(Youtube)
The 10 Songs You Need to Hear This Week
Featuring Wizkid, Alicia Keys x Diamond Platnumz, Manu WorldStar, Maya Amolo, La Dame Blanche and more.
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 our SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK playlist on Spotify here, Apple Music here and YouTube Music here
Check out all of OkayAfrica's playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4586168c016b05f16a1c50de24395181"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4vpe-HcQXEo?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
WizKid 'No Stress'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="de7e8215b762d74ab1f7b131dcf88bbd"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0BBw8q_4Xj0?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/tag/wizkid" target="_self">Wizkid</a></strong> dropped his latest single titled "No Stress". And just as the name suggests, the track is a smooth and mellow number that is sure to have you kicking your feet up with ease. The also track comes ahead of the Nigerian superstar's long-awaited album <em>Made In Lagos</em>. Trust us when we say this sneak preview of the project is fire.</p><p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-wizkid-new-music-no-stress-made-in-lagos/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Alicia Keys 'Wasted Energy' ft. Diamond Platnumz
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="806ee2d2bc7cb8ffbad1cf601e631218"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f_laxGbqL4I?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Tanzanian star <strong><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/tag/diamond-platnumz" target="_self">Diamond Platnumz</a></strong> features on <strong>Alicia Keys</strong>' latest album titled, <em>ALICIA</em>. Platnumz' influence is clear as the song, titled "Wasted Energy," is a far cry from what is usually expected from the "If I Ain't Got You" singer. Taking cues and influence from reggae, afropop and the bongo flava that the Tanzanian star is known for, "Wasted Energy" speaks of a lover in a relationship with someone who intentionally ignores their needs and desires.</p><p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/alicia-keys-diamond-platnumz-wasted-energy/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Manu WorldStar 'Choko'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="44db9aba12cb12ad231bcb64b44a1fb7"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rDs1JWhQVww?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Manu WorldStar</strong> continues trailblazing with the latest visual release for hit single "Choko" off debut album <em>Molimo</em>. "Choko" music video portrays the hustle and bustle Johannesburg is known for. The video is simple, crisp and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit espoused by most inhabitants in Joburg, Berea which is the multicultural hotspot the artist grew up in.</p><p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/manu-world-star-shares-visuals-for-choko-/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Maya Amolo 'I Know'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="257ef09c9c54d21506ec8dc5d1a721d6"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVaGh21-jaY?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>New York City-based Kenyan artist <strong>Maya Amolo</strong> has released visuals for <a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-maya-amolo-new-single-kenyan-music/" target="_self">her single "I Know</a>," which is featured on her debut EP <em>Leave Me At The Pregame,</em> released in July. Amolo is known for her raspy vocals, soft melodies and thought provoking lyrics, all of which are present in the hit track. The powerful visuals are supported by even more powerful subject matter, as Maya sings about a past lover who did her dirty. </p><p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/maya-amolo-i-know-music-video/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>La Dame Blanche 'La Maltratada'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="caa50e52faca2a19d0929c5579266053"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SpoMXyCicgk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Afro-Cuban artist <strong>La Dame Blanche</strong> returns with her new album, <em>Ella</em>, today—an homage to her mother and all of the women in her life. "La Maltratada," one of the new album's standouts, speaks against abuse, it's a song about "she who defends herself against abuse. My cry for all of the abused women of the world," La Dame Blanche explains. Get into it above.</p><p><a href="https://fanlink.to/LaMaltratada" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Akinyemi x Shane Garcia 'Selfish'
<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/5h3LLSwDoGXckt2YvS4JTV" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe><p>Queens, New York rapper <strong>Akinyemi</strong> comes through with a passionate head-nodder single in the form of "Selfish." The new track, which features a silky smooth chorus from <strong>Shane Garcia</strong>, speaks about self-care and the need to take one's interests first at times. "I don't feel like being selfish is a bad thing, especially these days," Akinyemi mentions. "We finally got a reason to look inward... We ought to live freely for ourselves more. Being selfish and caring for ourselves gives space for reflection which then allows us to be selfless or 'selfish for others.'"</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/5nJ7iFxasb1PH20DUMydpC" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Rhamani 'Pepeni' ft. Dahlin Gage
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3ded3fd8ae4c3279eb116c33309da41a"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-pVnMLmw7dc?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Cameroonian-American artist <strong>Rhamani</strong> comes through with a dance floor scorcher in the shape of "Pepeni," featuring <strong>Dahlin Gage</strong>. This new one is just a taste of his upcoming <em>Just Rhamani </em>EP due soon. You're gonna have this one on repeat. </p><p><a href="https://cncdistro.digital/pepeni" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Badi, Boddhi Satva 'Mauvaise Ambiance'
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cb008b854722315a2abaf5936ce7ea7c"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2LC34g4EDI?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><strong>Badi </strong>and <strong>Boddhi Satva </strong>connect once again for the new electronic single "Mauvaise Ambiance." The single takes a direct approach at addressing many sociopolitical troubles around the world, touching on issues like the migrant crisis and U.S. policies over an infectious beat. <span></span></p><p><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/badi-boddhi-satva-mauvaise-ambiance-music-video/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Boyd 'Boys With Broken Hearts' EP
<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/0JGTVv3aGJX6NBSxKd0Oct" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe><p>Ghana's <strong>Boyd</strong> shares his second EP, <em>B.W.B.H (Boys With Broken Hearts). </em>The 5-song release features production from <strong>NiiQuaye, Musical Lunatics,</strong> and <strong>Mmrbtz</strong>.<strong> </strong>"I like to think of this EP as a genre-fluid project," Boyd mentions, "down to how seamlessly it goes back and forth between English and Ga. It doesn't fit the Ghanaian commercial tag, but we are all trying to push the sound, inspire, and make a difference."</p><p><a href="http://www.akwaabamusic.com/blog/boyd-boys-with-broken-hearts-b-w-b-h/" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>Chyme 'Like Dat' ft. K-T3
<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/5jhhLOn8qnmd58OvwxRAdE" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe><p>Canadian-based Nigerian rapper <strong>Chyme</strong> makes music that he defines as 'Afro-twist.' The artist just dropped his latest EP, <em>Acknowledgements</em>, which showcases that blend of Nigerian and North American influences. Get into EP highlight, "Like Dat," above.</p><p><a href="https://distroplug.ffm.to/acknowledgements" target="_blank">Find out more</a></p>
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