Artistes of the Week// October 2025 (Part 1)

Artistes of the Week:

Hi there! Welcome to another exciting week of new music and new releases. Over here, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite listens in the past week and we can’t wait for you to experience it all with us. Let’s dive in!

Ladipoe & Ayomaff: NBA

Ladipoe and Ayomaff drop a new street anthem called ‘NBA, a juicy mix of Afro-house, Afrobeat, and Afro-hiphop. The song begins with a hook from Ayo Maff while Ladipoe carries it on, coming in with a hard flow and big energy. As usual, he spits fire to the mic and does a seamless mic toss to Ayo Maff, who cranks up the heat with a simple and addictive hook. The song begins as a proper Afro-hiphop; over time we are introduced to a mix of Afro-house. It holds a street energy and Afro hip-hop appeal, but in a soft and boujee way. Ultimately, the song reminds us to live in the present. It’s all about enjoying the time we have to spend here on earth, no matter how brief. Since we’ll inevitably leave this world behind, for these two stars, the goal is to ‘Jaiye kin to lo’, enjoy things to the maximum before they leave. Check out ‘NBA’!

Bella Shmurda ft Kunmie: Sanity

Bella Shmurda dropped his long-awaited album, ‘Sanity’, over the past week, and everything about this project just screams intentionality. From its lovely visuals to every message and motive behind the messages, it is a deep exploration of his self as he locks into everything, from emotions to genres to purpose. Though it’s been a struggle to pick, we have to admit that our favourite track for the week is ‘Sanity’ ft Kunmie (and also produced by CiDAR’s finest in-house producer FADEVENOM). Sanity is a somber and deeply reflective track. It begins with Kunmie's solemn voice in a chorus style, while Bella Shmurda follows behind, hitting the mic with an artistic pain and intensity that's hard to replicate. ‘My mind needs more clarity’ – the words, so deep and deeply relatable, are cried out, and even here, there is respite. This chorus wraps us, both listener and artist, into the thick of the music, making it a safe space, a comforting blanket all through the music.

This song was borne out of a place of honesty and reflection on all he’s experienced and all the loss and love he’s struggled to handle. ‘Sanity’ is the hand stretched forward, seeking the help needed. It’s the ache in the heart, raw art so true, so deep, and so ready to keep you hooked. It helps us slow down and confront the sad and struggling parts of ourselves. The one that’s like walking on broken bottles. Don’t miss out on this one, and if you’ve been mounted on the album already, give ‘Sanity’ a second listen.

1da Banton: Pawon

1da Banton has just released his hot, interesting, and intoxicating new Afrobeats jam, ‘Pawon’, and the vibes here are on a 100! This song is a solid mood elevator, a party anthem that commands you to step, to get your back off the wall and give it a new use! The rhythm is rather mysterious and edgy, filling you with a need for more. So waste no time and turn up now with 1da Banton’s latest slay, ‘Pawon’

Gafgold: Bless me

Gafgold, is a new sensation in the world of Afro music, who pours his heart into every song, hoping to share an exchange of connection with the heart of whoever listens. Turning stories into melodies to be felt, shared, and cherished, he’s an artist with a vision. Recently, he dropped his new Afro-pop/Amapiano jam called ‘Bless Me’, teaching us to be thankful for all the blessings God has placed with us. He starts and ends the music on a note of gratitude as he counts his blessings, his grace of abundance. ‘Bless Me’ is a reminder of just how much he’s been blessed by God, blessed enough to dance and live life joyfully! So join the good vibes with Gafgold and appreciate the sweetness of God with ‘Bless Me’!

Lekiss: Activating

Lekiss, also known as Kareem Lekan Faruq, is a sensational Nigerian artist known for his versatility, smooth delivery, and heartfelt songwriting. Constantly building his catalog of vibrant and uplifting records and dominating spaces with his spirit of hustle creativity and resilience as reflected in his music ,thisartiste continues to carve his space in the music industry as one of the new generation voices, shaping the world of Afropop. He has just released a new track full of vibes and energy, and it’s called ‘Activating’.It’s a lovely Amapiano/Afrobeats track that’s all about embracing and activating good vibes and energy. It gives the aura of a stress-free mood with no time or care to explain, but simply living and appreciating life. With zero time for negativity, Lekiss is sticking to the grind, getting the money, and living a life full of enjoyment. Join him on his journey and catch the vibe with ‘Activating’.

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