The week’s winding down, but the music’s just heating up. This Friday, artists are tapping into different moods; some are spilling their hearts out, and others are leaning into the thrill of sound and virality. It’s a good day to plug in and see where the music takes you. Here’s what’s playing heavy this New Music Friday.
Love Me Now – Mr Eazi
Over gentle pulls of the guitar coupled with slow-tempo percussion, Mr Eazi delivers his first solo track of 2025, “Love Me Now,” serenading listeners through the corridors of love and loss. The single arrives shortly after news of his appearance on the “F1:The Movie” soundtrack album alongside fellow African artists like Burna Boy and Darkoo. Mr Eazi, nowadays more businessman than artist, still manages to captivate with the heart-tugging “Love Me Now.”
The single also follows a grieving period for the artist and the recent burial ceremony of his mother. Yet, amid it all, Mr Eazi has rekindled his musical mojo with what he’s always done best, expressing vulnerability through song. On “Love Me Now,” he connects deeply with listeners, gliding over soft guitar rhythms and solemn percussion as he croons, “Omo na when you don lose person, then you go know say you love person.”
At 33, the musician and businessman kicks off the year on a strong, reflective note. And “Love Me Now,” may be the first of more soulful music on the horizon.
Cutesy – BNXN
For his first solo release of 2025, BNXN steps into uncharted territory with an avant-garde R&B exploration titled “Cutesy.” Teaming up with producer Jiggy, who crafts a meticulously modern R&B beat, BNXN thoughtfully pours out his desires to his love interest. The melodic love anthem radiates warmth and affection, blending BNXN’s signature soulful vocals with Jiggy’s soft percussion and harmonious layers. The track captures the playful thrill of romance with lyrics like “Cutesy (cutesy), Fun size (fun size), The shit I’ll do for your love, It’s like a movie (movie), Oh my (oh my),” painting a picture of a love so enchanting it feels cinematic. BNXN’s emotional delivery shines as he sings, “I’m sitting here, I’m fucked up, You don’t know me (know me),” revealing vulnerability beneath the song’s sweet exterior. The fusion of Afrobeats texture with R&B sensibilities creates a feel-good vibe perfect for cozy, intimate moments.
Bliss – Tyla
South African pop sensation Tyla has unveiled her much-anticipated single “Bliss,” marking her first solo release since the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album in October 2024. Produced by NOVA WAV and Sir Nolan, the track serves as the lead single for her upcoming sophomore album, which Tyla hinted will showcase a fresh sound while retaining her core identity. “Bliss” arrives amid high expectations, fueled by Tyla’s Coachella 2025 preview and her stunning Met Gala appearance on May 5.
“Bliss” is a smoldering Pop ballad that intertwines R&B’s emotional depth with amapiano’s euphoric undertones, exploring the transcendent power of love. Tyla’s lyrics, like “I don’t wanna be in the world without you / Baby, I don’t wanna let out my sight,” reflect an all-encompassing desire to stay connected, while the chorus: “You take me to bliss / Never felt a love like this / Never found it, never found it”, captures the euphoric escape love offers. Her vocals glide over a rich, melodic soundscape, with lines such as “Let my smile bring you peace of mind / Burnin’ desire when you throw your arms all around me” evoking a spiritual and physical closeness.
The track’s ethereal vibe is amplified by its visual rollout, featuring Tyla with angelic wings—a motif that first appeared in her April 29 teaser and aligns with the song’s theme of transcendence.
The single’s release follows a strategic buildup, starting with a Coachella performance on April 18, where Tyla debuted the track to an electrified crowd. The song’s title ties into her Erewhon smoothie, Bliss by Tyla, with proceeds supporting 18twenty8, a South African non-profit empowering young women.
D.L.Y.L (Dance Like Yamine Lamal) – Skales Ft. 3dnan
Nigerian singer Skales is transforming a viral moment into musical gold with the release of his new single, “Dance Like Lamine Yamal.” After a video of FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal dancing to Skale’s “Shake Body” went viral across social media, the 2014 anthem found fresh life on European playlists and timelines. Seizing the moment, Skales joined the FC Barcelona squad at their Copa del Rey afterparty, where he performed for the players in celebration of their victory. This move which strengthened his connection with European audiences, set the stage for his latest release.
Skales has now unveiled a brand-new single titled “Dance Like Lamine Yamal,” a playful tribute to the breakout football star. Set to a groovy, infectious rhythm produced by Killertunez, the melody resonates with both the Spanish market he aims to capture and Nigerian audiences, particularly in northern Nigeria. Skales’ every move has been strategic since the resurgence of his 2014 hit “Shake Body,” as he collaborates with Spanish singer 3dnan, enhancing the song’s relatability.
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