Solidstar, Hens & Laime, Moonga K, Willy Paul lead this week’s African music releases

This week’s African music releases bring a thrilling mix of introspection, resilience, romance and cultural celebration. From Hens & Laime’s existential Afro-fusion to Moonga K’s uplifting country-inspired anthem and Willy Paul’s sensual serenade, artistes across the continent are delivering powerful new sounds.  

Hens & Laime reflect on life’s duality in “Tatanu Remix”  

Hens and Laime have dropped the thought-provoking “Tatanu Remix,” a genre-blending track that merges Afro-fusion with deep existential musings. The song’s multilingual approach—switching between French, Yoruba and Lingala—creates a pan-African philosophical dialogue.  

A striking French line sets the tone: “Ne t’accroche pas à cette vie car de toute façon personne n’en sortira vivant” (“Don’t cling to this life because no one gets out alive”). Yet, rather than dwelling on mortality, the track balances this reflection with a relentless hustle mentality (“To get the money, spend it all and make it back today”). Traditional percussion blends with modern 808s, making “Tatanu Remix” a song that compels listeners to dance while pondering life’s fleeting nature.  

Available now for streaming, “Tatanu Remix” showcases the duo’s ability to fuse cultural roots with contemporary sounds, making it a standout in the Afro-fusion scene.

Elsewhere in African music, Zambian-born, South Africa-based artiste Moonga K. has dropped “Hold On!,” the lead single from his forthcoming country-inspired project “OUTLAW.” Debuting on the same day, this cinematic track blends choir-backed vocals with soaring guitar solos, delivering a gospel-rock hybrid that’s all about resilience.

Lines like “Took a wrong turn / Had to find myself” reflect Moonga’s multicultural odyssey across Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, while the climactic “But I hold on / And I believe” offers a universal rallying cry. Produced by UK’s Hannah V, “Hold On!” which is now streaming is a testament to perseverance, available worldwide.

Meanwhile, Kenyan Afro-pop star Willy Paul keeps the love alive with “Your Body,” a sensual serenade celebrating intimacy and beauty. Following hits like “Hallelujah” and “Nikune,” Willy Paul’s latest—out now on streaming platforms —pairs lush instrumentation with playful lyrics, cementing his status as East Africa’s go-to romantic crooner. From his church choir roots to his 2014 breakout “Ruka,” his journey shines through in this irresistible track, perfect for late-night vibes or dancefloor spins.

Nigeria’s Solidstar, the voice behind “One in a Million,” makes a triumphant return with his fourth album, Melomania. After years away, the Delta-born artiste delivers a 11-track opus that balances gratitude (“Daalu”), defiance (“Better”), and economic critique (“Tinini Tanana”). Love songs like “Legalise” and “Hold Me” highlight his signature honeyed vocals, while collaborations with Fiokee and Selebobo refresh his classic Afropop sound. “Melomania represents my abnormal love for music,” Solidstar says, and at 35, he’s proving his voice only gets better with time. Melomania is streaming everywhere.

Humblesmith and Igbo folk duo Umu Obiligbo join forces on “Bolingo,” a highlife-infused cautionary tale about life’s fleeting pleasures. With trumpets and percussion underscoring lyrics like “Things that taste sweet can kill slowly,” the track—out now and streaming on all platforms—marries celebration with wisdom, showcasing Eastern Nigeria’s rich musical heritage.

Emerging Nigerian talent Brosthrone steps up with “Check & Balance,” a gritty ode to street economics and nightlife. Lyrics like “Dem no dey tell person, you gats make the dough” capture Lagos’ hustle, while the track’s raw energy reflects the city’s underground pulse. It’s out now for streaming.

South Africa’s Halo Yagami fuses Maskandi, electro-soul, and R&B in “Phresha,” a confident call to own your power. From his Durban roots to Johannesburg’s buzz, Yagami’s genre-blurring style shines through in this April 04 release, with lyrics like “Put them under pressure” urging self-assurance. It’s available worldwide.

Finally, Nigerian gospel artiste Olaitan Dada lifts spirits with “Won Ti Shaanu Mi” a Yoruba-language testimony of divine mercy. Out now and streaming everywhere, its jubilant call-and-response vocals and percussion create a communal celebration of faith and victory.

From existential remixes to gospel triumphs, African music is thriving this April.