Browsing Tag

afrobeat

Perenna King Fires Shots at the Elite with ‘Billionaire’

Posted on 21 March 2025

Perenna King isn’t here to play nice with the 1%. Billionaire is a slick, sultry rejection of the pop mould, drenched in bass-heavy afrobeat rhythms that instantly set the NYC singer-songwriter apart. With rap verses that cut through with razor-sharp conviction, she delivers a scathing critique of the ultra-wealthy, making it impossible not to get caught up in the hype of this protest anthem.

In a world where Elon Musk is unavoidable and the rich-poor divide stretches further by the day, King amplifies the frustrations of those grinding to get by, only to realise the system was rigged against them from the start. The track doesn’t just highlight the disparity—it vindicates the ones left fighting for scraps while the billionaires hoard power, influence, and entire economies.

Raised on a fusion of classic rock and literature, King has always had a flair for injecting her music with theatrical drama, but Billionaire isn’t just spectacle—it’s a battle cry. Her latest tour de force breathes fresh air into a genre often too cautious to take a stand. The message is as biting as the beat is infectious, proving that resistance isn’t futile.

Billionaire is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

TIGXA & VICA Unleash a Bass-Heavy Blitzkrieg with ‘Loco Motion #V01’

Posted on 20 March 2025

The stormer of an anthemic electro beat anthem, Loco Motion #V01’, born through the collaboration between TIGXA and VICA, allows two sonic worlds to collide with a force that would make Chase & Status stutter in inadequacy in their studio.

With beats strong enough to summon a dub demon and vocals carrying a cheeky infectious energy, the relentless earworm could make even the most reserved shed their inhibitions on the dancefloor. This is more than a collaboration—it’s a statement that these two are storming to the front of the drum and bass scene, smashing the monocultural mould in the process.

VICA channels sharp instincts and an ear for rhythm into every beat, bringing a presence as sharp as the production. With a Caribbean-rooted style that shifts as effortlessly as their movements, there’s a knowing precision behind every delivery. Paired with TIGXA—the evolving sonic universe of Ben Caesar, where every drop expands a multi-genre narrative—this track lands with undeniable weight, making it clear that their creative force isn’t slowing down any time soon.

From the moment the bass drops, there’s no escaping the gravitational pull of this track. The pulsating percussion, jagged synths, and commanding vocal presence turn it into an electrified adrenaline shot straight to the veins of the underground scene. The dancefloor won’t be the same once this one hits.

‘Loco Motion #V01’ is available now on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DAP The Contract & Suté Iwar Turn Up the Heat with the Sun-Soaked Rhythms of ‘Fàájì’

Posted on 3 March 2025

With the single, Fàájì, DAP The Contract and Suté Iwar locked into an up-tempo groove that pulses with rhythm-led euphoria, lifting you so high you’ll be waiting for the comedown.

Lauded by just about everyone that matters, DAP The Contract exudes the same stylistically luxe enlivening energy as Pharrell Williams as he finds vibe-heavy intersections between hip-hop and sun-bleached Afrobeat grooves, resulting in a sound that could light up dancehalls and dominate the streets.

DAP’s journey has never followed a straight line. From Lagos to London, from Berklee to Columbia Law School, he’s discovered a space where classical training meets raw creative instinct. Nine solo projects deep and fresh off performances alongside Burna Boy, Skepta, and Rema, he leans into his Nigerian roots on Fàájì, weaving highlife and Afrobeat elements into his ever-evolving sound.

There’s no understating the feel-good appeal that cascades straight through your speakers into your rhythmic pulses. Despite the electronic production, there’s something fundamentally human with the silky vocals sliding over the mix and taking reigns of the earworm you’ll pray won’t ever leave. DAP carries the same effortlessly stylish energy as Pharrell Williams, making every moment of the track feel alive, electrified, and impossible to resist.

With over 4.5 million streams and 1.5 million video views, DAP The Contract isn’t just gaining traction—he’s taking over, one infectious production at a time.

Fàájì is now available on all major streaming platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alana Sukul is riding high on soul-soaked rhythms in her dancehall RnB earworm, Mhm Yeah?

