New Music Friday is here again, and this week’s drop feels like the kind of release cycle where artists are either doubling down on momentum or breaking silence with intent. From Olamide’s long-play self-titled flex to Amaarae’s bold, genre-smashing single ahead of ‘BLACK STAR‘, the soundscape is as rich as it is wide. There’s an underlying thread of ownership in many of these records — artists declaring space, refining identity, or simply showing off craft. Whether it’s Muyeez’s street-heavy resurrection in “Mortal Kombat“, Yemi Alade’s infectious groove on “My Padi“, or Spyro and Oxlade’s buttery collaboration on “Beautiful“, there’s enough sonic texture to soundtrack everything from your midyear glow-up to your softest side.
Olamide – Olamide (ALBUM)
YBNL boss and Afrobeats trailblazer Olamide returns with a self-titled project that marks a defining moment in his two-decade-long run. His 11th studio album, ‘Olamide’, is a 17-track testament to his staying power, not just as a rapper but as one of the most prolific artists in Nigerian music history. The album leans into themes of growth, triumph, and cultural pride, featuring an all-star cast that includes Wizkid on “Kai” and “Billionaires Club”, Seyi Vibez on “Free” and “99”, and global icons like Dr Dre on “Indika” and Popcaan. Built on the momentum of pre-released singles “Kai” and “99” — which brought together Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Daecolm — the project is both introspective and celebratory. Tracks like “Hasibunallah”, “Prelude”, and “Lalakipo” echo Olamide’s roots, while the presence of acts like Asake, Darkoo, and Muyeez reinforces his role as a tastemaker across generations.
Fresh off a Grammy nomination and a six-year streak of No. 1 singles in Nigeria, Olamide’s timing couldn’t be sharper. This album positions him firmly in the present, with a clear gaze toward global relevance. An album as confident as its name.
Amaarae – S.M.O
Following her exhilarating, statement-making performance as one of the headliners on the Gobi Stage at the 2025 Coachella Festival, Ghanaian pop star and rapper Amaarae has released her first single off her forthcoming album ‘BLACK STAR’ — a nod to her Ghanaian-African roots.
Amaarae, who teased the album title at Coachella with branded visuals and cut-out stars on a Hummer Jeep, has spent the past few months carefully rolling out the lead single “S.M.O” — from magazine covers to strategic event appearances. The track, an acronym for Slut Me Out, features Amaarae’s siren-like vocals coiling seductively around a heavily pop-influenced production. It’s a perplexing but strangely fluid blend of Ghanaian highlife, Detroit techno, and a vague gqom influence in its syncopation — and somehow, it all just works. On “S.M.O“, she sings about her muse with both bite and allure.
Amaarae’s third studio album ‘BLACK STAR‘ arrives August 18, following the release of her EP Roses Are Red, Tears Are Blue — A Fountain Baby Extended Play. “S.M.O” is accompanied by a visually arresting music video, directed by Omar Jones, which leans into sensuality, mystique, and a moody aesthetic that perfectly matches the track’s vibe.
Victony – Glory
Victony has now released his first single of 2025, titled “Glory”, following the conclusion of his “Stubborn Tour” and a snippet of the song posted earlier this year. The drop marks the Afro-fusion, soul artist’s first solo offering since his debut album in June 2024 — feature appearances aside. Known for his powerful hooks and featherweight vocals, “Glory” sees Victony documenting personal musings on resilience and eventual triumph.
Themes from his debut album ‘Stubborn’ still linger, as Victony time-stamps tales of perseverance, gratitude, and hard-won glory through a visceral pen — one that tells it exactly as it is, with every delivery note. It’s clear that Victony is still steeped in the ‘Stubborn’ headspace, as the artwork for “Glory” echoes not just the themes but also the creative direction of the album. Perhaps a sequel to ‘Stubborn‘, whether in EP or LP form, is on the horizon, and “Glory” is simply the opening note.
Yemi Alade – My Padi
Yemi Alade’s “My Padi” is a radiant love anthem that showcases the extent she’s willing to go for her person, from “Puerto Rico to Okokomaiko”. Over a vibrant Afro-pop beat produced by 9fingers, she delivers sweet declarations of loyalty and devotion, wrapped in the kind of energy only she can command. Alade’s voice dances effortlessly across the beat, infusing the song with warmth and intention. It’s a feel-good music with purpose; a tad playful yet sincere. “My Padi” serves as her second official single of 2025 and builds anticipation for her upcoming project.
Muyeez – Mortal Kombat
Muyeez returns after a short break with “Mortal Kombat”, his first release of 2025, and it’s nothing short of a carefully curated street-R&B record. The Vibez Inc. standout taps into raw emotion and street-seasoned hunger, pairing his distinct vocals with Larrylanes’ high-stakes production. Over a bouncing, cinematic beat, Muyeez recounts his return to the grind, his focus on the bag, and the mental grit it takes to survive. His flows are confident, the hooks sticky, and the tone defiant, with a title that isn’t only catchy but also mirrors the song’s fighting spirit. Following his 2024 ‘Hat-Trick’ EP, “Mortal Kombat” reminds everyone why Muyeez isn’t a fluke but a promising star with so much to offer Afrobeats. Muyeez’s “Mortal Kombat” is laid-back and streetwise — but still melodic enough to hook mainstream ears.
Spyro ft. Oxlade – Beautiful (Remix)
Spyro breathes new life into his tender single “Beautiful” with a soulful remix featuring Oxlade — and the result is as seamless as it is spellbinding. Spyro holds down the familiar terrain with his smooth, heartfelt delivery, while Oxlade slides in with rich falsetto and poetic lyricism that elevate the record’s emotional depth. The production remains mellow and warm, creating the perfect space for both artists to shine. Their chemistry is undeniable, elevating the track as a soft, romantic groove tailor-made for moments of affection and stillness. It’s Afrobeat love at its most elegant.
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