The Top African Songs You Need to Hear This Week: November 28, 2025

Every week, OkayAfrica highlights the top African music releases — including the latest Afrobeats and amapiano hits — through our best music column, African Songs You Need to Hear This Week.

Read ahead for our round-up of the best new African music tracks and music videos that came across our desks this week.

Young Jonn – “Lalala” feat. Rema 

Postponing his album Blue Disco by a week due to the recent happenings in Nigeria, Young Jonn has finally shared the project. As we’ve come to expect from him, it’s a high-tempo effort punctuated by well-timed moments of vulnerability and expression. Such moments come on “Lalala,” his collaboration with Rema. Over a soaring beat with tender undertones, both superstars bemoan the actions of a lady they’ve fallen head over heels for. You already know both artists will make magic, but there’s even more potential here. A truly fine song. – Emmanuel Esomnofu 

Muzi - “Cycle” 

Muzi’s journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. He started out producing hip-hop for friends as a teen, then graduated to the darker side of funk with the bro-step bangers that defined the early 2010s electronic music landscape. A shift followed – he looked inward and found gems in abundance. “Cycle” speaks to that rhythm of things working out, then falling apart, only for the next wave to hit at a higher frequency with you as a better version of yourself. The bounce is undeniable, and the writing is sharp: “get back on track so you break the cycle,” he sings. Elevation music. - Tšeliso Monaheng

Joshua Baraka & Bien – “State of My Heart” 

Joshua Baraka has been on a fine run throughout this year. The Ugandan act has applied his mellifluous vocals over several beats and has touched base with a wide cast of collaborators. On his latest, he joins fellow East African heavyweight Bien to give expression to the ache a lover feels in the face of unrequited affection. Evocative and well-written, it’s a fine way to combine the shared sensibilities of both artists. – EE 

Dlala Thukzin - “Asilali” (feat. Sykes & JNR SA)

Rooted in Durban’s expansive gqom scene, Dlala Thukzin has built a formidable throne on pure technical prowess and an instinct for collaborators who reveal the many layers of his character. “Asilali,” from his new album Mayvis, extends a path he has already carved, flexing his 3Step chops while JNR SA and Sykes confirm we’re deep in festive-season mode. Ke Dezemba — no stress, the sun’s out, let’s play. Dig it. - TM

Ko-Jo Cue, Arathejay & Ofori Amponsah – “Tontonte” 

For anyone who cares to listen, Ghanaian music is enjoying one of its best eras in modern times. “Tontonte” is enough evidence; united by a mellow beat, the trio of artists show their distinct edge as they unfurl stories about life and wanting to fulfil purpose. It’s a song inspired by the harsh winds of reality, but the perspective to fashion a better existence makes it even more transcendental material. – EE 

Babalwa M, Xduppy, DJ Maphorisa - “Ntwana Yam’” (feat. Madumane, Nvcho & JNR SA)

Babalwa M needs no introduction. A behemoth of the Amapiano landscape, she has delivered hit after hit and kept dance floors alive until sunrise. “Ntwana Yam’” is unreal; she bends tradition, reshapes it, and hands it over to Madumane and JNR SA to finish the job. With production by Xduppy and Nvcho, the result is some of the finest dance music out right now. - TM

Chella – ‘CHELLA CHANT [EP]’ 

One of the most reliable hit makers around, Chella’s always up to something. This year he’s scored huge moments on “Loyal” and “My Darling,” and now he’s extended that run into a seven-track EP. Across the projects, he’s his usual fun self, staking ethereal melodies over some of the most thumping, vivid beats you’ve heard. Usually, when an artist shows such zeal over their craft, results are bound to be seen, and for Chella, there’s no telling how far he could go. – EE 

Lacabra - “Sala Kanje” 

Lacabra’s year has been packed with scene-stealing guest appearances, two full projects from his crew, The Qwellers, and a run of singles that place him firmly in MVP contention. “Sala Kanje” feels like the perfect way to close out a heavy year. Pitched-down drums set the foundation for a menacing steel-pan sample, while he calls out his crew by name, reminding us why they remain the illest around. The teaser has been circulating for a while and has been warmly received. Now it’s time for the song to grow legs the way it should. -TM

Oro Wa Afrika - “Siyayidinga”

Oro Wa Afrika is, without question, a scene-stealer. With his fingerprints across some of South Africa’s most effusive underground acts, one wonders if he ever rests. On All Gold: The Mixtape, he gathers artists he’s worked with before and delivers a mash-up that commands attention. There are no weak links; flavors abound, and everyone arrives with their A-game. “Siyayidinga,” featuring NanguEnvy, BABA KUSHI, and Kijana Damu, is divine rap, the kind that has you confessing your sins and searching for a remedy from hip-hop’s own savior. Stellar. -TM