Posted on 31 December 2024

Since her 2020 debut, with each new release, Alana Sukul has raised the bar, allowing her latest single, Mhm Yeah? to set a new standard for Afropop transcendence.

The way she explores the intersections between dancehall and RnB with pure soul in Mhm Yeah? ensures there’s nothing left to be desired. As your rhythmic pulses are ensnared, you’ll be all the more susceptible to the warmth permeating the track and how the candour pours like a waterfall from her vocals and lyrics alike.

There’s something effortlessly pretence-less about Sukul, and it’s a rare feat to find that emotive vulnerability paired with a polished and stylised production. It’s only a matter of time before she reigns supreme in the UK dancehall scene: she’s got the sound, and the status will undoubtedly follow.

Sukul’s approach is rooted in her British Caribbean heritage, combining sensitive lyricism with heady, infectious hooks. Many of her tracks are recorded and mixed in her London bedroom, which explains the intimate authenticity that resonates through her music.

Even at this early stage in her career, she has earned support from Amazing Radio, Hoxton Radio, Vibe 107.6, Mixtape Madness, CloudKid, Acid Stag, Noctis Magazine, and CULTR. Her latest single wholeheartedly confirms how and why so much hype is amassing around her.

Stream Mhm Yeah? On Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Exclusive A&R Factory Interview with Producer Mykah: From Church Choir to Afrobeat Innovation

Posted on 27 December 2024

In this exclusive A&R Factory interview, Producer Mykah takes us on a journey through his inspiring rise in the music industry, from his humble beginnings in a church choir to producing for global icons like Davido and Ozuna. With a signature style that marries Afrobeat and R&B, Mykah discusses the challenges he overcame to establish his studio, his creative process, and his passion for giving back to the community through YouTube tutorials. He also sheds light on his recent EP, collaborations with rising stars like Boyspyce, and his vision for the future.

Producer Mykah, welcome to A&R Factory! We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with you and discuss the crowning points of your career and your future ambitions. Going back to your origin story, what inspired you to step into production and how did you get started?

Thank you for having me! My journey into music production began with inspiration from my dad, who was the choirmaster at our church. I was fascinated by the keyboard and curious about how people could create such beautiful music with it. That curiosity led me to learn the keyboard, and soon, I was playing for my church. In 2016, I took it a step further by downloading FL Studio, a DAW for music production, and I started teaching myself how to make beats by watching YouTube tutorials. That marked the beginning of my career as a producer.

Were there any challenges you faced when you started out?

I like to view challenges as building blocks to success, but the most significant obstacle I faced was financial. Setting up my own music studio required resources I didn’t have at the time. However, I overcame this by consistently putting out more beats for purchase, which gradually provided the funds I needed to establish myself.

Your list of credits is almost endless; which projects stand out for you and why?

One project that stands out for me is a track I produced featuring Ozuna and Davido. The experience of having two artists from different continents working on a beat I created was mind-blowing. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do. I’d also say my signature style, which blends Afrobeat and R&B, adds a unique element to my projects.

What inspired you to create a tutorial series on YouTube?

YouTube played a significant role in my journey as a producer—it’s where I learned many of the skills I have today. Creating a tutorial series was my way of giving back to the community and helping upcoming producers like myself who may not have access to formal training.

Can you tell us a little about your recently released EP and your work with Boyspyce?

My recent EP focuses on Afrobeat, showcasing its many facets while featuring talented up-and-coming artists. I wanted to provide a platform for these artists to share their talent and tell their stories. Working with Boyspyce was a particularly fun and rewarding experience. Our collaboration came about after he discovered my beats on YouTube, and the rest is history.

How have the artists you have collaborated with shaped your career?

Collaboration has been pivotal in my growth as a producer. Every time I work with an artist, I learn something new and refine my craft. Artists like Davido, Ozuna, Barry Jhay, and Boyspyce have left a lasting impact on my journey, helping me evolve and reach new heights.

What would you say is the main driving force behind your creativity, and how is it pushing you towards your long-term goals?

