A powerful wave of new releases spanning West and East Africa this week highlights a shared thematic thread of personal evolution, romantic intensity, the grind and the relentless drive for success. Distributed via ONErpm, this eclectic batch of projects captures artists confronting their pasts, celebrating the fruits of their labour and diving headfirst into love.
Victor AD
Nigerian singer-songwriter Victor AD returns with a five-track EP titled The Therapist, offering an introspective look at survival, growth and ambition. Known for his generational anthem “Wetin We Gain,” Victor AD explores honest internal conversations across the project. The EP opens with “Heal Me (Time),” built around an Enya sample, before moving into triumph on “Level” featuring Babyboy AV and the ambitious “Monaco”. Following the darker realities of survival on “War,” the project closes with spiritual reflection on “Only God” featuring Timaya.
Describing the project, Victor AD notes: “This EP is me sitting down with myself and being honest. Every track is something I needed to say, something I needed to work through. If it helps someone else feel a little less alone in what’s carrying, then it’s done its job.”
Manana
Eswatini-born, South Africa-based singer, songwriter and producer Manana traces the intricate arc of a relationship on his latest full-length album, It Really Isn’t What It Is. Blending contemporary R&B, soul and jazz, the project moves from the boundary-setting opening track “No” and the weariness of “Talking Stages” to harder truths on “Sun Sets on Beautiful Days” and “No More”. Ultimately, the album serves as a portrait of emotional growth, navigating heartbreak, memory, and the courage to let go.
Masauti
Acclaimed Kenyan singer-songwriter Masauti (born Mohammed Ali Said) captures the rush and vulnerability of falling completely for someone on his latest single, “Angelina”. Known as “Kenyan Boy” and “Mswazzi,” the artist blends Swahili R&B, Afropop and Bongo Flava to tell a heartfelt story of emotional surrender, turning unexpected attraction into a deep declaration of devotion.
Sinachi
Abuja-based artist Sinachi blends contemporary hip-hop with infectious Afro-fusion rhythms alongside featured artist Heavn 77 on his new single, “Tiffany”. Following underground releases like “Chargie” and “Bubbly,” Sinachi captures the excitement of being drawn to a confident, standout Gemini who drives him “loco”.
Lasmid
Prominent Ghanaian musician Lasmid channels passion and devotion on his latest single, “Liquor Store”. Blending Afrobeats, Highlife, hip-hop, and rap, the MTN Hitmaker Season 8 winner uses vibrant production and a playful metaphor comparing romance to an irresistible force to celebrate a relationship built on commitment and risk.
Khaleedthefirst
Following his breakout success with the Odumodublvck-assisted “Top Boy Remix,” Nigerian-British artist Khaleedthefirst captures the dual sides of ambition on his latest drop, “Bank Alert/Hustle”. The release pairs the celebratory arrival of financial progress on “Bank Alert” with the foundational, disciplined drive required to keep working on “Hustle”.
Hood Boyz
Kenyan music trio Hood Boyz, comprising Papa Nyosto, Mana Vevo and Fame Stano, continue to champion East Africa’s street-pop movement with their new single, “Pedeshe”. Fusing Arbantone, Gengetone, Afrobeats and urban dancehall, the Nairobi-based group blends a call for community support with high-energy dancefloor rhythms to celebrate the journey from hardship to success.
Kidd Carder
Emerging Nigerian Afrobeats and Afro-fusion artist Kidd Carder reflects on perseverance and self-belief on his latest single, “Anybody”. Following viral success with “Calculate” and momentum from “Big Bum Bum” featuring Mavo, Kidd Carder rejects external validation and criticism, choosing instead to trust the process and focus on his relentless work ethic.
Patomant
Rising Nigerian Afro-fusion and Afropop artist Patomant (born Patrick Adoroh) delivers a vibrant blend of West African rhythms and playful swagger on his latest single, “DLM (Don’t Leave Me)”. Driven by an intense romantic attraction, the track paints a picture of late-night adventures and carefree spending beneath a straightforward plea for loyalty.
Pelumi Deborah
Rounding out the week’s releases, fast-rising Lagos-based gospel minister Pelumi Deborah offers a powerful reminder of faith and devotion on her new single, “Oluwapelumi”.
Anchored by the Yoruba declaration meaning “God is with me,” the track moves naturally between Yoruba and English to reassure listeners navigating uncertainty or loneliness.
All the songs are available via ONErpm.