Somto BisinaAfrican music has always been a diverse cultural scene, with multiple layers of amazing sound and rhythm. With the advent of the Internet, streaming, and social media, the staggering and awe-inspiring reach is now, more than ever, visible.
These days, we tend to talk about Afropop’s excellence concerning its increased global acceptance. However, if you are a keen cultural observer, what is more significant is the fact that a lot more is going on in African music than just the mainstream validation.
As one of our final lists, we would be highlighting 5 songs that changed the Afropop scene this year, from most relevant to the least.
1. Burna Boy – “Last Last”
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2022 will always be remembered as the year Burna Boy made the world sing out loud, and dance to a breakup anthem. “Last Last” was played at clubs, weddings, and every gartering you can think of.
“Last Last,” was mixed over Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” in the song, Burna Boy sings about the misfortune that comes with longing for someone whose heart can’t be trusted.
While taking a significant period of his life and shaping it into music, he sets the record straight. Giving everybody a mantra “ las las, na everybody go chop breakfast”.
2. Black Sherif – “Kwaku the Traveller”
Ghanaian artist Black Sherif started this year with the Joker nharnah-produced “Kwaku the Traveller.” Around the time of its release, Black Sherif was facing backlash in his home country for dropping his previous manager and signing with EMPIRE.
The hit song “Kwaku the Traveller” was used to address his imperfections and vulnerabilities, while still retaining a chest-thumping oomph in the track.
The lyric line, “Of course I fucked up/Who never fuck up hands in the air,” became a mantra sung by everybody reminding us that making mistakes is human but owning up to those mistakes is what truly matters.
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3. Kabza De Small – “Khusela”
Who begins an album with an eight-minute song? You know who, it could only be ‘Piano’s prolific genius, Kabza De Small. “
Khusela” is an earthy record that doesn’t burden itself with the aspirations of its scope. It’s rather executed with an almost shoulder shrug, each percussive rhythm placed with loose intent while retaining its role in the grander set-up. “Khusela” had everyone bumping their heads throughout the whole eight minutes.
4. Oxlade – “Ku Lo Sa”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Oxlade, had a very successful run in his career this year, taking the African Music Industry by surprise. His Song “Ku Lo Sa” a regular A Colors Show” performance, held TikTok in a chokehold as he had everybody trying to mimic his dance steps in that performance.
The song was released in June but got more attention in August, with content creators mimicking Oxlade on TikTok, this song also got a significant feature from American Singer-songwriter Camila Cabello. The popularity of the song even brought out the Oxlade effect filter.
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The dance trends, filter effect, and other creative content all combined have over 582.4k video content. This is not the only song sound released by the Nigerian music star. A more extended version of the song, which is a minute long, has been used in over 292.8k video content.
5. Ayra Starr – “Rush”
Rush by Ayra Starr is a pretty relatable song, and people across the continent loved this big tune from the self-acclaimed Celestin being. Several teasers from Ayra Starr heralded this before it finally debuted in September.
Rush taps into the Nigerian zeitgeist of seeking God-ordained favors, the song is as much a prayer and celebration for the listeners as it is for Ayra Starr
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