My creativity is fueled by my passion for constantly creating new sounds and pushing boundaries. It’s this drive that keeps me experimenting and evolving. Looking ahead, I see myself creating global hits and launching my own music production school to nurture the next generation of producers.

What’s your vision for the future, and how does that tie in with the contributions you want to make to the music industry?

My vision is to continue innovating and elevating Afrobeat on the global stage while building a legacy that empowers others. I want to give back to the industry by creating opportunities for young talents and fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives.

What are you putting into place to ensure that you reach your milestones and grow your brand?

I’m focused on exploring new sounds, incorporating AI into my production process, and collaborating with artists, producers, and entertainers from around the world. These steps will help me stay ahead of the curve while expanding my reach and influence in the music industry.

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Discover Producer Mykah’s work on Spotify and keep up to date with his latest work via Instagram.

Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Adline Owens is leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination in her Afro-Fusion release, T•R•T (The Right Time)

Posted on 6 December 2024

With a gravitational force that could knock the solar system out of orbit, it would be insulting to mark Adline Owen as merely just an icon; she’s a fusionist phenomenon in her own right, leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination with her latest release, T•R•T (The Right Time).

The two-track release synthesises her diverse cultural and musical influences into a compelling narrative of empowerment and self-discovery, marked by Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggaeton, RnB and Afro-Soul motifs.

The opening track, ‘In Yeah’ evocatively explores relationship dynamics, considering how ‘good enough’ should never be enough if you know your worth and urging listeners to recognise their own value through its Afro-Soul vocals and the energetic pulse of dancehall. When it comes to pairing introspection with infectious beats, Owens reigns supreme.

The second single, ‘Dem Wah Know,’ turns up the heat with its Reggaeton rhythms and bold, assertive vocals that command attention. Owens’ fierce delivery and the track’s vibrant energy make it an anthem of self-assurance and resilience, encapsulating her refusal to be confined by her roots or her haters’ expectations.

With T•R•T, Adline Owens not only cements her status as a dynamic fusion artist but also as a visionary capable of weaving her diverse musical heritage into a fresh, invigorating sound that resonates well beyond its Afro-Soul roots.

Adline Owens Said

“T•R•T is a project that holds great personal significance for me, showcasing my range across Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B, which underlines my identity as a fusion artist.

Track 1, ‘In Yeah’, explores the love and understanding shared in a relationship that still leaves you wanting more effort. This track vocalises the need for personal growth and the tough decisions you must sometimes make for your sanity. It portrays the protagonist’s struggle with a partner who lacks ambition and motivation—essentially a dead weight needing to be let go.

Track 2, Dem Wah Know, I wrote while reflecting on obstacles and my journey as an artist. It focuses on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of stepping up despite the odds being stacked against you. It’s an empowering anthem and a reminder not to let haters dictate your success.”

Follow Adline Owens on Instagram and discover her discography on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Daniel Aether tore through the EDM scene like a ‘Tsunami’ in his latest track, featuring Princess Lourdess

Posted on 15 November 2024

If your playlist is missing a track that can thrash through the mundane with visceral intensity, ‘Tsunami’ by Daniel Aether featuring vocal lines from the salacious siren, Princess Lourdess, will fill that void.

So much more than an anthem; it’s an unapologetically soulful storm that melds afrobeat grooves, textured RnB vocals, boom-bap beats and a relentless EDM drive, allowing it to tear apart genre boundaries with hedonistic heat. Once you’re caught in the rhythmic momentum of ‘Tsunami,’ you’ll have no option but to surrender to its evocative pull.

Raised in Italy, based in Scotland, and rooted in Nigerian sounds, Aether’s cultural melting pot of influences pours seamlessly into this track. His appreciation for RnB, Afrobeats, and K-pop harmonies shines through, as does his affinity for MNEK, Little Mix, and Mariah Carey, but it’s the ad-libs and harmonies—think Destiny’s Child with a twist—that distinguishes this single. His seamless integration of influences makes the single as versatile as it is slick, complete with polished production that belies his underground indie status.

‘Tsunami’ may be a love song for volatile hearts, but it’s the refined production and sublime vocal layering that should have this track shimmering at the top of the EDM charts.

