A single release week distributed via ONErpm has thrown up an unusually wide cross-section of African music, running from Zlatan’s street-party energy to a cluster of faith-driven Afro-gospel projects and R&B releases out of Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania.
The common thread is the label’s reach rather than a single genre: Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-drill, Afro-soul and gospel all feature, evidence of how broad the ONErpm pipeline into pan-African markets has become.
Zlatan celebrates the good life on “Italawa”
Zanku movement originator Zlatan returns with “Italawa,” a party record built on energetic chants, call-and-response hooks and lively percussion. True to form, he laces the celebration with playful observations on Lagos nightlife, spending habits and celebrity culture. “It’s all about good vibes… that’s the energy I wanted to bring,” he said.
Keji Hamilton channels decades of Afrobeat musicianship into Afro-gospel on “Afro Keji”
A former member of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Egypt 80 band who toured internationally for over a decade, multi-instrumentalist Keji Hamilton turns that Afrobeat pedigree toward gospel on his new album Afro Keji. Across eight tracks, sung in Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba, the record moves from spiritual warfare “Ole,” through surrender “Gel” and prayer for others “Pray For You” to gratitude on closers “Titi Lailai” and “Baba.”
“After years of playing Afrobeat around the world, I wanted to create something that carried those rhythms while sharing the stories of God’s grace,” Hamilton said.
Eri-Ife crosses a new threshold with Rubicon EP
Nigerian alternative R&B and soul artist Eri-Ife, known for fusing contemporary sensibilities with Yoruba influences, follows single “Aroma” with the five-track gospel EP Rubicon.
The project traces a journey from worship to committed discipleship, with the title track framing obedience as a point of no return; “I’m going, I’m going,” paired with the Yoruba refrain “Ko s’ikoyin” (“there’s no turning back”), before closing on “KSMD,” a testimony of gratitude through hardship.
Kemuel pays tribute to his roots with “Borokiri Boy”
Port Harcourt artist Kemuel’s third EP, Borokiri Boy, is described as his most complete body of work yet, nine tracks written and produced entirely by Kemuel under his production alias, Wondah. Blending Afrobeats, R&B and electronic textures, the project charts a journey from new attraction through toxic entanglements to self-realisation, closing on the mantra “E go sup eventually.”
“It’s made up of a lot of love songs because, honestly, I’m mostly made of love,” Kemuel said.
Zhus Jdo channels Benin City grit on “Wahala Pikin”
Zhus Jdo’s seven-track EP Wahala Pikin draws on a Benin City upbringing where “nothing comes easy,” fusing Afrobeats, Afro-drill, Amapiano, street-hop and hip-hop. Opener “E Never Choke” sets a tone of relentless ambition, while “Nigerian Accent,” featuring Muyeez, doubles as a love letter to home.
“Greatness is earned, never given,” Zhus Jdo said.
Jerry Shaffer channels energy and ambition on “Hyper Active / Never Know”
African hype-culture pioneer Jerry Shaffer, known for commanding some of the continent’s biggest stages, releases a dual single pairing “Hyper Active,” with Semzi and Poco Lee, and “Never Know,” featuring Kashcoming. The former is an adrenaline-driven anthem of ambition; the latter reflects on growth amid uncertainty.
“You have to stay hungry, stay active, and believe that your next win could be closer than you think,” Shaffer said.
Prinx Emmanuel celebrates divine protection on “Many”
Nigerian contemporary gospel artist Prinx Emmanuel, born Agas Peter, blends Afropop, Amapiano and Highlife on new single “Many,” a testimony of protection built on the chanted refrain “dem many many.”
“I want people who hear this song to remember that they are covered and never alone,” he said.
Ila Nia and Kahuti explore commitment on “Choosing You”
Kenyan Afro-soul and R&B artist Ila Nia, a former backing vocalist for Nameless, Wahu and Nadia Mukami, teams up with Kahuti on “Choosing You,” a duet in English, Swahili, Luo and Kikuyu about the everyday work of sustaining love. “Long-lasting relationships aren’t built on grand moments alone,” Ila Nia said.
FaymOfficial finds strength in moving on with “Let Go”
Nigerian Afro-fusion artist FaymOfficial, blending Afrobeats, hip-hop and R&B, releases “Let Go,” an honest account of walking away from a relationship that “can no longer be saved.”
“Sometimes you can love someone with all your heart, but if the feeling isn’t mutual, the healthiest thing you can do is let go,” he said.
Dayoo turns everyday hustles into music on “Biashara”
Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist Dayoo, joined by Kontawa, closes the roundup with “Biashara,” a wry take on entrepreneurial setbacks, from failed fruit-selling ventures to an ill-fated coffin business idea.
“Sometimes laughing at our struggles gives us the strength to keep going,” Dayoo said.
All releases are now streaming via ONErpm.