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Joeboy tells Apple Music about What He Has Learned Between Albums
This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Joeboy 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, May 19th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Cover Star Interview
Nigerian Afrobeats star Joeboy joins Dadaboy Ehiz via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, the BNXN fka Buju and ODUMODUBLVCK collab, “Normally.” He also discusses his upcoming album, ’Body & Soul,’ what he’s learned about the creative process, and how he’s embraced the art of collaboration.
The Big 5
Dadaboy Ehiz shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Oxlade & Flavour, Omah Lay & Ozuna, 1da Banton feat 255, De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef & Eemoh feat. Sipho Magudulela, and Bien & Dj Edu.
Africa Rising
Nigerian Afro-pop singer-songwriter and producer Soundz is the latest artist featured from Apple Music’s Africa Rising playlist, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars, and this week’s show features his singles, “Attention,” and the Fave collab, “Fever.” Listen HERE.
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 Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez and his collab with American rapper Ludacris, “Cinderella Girl (Where You Dey)” from Apple Music’s Africa to the World playlist. Listen HERE (and find a roundup of all Dadaboy’s selections on Apple Music’s Dadaboy’s Playlist, HE
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, May 19th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.
Joeboy tells Apple Music how Love Plays A Role in his New Album, ‘Body & Soul’
It’s like the best of both worlds – there’s the love ideology there, [and] there’s the toxic love – because at the end of the day love is not just a bed of roses, there are battles and challenges that people in relationships have to go through.
There’s this social media idea that love is perfect and white as snow, but that’s not it. Love is war, basically, so I’ve come to understand that and the album doesn’t just touch on the positive aspects of love, it touches on the other aspects of love. Not just the good part.
Joeboy tells Apple Music about What He Has Learned Between Albums
As a mainstream artist, there’s a pressure that comes with trying to make the next hit record, and it brings a lot of undue and unnecessary pressure on yourself. I remember while I was working on the album I had a creative block, I was just thinking of too many factors and when you start putting in too many factors in regards to making music it slows down your creativity, which is what I’ve learned right now.
I was speaking to one of my producers, E Kelly – he’s been working with me since the beginning of my career – and [he was] like you know what, just make music without any forms of barriers or boundaries, just make music that comes out naturally. Don’t try to make it sound a certain type of way, make it like you’re enjoying yourself. At the end of the day, before the fame and the money, music was something I just loved doing, like I enjoyed doing, so I just really went back to that point.
Joeboy tells Apple Music How He Embraced Collaboration for the ‘Body & Soul’ Album
I’d say this point it was just necessary. With the first album I just really wanted people to connect to me directly – like ok, this is me, this is what I entail right now. The first album is the foundation of the music, so when people want to go back to the source, they know that this is the vibe and sound this person started from. I wanted it to be just me on that particular album so people can get the whole package of me at that point.
Moving forward with this album it was just a matter off time because I’ve grown to learn working with different artists I really love and respect, so it was time to work with people, and the songs were beautiful.
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Introducing “SEX” by Soundsbysdl: A Fusion of Abuja and Accra Underground Scenes
This groundbreaking album transcends borders, seamlessly merging the vibrant sounds of the underground music scenes in Abuja and Accra.
“SEX” Features Two Distinct Sides:
Side A: With an electrifying and upbeat rage, Side A pulsates with energy, showcasing the raw intensity of the underground scene. Featuring a lineup of talented artists including L1trendsetter, Ya ROE, Kwelit, Jaleel Thomas, Usan-JT, Danny Montanna, Javan Santana, Trap KYD, and Siient Parker, Side A immerses listeners in a whirlwind of captivating beats and impassioned lyrics.
Side B: As the journey unfolds, Side B offers a tranquil and mellow atmosphere, serving as the perfect counterpart to the high-octane energy of Side A. Artists MASK MO, Kwelit, Micky wrecks, L1trendsetter, KOMÉ, Tyler-Leigh, Rezzyvfm, and Ruch Sensei contribute to this soothing sonic landscape, inviting listeners to unwind and reflect.
Adding to the album’s allure is a bonus track from the esteemed Ghanaian group AD20. Their contribution enriches the album with authentic Ghanaian flair
“SEX” was executively produced by the talented Kwelit and curated by Jodye SDL, ensuring a seamless fusion of musical styles and influences from both cities.
“SEX” marks a historic moment in music, as it becomes the first album to merge the underground scenes of both Abuja and Accra. Soundsbysdl invites music enthusiasts worldwide to join in the celebration of this unprecedented fusion of cultures and sounds.
