2020’s 40th Drop Day

“Today is a good day in music. Bathong! Niniola did the things. Muzi said, "you're going to jive". Riky Rick said, and I quote, #UNGAZINCISHI!!! Giveon basically said, "you're going to weep in love". No ways okes, I'm alive!”

- as seen on Twitter

Now playing Mama (EP)

Muzi by Clout Killed The Kids

Electric, culturally impactful, and a good time are the words to use when describing South African talent, Muzi’s music. The MAMA EP was created as an ode to the music man’s late mother. Blending together unmissable South African percussion rhythms to the lighthearted tempos of electronic music that we’ve all come to love is a gift that Muzi flexes throughout the six-track project. “Don’t Let Me Go”, “The Calling”, and “Makhoza” are personal favourites.

Now playing Colours and Sounds

Niniola served bops from around Africa’s rich musical landsapes for Colours and Sounds. Featuring artists like Nonso Amadi, Sauti Sol, and Busiswa, with cameos from Timbaland, this 15-track album strikes me as an experimentation of sound. Colours and Sounds has a plethora of genres incorporated into it. Most recognizable genres are house, gqom, afrobeats, and pop. Personally, this is the type of project that needs well curated playlists to get into every vibe perfectly.

Now playing “Chocolate Pomegranate”

Since Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox’s sultry vocal delivery and relatable lyrical content has had my heart. “Chocolate Pomegranate” is no different this time around. The single reminds me of something I could hear in a John Singleton film soundtrack; smooth and unmistakably R&B. The downtempo and rich instrumental composition makes for an infectious groove.

Now playing RESTLESS II

Simi by cloeephotographer

Simi’s RESTLESS II manages to perfectly blend afrobeats, pop, and R&B together for a seamless listening experience. Sporting features from Ms Banks, WurlD, and Adekunle Gold, the six track EP sees this Nigerian singer wax lyrical about love; its intimacies and intricacies. From the warmth and fulfilling feeling of being in love as expressed in “City Lights” to the stark opposite of love falling apart as shared in “Triggered”.

Now playing “Not Another Love Song”

Falling in love isn’t always roses and candle lit dinners. The fear of messing things up, misinterpreting feelings, and more often are accompanied by the all encompassing feeling of your mind turning to mush as you accept that you’re falling for someone. Hard. Ella Mai’s “Not Another Love Song” perfectly describes the anxiousness of falling in love, but still communicates a willingness to fall to the bottom of an ocean floor if there’s love to be felt. This isn’t a slow song, a dance with me in the pale moonlight type of joint. It’s a levelheaded account of love, more so a challenge posed to one’s lover about what they intend to do about the love they have sired. True to its title, this isn’t another love song, but rather a song demanding action in love.

Now playing “Come Over”

Jorja by Bardi Bardha Krasniqi

What is it about insecurity in relationships that make such amazing lyrics for pop songs. Jorja Smith has the type of voice that can compliment or be amplified a multitude of soundscapes in music. Bringing her sultry, sing-talk style of delivery to a reggae-dancehall fusion instrumental alongside Popcaan makes for an enjoyable listen. Asking if her lover wants her to come over, the song paints the picture of not knowing where one stands in a relationship. Paying close attention to the lyrics, this isn’t the type of song I’d want to use to explain a romance of my own, as it gives “crying in the club” vibes. Nevertheless, as Popcaan advises, let us bad bady gyals whine and chop life.

Now playing “Fixate”

Shekinah is known for enchanting vocals and her aptitude for writing about love. “Fixate” announces her upcoming album Trouble In Paradise, the follow up to her decorated album debut, Rosegold. In this single, she and Kenyan singer, Bey T muse about learning to love and to be a team player. While it would be easy to apply this to romantic relationships, the South African muso expressed that this song was written as a reminder to love onself, a love letter of sorts.

Now playing “UNGAZINCISHI”

Riky Rick is known for his ability to drop one track and rock for a year, “UNGAZINCISHI” is slated to be the hip-hop track of the festive season. A loose translation of the lead single, featuring Focalisitic and Tyler ICU, is not to deny oneself. The beat is infectious, leaving no foot unmoved, no head un-bobbed, and no party unactivated. As for “HOME”, Riky Rick slows it down over a Mas Musiq produced instrumental. Amapiano, but a slow burn, the type of joint that you play at a wedding or the bachelor party.