There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.
Yung L — “Tropicana Baby”
A severely underrated artist, Yung L is relentless in his pursuit of becoming the star he’s clearly meant to be. He consistently puts out solid songs (and equally impressive music videos), but he rarely seems to get the attention he deserves.
Hopefully, that all changes with “Tropicana Baby” — the first single off his upcoming project,Juice & Zimm. The dancehall-influenced banger has all the trappings of a proper hit, specifically it’s brief runtime and infectious T.U.C-produced beat.
Back in 2019, there were a ton of afropop songs to zanku to, but not nearly enough to whine to. “Tropicana Baby”, which is dedicated to girls who like to party, is here to help with that. We just hope the track doesn’t end up flying under the radar like the ones before it.
How well do you know songs by Nigeria’s biggest and most beloved stars? Can you tell which artist sang (or rapped) which words? Well, if you’re feeling confident, this quiz is here to test your knowledge.
Go ahead:
There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.
Dyo — “Papaya” ft. Lord Afrixana
For a lot of Nigerians, their first proper introduction to British-Nigerian singer, Dyo was on Adekunle Gold’s “Down With You” — a flawless deep cut off his sophomore album, About 30. Now, the gifted rising star has come through with her full-bodied new EP, Dyologue.
While most of the songs on the project show off her impressive voice and solid songwriting, the one that stands out the most is “Papaya”, an instantly infectious love song that includes a killer verse from Ghanaian star, Lord Afrixana.
On the track, Dyo sings about a sweet-like-papaya lover who she can’t seem get enough of. In the past year, Dyo has dropped a bunch of fantastic songs featuring very capable stars, and we think “Papaya’ might actually be the best one yet.
1. When you realise that January actually lasts for 60 days.
Can this never-ending month finish already?
2. You, wondering what you even spent your money on during the holidays:
Detty December wasn’t that serious na.
3. You, counting down the days until they have to pay you salary:
Y’all better drop that money without delay.
4. When you unexpectedly find money in your pocket.
We eating good tonight.
5. When someone invites you to eat out.
Please, don’t yarn me.
6. When your stomach sees you drinking garri for the 6th time that week:
Your stomach: “Pity me now”.
7. You, contacting everyone who has ever owed you money:
How far that N100 you never paid back?
8. When you suddenly become a world-class accountant.
Brokeness is the best teacher.
9. You, wondering whether to swallow your pride and beg your parents for money:
This adulting life sha.
10. Your cart, when you go grocery shopping:
Can’t afford to get carried away.
11. You to your Uber and Bolt app:
I’m going back to my first love: Danfos.
12. When you lose all the holiday weight because you’re starving.
The only silver lining.
13. You, calculating how 5k will last you for 2 weeks:
It must happen oh.
Depending on how open your heart is, it could take you a few minutes to fall for someone or a whole year. So, we created a quiz that lets you know just how quickly you typically fall for people.
Take to find out:
There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.
DJ Neptune — “Tomorrow” ft. Victor AD
For the past few years, a lot of DJs have hopped on the hit-making train, enlisting artists to help create bangers of their own. Leading the pack in terms of quality is DJ Neptune, who is still yet to drop a bad song.
He always manages to bring out the best in the stars he collaborates with — from Kizz Daniel (“Wait”) to Runtown (“Why”) — and he pulls it off again on his latest single, “Tomorrow”, which features the very gifted Victor AD.
3. You, dodging all the Yahoo boys and runs babes.
Please, that’s not why I’m here.
4. When you come across the profile of someone you know in real life.
Well. this is awkward.
5. When someone hits you with a nude out of nowhere.
Who asked you?
6. You, waiting to see someone who’s actually attractive:
What kind of barren wasteland is this?
7. When you open the app and see zero messages.
Am I ugly or what?
8. You, after reading a terrible, long-winded bio.
Please, save it for your novel.
9. You, praying you don’t get murdered after agreeing to meet up:
God, I’m not ready to come and see you yet.
10. How your app starts buzzing during the holiday season:
The IJGBs have landed.
11. “Matured minds only.”
You already know this one doesn’t have sense.
12. You, actually joining a dating app to find love:
Lmao. Be deceiving yourself.
13. Everyone on Nigerian dating apps claiming to be a CEO:
Na so.
