This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Ruger, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, Africa Rising and Dadaboy Ehiz’s Favourite Track of the Week!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Dadaboy Ehiz this Friday, July 1st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on Cool FM in Nigeria every Sunday at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
Nigerian Afropop star Ruger joins Dadaboy Ehiz via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “Girlfriend.” He also discusses his new album, ‘The Second Wave (Deluxe),’ recording music in unusual places, and reaffirming his talent.

The Big 5
Dadaboy Ehiz shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Ibraah feat. Maud Elka, Timaya, Mlindo The Vocalist feat. Madumane, Yemi Alade, and Sampa the Great feat. Chef 187, Tio Nason and Mwanje.

Africa Rising 
Ghanaian Afro-fusion singer-songwriter Gyakie is the latest Africa Rising cover star, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features her singles, “FOR MY BABY,” and “SOMETHING.” Listen HERE.

Read Also: Headie One Releases “Bigger Than Life” Featuring Dutch Rapper Frenna

Dadaboy’s Song of the Week
Each week, Dadaboy Ehiz chooses his favourite track from one of Apple Music’s African playlists. This week he spotlights South African singer-songwriter Samthing Soweto and his single, “Amagents,” from Apple Music’s Mzansi Hits playlist, showcasing South Africa’s biggest hits. Listen HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday July 1st at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow or on Cool FM in Nigeria every Sunday at 6pm.

RUGER ON RELEASING A DELUXE EDITION OF ‘THE SECOND WAVE’

It was only right for us to do that, because these songs were supposed to be on that from the beginning. We were supposed to release like 7 songs, but we cut it down to 4. Then, the idea came from releasing ‘The Second Wave’ EP. We said that we’d release 4 songs, then release 3 additional songs as a deluxe. Then, as life goes on new vibes came from the studio, so we said we’re not even putting those additional 3 songs, we’re going to put new additional 3 songs. That’s how it happened, and I’m happy with how it’s going. Thank God for everything.

Read Also: Nigeria’s new hiphop star, Portable granted bail after reporting himself to police

RUGER ON HIS GRATITUDE AND DETERMINATION

I feel good, I feel blessed going to every country that I go to. Netherlands, Australia… People singing my songs word for word. It’s an amazing feeling because not every artist comes out within a year and that song travels that far, but I am a testimony. I thank God and I thank everyone that enjoys my music as it comes out every time. It’s just encouragement for me to work harder and keep doing my best. Never going to the studio to do any mediocre sounds, never going to the studio to say “Whatever I drop they’re going to listen,” I go into the studio giving my 100% best and God will do the rest for me.

RUGER ON FAST-CONSUMING FANS

People tend to forget how good Ruger is. People are fast consumers so they consume what they have now and then… Do they forget about you? I don’t know but I feel like if they don’t hear anything from you in a while they feel like “Where’s Ruger?” They should always know that whenever Ruger comes through, it’s always a 100% vibe so these songs are very personal songs to me – “Girlfriend” is a personal song, “WeWe” is a personal song, “Warning” is a personal song – it’s just me stating about my personal experiences, and people who can relate to what I’m talking about, can relate. I feel like these songs are going to go very far, I’m proud of what I’ve done in the studio and I’m thankful to everyone supporting me in every little way they can. I’ll keep giving my best.

Grammy award-winning and Academy award nominated artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur Mary J. Blige will host a performance for one-night-only to celebrate her life and music that will be available to stream exclusively on Apple Music in over 165 countries on July 27th at 7:00 PM PST. Blige’s performance at New York City’s historic United Palace will feature a career-spanning setlist and reflections from her unparalleled career in music.

Blige will be the latest artist to take the stage for Apple Music Live, the exclusive live performance series on Apple Music giving the biggest stars in music a global platform to connect with audiences around the world.

Launched this spring, Apple Music Live has previously featured exclusive live streamed performances from global chart-toppers Harry Styles and Lil Durk, available to watch on-demand on Apple Music.

