Ayra Starr – “All The Love”

Self-appraisal is a subject Ayra Starr handles well and one that allows her to touch a larger message from the vantage point of her own perspective. When the “All The Love” audio was first released, there was no doubt the Nigerian star was addressing herself, but the songwriting also left space for others to draw from her insistence on light. Now featuring new visuals from Ella Ezeike, its accompanying music video follows Starr as she flaunts a memorable short haircut across a series of scenes that honor community and friendship. From salons to beaches, it’s a colorful video that does justice to the effervescent quality of the song. - Emmanuel Esomnofu

Sarnilo - “Autumn”

On the Tru Hitz-produced song “Autumn,” Eswatini-based artist Sarnilo utilizes her sultry voice to confess her feelings for a lover. “Autumn leaves are falling, hear me out I’m calling,” sings the artist, her voice a smooth, sensual flex that glides effortlessly on the song’s gospel chords, resulting in a measured, emotive banger that resonates with the spirit. - Tseliso Monaheng

Cheikh Ibra Fam – “Xam Xam”

The depth of Cheikh Ibra Fam’s artistry and travels across the world shine on “Xam Xam.” The genre-fluid record moves between West African soul and Caribbean zouk, whose electric kora base inspires a sensuous performance from Cheikh. With a rich, soulful voice, the artist sings about the possibilities of knowledge, placing the social responsibility of being better humans in front of everyone. - EE

Thope tse Khang - “Lerato”

Lesotho’s Thope tse Khang are household names, made famous by their daring, provocative lyrics and their addictive famo melodies. “Lerato” is about yearning for a lover, and the realization that material possessions of this earth are fleeting. The song is taken off their second offering since signing to the Universal Music Group in 2024. Titled Ha E Lume, it’s a four-track collection of the material the group has become known for. - TM

Agatchu – “Maradona”

French Angolan artist Agatchu has an impeccable ear for melodies. Drawing from the Afrobeats tradition, with lyrics primarily sung in English, he’s been inching closer to a major breakthrough with each passing release. On “Maradona,” he flaunts his mid-tempo sound with ease, softly curating imagery that upholds how much he intends to enjoy life. “Tell me the reason why you don’t wanna flex,” Agatchu asks in the song’s hook, as the warm production builds around him. - EE

Calvin Mangena - “Hauna”

Calvin Mangena is one of Bulawayo’s shining lights. Affectionately known as the Ndebele Prince, the artist has been on a roll since his first release in 2021, and found critical acclaim with 2023’s “Ihulumende” alongside talented acts such as Holy Ten and Voltz JT. On “Hauna,” the artist perfects his maskandi-influenced flow on a drill beat, proving once again that he indeed is one to watch. - TM

F3line – “Only You”

The African R&B tradition is one that’s massively sustained by women musicians, and F3line is a name to note. Since emerging on the scene, the Nigerian artist has reflected an ease with the sultry motions of R&B, as one hears on this intriguing number. “Only You” rocks with the pleasantness of a newly-blooming romance — and F3line’s songwriting and singing is beautifully aligned in this unique vision of affection. - EE

Ziggy4x - Sticks and Stones (feat. Kulture Gang and 25K)

Ziggy4x continues his quiet ascent onto the South African hip-hop throne with “Sticks and Stones,” a song that builds upon the trap-leaning sonic palette he has built with releases such as “Honne” and “Slat Los.” It features previous collaborators Kulture Gang and 25K, who bring their own twist to yet another banger from the Cape Town emcee. - TM

Sam Opoku – “You”

‘Ethereal’ best describes the sound of Sam Opoku, the Ghanaian American act whose voice stabs with a precise chill. His releases carry compositional and cinematic flourishes, often moving between ambient, R&B techniques and neo soul. Those are the tonal registers that are achieved on “You,” a stirring piece of music that begins with the unnerving admission, “I could run away, looking for a friend to play with.” Quite the beauty, its tempo builds with a measured pace until the song fades away. - EE

Jabulile Majola - “Uyinkosi Yamakhosi”

“Uyinkosi Yamakhosi” is Jabulile Majola’s letter to his creator, nestled in-between a blues-inflicted guitar line that carries his dreamy voice above the clouds and back. The artist, adopted at the age of two and raised in the church, is becoming increasingly known for his poignant songwriting and his affecting voice. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Joseph Tshabalala and Bon Iver, Jabulile Majola is carving a path of his own where music has meaning, and lyrics speak the truth every time. - TM