NEW MUSIC FRIDAY!

New Music Friday just got a whole lot more exciting! This week, some of the biggest and brightest names in the Nigerian music scene have blessed us with fresh sounds, each bringing their unique flair to the table. From Shallipopi’s triumphant return with Laho to Lojay’s soul-stirring Somebody Like You, and from Bella Shmurda’s poetic Verily to the high-energy Conse by Niphkeys and Odumodublvck, there’s no shortage of hits to vibe to. And if you’re in the mood for heartfelt melodies, Yarden and Taves’ Ifeoma delivers a love story wrapped in pure musical magic. Whether you’re looking for a party anthem, a song to get lost in, or something that speaks to the soul, this week’s lineup has got it all.

LAHO:- SHALLIPOPI 

The Pluto Presido is at it again! Shallipopi, the Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, has just unleashed his highly anticipated single, Laho, marking his official debut under the Since ’93 label. Released today, February 21, 2025, the track is already setting social media on fire, proving yet again that Shallipopi is a force to be reckoned with.

The hype began weeks ago when Shallipopi teased a one-minute snippet of Laho, sending fans into a frenzy. The song quickly took over TikTok, with thousands of users chanting the lyrics long before its release. Now that it’s officially out, it’s clear why the anticipation was so intense–Laho is poised to be the next big anthem in Shallipopi’s ever-growing catalog.

From the very first beat, Laho captivates with its seamless blend of a laid-back yet hypnotic flow over a hard-hitting production crafted by Progrex. The beat pulses with energy, perfectly complementing Shallipopi’s signature spoken-style delivery. But what truly makes this track unforgettable is its chant-worthy chorus–simple, effortless, yet deeply resonant.

The song’s core message is both personal and universal. Rooted in the Edo language, the chorus translates to “please, don’t let me fall… (Now that I’m up).” Laho paints a vivid picture of the struggles of making money, the grind to escape the streets, and the thrill and joy of financial success. Through sharp lyrics and relatable storytelling, Shallipopi weaves themes of hustling, risk-taking, and living large, making the track both a motivational anthem and a celebration of triumph.

With Laho, Shallipopi isn’t just dropping a song–he’s creating a movement for the season. Its infectious melody and powerful message make it a must-have on every New Music Friday playlist. Whether you’re in the club, on the streets, or scrolling through social media, expect Laho to dominate the airwaves for a long time to come.

SOMEBODY LIKE YOU:- LOJAY  

Whenever Lojay and Sarz join forces, the result is nothing short of magic. Music lovers still haven’t recovered from their golden EP LV N ATTN, which gave us the generational smash hit “Monalisa.” Then, just last year, they set the charts ablaze again with “Billions,” a track that dominated playlists and airwaves for months. Now, the dynamic duo has returned, delivering yet another sonic masterpiece–”Somebody Like You.”

From the very first note, the song grips you with its cool, deliberate tempo. The rhythmic percussion eases into a deep, pulsating bassline, accompanied by a cheerful yet melancholic keyboard that sets the stage for something truly special. The strings flutter urgently, weaving an intricate tapestry of highlife influences with a touch of salsa flair–an intoxicating blend that makes the production nothing short of mesmerizing.

Then comes Lojay’s voice–soulful, raw, and heartbreakingly beautiful. His vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, layering verse upon chorus with a precision that feels both effortless and deeply intentional. But it’s in the lyrics that the song’s true weight reveals itself. “Too many times I showed you my shame, maximum pain and maximum healing,” he confesses, his voice thick with wistfulness and pain. It’s a haunting lament of love lost, a man grappling with the ghost of a romance slipping through his fingers. Despite his desperate attempts to hold on, his lover has made her choice, leaving him adrift, yearning for something–someone–to fill the void she left behind.

The chorus echoes this desperation: “I’ll look around till I find somebody like you, I need somebody just like you…” It’s the cry of a man at the mercy of a love that refuses to be tamed, the bittersweet ache of searching for a reflection of something that can never truly be replaced.

With “Somebody Like You,” Lojay and Sarz once again prove why their collaborations are a force to be reckoned with. The track is an emotional rollercoaster, blending infectious melodies with deeply resonant storytelling. It’s a song that lingers long after the final note fades–a heartbreak anthem for the ages, and a perfect addition to your New Music Friday playlist.

VERILY:- BELLA SHMURDA

Bella Shmurda has once again captivated listeners with his latest single, Verily, released this morning. The track is already generating buzz, thanks to its distinct and refreshing vibe–a testament to Bella’s ability to innovate and surprise with every release.

The title alone transports you back in time to the era of King James and his unmistakable lingo. And as though he himself were a poet from that age, Shmurda masterfully weaves Old English into his serenade, delivering lines that feel both whimsical and deeply passionate. “Verily, oh girl I say to thee…” he croons, immersing listeners in a love-laden reverie. His devotion grows more fervent as he sings, “Ecstasy is the thing I feel, when I think about the memories, finna crucify me cavalry.” The rawness of his emotions is palpable–his sweetheart has him utterly spellbound, to the point of delirium.

