JoeBoy Releases Long-Awaited Album 'Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic'
Joeboy Releases Long-Awaited Album 'Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic'
Nigerian artist Joeboy has released his debut album 'Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic' following his 2019 'Love & Light' EP.
Nigerian Afro-pop star Joeboy has released his long-awaited debut album Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic. The 14-track project is the official follow-up to the young artist's debut Love & Light EP which dropped in 2019. While no additional artists feature on the album, it is nonetheless an impressive body of work with several bangers to have stuck on repeat.
After dropping "Celebration" and then "Lonely" towards the end of last year, both of which feature on this latest album, Joeboy has delivered a body of work that is testament to the ability of Mr Eazi's emPawa initiative to unearth musical gems.
Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic opens with "Count Me Out"—a definite standout track on the album. The track is an interesting mixture of a staple Afrobeat rhythm with classical instrumentals such as the violin. "Focus", on the other hand, is a vibrant and upbeat number with an infectious soundscape composed of steady drums and a playful wind instrument. Other tracks to earmark are "Lonely", "Oshe" and "Show Me."
"You know the first project was Love and Light. I spoke with Oxygen Mix—my mixing engineer—about what we should name the next project. When we were in Ghana riding quad bikes somewhere, Oxygen was like this place is beautiful. "Let's call it somewhere between beauty and magic." Another reason why we settled on the name is because the album consists of songs that are about different parts of love. Love is beautiful. Love is magic. These were songs I made with those influences."
Listen to Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic on Apple Music:
Listen to Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic on Spotify:
The African Giant samples Brandy and Ma$e in his new summertime-ready single.
Odogwu is back and sitting on top of the world!
Burna Boy has graced the airwaves once again with his latest single called "Sittin’ On Top Of The World," marking his highly anticipated solo debut in 2023.
The distinguished Nigerian artist, who is currently on tour, has shared this track as a delightful auditory treat for his dedicated fans. The song seamlessly incorporates elements from Brandy and M a$e’ss 1998 hit "Top Of The World.”
Notably, the composition of the song captivates listeners with its summer-ready sample, also showcasing Burna Boy's remarkable vocal range and effortlessly smooth delivery.
Earlier this year, Burna Boy featured on the single "Mera Na," a heartfelt production by the late Indian hip-hop luminary Sidhu Moose Wala, who passed away last year. “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is yet another demonstration of Burna’s versatility and global appeal as he continues to solidify his position as an influential force in the music world. The single also shows Burna Boy’s ability to bring the signature “Burna vibe” to any record.
Before the release, the African Giant took to Twitter to tease a snippet of the record which showed him and RZA vibing to the track.
Burna Boy is also making a statement outside of music. According to reports, the renowned fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier, synonymous with an era of iconic style, has enlisted the help of the “Common Person” singer to curate a selection of his most cherished archival designs, set to be unveiled this Friday.
This collaboration signifies the Nigerian singer's inaugural venture into the realm of high fashion, as confirmed by the esteemed Gaultier house. In fact, the renowned brand thrilled fashion enthusiasts recently by hosting a soirée in honor of Burna Boy's ardent followers, leading up to a momentous Parisian spectacle on May 20th, graced by an astounding crowd of over 40,000 attendees.
According to WWD, the two limited-edition shade styles, which come in four colorways, draw inspiration for Burna Boy’s latest album “Love, Damini” — especially the heart-shaped details and the red lenses. There’s so much for Burna fans to look forward to!
\u201cHad to vibe check the new single with my OG\u2019s \n\n\u201cSittin\u2019 On Top Of The World\u201d June 2nd \ud83d\ude80\u201d
Featuring tracks from Joeboy, Amaarae, Odumodublvck, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Ckay, and more.
Afrobeats is one of the biggest cultural movements in the world. Influencing everything from fashion to sports, the music acts as the adhesive, catching on to listeners of all demographics and shaping the scene in Africa with great potential. With the growing number of new Afrobeats releases every month, it becomes necessary to round up the best of the bunch. From singles to new music videos, the continent’s vast expanse will be covered in our "Best Afrobeats Songs Out Right Now" column. Get started below.
Joeboy "Normally" ft. BNXN & Odumodublvck
Releasing his anticipated sophomore album Body & Soul, the pop credentials of Joeboy have never been clearer. An accomplished body of work with purposeful collaboration all around, its ethos is established on this opener. A stripped production allows Joeboy and his inspired guests to muse about the hardness of early days, while reiterating their willingness to forge through fires on their way to fulfilling destiny.
