Artistes of the week: July (Part 1)//2026

Artistes of the Week :

         Hi there! Beautiful listeners, welcome to a new week in July! The rain may reduce its intensity this week, but these artists have not. On today’s platter we have:

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Tommy wa- There Goes My Youth

        A whole multitude of worlds exist within the music of Tommy WÁ, one of the most special new voices to have emerged in recent years. Drenched in beauty and meaning, the music of the Nigerian-born, Ghana-based artist recalls the glistening atmospheres of Bon Iver and Michael Kiwanuka but has its roots in the African folk music of the mid-20th century. Presented through pristine hooks and vivid storytelling, it’s music that straddles eras, styles and continents but has universality at its core. He is a songwriter with an irresistible, honeyed voice and a knack for immediate hooks. Tommy Wa is an artist with a difference, and his soulful indie pop is a refreshing piece in the Nigerian music world. Speaking about the renaissance and the pains of youthful existence, he discusses ageing in the sweetest way. Like Mumford & Sons and all the indie pop stars that made the mid-2000s exactly what it is, Tommy Wa is making a difference with his music. His edgy, yet deeply soulful and well-reverberating, vocals are an eargasm. His vocals float like the fall of a leaf from a tree, sailing softly to the ground. Towards the middle of the music, he dives into a falsetto, and after a lovely crescendo, the beat switches its rhythm midway, veering deeper into the folk music path. So if you're a lover of raw indie-folk music from your own people, or you too are plagued with growing older. Check out Tommy Wa’s “There Goes My Youth”

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Bimz - Keys

        Bimz, a growing Afrobeat sensation recently dropped his firing Amapiano/Afrobeats and Afro-Hiphop fusion song; “Keys”. The syncopation of this music is its charm. It fuels you to move yet keeps you waiting on edge, on a high, till the beat drops in a very satisfying move. Bimz has got the keys and he's not afraid to use them! This song will fire up your system in the best way, so make sure to check out “Keys” by Bimz.

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PemyBoy, Boy Deno ft Zaylevelten - Money Convo

         Gaining over 3k streams on his debut release, PennyBoy a cool, new Afrobeats/alté artiste is joined by Boy Deno and Zaylevelten on his first single “Money Convo”. Made for lovers of that smooth Afro hip-hop twang, “Money Convo” is the definition of cool, calm and collected. Pennyboy and his comrades share a similar focus, living life that's centered on the grind. Focused on an ultimate goal, success and the money aligning. So if you're looking for something to chill to motivate your goal for money and a good life, “Money Convo” is a good place to start.

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Laolu - If I Could

      Soulful, novel Afrobeats artiste on the rise, Laolu, just released his new track, "If I Could" — a vibrant, feel-good love song that’s bound to make his listeners fall deeply in love.

         “If I Could” carries the infectious energy of Afropop into an Afro-R&B stage, forming something tender, sweet and genuine.        With playful lyricism, rich cultural references, and Saajo’s warm Afropop production, “If I Could” showcases Laolu at his most expressive — romantic, confident, and full of life. As He sings in the softest tones “If I could, I’d give you the world if I could”, you get to feel the intention and earnestness burning behind those words. In a gentle yet intentionally stylish way, his vocals come out nearly muffled, like it softly rests in the crevice of the beautiful rhythm. And like butter on bread, the vocals keep you locked in the sweetness of the lyrics, while the beat keeps you vibing along. Without further ado, make space for Laolu’s “If I Could” in your playlist

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EKENE, Braye- Relations

    Ekene, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Lagos, sees music as a means of documenting his truth and experiences. Raised on gospel music and later drawn to contemporary rap, pop, and R&B, Ekene's musical journey has been one of evolution and experimentation. Ekene crafts soulful songs that delve into authentic, raw emotions, reflecting his own vulnerability and struggles with self-expression. His introspective lyrics resonate universally, providing listeners with a mirror to their own experiences. Ekene's timeless voice adds depth to his emotional narratives, captivating audiences with its sincerity. Now etching his name in the wall of Afro-R&B, EKENE’s blooming voice is slowly becoming one to be remembered. With a smoothness that’s unrivaled, he keeps the rhythm on his new song,  “Relations” at his own pace, dipping in time with the rhythm. As EKENE’s voice comes in smooth to the touch, gliding like honey

Braye comes in on the next verse, with a passionate, raw edge, his intensity punching holes through his lines in the music. His voice hits like the sonic atmosphere Michael Kiwanuka and Daniel Ceaser bring to the room. This song confronts the hard things, trying to escape a mundane reality, seeking something more. The fears attached with growth and change but choosing that discomfort. Check out “Relations” by Ekene and Braye

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