Overcome with desire, he finds himself spiraling, getting high on ganja and speaking in the old tongue–a love-induced euphoria that has him teetering on the edge. With a touch of humor, he acknowledges that once the high wears off, rehab might be necessary, but the intoxicating rush will have been worth every second.

The production, handled masterfully by Wondah, perfectly complements the song’s ethereal and impassioned energy. The seamless fusion of strings with the thunderous boom of the drums creates a hypnotic soundscape that amplifies the song’s spiritual essence.

With Verily, Bella Shmurda once again proves his versatility and creative prowess, delivering a track that is as daring as it is enchanting. This one is bound to stay on repeat and deserves a top spot on your New Music Friday playlist.

CONSE:- NIPHKEYS AND ODUMODUBLVCK 

Niphkeys and Odumodublvck have joined forces for a thrilling new banger, Conse, and it’s already setting the scene ablaze. Released today, this track isn’t just a song–it’s an experience, packed with raw energy, infectious rhythms, and a vivid snapshot of campus nightlife. Featuring additional firepower from May D, Smada, and Fatboy E, Conse is shaping up to be the soundtrack for every lit Friday night.

Right from the jump, Conse showcases Niphkeys’ impressive adaptability as a producer. Straying from his usual beat construction style, he crafts a soundscape that fits seamlessly into Odumodublvck’s signature afro fusion genre. The result? A masterful fusion of pulsating percussion and hypnotic melodies, setting the perfect backdrop for the track’s gritty, high-octane delivery.

Lyrically, Conse paints an all-too-familiar picture of the ultimate campus Friday party. Odumodublvck leads the charge with his bold and commanding delivery, while May D, Smada, and Fatboy E each bring their own creative spins to the narrative. The song revels in the wild, carefree energy of the party night–booze flowing, igbo (weed) puffing, and party games in full swing. At the heart of it all is ‘Concentration,’ the legendary game that serves as the track’s namesake (often shortened to Conse), alongside the equally infamous Lemon game. And, of course, there’s the unspoken undercurrent of flirtation and desire, adding another layer to the party-fueled chaos.

The hype for Conse began long before its release, with Niphkeys and Odumodublvck teasing snippets across social media. Fans instantly latched onto its infectious hook, and now that it’s here, the track is already dominating streaming platforms. With its perfect blend of energy, storytelling, and top-tier production, Conse isn’t just another party song–it’s an instant classic that captures the thrill of nightlife in Nigeria like never before.

One thing is for sure–Conse is here to stay, and if you haven’t hit play yet, what are you waiting for?

IFEOMA:- YARDEN & TAVES

Yarden and Taves have struck gold with their latest release, Ifeoma–a beautifully structured love song that is as smooth as it is touching. The track effortlessly blends Afrobeat with contemporary R&B, bringing together the melodic strengths of two recently ascendant stars in the Nigerian music scene.

Yarden, known for his soulful, evocative voice and deeply expressive songwriting, teams up with Taves, whose honeyed vocals add an extra layer of warmth and longing to the track. Both artists have been making waves with their emotionally charged sound, and Ifeoma is a testament to their growing artistry.

The song’s narrative revolves around Ifeoma, a stunning yet elusive love interest who has Yarden completely under her spell. Despite his unwavering affection, she keeps him at arm’s length, leaving him desperate for her love. His frustration and longing pour out through lines like, “I dey wait for your gate, I dey knock on your door… I dey slogodor, no dey use man dey play…” The chorus delivers the final, aching plea: “Ifeoma, don’t you break my heart. Don’t do me like that oh baby.” It’s a heartfelt confession wrapped in beautiful melodies that linger in the listener’s mind long after the song ends.

Production-wise, Ifeoma is a sonic delight, expertly crafted by the brilliant Wondah. The beat pattern is both bouncy and silky smooth, effortlessly carrying the emotion of the song. The standout element? The way Wondah incorporates the organ–a rare choice for an Afrobeat love song–blending it seamlessly into the instrumental in a way that feels fresh and unexpected. The melodies and harmonies throughout the track create a lush, immersive listening experience, making it impossible not to get lost in the music.

With Ifeoma, Yarden and Taves have delivered a love ballad that is both deeply emotional and sonically mesmerizing. It’s a song that tugs at the heartstrings while keeping the body swaying–an instant classic that solidifies their positions as some of the most exciting voices in Nigerian music today.

With each of these releases, it’s clear that Nigerian music continues to evolve, blending innovation with cultural richness to create tracks that resonate far beyond the borders of the country. These songs are more than just bangers–they’re statements, moments, and movements in the ever-expanding Afrobeats universe. They’re certainly not just for the week; they’re here to stay. So plug in your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music take over!