Another Friday, another wave of fresh music to soundtrack the weekend. This week’s releases showcase the ever-evolving diversity of Afrobeats and its adjacent sounds, from street anthems to heartfelt confessions. Whether you’re in the mood for Zlatan’s relentless hustle anthem, LADIPOE’s introspective rap-sung storytelling, or Lady Donli’s soul-stirring love plea, there’s something for everyone. As artists continue to push boundaries and refine their craft, these new drops reflect their hunger for expression and connection.
Get Better – Zlatan ft. Fola
Following a string of pivotal moments in his career and his confirmation under Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda’s label, fast-rising star Fola has released his first single of 2025, featuring rapper Zlatan. The song comes just months after his six-track EP in December, which featured his breakout single and its remix, alongside standout tracks like ‘bye bye’ and ‘who does that?’ featuring label boss Bella Shmurda.
On ‘Get Better’, a hustler’s anthem of relentless ambition, Fola shares his desires for the finer things in life while emphasizing the effort it takes to attain them. The theme of hustle comes naturally to both artists—given their shared grass-to-grace stories—with a sublime delivery that strengthens the song’s overarching message. Get Better is many things at once: reassuring, inspiring, and a call to remain steadfast in the pursuit of success. Zlatan’s verse is compelling, reinforcing the song’s message with his masterful cadence: “Dangote still striking deals, Adeleke just buy new jet and you say make my grind reduce (for where), I don see who get before wey no get again na why my morale dey boost, My soldier dey shine e boot.” Fola cradles the concept of Get Better in the hook, singing: “I just want things to get better, ko po ko dun kpa, Me I’ve been working, mo need cheddar, ani mo fe buga, Iye Iye Iye, I swear I can’t deny.”
I No Be God – LADIPOE
It’s fascinating how LADIPOE can rap-sing about virtually any subject matter he chooses. Though he is known for taking long breaks between releases, in recent times—particularly in 2024—he has been more active, dropping three singles, with the latest addition being ‘I No Be God’. This could hint at an impending LADIPOE project, or perhaps he’s simply overloading fans with music, reminiscent of his Revival Sundays era. LADIPOE kicked off 2024 with ‘Hallelujah’, a song of resilience laced with powerful rap bars in June, followed by ‘Compose’, a love-struck track featuring the talented taves, and later capped the year with ‘EKWE’ alongside Adekunle Gold and Kel-P.
I No Be God is a vulnerable love letter—an open confession to a lover—exploring how life’s imperfections can interfere with an otherwise perfect relationship. The track opens with a vibrant guitar progression, escorted by hard-hitting bass and soulful vocals, as the chorus unfolds: “I no be God, I be somebody’s son, I no fit to answer whenever you call me, only because I’m in love, I’m in love, I getty shoulder whenever you worry, I don’t care, when nobody dey, me I go dey, ’cause you want me, I’ll be there when you call my name, Yes, I’ll be there in a hurry.” LADIPOE openly acknowledges the burdens he carries but reassures his partner that his shoulders will always be hers to lean on, using every line to plead for understanding.
Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko) – Lady Donli
Lady Donli, known for her soulful fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and funk, has added yet another classic to her discography with her first release of 2025, ‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’. Over a funky, jazz-infused production rich with delicious guitar licks, she delivers a heartfelt expression of love, her melodies wrapping around the song’s warm instrumentation like a gentle embrace.
‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’ captures a love story slowly turning sour, though Donli struggles to pinpoint exactly why. A relationship filled with beautiful moments can be difficult to let go of, and so she pleads, “Can you keep on loving me (biko biko)” repeatedly, her voice carrying the weight of desperation and longing. With this release, Lady Donli continues to carve her place in the industry, showcasing her soulful vocals and eclectic sound. If you’re planning a long drive this weekend, ‘Keep On Loving Me (Biko Biko)’ might just be the perfect soundtrack to unwind to.
For You — Khaid
Tossing another release into his emotive songs bag, Khaid’s ‘For You‘ is a passionate burst of desire and affection, with each word pouring out with sincerity on the wings of emotion. His velvety vocals glide over the mellow production, heightening the weight of his devotion. “Tell me if you dey like I really dey for you, Oh like I dey for you, Omo yanga dey for two, I fit to risk am for your sake, So make you no dey carry do, Omo no April fool, Wait till I get my hands on you,” he sings, laying bare his yearning. The track leans into the delicate balance between vulnerability and reassurance, making it a heartfelt addition to Khaid’s growing repertoire of love-centered records.
Hey Jago — Poco Lee
Hypeman and celebrity Poco Lee has teamed up with rising street pop artist Shoday to release a song dedicated to fashion entrepreneur Rahman Jago and the city he grew up in. Produced by X, ‘Hey Jago’, like every typical street pop track, is an energetic party starter, blending raw street energy with a pulsating beat. Shoday handles the verses, infusing melody with streetwise grit, while Poco Lee delivers a combination of hypeverse and slang that transforms the track into a rallying anthem. Teased heavily in the previous week, ‘Hey Jago’ capitalizes on the momentum built from snippet videos, ensuring an instant connection with fans who thrive on its infectious vibe. With its mix of street lingo and high-energy delivery, the track is poised to find its place in clubs and parties across the scene.
LISTEN TO: Zlatan, LADIPOE, Poco Lee and others on New Music Friday
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