We’re only a month into the new year and the new music season is in full swing. Projects are getting teased, singles have been released and we seem to be gearing up for another memorable year for African music and pop culture. In this article, we’ll be highlighting a few songs that have made our year already.
1. Turbulence – Wizkid & Asake
The superstar duo finally released their joint EP, originally announced in 2025 and whatever your reservations for the respective versions of both artists that showed up on the body of work, it’s futile to refute the fact that Wiz and Asake created magic on Turbulence. Singing about conquered demons is Wizkid’s bread and butter in his veteran years and when you throw in a soulful, Nzaza-esque beat by magicsticks and an Asake hook, it’s easily the best moment on the project.
2. KAPOW – Igwe Aka ft. Tochi Bedford
There aren’t a lot of rising artistes having a better year than Igwe Aka at the moment, after getting innumerable co-signs from industry heavyweights on his brand new song, KAPOW. As if his immaculate Carti-esque flow on the psychedelic trap beat isn’t enough, he deplores Tochi on the second verse who injects the song with some much needed vigor and rawness that contrasts nicely with Igwe’s tempered flow.
3. Ikeja (No Go Thief) – Danpapa GTA
Danpapa GTA might finally be getting his big break in 2026 with the incredibly viral Ikeja, an infectious tune that straddles socio-political commentary in a satirical tone—a gamble that’s proven effective in resonating with the general public. The songwriter and producer was apparently inspired by the loony, arcade tunes of mobile video games which he incorporated into the production of the song. He also glides like a surfer on that beat too.
4. My Healer – Seyi Vibez & Omah Lay
Omah Lay seems to be making an international return in 2026, all in a bid to prime audiences for his long-awaited sophomore album. Seyi Vibez on the other hand dropped an album not so long ago, and seems to have moved on from it and is gearing up for a new era. Whatever both artists have in store for us in the nearest future, if My Healer is a sign of things to come—then the high octane, pop song portends good fortunes.
5. Akonuche (Remix) – Priesst, Victony & Shoday
Priesst is another talented artist that has gotten impressive co-signs from notable artistes and execs alike. For Akonuche Remix, he teams up with fast rising street pop star Shoday and the Outlaw president, Victony. The latter’s vocal texture and his usual treading of introspective, spiritual themes makes him the ideal fit for the feature and he doesn’t disappoint, but it’s Shoday who ends up stealing the show with his dynamic delivery.
6. Lost – Kold AF
Kold AF is many things. The alte leaning, dancehall treading and soulful singer’s impressive range allows her to be a chameleon on differing soundscapes and her latest release is no different. Despite her charismatic flows and swagger, she doesn’t balk at being vulnerable and admitting the fact that she’s lost sometimes, like everyone else and is only fighting to find her way.
7. Paparazzi – Shoday & FOLA
It might be a bit premature to call Paparazzi, a hit song already but it definitely seems to be on that trajectory somewhat. It’s no mystery why it resonates so much, as the song is meticulously crafted to aid its sing-along chances with a very catchy hook and simplistic, repetitive verses. A little too safe? Maybe, but it’s groove is undeniable for sure and it’s done the work a great single leading up to an album, should.
8. Motho Waka – LADIPOE & Maglera Doe Boy
Ladipoe teamed up with South African rapper, Maglera Doe Boy on the Afro-House bop, Motho Waka. The synergy between both rappers is so strong, that they blend seamlessly into each other’s verses like they’ve had some chemistry experience in the past. Despite the title being South African, Ladipoe makes it pixel clear that it’s his song by being on the front foot for the bulk of it while Maglera is content with playing a supporting role.
9. What I Like – Rvssian, MOLIY, Ayerian & Tyga
Renowned Jamaican producer, Rvssian dips his hands into African waters once again by uniting Ghanaian sensation, MOLIY with Ayerian and Tyga on an Afroswing beat. MOLIY delivers the goodies with an infectious hook, while Ayerian and Tyga take stabs at the verses with differing approaches varying from melodic rapping to a rap verse.
10. Goodbye – Cheque
Cheque released a brand new EP, YAZI in January and in true versatile fashion he dabbles in a variety of sounds but he seems to soar the most and excel in his usual, emo/cloud trap territory. On the song, he sings about self worth and choosing himself over a love interest that doesn’t prioritize him. It’s a sombre slow burn of a record that’s sure to trigger self reflections, because of how relatable its themes are.
