The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

Moving from the uber-percussive stance of Nigerian pop to the highlife-flavored style of Ghanaian music and then to South Africa and Senegal, this list undertakes the essential task of inclusivity and a humble approach to different styles of music-making.

Let’s get to it then — these are the best Afrobeats songs of the month.

Rowlene & Christer – “Don’t Give Up On Me”

One of the most impressive voices in the scene, there’s a vulnerability uniquely expressed in everyRowlene song. The South African artist’s adeptness in the R&B style heightens her feeling for the mundane, and even the most ordinary experiences are magnified when she sings about them. “Don’t Give Up On Me” thrives on these influences. A stirring plea marks the song, which suggests that although human flaws will inevitably enter the picture, lovers should remain in awe of their partners. With an exhilarating delivery that soars until the last second, it’s one of the most emotive songs you’ll hear this month.

King Paluta – “Thank You”

When we included Ghana’s King Paluta among our Artists to Watch this year, his bracing emotion and energy were essential reasons why. “Thank You” is a familiar dive into the plains of divine appreciation. In the song, Paluta sings about having a true appreciation for life’s blessings and troubles. The chill drum base is primarily accompanied by a lingering saxophone, a sonic element that further enhances the track’s serene atmosphere.

Cobhams Asuquo – “The Traffic Song”

A master of satire, Cobhams Asuquo knows precisely where to tap into the pulse of Nigerian society. On this record, the intent is barely hidden as he weaves an intricate narrative of Lagos’ infamous traffic and the several stories it holds in its unmoving poise. Asuquo utilizes his piano skills to set forth the ballad, evoking his tale in the humor-spiced Pidgin English lingo that’s so familiar across the state and beyond. Consequently, when the refrain comes on — “dear Lord, dear Lord, deliver man” — the listener will feel the simple intensity of that wish.

Gyakie – “Sankofa”

Gyakie wields her voice like the most fluid instrument, unlocking sweet vocal pockets on “Sankofa,” her latest single. Listen closely, and you can pick out the intricate songwriting as Gyakie paints the familiar image of an ex-lover still waiting at the gates of redemption, unable to move on. Pair this delivery with the mid-tempo production, and you get one of Gyakie’s most memorable singles in recent times. “Sankofa” is warm and tender, much like Gyakie's songs tend to be. Watch Gyakie on the latest episode of our new Afrobeats Intelligence podcast.

ID Cabasa, Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff & Ajebo Hustlers – “Anytime Reimagined”

Veteran producer ID Cabasa has been reimagining a series of songs, giving fresh life to some of the most iconic records from the 2000s. On “Anytime Reimagined,” he flips the aspirational hues of 9ice’s “Anytime,” collaborating with the trio of Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff, and Ajebo Hustlers. Between the spirited vocals of Bella and Ayo Maff, which bring Lagos’ lifestyle to sonic reality, and the southern griots Ajebo Hustlers stretching the narrative across a broader timeline, this is one of the best songs to come out of ID Cabasa’s project yet.

The Majeek, Shoday & Camidoh – “Face My Fears”

Aspiration is a cornerstone of Afropop, and on this record, the talented cast of The Majeek, Shoday, and Camidoh express it from different perspectives. Interpolating a famous line from 2Baba’s “Fly,” the record strikes a balance between Nigerian and Ghanaian sensibilities, utilizing percussion characteristics of the former country and pairing it with the laid-back soul that typifies the latter. It’s a fine song that reminds one that bleak times tend to pass and that keeping an eye on the possibilities of the future is the best perspective to have.

Seyi Vibez – “Pressure”

"Only a diamond can come from all this pressure," sings Seyi Vibezon "Pressure." As a man who sometimes calls himself Loseyi Professor, there's an intricate wedging of philosophical themes in Seyi Vibez's music. On this low-tuned salvo, "Pressure," it's the illuminating experience of accepting life's trials paired with the details of a love story. Seyi Vibez's singing here follows the R&B stylings of his early music, highlighting an artist who can move impressively across the sonic touchpoints of their career. With the high-energy, Fuji-indebted style seemingly kept in the background, a song like this signifies a new era for one of Afropop's most talented artists.

We Are Nubia – “DND” feat. Zaituni Wambui

Everything about this record screams beauty and desire, from the softly knocking drums to the piano arrangements. Blending a groovy Afropop rhythm with the ethereal, swooning elements of taarab music, there’s a sizzling atmosphere one can glean from “DND.” At once intimate and communal, the song could easily enter several playlists, proving the malleable form of the record. Alongside its quality visuals, which blend colors and activity, efforts like these demonstrate why East Africa will eventually become critical to the Afrobeats story sooner rather than later.

Joshua Baraka – “Wrong Places”

There’s a mellow assurance that JAE5 produces when he gets in his Afropop bag. That vibe is evident on “Wrong Places,” the song he curates for the uber-talented Joshua Baraka. As ever, Baraka’s soaring melodies find the perfect lyrics to convey them. This one’s a self-affirmative record that bemoans the search for love in all the wrong places. Still, Baraka leads his listener towards reprieve, promising to be an understanding friend in the aftermath of that misalignment. It’s a beautiful and purposeful song, even more so now when people need to be reminded of their beauty.

Carlou D – “Only You” feat. Obree Daman

Senegalese musician Carlou D, known for his spiritual roots music, creates a beautiful composition with “Only You.” It’s from his Moove and Groove project, a sunny tape that melds contemplation with the upbeat motions of life. Especially on this record, his strength as a vocalist and curator shines as he soulfully introduces the song amidst warm percussions with a foreboding stance. Laying the groundwork for Obree Daman, when the song finally soars, its atmosphere is made complete with a fine scattering of drums and notes that change the tempo from time to time.