NEW MUSIC FRIDAY!

It’s that time of the week again—New Music Friday! With a fresh array of hot new singles that promise to dominate playlists, Simonsaysdrip brings you a lineup of Afro beats magic spanning different vibes and moods. Ready to explore? Keep reading.

KEL-P AND WANDE COAL- “OLD SOLDIER”

This Friday morning, Kel-P and Wande Coal finally dropped their highly anticipated single, Old Soldier, and this team up is best described as a whole new level of amazing. This track is a glimpse into their forthcoming collaborative project, a project that has been teased since their Instagram Live session last month, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.

“Old Soldier,” produced by Kel-P and mixed by Los Angeles-based producer Leandro, is a seamless fusion of Wande Coal’s smooth vocals and Kel-P’s vibrant beats. The song reflects themes of resilience and hardiness as hinted by its title. With lyrics like “soldier no go die unless to ba darugbo,” it draws upon the timeless adage about the strength and longevity of seasoned warriors.

Kel-P, an accomplished Grammy-nominated producer, has had a remarkable year in music. 

Known for producing stellar hits with artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid, he solidified his place as a vocalist himself, with the release of “Bully Season Vol. 2: Pretty Girls Love Afrobeats” in June this year, the first volume (and his debut musical project) having been released in 2023. His unique blend of Afrobeats and innovative production has made him one of the most sought-after producers in the industry and certainly, his genius shines forth on this single with his expert crafting of the song’s very exciting beat pattern.

Wande Coal, a legend in Afropop, has also been busy this year, collaborating on several projects and maintaining his reputation as a pioneer of soulful Afrobeats. From his early days with Mo’Hits Records to his solo ventures under Black Diamond Entertainment, Wande Coal’s music is synonymous with rich melodies and impactful lyrics. His involvement in this project highlights his continued relevance in the evolving music landscape.

This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for both artists and their fans, offering a fresh sound while maintaining the authenticity that has defined their careers. As we await the release of their joint project, it’s safe to say “Old Soldier” is poised to be a standout track this December.

Runtown – “ Flow ”

After months of quiet anticipation, Runtown, the celebrated “Soundgod”, has graced his fans with a new track, Flow , released this morning. Known for his distinct sound and captivating lyrics, this marks an exciting moment for fans who have eagerly awaited his return to solo music.

” Flow ” is a mid-tempo Afrobeat groove that effortlessly blends introspection with vibrant rhythms. The production, rich in Runtown’s signature melodic finesse, is underpinned by reflective lyrics that emphasize clarity and staying true to one’s path despite distractions (shayo and bunda). The track’s warm instrumentation and polished delivery solidify Runtown’s ability to create music that is both relatable and addictive.

This release follows Runtown’s recent re-emergence in the spotlight after a two year period of relative silence in his solo career.  Since the release of his last major project, Signs, in December 2022, he has only appeared as a feature on other albums leaving fans hungry for some new music from him. At last though, his hiatus has come to and end.

In a year where he has largely been in the background, “Flow” feels like a re-introduction to Runtown’s artistry, serving as a reminder of his remarkable knack for blending soulful melodies with Afrobeat sounds and as fans embrace this new single, many are wondering if it hints at a larger project or album in the works.

With Flow, Runtown proves once again why he remains a beloved figure in the Nigerian music scene with his unparalleled ability to connect deeply with his audience while delivering tracks that linger in your mind long after the first listen. As we close the year, this song serves as a fitting addition to 2024’s memorable Afrobeats moments.

SARZ & ASAKE – “C’MON LOOK”

Sarz and Asake, two heavyweights in the Nigerian music scene, have once again, joined forces to deliver “C’mon Look,” an electrifying track that captures the essence of Afro-fusion with Sarz’s signature production finesse and Asake’s unique vocal energy. The track adds another layer to the vibrant music offerings this festive season.

Sarz, a legendary producer whose beats have shaped countless Afrobeats anthems, has been building momentum this year, teasing his upcoming album set for release in 2025. Sarz continues to showcase his mastery in crafting globally resonant sounds.

Asake has also had a stellar 2024. Following the massive success of his “Lungu Boy” album, which boasted collaborations with international stars like Wizkid and Travis Scott. With his continued growth, Asake continues to show us why he is such a star in the industry. 

This track is a vibrant blend of Sarz’s intricate beat-making and Asake’s energetic delivery. True to Sarz’s reputation, the beat, a seamless fusion of afrobeats and electronic dance music,  features intricate layers and rhythmic cadences that make the song instantly captivating. Asake’s contribution, characterized by his distinctive vocal style delivered in a Fuji singing pattern, makes “C’mon Look” a celebration of creativity and exploratory self-expression.

A proper dance floor anthem, C’mon Look is poised to become a favorite in the holiday playlists, further underlining the collaborative magic Sarz and Asake bring to the Afrobeats scene. This is yet another reminder of how Nigerian artists continue to push boundaries while remaining true to their roots.

Tayc & Davido – Pray

French-Cameroonian R&B sensation Tayc teamed up with Afrobeats megastar Davido on PrAy, the seventh track off his new album, “Testimony” this Friday morning. Released amidst much anticipation, the collaboration brings together two distinct musical forces for a soulful, uplifting anthem that bridges their shared artistry and cultural influences.

Tayc, known for his smooth vocals and Afro Love-inspired sound, has been at the forefront of the French urban music scene with his ability to blend R&B with African rhythms earning him a loyal following. Davido, on the other hand, continues to solidify his status as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports with a solid year in 2024 spanning multiple collaborations like this, and solid chart topping singles, Awuke and Funds.

Pray, produced by Ny Kajy,  resonates as an anthem of hope and gratitude, perfectly suited to this reflective season. With lush harmonies and a production that highlights both artists’ strengths, the song balances Tayc’s velvety delivery with Davido’s vibrant charisma. Together, they craft a narrative about staying prayerful because there isn’t anybody nobody that doesn’t need prayers to stay grounded through life’s challenges.

This collaboration is particularly significant for both artists as they continue to build their global footprint, with Davido expanding his reach in Europe and Tayc making inroads into the Nigerian music market. Pray stands as a testament to their ability to connect audiences across different worlds. 

Whether you’re in the mood for something upbeat, soulful, or experimental, this week’s roundup has something for everyone. We hope you find your vibe!