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These 16 Songs Will Get you in the Festive Spirit
Despite an undoubtedly tumultuous year and an ongoing pandemic, we've put together a playlist of 16 songs from across the continent that will hopefully get you into the December festive spirit.
As South Africans often say, "Ke December boss". In other words, it's December and it's time to party. Of course, this year looks a lot different to previous Decembers because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, while we may have to stay at home and avoid large gatherings, this certainly doesn't stop us from enjoying a dope playlist filled with feel-good jams that are sure to fight the boredom blues. From the 15 best albums that have been released by South African indie artists this year to the 20 best Nigerian songs of 2020, there's plenty to keep you entertained and thoroughly so.
In light of the upcoming holiday season, we've put together a playlist of 16 recent songs from across the continent that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. From Davido and James BKS to Dadju and Sauti Sol, this playlist has a little something for everyone.
<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/15-albums-and-eps-by-south-african-indie-artists-2020/" target="_blank">READ: 15 Great Albums and EPs by South African Indie Artists That Came Out in 2020</a></em></strong></p>
"True Love" by Yemi Alade
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2724d7ee799bfdbd7ddcb608232ba564"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XkgMHudaKdA?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>Yemi Alade</strong> delivers a vibrant and uplifting number in "True Love" which is the second track featuring on her upcoming fifth studio album. The music video is as vibrant as the track AND complete with energetic choreographed scenes and bold outfits that elevate the Afropop anthem. </p>"Nia Lo" - Kabza De Small featuring Nia Pearl
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6cbab850b8f205654ab57a8313d7dc2b"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GphIn74Weu0?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>Kabza De Small</strong> and <strong>Nia Pearl</strong> deliver a stunning amapiano hit with "Nia Lo" which features on the amapiano king's album which is aptly titled <em>I am the King of Amapiano</em>. The latter comprises numerous tracks that shows Kabza De Small's ingenuity and ability to create hit after hit.</p>"Likolo" by Fally Ipupa featuring Ninho
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1b86df02a87bd89b2131c6fe18bf025d"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lG-klvI4yzI?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Congolese singer-songwriter <strong>Fally Ipupa</strong> released his latest album <em>Tokoos II</em> earlier today. The album is the seuquel to his 2017 album titled <em>Tokoos</em>. "Likely", which features fellow Congolose musician <strong>Ninho</strong>, is a standout number on the 16-track project. It's upbeat and infectious with seamless synergy between the two artists. </p>"Dangerously in Love (Remix)" by Tiwa Savage featuring DJ Ganyani & De Mogul
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3dd9b3b45e441282860f2dd617f43e32"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XOF5YOPGZ8E?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This past August, <strong>Tiwa Savage</strong> released her latest album titled <em>Celia</em><em>,</em> a 12 track project which features the sultry and upbeat jam "Dangerous Love". The track was released prior to the album and was followed up by two remixes: "Dangerous Love (Born In Soweto Remix)" featuring <strong>De Mthuda </strong>and another featuring<strong> DJ Ganyani </strong>and<strong> De Mogul</strong>. The latter, which is an amapiano remix, is arguably better than the original version of the song and has an incredible soundscape consisting on Afrobeats and amapiano. </p>"New Breed" by James BKS featuring Idris Elba, Q-Tip & Little Simz
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0b87a35070ed262a33c5b8df16634fed"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Pc7TJZUx8o?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 artist <strong>James BKS recruits Idris Elba, Q-Tip </strong>and<strong> Little Simz </strong>to create a jam that fuses contemporary rap with Afrobeats and the results are exquisite. "New Breed" is a powerful declaration about Africa and definitely a track with a feel-good vibe to it. You're sure to keep this number on repeat for a while. </p>"So Crazy" by Davido featuring Lil Baby
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="365279fde5398ba57d1c0269eadce99d"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8xjE0cGsFHY?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Following the success of his 2019 album <em>A Good Time</em>, the prince of Afrobeats recently released his follow-up album titled <em>A Better Time</em>. The project is impressive with a number of music heavyweights featuring including <strong>Nas, Nicki Minaj, Sauti Sol, Mayorkun, Sho Madjozi</strong> and several others. "So Crazy", which sees <strong>Davido</strong> and <strong>Lil Baby</strong> collaborating effortlessly, is definitely a poolside track that screams soft living and just having a good time with even better company. </p>"Your Love" by Azana
