Remember". This new song is called "Gimme Love", and it's just as powerful. The fascinating music video helps illustrate its thought-provoking…
https://youtu.be/7AnwyKfh-XE?list=PLjuTeCzLKGxRzFiWV5pVnJR5AdrsHgloX Last Friday, Toronto's Jon Vinyl presented listeners with a new track to add to their Christmas collection. "Nothing Like Christmas" feels so joyous and captures the festive mood in a truly magical way. The neo-soul track was produced by Chris Yonge and Jimmy Nguyen. Jon's delivery is characteristically smooth, inviting you to join him…
Fusing afrobeats and makossa music, Nigerian singer 1da Banton's new song "BABY OKU" is a collaboration with acclaimed guitarist Fiokee. The guitar-driven tune is so captivating. I'm totally in love with its infectious rhythms. "BABY OKU" finds an infatuated 1da waxing lyrical about a beautiful woman. The song's title actually means 'hot girl' on Igbo…
Musically nostalgic and lyrically confessional, the most recent offering from the London singer is reminiscent of 2000's R&B. "Chose You" is a smooth, heartfelt slow-burner heavy on storytelling. On it, NXTHXN (who was born Nathan Palmer) delves into a situation where he had to make a difficult choice. He expounds, "It's about the difficult truth…
https://open.spotify.com/track/01A1pyqiQN7eCt25ZVClKz Over the last couple of years, JESSIA has been one of the fastest rising pop singers. The Los Angles Canadian artist continues her ascent with "I'm Not Gonna Cry", an anthemic new single which follows her successful headline tour of the US and Canada. "I'm Not Gonna Cry" speaks on resilience. Commenting on the…
With the holiday season here with us, Minnesota-native singer Tristan Price has contributed a new anthem in the form of "Under the Christmas Lights". The song is smooth and heart-warming, its lyrics describing a beautiful romantic connection during Christmas season. https://open.spotify.com/track/3PIeXtUHvHtT4O257YJE2Q "Under the Christmas Lights" showcases Tristan's amazing vocals and pop-influenced R&B style. If you…
French dub band Steel Alive have a new song out. "Should Pass Thru" is a dancehall reggae tune featuring UK artist Charlie P. It arrived two weeks ago paired with a vibrant visual which matches the song's boisterous vibe. https://youtu.be/Zf9B-pce8ds "Should Pass Through" is a dancefloor anthem with hard-hitting lyricism. Charlie's delivery is charming, adding…
The songs keep coming from masked alt-folk/rock duo Bad Flamingo. Their latest offering is called "Frying Pan". With this one, the girls deliver a dark, melancholic song carrying the outlift's signature fascinating sound. Once again, the production is stupendous. "Frying Pan" is so harrowing, its lyrics evoking a gloomy, downcast feeling. Like every Bad Flamingo…
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com The global music industry receives a bulk of its money from streaming services. At the same time, artists everywhere continue to complain about the little to no payments they receive from streaming platforms. This is not surprising though. On YouTube, musicians do face competition from the new wave of…
From rising Tanzanian producer TONY DRIZZY BEATS comes this catchy amapiano tune, "Bado Sijalewa". The vibrant track features Tido Master and DJ Ibz255. https://open.spotify.com/track/4bGcao42IbiHyjkQs8A7P9 "Bado Sijalewa" is vibrant and lyrical, with the singer delivering relatable lyrics over infectious beats. I'm especially captivated by the songwriting, and simply can't get enough of this song. "Bado Sijalewa"…
https://youtu.be/mgf0n3454RA At last, Wanderings EP, the highly anticipated debut project from twins brothers MC4D is here. I was eagerly waiting for it, especially after being wowed by the EP's final single, "Be Here With Me Now" (with Łaszewo and gavn!). With it, the duo provides us a full serving of their mesmerizing sound. "About a…
The third and final single off of G.L.A.M. and Black Caviar's upcoming joint EP, Supersonic, is out. Released last Friday, the song is called "PEPPER". It follows the singles “LESSGO” and “BACK WITH THE BUMP”, and provides fans with a proper taste of what to expect on the EP, which drops on February 7th. With laser-sharp…
Emerging Nigerian singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer TyStringz should be on your radar, if he isn't already. The artist's vibrant new song, "Dawa", exemplifies his style. Listeners are always treated to an eclectic fusion of African sounds. "Dawa" starts with a euphony of percussion before incorporating engaging amapiano beats. The song is thoroughly invigorating. I love…
It's a gloomy affair as Love Spells tries to move on. Produced by Alex Craig, the most recent single from Houston native Love Spells (a.k.a. Sir Taegen C'aion Harris) follows that familiar narrative of someone struggling to move on from a past relationship. Yet, "With Only Your Mouth" is no ordinary song. It is so…
Have you seen Tyra Chantey's stunning visuals for her latest song, "Confidence"? The Ugandan-Swedish singer filmed the video in Kampala (where the song was recorded), imbuing it with colour and vibrance. Musically, "Confidence" fuses Afro-pop, amapiano and R&B. The song's infectious rhythms are crafted in such a way that you will find yourself dancing along.…
"Quite Simple" by NYC indie-pop artist Olivia Reid is the latest addition to our Folk Pop and Chill playlist. The song feels quite soothing and heart-warming. Making use of a conversation with an older person, the singer-songwriter reassures us that fulfilment will come so long as we don't try to rush through life. I just…
https://open.spotify.com/track/5Tf6wKv6FG2Hpnx78ihjvS Born in the Caribbean island of Martinique, and having started out making dancehall tunes, Gaëtan N’ZALA has evolved over the years. Now going under the moniker Gate La Luz, he writes, performs and produces fresh tunes that incorporate various musical influences. He has dropped two singles so far. Recently, he teamed up with DJ/producer…
Its release may have escaped my attention but "Riders" by Swiss artist Dave Curl is a song worth sharing. On it, the musician celebrates his love for surfing, having been a 'holiday surfer' for about 2 decades now. The track has a chill, laidback and nostalgic vibe that I can't get enough of. "Riders" is…
UK singer-songwriter Lenn makes music which straddles the line between R&B and pop. Her 2023 debut EP, waist deep, provided a refreshing listening experience, captivating listeners one track after another. More than a year later, Lenn follows up that project with a new single, "older sister". The dance-inducing alt-pop song carries the artist's signature soft…