Boasting one of the most solid reputations in Afropop, the name of Wande Coal is easily paired with ‘legend.’ The Mushin 2 MoHits star nodded in that direction on his anticipated album, Legend or No Legend. This standout cut features Wizkid, whose early style he influenced. Floating over a sensual, head-bopping production, both musicians flaunt their assured vocals, crooning seductively about the physiology of a woman.
A new record from Amaarae always promises to be an event. In anticipation of her June-scheduled sophomore album Fountain Baby, the Ghanaian musician released this psychedelic record to set the tone. Carried by her luscious vocals and fluttery delivery, it’s a fun record whose narrative ambition is propped by the visuals. As all things Amaarae, it’s a coherent artistic package which connects African culture to the diaspora.
CKay "Hallelujah" ft. Blaqbonez
Amapiano influences continue to serve up memorable moments in Afrobeats songs. Proving one of its purposeful purveyors with “you”, CKay has again gone that route with his first record of the year. “HALLELUJAH” is an appreciative ode to the formative experiences in one’s life, its mood of triumph carried beautifully by the musicians. Blaqbonez’s verse is one of the strongest all year, floating with so much verve over the Magicsticks production.
Ugoccie "Ifenkili"
Highlife remains an important sonic touchstone for many musicians creating out of Africa. Especially in Nigeria, strains of the distinct sound have inspired modern music, as you’d hear on “Ifenkili.” Created by Ugoccie, it’s an effervescent record which bursts with so much authenticity and affection. Frequently merging rap deliveries over the glitzy allure of Highlife-esque guitars, Ugoccie is one of the most exciting musicians out of Nigeria right now.
Oxlade x Flavour "OVAMI"
Through the years, Oxlade has demonstrated the elastic appeal of his vocals. Whether on quintessential R&B cuts or afropop licked bangers, it’s an exciting feature of his artistry. “OVAMI” resides more in the latter category; a mellow affair polished with electric guitars, it culls in memorable performances from Oxlade and his iconic guest, the modern Highlife maestro, Flavour. A feel good song worthy of cherished moments, it’s a warm combination of distinct artistic powers.
Asake & Olamide "Amapiano"
Seemingly unsatisfied with his unprecedented 2022 run, Asake has continued to fan the embers of his celebrity coming into this year. After the revealing releases of “Yoga” and “2:30”, he’s now collaborated with label boss Olamide on this fun number. Culling from the South Africa sound as the title suggests, the song demonstrates the uncanny ability of both musicians to pick a vibe from any direction.
King Promise "Terminator"
One of the most soulful voices across Afrobeats, every new song from King Promise always has something worthwhile. On “Terminator”, the trendy log drums are paired with a mellow R&B progression which the Ghanaian musician effortlessly glides over. The discussed topic is his peace of mind, expressing the sort of conversation and actions he’s more likely to be found doing. For someone with a natural ease for breezy records, it plays to his strengths while positioning him in new sonic terrain.
K.O "Rockabye" ft. Toss
South African rapper K.O is one of the most enduring voices in popular African music. For more than a decade his distinct rap style has soundtracked pop-inflected hip-hop, and it’s testament to his unique prowess that he’s still going strong. “ROCKABYE” is the quintessential head bopper: featuring loops that sound straight out of a video game, the performances are varied but vibrant, K.O’s scene-setting flows sharpened through the frenetic flows of his feature Toss.
ODUMODUBLVCK ft. Cruel Santino & Bella Shmurda “DOG EAT DOG II”
What a year ODUMODUBLVCK is having. The Native Records signee has stamped his unique personality on all corners of the industry, exciting an ever burgeoning fanbase with his local-influenced raps. Among early listeners, “Dog Eat Dog” is one of his best records ever and on this remix treatment (which he calls a song on its own), he combines an array of talented musicians who advance the eerie, triumphant mood of the original. It’s a miracle of collaboration, and for Odumodu, the latest step towards the imminent immortality of having such a spellbinding breakout year.
President Museveni is defending the world's harshest anti-human rights bill, threatening death for being gay.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has declared that he will go to war to protect the country's anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed this week. "The NRM (National Resistance Movement) has never had two languages," he said in a statement released by his office on Wednesday, "What we tell you in the day is what we shall say to you at night. The signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is finished; nobody will move us, and we should be ready for a war. Remember, war is not for the soft." Museveni made an onslaught of chaotic comments when he met with lawmakers from his ruling party this week, as he continues to defend signing one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ bills to date.
