It’s another New Music Friday, and this week brings a lineup of exciting releases from some of the most dynamic artists in the scene. From introspective storytelling to hard-hitting rap and infectious Afrobeats rhythms, there’s something for every listener. ODUMODUBLVCK, Black Sherif, Tay Iwar, Oxlade, Zinoleesky, and Mayorkun are all stepping into the spotlight with fresh projects and singles that showcase their versatility and growth. Whether you’re in the mood for deep reflections, groovy log drums, or high-energy street anthems, this week’s drops have got you covered.
THE MACHINE IS COMING – ODUMODUBLVCK
Nigerian rap sensation ODUMODUBLVCK has unleashed a surprise mixtape, ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING‘ —a 16-track project that further showcases his dynamic artistry and reinforces his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in Nigeria’s rap scene. Arriving just in time for his scheduled performance at The Headies, Nigeria’s premier music awards, the mixtape marks a defining moment in his fast-rising career.
THE MACHINE IS COMING thrives on sonic unpredictability. ODUMODUBLVCK effortlessly blends Afro-fusion, hip-hop, and his signature Okporoko Rhythms—a unique fusion of highlife melodies with drill and grime elements. Across its 41-minute runtime, the mixtape moves seamlessly between gritty street anthems and introspective reflections, ensuring a compelling listening experience with each play.
The 16-track project boasts a heavyweight lineup of guest appearances, featuring some of today’s most relevant artists, including Victony, Shallipopi, BOJ, Rondodasosa, Vector, Falz, Ajebo Hustlers, and Afroselecta-BBK, among others. These collaborations amplify the project’s expansive vision, with each artist adding their own flair. Tracks like Pity This Boy featuring Victony, which had already gained traction prior to the tape’s release, showcase ODUMODUBLVCK’s ability to craft emotionally charged anthems. Other standout collaborations include Juju with Smur Lee and Shallipopi, as well as the Ramadan Remix featuring Tolibian and BOJ, both of which were fan favorites even before finding a home on this project.
Meanwhile, solo cuts like “Wage War”, “Go Report”, and “Kylian” underline ODUMODUBLVCK’s commanding presence, proving he doesn’t need features to deliver hard-hitting verses over pulsating beats.
Beyond its immediate impact, ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING’ serves as a prelude to his forthcoming album, ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE‘, which he has been teasing since the start of 2025. Described as an “appetizer,” the mixtape offers a glimpse of the raw energy and boundary-pushing sound that fans can expect from his full-length project.
IRON BOY – BLACK SHERIF
Ghanaian powerhouse Black Sherif returns with his deeply personal sophomore album, ‘Iron Boy‘—a 15-track odyssey that balances raw intensity with profound introspection. Fusing elements of hip-hop and Afrobeats, the album features standout collaborations with Nigerian heavyweights Fireboy DML and Seyi Vibez, adding layers of sonic depth to his already compelling storytelling.
At its core, ‘Iron Boy’ is an exploration of resilience—an anthem for those navigating life’s hardships and emerging stronger. Tracks like “The Victory Song” and “So It Goes” echo themes of perseverance, capturing the spirit of overcoming adversity through sheer determination.
Speaking on the album’s essence, Black Sherif describes it as a soundtrack for “anyone carving their own path, embracing their truth, and defying the odds.” He reinforced this message in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, writing: “Do you know what it means to be a Gospel Artist with a Popstar Destiny?”—a statement that hints at the album’s deeply spiritual undertones.
With Iron Boy, Black Sherif once again proves that his music is more than just sound—it’s an experience, a movement, and a testimony of survival against all odds.
REFLECTION STATION – TAY IWAR
Tay Iwar’s first single of the year, “Bad Belle,” released three New Music Fridays ago, came alongside the announcement of an EP titled ‘Reflection Station’, which arrived today, April 4th. The five-track EP is deeply introspective, consciously revisiting the past and drawing from its influence to craft melodies that resonate with profound musings on healing, resilience, mercy, and love. According to Tay Iwar via Instagram, ‘Reflection Station’ is “a checkpoint for motion, memory, mercy. One borrowed spirit from Zule Zoo, and turned resistance into rhythm. This is what healing sounds like when it doesn’t ask for permission. Each track holds a mirror—to feel, to remember, to float, to rise, to survive. A reminder to move with purpose. I hope you let it find you.”
