HOT 97 is a platform that strives inclusivity and diversity. In this music column, some of the best international musicians that are impacting listeners here in the U.S will be highlighted each week.
Adekunle Gold ft. Zinoleesky – “Party No Dey Stop”
Adekunle Gold is back with a new single “Party No Dey Stop” off his forthcoming album, which is set to be released this summer. The new Def Jam signee recruited fellow Nigerian Zinoleesky as both artists touch on some of the most important themes of life, including grace and having a great time.
“I’m not moved by what I see, I know who I be, I just want my peace/ Make money eh, I go get everything I need, in my own timing, koni kọja mi, koni delay, so many people deny/ Oluwa don co-sign, can’t believe this is my life, everything come align/ They looking me so surprised, shọmọde lo dun bayi, I know it’s hurting your pride, believe me I don’t mind, party no dey stop, when we pop,” Gold sings.
The record accompanies a video that gives fans an inside look of the studio session when the song was created.
Tiwa Savage ft. Ayra Starr and Young Jonn – “Stamina”
Tiwa Savage has teamed up with Ayra Starr and Young John for their new single “Stamina.” The record is a harmonic blend of Afropop, Afrobeats, and EDM. Tiwa Savage’s sharp Nigerian sound is complemented by Ayra Starr’s soulful vocals. Together, adding producer turned singer Young Jonn’s energetic beats, the trio created a song that definitely gets people out of their seats.
“Stamina” highlights the undeniable love and trust that can exist between two people. It speaks of the comfort and reassurance that someone can give to another person when everything in life is falling apart. “Na you take my breath away/ Omo one question sho fe pami/ Live to fight another day/ Live to fight another day/ So many things I can do to you/ If only you give me the permission to/ Give me the permission to/ Show you the thing I carry,” the lyrics read.
Major Lazer and Major League DJz – “Mamgobhozi”
“Mamgobhozi” is the third and latest single from South African Amapiano duo Major League DJz and Jamaican-American EDM trio Major Lazer’s joint album Piano Republik. The track features vocals from the late South African legend Brenda Fassie, and samples her 1997 single “Vuli Ndlela,” one of South Africa’s most celebrated hits.
“Brenda Fassie was not only an icon but she inspired many black South Africans to be their authentic selves,” Major League DJz said in statement. “Her music catalog brought joy to the many South Africans that filled stadiums to see her perform and is a true reflection of South African history.”
Piano Republik is set to be released tomorrow (March 24).
Jaido P ft. Fireboy DML – “One Of A Kind”
“One Of A Kind” featuring YBNL superstar Fireboy DML is Nigerian rapper Jaido P’s first single of 2023. It follows his 2022 double released tracks, “Disturb” and “Pablo Move.”
The new drop, produced by Cracker Mallo, is a song where both artists are heard reminiscing about how life was for them in the past and now they can enjoy the outcome of their accomplishments. In the chorus, Fireboy DML sings, “See I’m one of a kind/ Been a go-getter all of my life/ From the place where the sun never shines/ So I dey on the grind all the time/ All the time, all the time/ Got a lot on my mind/ I’ve been writing the songs of my life/ Many tears wey don fall for my eyes/ So today I go chop all my life.”
“Sitting on the chair mo dẹ n think about life mi/ Life mi o n shen nkan ti mo n think about lightly/ Think about knife tori wọn le backstab mi/ N**gas shine white teeth but wọn shi backbite mi/ Think about home ’cause my life like a road trip…Think about my goals when I feel like I’m folding/ The clock ticking mo mọ time must tell/ Anyhow e be ọmọ man must flex/Got my mind heavy and it can’t compress/ I need to have some Hennessy and then have some girls/ Cooking no apron/ When my work done I go play small/ People never know what my life is based on,” Jaido P raps in the first verse. “One Of A Kind” is accompanied by a visualizer of the duo in the streets of what it looks to be their hometown of Nigeria.
Look out for more each week. What are your thoughts so far?