Afrobeats: Is May Becoming Major Releases Month?

May has become renowned for its tempestuous outpouring of fresh and potent musical offerings, etching its name in the annals of Afrobeats’Afrobeats’ history. Cast your mind back to May 13th, 2022, where a symphony of scintillating tracks descended upon us like a sonorous storm. Davido‘s Stand Strong, Burna Boy‘s Last Last, Zinoleesky‘s Loving You, and an array of other sonic gems converged in a mesmerizing display. But it didn’t stop there; the cacophony of banter and rivalry on the charts added an extra layer of intrigue, etching this fateful day into the tapestry of musical lore.

Fast forward to May 12th, 2023, and brace yourself for another seismic shift in the Afrobeats landscape. This time, the long-standing dance between BNXN and Ruger takes center stage, their battle for supremacy reaching a fever pitch. Yet, amidst the heated rivalry, a peculiar twist emerges – for the first time in over a year, these two formidable forces release their musical creations without leveraging each other for clout. A watershed moment, indeed, signals an evolution in their artistic journeys.

However, let us not confine our gaze solely to the Buju–Ruger saga, for May 12th presents a rebirth of the sonic inferno that engulfed us on May 13th, 2022. It is a day that shall forever reverberate with the resounding impact of an outpouring of new releases, transforming it into a pulsating epicenter of musical delight. This phenomenon transcends mere numbers; it embodies the vibrant spirit that propels Afrobeats forward. A convergence of established and emerging stars creates an intoxicating mélange of artistry, elevating this day to mythical proportions in the chronicles of Afrobeats’ majesty.

New Music Review

1. Shuperu by Kizz Daniel

Lyrically deficient, a catchphrase for a title, off Koker‘s Kolework; Kizz Daniel‘s Shuperu is a heavy rewarm of Buga and RTID.

2. Bun Bun by Ruger

Ruger‘s Bun Bun waxes about the female back view. The collaboration was landed in Germany with multiple Platinum record producers, Jugglerz.

3. Pray by BNXN

Pray has a comfortable space in Buju‘s discography as one of his best overall. With Pray, the singer highlights his busy life with another masterclass production from Magicsticks.

4. NSV by Bella Shmurda

Nobody remembers Bella Shmurda having issues with Seyi Vibez, but this almost sounds like a tug at the latter’s shirt with some sarcastic epithets: a good song featuring Tiwa Savage worthy of attention. 

5. No Days Off by Teni

A derailment from the mainstream Teni, though uptempo and resonant, No Days Off uniquely proclaims Teni as versatile.

6. Jonzing Boy by Ruger

The latter part of Bun Bun. Expectant of his debut album, Ruger must announce himself as a Jonzing World artiste. He may need to transcend this usual Dancehall on the album to avoid boredom and dormancy.

7. Cinderella Girl by Blaqbonez Ft. Ludacris

Two huge steps in the right direction, Cinderella Girl is a regular Hip Hop revealing desires and love; the sound’s hugeness being Ludacris‘ signature, and a Bill Withers sampling.

8. Girl Next Door by Tyla Ft. Ayra Starr

Tyla ensures Ayra Starr‘s busy 2023 continues.

9. Body by Naira Marley

Naira Marley may have been unprintable for lyricism, but there is no denying his music’s danceability. 

10. Relationship by Boy Spyce

Boy Spyce‘s flawless 2023 continues with a shitting-on relationship for its dishonesty. 

11. Smada – Papilo (Smadumodu) Ft Odumodublvck

These three songs make Odumodublvck‘s year busier.

12. Dum Dum by KCee & Skiibii

A great Amapiano sound is musical enough to induce a bop.

13. Undercover Lover by Tay Iwar

A song yearning for love, attention, and dependence, Tay Iwar‘s return gives hangover; it’s enchanting and one of the best releases in May.

14. Just Cool by Obongjayar

A mashup of different sounds like he is known for.

15. Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley Ft. Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage has received a boost in her recent international dealing since her honorary Ph.D. in the UK months ago.

16. Happy by Yung Willis Ft. Mr Eazi

Simply a craving for happiness, and it’s fantastic too. 

17. Low Waist by Toby Shang

The Hypeman Toby Shang solo single is reminiscent of Awilo Longomba. Very remarkable club banger. Low Waist is a huge song for a hypeman.

The Best 5 in no particular order:

• Tay Iwar‘s Undercover Lover
• Bella Shmurda‘s NSV
• Papilo with Odumodublvck
• Buju‘s Pray
• Ruger‘s Jonzing Boy