This week’s New Music Friday swings between heart-on-sleeve confessions and chest-thumping affirmations. From Darkoo’s flirty nostalgia to SGaWD and Fimi’s full-force feminine rap flex and Joshua Baraka’s tender R&B fusion, there’s something here for every kind of listener. Oxlade caps it all off with “Emiko”, a soulful spiritual rooted in gratitude and divine guidance, showing once again that Afrobeats has range and heart.
LIKE DAT – DARKOO
On her newest single, Darkoo treats fans to a familiar sound reminiscent of previous Y2K-inspired releases like “Focus On Me (All The Sexy Girls In The Club)” and “Favourite Girl”—a formula that now seems to serve as a creative template for her recent musical offerings. With producers Sparbz, Enzo, and French at the helm of the nostalgic production tailored specifically for Darkoo’s unique, refined, and effortless delivery, her latest release “Like Dat” echoes the legendary sound of Afrobeats pop duo P-Square.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Darkoo is a student of the iconic group. Her frequent nods to their work—both in sound and visuals—are evident, as seen on “Focus On Me“, whose music video draws inspiration from P-Square’s ‘Do Me‘. But with Like Dat, it feels like she’s not just paying homage—she’s actively chasing the sonic success that defined the duo’s golden years.
Darkoo, once again, is love-struck, but this time with a striking sincerity, as she sings, “When are you gonna realize, I’m tryna make you my bride.” Like Dat is an enchanting love anthem rooted in admiration and connection, delivered with her signature blend of playful confidence and seductive edge. It’s the perfect soundtrack for lovers slow dancing in their living rooms.
HEI GOD – WeTalkSound, SGaWD, Fimi
Music collective WeTalkSound teams up with Nigerian underground rap powerhouses SGaWD and Fimi to deliver “Hei God”—an energetic, bass-heavy melodic rap record packed with feminine confidence and braggadocio.
SGaWD opens the track with her British-Nigerian flair: “I’m in the mood right now, Where my shayo? Where my zoot? Bad on the dance floor and bad in the booth,” before diving into the hook that captures the song’s pulsating spirit: “Party dey pop no be only December jor.” What follows is the chant: “Hei God.”
Emerging rapper Fimi delivers a brilliant verse that complements SGaWD’s opening, gliding through multiple flows and dropping boastful, hedonistic lines that elevate the track’s overall punch. Produced by Ekene Nkemena, “Hei God” is a dynamic fusion of hip hop and Afrobeats that feels primed for mainstream success, if given the right push.
WRONG PLACES – JOSHUA BARAKA
Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka blends Afrobeats and R&B beautifully on his latest single “Wrong Places.” Collaborating with superstar producer Jae5, Baraka crafts an emotive piece that speaks to anyone who’s ever tried to love someone wandering away.
On “Wrong Places“, Baraka sings from a space of emotional loss but with a renewed resolve to fight for love. He promises presence, stability, and genuine affection. Jae5’s production—rich in percussions and mellow synths—serves as the perfect vessel for this message, mirroring Baraka’s vulnerability.
Rather than beg, Baraka calmly lays out his case: he is the right choice, unlike the fleeting flings and missteps found in all the wrong places. What sets his music apart isn’t just his melodies but his vocal texture and honest delivery. Wrong Places captures every facet of Joshua Baraka’s artistry and absolutely deserves a spin on this week’s New Music Friday.
EMIKO – KJ SPIO, OXLADE
In collaboration with Oxlade, Ghana’s KJ Spio graces this week’s New Music Friday with “Emiko,” a stirring declaration of gratitude and divine protection in the face of unseen battles. Speaking on the track, KJ Spio shared, “The song is about believing in all things being possible through God. ‘Emiko’ means ‘only God’ – it’s a message for all the believers out there.”
The record, produced by BlaiseBeatz, features one of Oxlade’s most heartfelt performances in recent memory, as he reflects on his journey and gives credit to God: “Emi ko, Olorun ma ni, Emi ko se / Mo ni pe Olorun ma ni / Won fe mo idi abajọ / Won fe mo bi mo sense level.”
The log drums and shakers laid over a mid-tempo rhythm make “Emiko” an introspective groove. Oxlade’s delivery feels both intimate and powerful, a reminder that sometimes, the most moving records come from a place of quiet reflection.
Accompanying the track is a visually arresting music video filmed at Ghana’s historic Cape Coast Castle, a site steeped in the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In a poignant scene, KJ Spio and Oxlade sit atop the castle, reflecting on the journey from past to present.
The video also pays homage to the strength and beauty of Ghanaian women, featuring a female cast styled in IMPARI’s ONT_KOP clothing collection, designed to highlight the divine presence of African women and the growing disconnect between humanity and the Earth.
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