In March, the Ugandan government signed a bill making it illegal for citizens to identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, even giving authority the right to target gay Ugandans and sentence them to death. In April, Museveni claimed that he would not sign the newest iteration until it included "rehabilitation measures" for LGBTQ+ Ugandans. Now, the president claims to have consulted experts on whether homosexuality is a result of genetics, and his findings reported that it is instead a "psychological disorientation." In his address to the NRM, Museveni said, "The problem is that, yes, you are disoriented. You have got a problem for yourself. Now, don't try to recruit others. If you try to recruit people into a disorientation, then we go for you. We punish you."
"But secondly," he continued, "If you violently grab some children and you rape them and so on and so forth, we kill you. And that one I totally support, and I will support.” The law imposes a life sentence for same-sex intercourse, and a 20-year sentence for, "the promotion of homosexuality." Capital punishment is also emphasized for "serial offenders,", the transmission of terminal illnesses like HIV/AIDS through same-sex fornication, and for having same-sex relations with a person with a disability.
Uganda's obsession with people's bedroom activities has landed them in hot water with countries around the world. Western Countries have outwardly criticized Museveni's anti-human rights bill, with U.S. President Joe Biden threatening to impose sanctions and cut aid to Uganda. In a televised appearance on Thursday, the president boldly declared, "If they cut aid, we shall sit down and discipline our expenditure, and cut down our budgets.
Featuring new South African music from Inkabi Zezwe, Nomfundo Moh, Tyla, K.O, A-Reece and more.
Here are the South African songs and music videos that caught our attention this month.
Inkabi Zezwe, Sjava, Big Zulu 'Ukhamba'
Following the massive success of “Umbayimbayi,” their debut single as a duo, Sjava and Big Zulu have followed up with an album. Ukhamba sees Inkabi Zezwe tackle themes of love, heartbreak, identity and having pride in one’s culture and upbringing. The two giants recorded the 12-track album in their hometown of Bergeville near the Drakensberg mountains.
Nomfundo Moh 'Ugcobo'
Afropop star Nomfundo Moh finally released her long-awaited sophomore album, Ugcobo, which translates to “the anointing.” On the 14-track project, the musician taps back to her early days when she first started singing in church, details her journey, and expands on her musicality. Speaking at the album’s listening session, Nomfundo shared, ”I named the ‘Ugcobo’ because I wanted a title that was going to remind me why I started this music thing… It was to ground me to never forget where I come from, it’s inspired more by my spirituality.”
Tyla x Ayra Starr "Girl Next Door"
Fresh from opening for Chris Brown during his Under The Influence Tour, Tyla linked up with Nigeria’s Ayra Starr on for the P. Priime-produced “Girl Next Door.” The two pop stars dovetail about estranged love, with Tyla opening the track with the bold lyrics, “Don’t mess this up, I’m warning you. Got a lot of options wishing they were you.”
Skhandaworld "Isitha" ft. Aymos, K.O, Loki, Roiii
Skhandaworld, the label led by rap maestro and mogul K.O returned with a new single, “Isitha” featuring signees Loki, Roiii and amapiano star, Aymos. On the track, the artists reflect on their journeys while addressing fake friends, who’ve double-crossed and stabbed them in their back.
K.O "Rockabye" ft. Toss
Rap veteran K.O linked up with amapiano lyricist Toss for their unlikely collabo “Rockabye.” Toss’ rap display on the song left a lot of social media users in awe as he went toe to toe with the legendary hip-hop icon.
FLVME 'THE LOST PACK:, Vol. 1'
Hip-hop artist, FLVME had a robbery/house break-in recently and the vigilantes took his computer/hard drives which contained his music. As a way to show gratitude for his life, the rap star decided to drop a collection of songs he still had backed up. The “You Don’t Know My Name”-sampling “Mood Swings” with Ben September is an absolute standout.
A-Reece "Bad Guy"
Revered MC, A-Reece shared the music video to “Bad Guy," one of the fan favourites from his latest EP, DEADLINES: Free P2. “They used to be my dawgs, now they all strays,” the enigmatic lyricist raps on the hook, over a guitar-laden instrumental.
Xowla "Intando" ft. Mduduzi Ncube
Nkabi Nation’s top producer/artist Xowla (aka Stallion) linked up with his fellow stable mate Mduduzi Ncube on his new single, “Intando.” On the song, Xowla promises to buy his partner a love portion because he fears that she could leave him.
Sio X Atmos Blaq "Abandonment Issues"
Talented singer-songwriter Sio dropped a two-track EP with rising producer Atmos Blaq under Stay True Sounds. The title track, “Abandonment Issues” blends Sio’s ethereal vocals and vulnerable songwriting with the effervescent, Afro-tech production style of Atmos Blaq.
