Best Music of the Week: Runtown, Distruction Boyz, Tiwa Savage, Congolese 'Neo-Rumba' & More
Here are the songs you need to hear this week.
Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our Best Music of the Week column.
Here's our round up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, which you can also check out in our Songs You Need to Hear This Week playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
Follow OkayAfrica on Spotify and Apple Music to get immediate updates every week and read about some of our selections ahead.
Runtown "Energy"
Runtown's been on a mission. He released one of the best tunes of early 2017 with "Pain Killer," his collaboration with Ghanaian star Sarkodie, and more recently returned with the highly-addictive banger "Energy," produced by frequent collaborator Del'B. Watch its new music video above.
Distruction Boyz "Omunye"
Durban gqom duo Distruction Boyz have one of the hottest albums out in South Africa right now. Titled Gqom is the Future, the 13-track album has just given birth to its first single "Omunye," which is a fan-favorite from the album. Watch them throw the SA house party of the year in its new video.
Sir Loma "BB"
"BB" is the debut release from UK-based Congolese singer and songwriter Sir Loma. Loma takes influences from Congolese artists like Papa Wemba, Pepe Kalle, Ferre Gola, Fally Ipupa, and Carlyto Lassa to craft his own style which he calls "Neo-Rumba"—an addictive blend of Congolese Rumba with more modern styles like pop, hip-hop, and afrobeat.
Reekado Banks "Like" feat. Tiwa Savage & Fiokee
Reekado Banks is celebrating his 24th birthday by dropping "Like," his new single with Tiwa Savage and guitarist Fiokee. The Del B-produced track is a catchy affair that sees Reeky shouting out Wizkid, Davido and, of course, Tiwa in its chorus.
Poizon Ivy the DJ "Body & Soul" feat. L.A.X & Victoria Kimani
Nairobi-born Poizon Ivy the DJ comes through with her very first single entitled "Body & Soul." The Clemzy-produced track is a highly-addictive joint that features Nigerian crooner L.A.X and Kenyan songstress Victoria Kimani. For more, check out Ivy's all-Kenyan mixtape for OkayAfricaOkayAfrica.
Rudeboy (of P-Square) "Fire Fire"
Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy comes out with the music video to his previously released single "Fire Fire." The new clip follows a new couple on their wedding day.
D'banj "As I Dey Go"
Speaking of huge Nigeria superstars, D'banj is also back this week with a new music video and single for "As I Dey Go."
Hailu Mergia "Gum Gum"
Ethiopian keyboard and accordion virtuoso Hailu Mergia is has announced his first album in 15 years, entitled Lala Belu. Check out "Gum Gum," the lead single off that upcoming record.
Darkie Fiction "Selula"
Darkie Fiction was born out of vocalist Yoza Mnyanda and rapper Katt Daddy's move to Johannesburg from Cape Town. The two sat with producer Jakinda, who managed to create a stimulating sound in "Selula," their first ever creation together. Read our interview with Darkie Fiction about their first release.
Adekunle Gold "Money"
Adekunle Gold continues an impressive run in 2017 with the captivating, Aje Film Works-directed music video for "Money."
Vumomsé "If No Be God" feat. Kiflex
Vumomsé comes through with another gospel jam in "If No Be God," alongside Kiflex. You can purchase this track now on iTunes.