In Tay Iwar’s world of alternative R&B and soul music, his five-track EP soothes the listener, starting with the opener and title track, ‘Reflection Station‘, where he speaks on resilience and the need to keep going until the desired result is actualised. On the song, he interpolates 2Baba’s ‘4 Instance’, borrowing its rhythm: “For instance, say I be the one them no give chance / Say I be the one wey dey make plans / I still dey maintain my own stance.” The 14-minute EP takes the listener through a relatable journey of struggle and triumph, drawing inspiration from Zule Zoo’s “Bad Belle“ and closing with the poignant Survival, where he reflects on his coming-of-age experiences. With Tay Iwar himself steering the production, the EP is refined in sound and texture, making for a 14-minute listening session worth looping.
OFA: DELUXE EDITION – OXLADE
In an exciting turn of events, Oxlade announced the deluxe edition of his debut album, Oxlade From Africa (OFA), released in September 2024, through a short, creative video on his socials. In the video, Oxlade is seen having a conversation with himself about why a deluxe version was necessary instead of saving the songs for another project, which would typically be a wise decision. However, his other self insists that these songs belong to this era—an era about Oxlade. OFA, which has seen significant commercial success, particularly with “OLOLUFE“ featuring Ghanaian rap legend Sarkodie, now includes four additional tracks—”DOINGZ“, “OMALICHA“, “SHO MI“, and “VANITI“—bringing ‘OFA: Deluxe Edition‘ to life with no guest features.
The deluxe opens with the masterfully crafted shakes and groovy log drums of “DOINGZ“, where Oxlade desperately seeks the love and attention of his muse, offering financial and material excesses in return. It flows into “OMALICHA“, enriched by vibrant highlife-inspired guitar riffs on a mid-tempo production. Here, Oxlade flexes his silky vocals, pleading for love and expressing how her absence might drive him to the brink. “SHO MI” takes a more sober and philosophical approach, with Oxlade reflecting on life’s musings and his gratitude for divine intervention. Wrapping up the now 20-track album with “VANITI“, produced by Magicsticks, Oxlade closes on an introspective note, sharing wisdom passed down from his grandmother: “Asan lasan laye.”
MOST WANTED – ZINOLEESKY
In a scene filled with numerous talents, Zinoleesky’s distinct voice and technical delivery set him apart. At the start of the year, Zinoleesky positioned himself in a more active mode following a controversial incident involving his former, now deceased, labelmate Mohbad and his record label boss, Naira Marley. He announced his debut album, Gen Z, with a short trailer video, set for release on an undisclosed date in April. In anticipation of his forthcoming studio album, Zinoleesky has now released his first single of 2025, ‘Most Wanted’, produced by frequent collaborator Niphkeys.
On the track, Zinoleesky’s vocals and execution shine as the highlight. Niphkeys employs log drums in a calm and steady manner, allowing Zinoleesky’s cadence to glide smoothly over the production. The song reaffirms his ability to blend melody and introspection while maintaining his signature street-savvy edge.
REASON 2 JAPA – MAYORKUN
With the announcement of his third studio album, ‘Still The Mayor’, set to drop in 27 days, Mayorkun has released a new single ahead of the pivotal moment. ‘Reason 2 Japa’ follows his last single, “Innocent“, released in November 2024 and featuring Fireboy DML—both serving as lead singles for the forthcoming album.
With ‘Still The Mayor‘ approaching, Mayorkun takes a more retrospective approach to ‘Reason 2 Japa‘, blending log drums with a contemporary feel that immerses listeners in both nostalgia and modern-day Afrobeats. On the track, Mayorkun reaffirms why he is still indeed “The Mayor of Lagos (TMOL)“, boasting an impressive track record of hits and number-one records. Despite its groovy nature, ‘Reason 2 Japa‘ touches on serious themes, including the state of the economy and how it has driven not just him but many of his compatriots to seek a better standard of living. He also references the few things he keeps his mind off as he navigates these realities, making for a track that is both engaging and reflective.
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