Jovi – Zélé
Jovi’s versatility shines through on Zélé. Over a gritty trap beat he nods to fellow Cameroonian artist Zélé le Bombardier addresses their country’s social challenges, all with a cheeky nod to the popular pédale dance.
Kiss Daniel – Woju Remix ft Davido and Tiwa Savage
In most African countries, ’tis the season to get married. Naturally, the songs you’ll find heavily on rotation are the ones suited to wedding receptions – most with sweet nothings for lyrics, and an uptempo beat to step to, like this one by newcomer Kiss Daniel, from Nigeria.
Wizkid – Ojuelegba
There’s no denying it was Drake and Skepta’s remixed version of Ojuelegba that catapulted the song from pan-African hit to global crowd-pleaser. The original version, with its disarming recollection of Wizkid’s attempts – and current success – at making it in music, is a career-defining number that stands as his best song to date.
Jim Chuchu – Shauri Yako
East and central African 1980s music nostalgists will recognise this tune – originally by Nguashi N’timbo and his Orchestre Festival du Zaire. Kenyan film-maker and social activist Jim Chuchu, formerly of Just a Band, makes a quiet and welcome return to music with this tender, lush rendition of the classic.
J Hus – Lean and Bop ft Doccy Docs
At the intersection of hip-hop, Afrobeat and grime sits the one of the biggest UK hits of 2015. Lean and Bop kicked the door open for this Gambian Londoner who, newly signed and featuring on the BBC Sound of 2016 longlist, is looking to make greater waves.
