Victony Finally Makes a Record That’s Fun, Not About Surviving
Two albums called Stubborn later, the Nigerian Afrobeats singer Victony stops explaining himself and starts enjoying the view on STARLIFE.
afropop
Tekno Returns to What He Knows Best on ‘Where Did Love Go?’
The most striking thing about Tekno’s Where Did Love Go? isn’t that he sounds unaware of the changes in Afrobeats, but that he seems comfortable ignoring them.
Fatoumata Diawara Creates Inspiring Pop on ‘Massa’
Fatoumata Diawara is a charismatic performer whose skill set has extraordinary breadth and depth, and Massa is her fullest demonstration of it thus far.
Olé! Allez! Go! World Cup Songs That Make the Earth Move
Made for the masses, and specifically for football fans, Most World Cup songs sound like AI slop, but there are some rare gems to be found, and we’ve got them.
Asake’s ‘M$NEY’ Is a Victory Parade and Quiet Prayer
Four years in, Asake is no longer arguing. He is content, and content, on a record this carefully made, turns out to sound like something close to grace.
Angélique Kidjo Celebrates Joy and Holds on to ‘HOPE!!’
Angélique Kidjo’s spirits are remarkably high for 2026, and HOPE!! is ebullient against all odds. She faces the trials of the world and sings through them.
Mr Eazi and King Promise Document a Long Kinship
Mr Eazi and King Promise’s See What We’ve Done lands like a pulse check: messy, breathing, and defiantly human.
Thaba Embraces South African Pop in an Artistic Triumph
Thaba’s mix of charming DIY beats and technical musical excellence, soulful lyrics, and wistful melodies makes for ephemeral moments of nostalgia and familiarity.
Mali’s Salif Keita Sounds Inspired on Irrestible ‘So Kono’
If Un Autre Blanc was Salif Keita’s music coming to a head, then certainly So Kono makes for a soothing and stunning denouement to his recording work
Kinshasa’s Kin’gongolo Kiniata Debuts with Bold Grooves
Kin’gongolo Kiniata translate vibrant existence into thrilling music with a modern punk edge and hope for the possibilities of better things that start from the ground up.
Florence Adooni’s Astonishing ‘A.O.E.I.U.’ Is Electrifying
Florence Adooni has effortless, down-to-earth charisma from start to finish, from her most lighthearted moments to her most earnest.
Sparks Fly on Jupiter and Okwess’ Thrilling ‘Ekoya’
Jupiter and Okwess make bold music that moves the body and mind. They are expert at making history and social commentary exciting.