New Music Friday: 10 songs to add to your playlist this week

Music lovers have plenty to explore this New Music Friday, with fresh releases from Wande Coal, Patoranking, DJ Tunez, Zinoleesky, Timaya, T.I. Blaze and other Nigerian artistes setting the tone for the festive season.

As Detty December approaches, this week’s releases offer a mix of Afrobeats, street-pop, alternative R&B and Afro-dancehall sounds. Wande Coal returns with his first solo single since KING COAL, while DJ Tunez explores different sounds on his new project, In Tunez We Trust Vol. 1. Patoranking also teams up with Olamide for a Lagos-inspired party record.

Here are some of the songs worth checking out this week.

DJ Tunez ft Shoday (Na Money)

From In Tunez We Trust Vol. 1, ‘Na Money’ explores wealth, luxury and the role of money in relationships through playful lyrics and energetic rhythms. The track has the familiar feel of a record from Wizkid’s DJ, while Shoday delivers a strong verse.

Patoranking ft Olamide – Welcome to Lagos

Released on November 10, ‘Welcome to Lagos’ is an Afro-dancehall record celebrating Lagos nightlife and the luxury lifestyle. Built around the city’s party culture, the song arrives as a potential addition to the festive season’s playlists.

Patoranking delivers a solid performance, although Olamide sounds slightly off his usual form. His contribution, however, does little to sink the record.

Wande Coal – Kowope

Released on November 12, ‘Kowope’ reunites Wande Coal with producer Juls. It is the singer’s first solo single since his album KING COAL, making the release a notable return for the Afrobeats veteran.

The song combines Afrobeats and Afropop elements to deliver an enjoyable record. While it may not be a spectacular comeback, it offers listeners another taste of Wande Coal’s sound.

DJ Tunez ft Tay Iwar, Mannywellz and Kemuel – Simple Things

Also taken from In Tunez We Trust Vol. 1, ‘Simple Things’ offers a different experience from the project’s more energetic records.

The closing track trades club rhythms for relaxed alternative R&B melodies and warm, minimalist percussion. It highlights DJ Tunez’s versatility, with the R&B arrangement making for a satisfying listen.

Ayo Maff ft Naira Marley – Take Away

Released on November 13, ‘Take Away’ marks the first official collaboration between Ayo Maff and Marlian Music founder Naira Marley.

However, the pairing struggles to find its footing. Their sounds do not sit comfortably together, while Naira Marley comes across as out of place on the record.

Zinoleesky – Omo Ologo

‘Omo Ologo’ serves as the opening track for Zinoleesky’s forthcoming Euphoria EP. The street-pop record turns adversity, pressure and setbacks into a statement of resilience and self-belief.

With his familiar street-pop influences intact, Zinoleesky delivers a convincing performance that gives listeners a reason to anticipate the upcoming project.

Timaya – Never

Released on November 13, ‘Never’ is an energetic Afro-dancehall record backed by the #NeverDanceChallenge. Comedian Real Warri Pikin also features in the song’s promotional campaign.

Although the track carries enough energy for the dance floor, its sound feels more suited to an earlier era. Listeners who enjoy a retro approach to Afro-dancehall may find it particularly appealing.

Ruger ft Odumodublvck – DRTY

Released on November 11, ‘DRTY’ marks the first official collaboration between Ruger and Odumodublvck.

The song blends Afro-dancehall melodies with Nigerian hip-hop, creating a sound that differs from Ruger’s usual musical direction. It is an interesting pairing, although listeners may need time to adjust to the new approach.