This week in music is one for the genre-hoppers, nostalgia-lovers, and sound seekers. From Mayorkun’s refined pop stardom to CKay’s tender introspection, LADIPOE’s lyrical finesse, and Zerrydl’s afro-club charisma, the scene is alive with intention and identity. But a surprise entry, Maleek Berry’s long-awaited debut album, gives the week a historic weight.
Mayorkun – Still The Mayor
After four years and a brief EP interlude, The Mayor of Lagos stakes his claim again with a third studio album, ‘Still The Mayor’. ‘Still The Mayor’ is a 12-track showcase of polished Afrobeats—high-gloss hooks, Amapiano flair, and high-profile pairings including Davido, Fireboy DML (twice), King Promise, and more. Themes of growth and grit thread through tracks like “Reason 2 Japa”, which explores emigration over Amapiano-laced vocals. The result is a vibrant expansion of his sonic brand without losing his signature charm. Mayorkun strikes a refined balance between radio-ready appeal and genre-bending ambition—his coronation, not just a follow-up. Featuring heavyweights like Davido, Fireboy DML (twice), King Promise, Rotimi, Dremo, The Flowolf, Michii, and Olivetheboy, ‘Still The Mayor’ is a collection that traverses introspection (Innocent, Reason 2 Japa) and crowd-igniting vibes (Blessings on Blessings, Konko Below).
CKay – CKay The Second
The “Love Nwantiti” hitmaker goes deeper with this six-track offering, weaving Emo-Afrobeats, R&B, and alt-pop into one soulful tapestry. ‘CKay The Second’ serves as a sequel to his 2019 ’CKay The First’ EP, which comes shortly after his sophomore album ‘EMOTIONS’. On ‘Ckay The Second’, CKay digs into themes of self-discovery and creative freedom, leaning heavily on emotive vocals and expansive production. Notable collabs bring in American singer Sabrina Claudio on “Again” and Nigerian rocker Bella Shmurda on “Nothing Spoil”. CKay asserts his evolution while holding onto the vulnerability that won him 3+ billion streams, sticking to the similar emotionally sticky template and heartfelt progression.
Zerrydl – My Amigo
Fresh off the success of “Back to Back”, Zerrydl taps into smooth Afro-pop vibes that radiate late-night charm and camaraderie on ‘My Amigo’. With crisp production and catchy melodies, ‘My Amigo’ is a record built for late-night jams and club takeovers. It underscores themes of loyalty and living large, with Zerrydl’s effortless swagger taking centre stage. With a ‘Rookie Of The Year’ win at the 2025 Headies Awards, Zerrydl’s ‘My Amigo’ continues his pace on an impressive career trajectory, distancing himself from his sibling, Shallipopi, as he carves his own sonic lane.
LADIPOE – Folasade
As Mavin Records’ resident lyrical tactician, LADIPOE returns with ‘Folasade’, a soulful blend of rap introspection and mellow Afrobeats. Shortly after the release of an equally emotional song earlier this year, “I No Be God”, it is clear that the artiste is in an emotionally vulnerable headspace that sees him keen on addressing matters of the heart, and this thematic direction is all over his music. Ladipoe has also recently reimagined Styl-Plus’ classic ‘Olufunmi’, which sees him yet again in an emotive bag, delivering relatable lyrics in storytelling form. Likewise on ‘Folasade’, Ladipoe flatters his muse with sweet words of praise and affirmation through poignant lyricism that reassures even a listener. On the track he oozes charm while unpacking themes of longing—delivered with that twitchy, bar-heavy finesse his listeners are drawn to. The single marks another intelligent step in his 2025 journey as he keeps expanding his storytelling palette. And with each new release, LADIPOE is proof that hip-hop artists can wear vulnerability as well as punchlines, and ‘Folasade’ rides that wave with grace and substance.
Maleek Berry – If Only Love Was Enough
Thirteen years after stepping onto the scene with multiple EPs, hit songs like “Eko Miami”, and countless songwriting/production credits, Maleek Berry finally unveils his debut album, ‘If Only Love Was Enough’. Spanning 17 tracks, the album is lush, romantic, and tailored for the soft-hearted listener. It includes a standout collaboration with long-time friend Wizkid, as well as the recent single “Lately” featuring Ruger.
Maleek Berry leans into his signature R&B-laced Afropop—equal parts soothing and formulaic. At times, the sound risks becoming too familiar, but collaborations add dimension and help him break the mould just enough. It’s not a reinvention, but it’s a comforting return to a sound that has been missing in the current sonic landscape. It’s a late arrival, but a necessary one. Maleek Berry offers an R&B-forward take in an Afrobeats-heavy era, reminding fans of the softer textures that shaped his early career.
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