This week delivers one of the most interesting waves of new music in recent memory.

Globally, the conversation is dominated by Dave, who returns after his 2021 classic with the ambitious, lyrically intricate album, The Boy Who Played The Harp. On the same day, Megan Thee Stallion shifts her sonic focus, sampling Total’s ‘90s R&B for her new single, “Lover Girl.”

The Afrobeats and Amapiano scenes are firing on all cylinders. Tyla finally drops the long-teased, fan-favourite track “Chanel.” In a massive link-up, DJ Tunez, DJ Maphorisa, and Wizkid have released the South Gidi EP, a project poised to define the sound of the upcoming holiday season. Street-pop is also making global inroads with Shallipopi’s collaboration with US rap heavyweight Gunna for “Him.” Rising star Mavo has secured a major co-sign from Davido for the “Shakabulizzy Remix,” and Highlife purists The Cavemen. have tapped UK rapper Pa Salieu for their track, “Gatekeepers.”

This wave is bolstered by a flurry of other key releases, including CupcakKe’s The BakKery album, and new singles from Boj (“After Hours” and “Normally”), Juls (“Magic” ft. Tay Iwar), Mr Eazi (“Violence”), Wani (“About You”), and Lil Kesh (“TTGG”).

Check them below.

Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp (Album)

Mavo, Davido – Shakabulizzy Remix

Tyla – Chanel

Boj, Anais Cardot – After Hours

SDC, Boj, Joey B – Normally

Shallipopi, Gunna – Him

Juls, Tay Iwar – Magic

DJ Tunez, DJ Maphorisa, Wizkid – South Gidi

CupcakKe – The BakKery (Album)

Wani, Melvitto – About You

Megan Thee Stallion – Lover Girl

Mr Eazi – Violence

The Cavemen., Pa Salieu – Gatekeepers

Lil Kesh, Balloranking – TTGG