Mary J. Blige quote: “The last year of my career in particular has been an exciting ride. From continuing to act, to recording and releasing my 15th studio album, growing and expanding different businesses like Sun Goddess and Sister Love Jewelry, to performing at the Super Bowl, launching my Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit and now getting ready to go back on tour, it feels amazing to take this opportunity to celebrate, reflect and have an intimate night with my fans through this platform Apple Music is providing me.”

Read also: Fans troll Burna Boy over “crop top” outfit

Apple Music is inviting Mary J. Blige fans in the greater New York region the opportunity to register for free for a chance to be in the room as the influential artist takes the stage for this can’t miss one-off performance. Fans can register to attend HERE.

In anticipation of her exclusive Apple Music Live performance and to mark the 30th anniversary of her landmark debut album ‘What’s the 411?‘, on July 27th Apple Music Hits will devote the entire day to all things Mary, including exclusive programming, music, and interviews showcasing the key moments from her legendary catalog and career. Tune in all day HERE.

Mary J. Blige reached new heights on Apple Music in 2022, with the release of her fifteenth studio album, ‘Good Morning Gorgeous’, and her performance in the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. The week following the halftime performance was her biggest week in Apple Music history, with 325% more streams than she saw the same week in 2021. Blige’s saw songs new and old have reached the Daily Top 100 in countries worldwide. “Family Affair” hit the Daily Top 100 in a number of countries, including the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Denmark. All told, Mary J. Blige has hit the Daily Top 100 in 38 countries, and her music has been featured across many major editorial playlists on Apple Music, including R&B Now, ’90s Hits Essentials, Brown Sugar, and more. Blige is also a frequent guest on the Zane Lowe Show and Ebro show on Apple Music 1 where she regularly shares new music and connects with her fans around the world.

Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.

Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: “You Remind Me” and “Real Love”. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s My Life. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.

Each subsequent album reads like a chapter from an autobiography: Share My World (1997), Mary (1999), No More Drama (2001), Love & Life (2003), the multiple Grammy-winning and hit-spewing The Breakthrough (2005), Growing Pains (2007), Stronger with Each Tear (2009), My Life II… The Journey Continues (2011), A Mary Christmas (2013), The London Sessions (2014), Strength of a Woman (2017) and Good Morning Gorgeous (2022). Along the way, she’s lined up a string of hit singles, including Not Gon’ Cry, Love Is All We Need, Seven Days, All That I Can Say, Family Affair, Just Fine and U + Me (Love Lesson). In late 2021, Blige released the first two singles off her 15th studio album, “Amazing (feat. DJ Khaled)” and “Good Morning Gorgeous,” followed by “Rent Money (feat. Dave East)” in January of 2022. This all led up to the release of her latest studio album “Good Morning Gorgeous,” which dropped on February 11^th.

Over a period of 15 years, Smallgod has dabbled in the African music industry as the plug, a connector, artist manager and publisher and now, artist. Expanding his skill and talent in A&R earlier this year, Smallgod released his debut album, “Building Bridges”- an offering that connects Africa and the African diaspora through music. The streetwear enthusiast and culture connoisseur is taking a leap of faith and leading a charge for pan-Africanism through music.

Raised between Ghana, London and the Netherlands, Smallgod, also known as Nana Appiasei, became exposed to different cultures and music at an early age. Plus a  wanderlust which led him to North and South America, Smallgod has developed an expansive taste in music which cuts across cultures and genres. Entrenched and involved with fashion and streetwear, Smallgod has been involved with Daily Paper, the Netherland based streetwear brand which has all contributed to an ability to blend various sonic styles of Africa and the diaspora. 

Read Also: Smallgod talks about giving young musicians a chance and more on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio

Following the release of Smallgod’s widely received sophomore project Connecting the Dot’s, Smallgod releases another game changing record featuring Ghanian hottest artist Black Sherif and Canadian Legend Tory Lanez titled GIDI GIDI (Meaning Fast Fast in Twi). GIDI GIDI is a motivational hit for the streets! Touching on various subjects including humble beginnings, focus and growth.

Carefully curated by Smallgod, GIDI GIDI infuses modern day Hiphop with African & Caribbean influences. Track starts with effortless Ghanian influenced melodies from Black Sheriff, followed by Tory Lanez flowing in Jamaican Patios, with added production from Dutch producers N64 & Lynch, mixed by LA’s finest Leandro ‘Dro’ Hidalgo. 

