Psst! Cool Stuff: 7 African Songs To Listen To
–Morola
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on trendsetters alongside African acts who have been killing it in underground spaces. We compiled music that helps you get into your groove, even if you can’t tell it’s happening so just sit back and enjoy because this one’s on us.
Ogranya – I’m Sorry ft Johnny Drille (NG)
Ogranya reveals his true form to you amidst shimmering lights and a great deal of jazz. He is a multifaceted musician whose sound features elements of afro soul and R&B amongst others.
A splendid performer, Ogranya makes music that touches the emotional depths of his listeners, capable of inducing swooning for those who partake in such. ‘I’m Sorry’ is a chirpy song with an upbeat tempo slowed down by the vibrant voices on the track. The chorus is smoothly rendered by Johnny Drille who seals the deal by making sure whoever this apology is meant for is completely swept off their feet by the outpouring of sweetness. Personally, I wouldn’t fall for anyone of that, the streets is cold.
Niniola – Fuku (NG)
Niniola is a trendsetter in her own lane. Sampling deep house instrumentals and drums way before the Amapiano deep groove and drums reached Nigeria. A powerhouse in her own right, Nini projects an image of being able to sustain her own energy with space for the sugar boys too if she finds you delicious enough. Her electrifying energy and her brazen and often explicit lyrics rendered in Yoruba do all the talking for her.
Niniola has mastered the art of creating dancefloor-ready music that confidently coaxes movement out of you. No doubt Fuku which means tender meat in Yoruba is another sterling example of her dexterity.
Moliy – Prisoner ft P. Prime (GH)
As one of Ghana’s foremost rising artists, Moliy’s main aim is to authenticate herself in the new crop of vibrant female singers that are carving a path for themselves in the primarily male-dominated industry. With Ghanaian music on the global rise.
In 2021, a feature on a song titled ‘Sad girls need money not love’ by Amaarae set the spotlight on her inexplicable gift and passion for singing and songwriting. However, Moliy refused to let things end there and has since been cooking up absolutely fabulous tunes for her fans to eat up. On Prisoner, she partners with skilled producer p.prime to create a smooth melody where she is in fact singing about being a prisoner of love.
Virgo Deep – Asijabule ft Murumba Pitch & Lady Du (SA)
Kamogelo Phetla popularly known by his stage name Vigro Deep is a young DJ and producer in South Africa who has made a name for himself in the music industry.
Vigro Deep performs under the Amapiano genre. We know him for his noticeable hit songs in South Africa working with Amapiano stars such as Focalistic, Kabza de Small, and Dj Maphorisa. Virgo is one of the youngest DJs in the Country and he got his major break when his “Vula Vala” song featuring Nokwazi became popular, shooting him into the limelight. Since then he has claimed multiple awards and toured various countries in Europe and Africa.
Asijabule is another hit in the making from the young stunner. We urge you to enjoy this timeless song.
Wangechi – KIKI (KE)
Wangechi is a Kenyan-based rapper, singer, and songwriter. Wangechi is paving a way for herself in the underground rap scene in Kenya with her straight bars and impeccable delivery.
On KIKI, Wangechi displays effortless steeze and although she’s rapping in her dialect, her cool persona ensures that your interest for more is aroused.
95ANTNY – Less is More (GH)
95ANTNY pronounced 95 Anthony is a recording artist who doubles as a producer pushing new frontiers in the Alternative scene in Accra, Ghana. His voice and style transition between Afro-fusion, Rnb/soul, and alternative experimental music making him versatile and distinctive in songs.
With a desire to push beyond his comfort zone, 95antny is always exploring opportunities to fine-tune his sound having just recently rebranded changing his stage name to something that fits better for him.
95ANTNY knows how to set the mood for sunset drives and late-night chills. Drawing you in with pop ambiance, lush R&B /jazz chords fused with Afro rhythms and bounces.
Somadina – Y I Want U (NG)
Super Soma as she is popularly called is a singer and songwriter notable for her bubbly and eclectic personality. Just like her identity, her music is fluid featuring elements of contained chaos ascribed to genres such as rock and metal.
With an artistic vision that feels partly psychedelic and euphoric, demanding high energy or just being depending on the occasion.
In this song, Soma sings about desire. It’s “risky” and maybe even scandalous but it’s also a need. It just won’t fade away into nothing.