This week in African music: New culture-centric sounds

Each week, Africa’s music scene delivers a fresh wave of sound—vibrant, daring, and deeply rooted in culture.

This week’s selection captures that spirit through a rich mix of Afrobeats, Afro-house, Zamrock, and genre-bending collaborations that stretch across borders.

A standout track comes from the fusion of Blaqbonez and Kizz Daniel, who team up to create a playful yet infectious tune that thrives on witty lyrics and streetwise charm. It’s the kind of song that instantly sticks, echoing the hustle and humour of everyday life.

WITCH, the legendary Zambian rock band, resurfaces with a bold new track that revives the psychedelic Zamrock era with a fresh twist. Their sound is a time machine, transporting listeners through decades of musical rebellion and African ingenuity.

Niniola returns with a fierce Afro-house anthem that reclaims her throne as a genre leader.

Her voice dances over pulsing beats with confidence, inviting fans to move, feel, and celebrate self-worth.

In Ghana, Wendy Shay makes a bold statement with a track that oozes attitude and defiance.

It’s a reminder that self-love and resilience remain essential themes in African pop.

Shallipopi and Burna Boy bring together street energy and Afro-fusion finesse in a collaboration that hits hard with rhythm and personality.

Their chemistry is undeniable, giving listeners an edgy anthem with mass appeal.

Thutmose adds depth to the list with a thoughtful, genre-blending song that reflects on ambition and personal growth.

His Nigerian-American perspective adds another layer to the global conversation happening within African music.

Together, these songs form a soundtrack of the moment, unapologetically African, sonically adventurous, and full of life.

This week, the continent’s artists once again prove they’re not just shaping African music, but the sound of the world.