Stream Link – https://ffm.to/gidigidi 

Kasoa-based fast rising Youngster,  John Zidor popularly known as ZIDOR  unlocks a fresh party anthem  dubbed ‘Party Time’.

This song was produced by Majorblaze mixed and mastered by Soundgod. It follows the release of ‘We Dey Your Back’, which was released earlier this year to show his dominance and support in Kasoa.

Read Also: Naana Blu and Teephlow have issued a press statement to their Exes in a New Song “You Go Miss Me”

According to  ‘Party Time’ carries the message of motivation and hope because ..” in  life, tough times will come but just relax, breathe and enjoy life when you have the opportunity.”

You can find the  latest masterpiece “PartyTime “ on BoomPlay, Spotify, Audiomack and all digital stores.

Follow Zidor on Facebook:  Zidor , Twitter @Zidor  , Instagram: @Zidorgh , TikTok: Zidorgh and YouTube Zidorgh

Let’s Sip is a new lifestyle podcast that has recently launched, hosted by media personality/actress, Chris Kata. In each episode, Kata sips wine while conversing with a variety of young African celebrities, entrepreneurs and interesting personalities to discuss topics including business, politics, challenges, and pathways to success.

Season 1 of Let’s Sip podcast which was sponsored by Don Simon Premium Sangria and Don Luciano wine and shot on location at Urbano Hotel in Accra, features the CEO of 3Music Networks and Founder of Wildaland Festival, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, media personality and travel entrepreneur, Brown Berry, media personality and philanthropist Vanessa Gyan, entrepreneur and gender activist, Felicity Nelson, twin cinematographer/photographers, Twinsdntbeg and serial entrepreneur, lifestyle enthusiast, and co-founder of Afrochella Festival, Kennedy Agyapong, Jnr.

Read Also: Gidi Culture Festival founder, Chinedu Okeke weds billionaire daughter, Nenesi Ibru in Morocco

“Let’s Sip is all about good vibes, nuggets of knowledge, and wise sayings from successful young Africans with inspirational stories. We share conversations on life, business, and everything in between. Sipping wine along the way just adds the extra spark!” says Kata who has served as a producer, on-air talent and content creator for West African media outlets and international brands.

The video version of Let’s Sip podcast is available on YouTube while the audio version is available on popular podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Google.

Let’s Sip was produced in partnership with Hunu Kane, IMG Studio, Marina Market, and WaxPrint Media.
To listen
To watch

Taylor Records/Team Avo unleashed the second edition of the Osu Tape EP by the Multiple award-winning Dancehall/Afro-beats act Sean Taylor.

Ghanaian born but currently Los Angeles based Sean Taylor is a unique totem in Dancehall and Reggae gallery. Infinitely capable of switching between the more core drumming of Afropop and the genre’s broader Afro-fusion influence.

The Ghanaian dancehall/ Afro-beats singer has released his latest EP dubbed “Osu Tape II”. This comes after the success of his debut EP “Osu Tape” which was released in 2021.

Read Also: GIVĒON Drops Mega-Anticipated Full-Length Debut Album Give Or Take

Osu Tape I https://ampl.ink/yPbzJ

Osu Tape EP II encapsulates music genres like Dancehall & Reggae, Drill & Afro beats, with the blend of languages like Pidgin, English & Ga. The tape speaks more about love, money, and betrayal, the ups and downs, the wins but not the loses and everything positive vibes.

On the guest slot of artists, Sean Taylor taps multiple award-winning Ghanaian Dancehall act Epixode – ,Ara B & Juni Hype.

On the production fronts as well, we have Nana Swizzle, IbeeOnDaBeatz, KingOneBeatz, Beatz Dakay and RileyDonMusic (Jamaica).

Sean Taylor outdid himself on this project, stepping out of his comfort zone by incorporating different melodies and rhythms he’s popularly not known for.

Kindly listen to the 5(five) songs body of work below and give it spin or slot in your playlist.

Fanlink: https://yve.fanlink.to/osutapeii

Social Media: https://ampl.ink/seantaylorsocials