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="db110d42b72112547ea4fc358314c73d"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QV95uzSoh6Y?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>If perfection was a song it would be <strong>Azana</strong>'s "Your Love". The track begins with a mid-tempo pace that then builds up into an explosion of sound. Trust us when we say that this song is everything you never knew you needed. The South African artist is certainly in her element. </p>"Choko" by Manu WorldStar
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="904452c66e57bdc9badf6816c19a4428"><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>Following his 2019 smash hit "Nalingi", <strong>Manu WorldStar </strong>released "Choko" ahead of his debut album titled "Molimo." The track, which is already proving to be another hit, is an upbeat and infectious number that will have you turning the volume up and heading to the dance floor. </p>"Reckless" by Wizkid
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="376aa65ea3f270ff3d2bcb11b60b1e87"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qEEsc8j-FVI?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This year, Wizkid finally released his long-anticipated album Made in Lagos and it certainly was well worth the wait. The project release was Initially delayed in an attempt not to divert attention from the recent #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria. "Reckless", which features on the 14-track album, is a definite stand-out track that shows the Nigerian artist at his musical best. </p>"Ubomi Abumanga" by Sun-El Musician & Msaki
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f05bc2fd6891388eb358a2e282ede9f3"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ecbcwjCzppc?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Is any list ever complete without <strong>Sun-El Musician</strong>? This year, the South African artist teamed up with fellow artist <strong>Msaki </strong>and created a track for the ages. "Ubomi Abumanga" is a beautiful Xhosa house song that speaks about how the sun will eventually rise even in the darkest of days. </p>"Sans theme (Remix)" by Dadju featuring Alonzo, MHD, Naza & Vegedream
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="62ba02ffaf090968e67db83af5a0d85e"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0JSnKAITXVk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>French-Congolose artist <strong>Dadju</strong> is explosive on the remix of his original track "Sans theme" featuring <strong>Alonzo, MHD, Naza </strong>and<strong> Vegedream</strong>. The remix starts off on a high with a crazy instrumental that let's you know that the song is about to be everything and more. If you listen to nothing else, (and we're not kidding) you need to listen to this track. </p>"Dede" by Ommy Dimpoz featuring DJ Tira, Dladla & Prince Bulo
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cff5197dd6846c06b3916b157d34a3d0"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1I6hM7ZMKFY?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 artist <strong>Ommy Dimpoz</strong> dropped "Dede" recently and it's an interesting fusion of bongo flava and a distinct South African sound. The music video is as frenetic as the track itself and is filled with colour and cultural references including eclectically dressed pantsula dancers repping for Johannesburg culture. </p>"Ngihamba Nawe" by Simmy featuring Sino Msolo
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3f6c70207a3434b64f52e445899192eb"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YaaiX3FEpRw?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>South African songstress <strong>Simmy</strong> released her album this year titled <em>Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)</em> which is the follow-up to her 2018 anthemic project <em>Tugela Fairy</em>. "Ngihamba Nawe", which translates to "I'll go with you" in Zulu, is an exquisite and upbeat love song that'll certainly put you in a good mood. </p>"Suzanna" by Sauti Sol
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="eddc27889d1ab94c2a8d794374b4780c"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mFBJtuQ1Llc?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>Sauti Sol</strong> gave us a true gift in the middle of a pandemic and we're so here for it. The Kenyan Afropop sensation dropped their "Midnight Train" album this year and "Suzanna" is a definite standout track. It's an absolute vibe (and quite cheeky too) with both the instrumentals and vocals to have you playing this number endlessly. </p>"Wonderful" by Burna Boy
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1394bb718609b0f6a525b3df98c7b061"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k33o1IgtUEM?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>Burna Boy </strong>promised us that he'd come back even better following his <em>African Giant</em> album and he sure kept his word. <em>Twice As Tall</em> dropped this year, executive produced by <strong>Sean "Diddy" Combs</strong>, and is a project worthy of praise. "Wonderful" is an uplifting number that sees the Nigerian superstar dabbling with a new sound. All we can say is you'll love it as much as we do. </p>"Indlovu" by DJ Zinhle featuring Loyiso
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c09e1968344a324fb1a43f28d6e0f386"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fhQ2INDS8Q4?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>"Indlovu" by <strong>DJ Zinhle</strong> is a powerful declaration. The vibrant song speaks about being "indlovu", which translates to "elephant" in Zulu. Featuring <strong>Loyiso</strong>, the pair elude to how one can conquer their challenges by remaining steadfast in their mission and being as strong as an elephant. </p>
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