Experience the electrifying fusion of Abuja and Accra underground scenes with “SEX” by Soundsbysdl. Available on all major streaming platforms, this album is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite cultures.
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Introducing oShamo’s New Single, “Life of the Party”
Nigerian-born, UK-based rising star oShamo presents his first official single of 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a standout year. Aptly titled “Life of the Party”, the song was produced by SkeellzGotbeat and showcases oShamo’s distinct bass voice and charismatic personality. Throughout the track, listeners get a glimpse of oShamo’s charismatic personality, which shines through every lyric and note.
“Life of the Party” has rapidly gained popularity and is currently trending on TikTok. The song has inspired over 7,000 organic videos, accumulating more than 4 million views. Its popularity continues to increase day by day.
Signed to Mr Eazi’s emPawa Africa, oShamo steps into the spotlight with this vibrant, energetic track, destined to become a staple in every party playlist, just as its name suggests.
“Life of the Party” is now available on all major music streaming platforms.
Connect with oSHAMO @Official_oshamo
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Tems Tells Apple Music About What Fans Can Expect From Her Upcoming Album, And More…
Tems joins Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1 to talk about her new song “Love Me JeJe” out now. Tems talks about how she came up with the new single, how it was a collaborative effort amongst her friends. She reveals that her mother loves the song and that it’s inspired by a Nigerian classic.
Also, Tems gives fans a glimpse into what they can expect from her upcoming album, “Born in the Wild”.
Key quotes below please feel free to credit Eddie Francis on Apple Music 1. Video to follow shortly.
Tems tells Apple Music about the love she gets from people…
Eddie Francis: There’s this certain reaction you get from people where like people love you. It’s not even just a like. Does that get weird? Because we feel like we know you and we don’t know you and you don’t know us.
Tems: I think I’m used to it. I don’t know why though. Always I’m like, “Do you really feel this way? Why? Why do you like me?” I don’t know, but I think I’m used to it now.
Eddie Francis: Like when they see you, it’s like, “Oh my God, it’s Tems.” And I’ve talked to you before and I know you’re really on energy and spirituality and I know you got to feel it. When did you realize you have a different kind of relationship with people that are fans of your music?
Tems: I think it’s just the reaction and in real life, the amount of emotion, there’s just this energy that feels pure that I get all the time. And I was like, “Yo, this is not normal. This is not normal.” It is different if it’s like, “Oh yeah. I think you’re just so cool.” And that might be the case, but I don’t know. It’s so much love sometimes, I just, I don’t, it’s just wild.
Tems on the creation of her new song, “Love Me JeJe”…
So basically, I went out to dinner with my girls, with my friends, two of my friends. We’re just like, “Oh, let’s just do a cute dinner. It’s going to be cute.” And afterwards, my friends are always telling me, you never show us your Tems side. Everybody else, yeah, you’re Tems, but my friends don’t feel like I am when I’m there. It’s just like, I’m this girl. So they’re like, “Oh, you never take us to the studio. We don’t even know if you are like… Are you a doppelganger? Are you like, what is that?” So I said, “Okay, tonight we’re going to the studio and you people, you are going to sing?” So they were like, “Oh my god, crazy. What?” So we went to the studio and two of my producers, they made this beat, Spax and Guilty and they sent it to me as a challenge like, “Oh. Yeah, I’m sure you can’t do Nigerian. I am sure you can’t do this jam.”
So I was like, I just had it in the back. So I played it and I told my friends, “Yeah, lets all freestyle, take turns. Oh yeah, you do freestyle, you…” So one of my friends did “Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender.” And then my other friend was just screaming as well. And I was like, “Actually this is a mad vibe. I love this vibe. I’m going to keep this in the song.” And I did my own freestyle and it just was such a cute vibe and I wanted to pay tribute to the actual song ’cause I love that song. My mom loves that song. “Love Me Jeje.” The original song is from Seyi Sodimu. The original song is called “Love Me Jeje” as well and it’s a Nigerian classic and it just felt right.
Tems on the term “JeJe” and what it means…
Jeje is African and Jeje also just means the concept of the song Love Me Jeje, Love Me Tender, it just means love me softly, take your time with, love me unconditionally and show me good love. That’s what it means. So that’s the idea of “Love Me JeJe”.
Tems on “NEPA” and what that means when she uses it in the song…
NEPA is, so basically NEPA is the electricity company in Nigeria. And basically, we don’t always have 24 hours electricity. So when there’s lights or when the electricity comes back on, there’s this like, everybody, you just hear your neighbours shouting, “Hey, there’s electricity now.” So you turn me on like the electricity, I’m back on, you electrify me, basically.