Nollywood actors rarely get the opportunity to play real people, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the ability. So, based on your personality and their previous roles, we’ve created a quiz that will tell you which famous actor (regardless of age) has the range to play you in a movie.
Take to find out:
There’s so much new music being released that it’s hard for even the most loyal fans to wade through the trash to find the gems. That’s why we’ve created #BumpThis – a Friday series that features new songs, by and featuring Nigerians, that you absolutely need to hear.
Boogey — “Huntn Szn”
While people may not have been paying enough attention to the genre before all the beefs and squabbling, hip-hop in Nigeria has never been lacking in talent. In fact, if there was any justice in the world, Boogey would be one of the most recognisable names in our music industry.
The fantastic rapper, who’s deservedly been nominated for ‘Lyricist on the Roll’ at the Headies multiple times, has consistently delivered for many years now. The latest proof of his undeniable talent comes in the form of a razor-sharp new freestyle, “Huntn Szn”.
On the track, Boogey is very aware of just how gifted he is. He raps about not needing a feud as an excuse to drop quality bars, his frustration with the disrespect the genre endures and refusing to go pop to get attention. Like with most of his releases, “Huntn Szn” is a lyrical masterclass.
2019 had a ton of great Nigerian albums, courtesy of big-name stars like Burna Boy and rising phenoms like Lady Donli. While all of these releases came with solid singles, all of them still have non-singles that are worthy of our attention as well.
Burna Boy’s “Wetin Man Go Do” (African Giant)
Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated magnum opus, African Giant is overflowing with excellent deep cuts, but a clear standout is the hustler’s anthem, “Wetin Man Go Do”. Even Kel-P, the album’s primary producer, declared it his favourite track.
Lady Donli’s “Take Me Home” (Enjoy Your Life)
Lady Donli’s debut album, Enjoy Your Life was easily one of the best releases of 2019. While a lot of tracks on the LP could have made this list, the strongest has to be the BenjiFlow-assisted “Take Me Home”, an immensely sensual song about the allure of the chase.
Santi’s “RX-64” (Mandy & The Jungle)
On Santi’s transportive, genre-defying debut album, Mandy & Jungle, the singer invites us into his vivid universe, and the sun at its centre is the KrisIrie-aided “RX-64 (The Jungle)”. Excellently produced by Odunsi, the hypnotic deep cut shows Santi at his magnetic best.
Asa’s “Stay Tonight” (Lucid)
With Lucid, Asa’s masterful fourth album, the singer-songwriter brilliantly explored the messiness of love and heartbreak. On “Stay Tonight”, the LP’s dreamiest deep cut, she looks to heal from the hurt, bravely putting herself back out there in search of the one.
Simi’s “Immortal” (Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1)
On Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1, Simi tackles a host of different themes — from loss to fame — but it’s on “Immortal”, her sexiest song to date, that she truly shines. With a fantastic assist from Maleek Berry, “Immortal” is further proof of Simi’s dynamic range.
Falz’s “Follow Follow” (Moral Instruction)
Thanks to Sess’ faultless production work, Falz’s Moral Instruction emerged as one of the most technically impressive albums of 2019. The track that most perfectly encapsulates the album’s sonic mastery is “Follow Follow”, a Fela-inspired gem that calls out posers.
Davido’s “Get To You” (A Good Time)
The most cohesive project of Davido’s career, A Good Time finds the afropop juggernaut celebrating happiness and love. For the latter theme, the song that does the best job of capturing that is “Get To You” — a delightfully toned down and deeply romantic effort.
Tay Iwar’s “DON’T KNOW” (Gemini)
Tay Iwar is one of our most gifted musical minds, and he proved that on his astonishing debut, Gemini. Every song on the LP is a testament to his genius, but “DON’T KNOW”, which features his equally brilliant brother, Suté Iwar, shines just a little bit brighter.
Fireboy DML’s “Like I Do” (Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps)
With Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, Fireboy DML delivered one of the strongest afropop debut albums we’ve had in years. While littered with beautifully written and performed songs, a clear standout on the project is “Like I Do” — a truly heartwarming love song.
YCee’s “Dada” (YCee Vs Zaheer)
YCee’s debut album, YCee Vs Zaheer, served as an infallible reminder of his range — both as a singer and a rapper — but it was on the Dapo Turbuna-assisted “Dada”, easily the project’s most infectious deep cut, that he reminded us just how much fun he could be as well.