Tems on what fans can expect from her next album, Born in the Wild…
“Born in the Wild” is actually about my journey. It’s about my experience as me and about the experiences I’ve had so far. And it really felt like the life I lived before, the life I was accustomed to felt like a wilderness. And it’s not really more so, yes, I was raised in Lagos and that’s a part of me, but it’s not really about the place, it’s more about the state of being. It was a wilderness in the environment I lived in and there’s so many things that happened and so many lessons I learned to come and be this person now. It is basically coming out of the wilderness. So that’s basically what Born In the Wild is about.
I’ve had to step back a bit to make sure or to check in with myself that I’m being true and also just find healing from all the trauma. Everything I experienced before Tems, I think I had to unlearn a lot of things. And this album is just, it is just a new way of me expressing myself while still centering who I am in it.
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Larry Vibez transports us into his universe in “Diary of Vibez” EP
Afropop Newcomer Larry Vibez is set to make his mark in the burgeoning Afrobeat music space as he unveils his highly anticipated EP “Diary of Vibez.” The project was released via Big Larry’s Record. (more…)
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CAKES DA KILLA releases ‘Black Sheep +’ album
Last month, New York rapper Cakes da Killa released “his most refined work to date” (DJ Mag), Black Sheep, and today, Cakes shares Black Sheep + out now via Young Art Records. With five new tracks and fresh album art, the deluxe version of Black Sheepexpands on his “most danceable album yet” (The FADER) and showcases more of Cakes’ “rapid-fire flows, clever punchlines and old-school ‘rapper’s rapper’ mentality” (RANGE).
Black Sheep is inspired by seeing the world, by embracing the nightlife and building community. Cakes’ critical and communal acclaim precede him: in the past two years, he’s played Glastonbury, Governors Ball, Sonar, and Whole Festival. He’s worked with everyone from Honey Dijon to Injury Reserve to RyeRye. Whether holding court, going through customs, or crushing competition, Cakes stands firm as a seasoned vet who knows his role and knows the game.
Reuniting with long-time collaborator Sam Katz, the producer behind 2022’s Svengali, Black Sheep finds the duo at their most comfortable and confident: Cakes wrote every bar, Katz did every beat. Over the course of the album, Cakes guides us through a spiritual trip from the clubs of Manhattan to the back blocks of Brooklyn. Black Sheep is a work of survival and sees the decorated emcee fully aware of his power, his place, and no longer settling for less than he deserves.
Featuring his sharpest writing and most electrifying performances to date, Black Sheep is a coronation of his graduation to foremother: a figure who spent his 20s hustling alongside his peers, focusing on the work, and paving the way for the generation we see today. He’s a rapper’s rapper, a girl’s girl, and he’s ready to be a superstar.
Watch Video for “Mind Reader” (ft. Stout)
Listen to “Do Dat Baby” (ft. Dawn Richard)
Listen to “Cakewalk” by Cakes da Killa
Watch Cakes da Killa perform “Cakewalk” on COLORS
Black Sheep + Tracklist
1. It’s A Luv Thang (ft. Wuhryn Dumas)
2. Mind Reader (ft. Stout)
3. Make Me Ovah
4. FourPlay
5. Do Dat Baby (ft. Dawn Richard)
6. Global Entry
7. Downtown J
8. Cakewalk
9. Crushin In Da Club
10. Problem 4 Problems
11. Ain’t Sh*t Sweet
12. Black Sheep
13. Chain Gang Pimpin
14. Fly Trap
15. Not Da One
16. Standing Ovation
Cakes da Killa Tour Dates:
Sat. June 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ Ladyland Festival
Sat. July 6 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival
Sun. July 21 – Ghent, BE @ Boomtown Gent Festival
Sun. July 28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Milkshake Festival
Fri. Aug. 2 – Amsterdam, NL @ Dekmantel Festival
Praise for Cakes da Killa and Black Sheep
“Cakes Da Killa is a rap icon…” – Mixmag
“Black Sheep stands as one of the emcee’s best works to date, continuing his genre-defying style with renewed panache — jazz, house, R&B and rap all meld into one sound throughout the project — while his writing game reaches yet another career-high.” — Billboard
“[Black Sheep] is a confident compendium of breathless performances, bombastic personality, and thrilling genre collages.” — Pitchfork
“[Black Sheep is] an impressive display of pure rapping ability and irresistible grown and sexy grooves” — Bandcamp
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