Tsunami will hit all major streaming platforms on November 15; stream the single on SoundCloud first.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ishy Dee caressed Afrobeat RnB with a sensual touch with his latest single, Mami

Posted on 19 October 2024

With his latest single, ‘Mami’, the conduit of soul, Ishy Dee, continues to redefine the contours of Afrobeat RnB with his ethereally honeyed vox and inspired approach to rhythm

Since erupting onto London’s music scene in 2013, Ishy Dee has garnered the attention of notable figures such as DJ Target from BBC 1Xtra and the discerning critics at GRM Daily, woven his sounds through the city’s streets, headlining numerous shows and accumulated stratospheric stream counts.

‘Mami’ commences with syncopated beats, setting the stage for a deeper immersion into Afrobeat’s rich legacy. As the African rhythms ascend, Ishy Dee’s vocals layer the track with an aphrodisiacal soul. The artist’s choice to preserve the organic essence of the initial recordings adds a raw sincerity to the track, eschewing heavy post-production for authenticity.

The release is a seasonal metamorphosis in sound form, thanks to the way Ishy Dee artfully carries the warmth of summer into the cooler months, making ‘Mami’ a staple for those seeking to keep the chill at bay with love-drenched tones.

As the second instalment of his upcoming EP ‘Feed The Sheets’, following the earlier ‘Paper Planes’, ‘Mami’ has only added to the hype surrounding the breakthrough boundary-pusher.

Stream the latest single from Ishy Dee on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Embracing Diversity: Tora Woloshin Celebrates Togetherness in ‘Unity

Posted on 27 August 2024

No one will divide and conquer in Tora Woloshin’s name after the soulstress released her exotically melodic melting pot of sonic culture ‘Unity’. The fusion of afrobeat rhythms, Latino flair, pop hooks and fiery-with-soul RnB harmonies unravels as a sensuously fresh exposition of how sweet it is to live and love when you look at the world through a lens of pure acceptance and understanding.

With “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change” worked into the fuel-for-the-soul lyrics, the LA-born, Arizona-raised artist gave her listeners a steadfast compass for any time they feel lost amidst the chaos of our ever-divisive world.

With Unity, Tora Woloshin not only became an embodiment of harmoniousness; she proved her mettle as one of the most inspiring voices on the airwaves with a single which is a culmination of her worldly experience, which may have been pierced by painful traumatic experiences, but she’s living and breathing proof that triumphing and thriving over adversity is always possible.

After cutting her teeth at the age of 15 in her first band, an audition on American Idol and X Factor showed the world what she was made of; she may not have gone all the way in the competition, but she was a certifiable success, evidenced by her sold-out album release show shortly after filming, interest in major labels, collaborative work with Jim Jones and Timbaland, and opening for Flo Rida, Pink, and Method Man.

Unity will be available to stream on all major platforms on August 27 via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Ryan Alexander put Glasgow on the Afrobeat map with ‘Me & You’

Posted on 20 August 2024

Ryan Alexander’s standout single, Me & You, is a pulsating declaration of the DJ and producer’s ability to bolster Glasgow’s burgeoning stature on the global Afrobeat scene. Emerging from the underground with a sound that carries the weight of authentic Afrobeat rhythms and the lightness of transcendent summer vibes, Ryan’s work in this single is nothing short of revolutionary.

Right from the outset, the track asserts itself with an irresistible vibrancy; produced by Steven Alexander, the track adeptly weaves influences from the likes of Fuse ODG and OMI into a multi-sensory auditory experience. The use of organic percussion roots the track in Afrobeat’s rich rhythmic traditions while providing a fresh sonic texture that is all too easy to get addicted to.

The track’s sensuously smooth lyricality, brings a sincerity that cuts through the synthetic beats prevalent in much of today’s EDM, offering instead a voice that is as heartfelt as it is harmonic.

Ryan’s ability to blend the guest vocalist’s sincere vocal delivery with lush, layered instrumental backdrops sets Me & You apart as one of the most unmissable anthems of the summer.

Stream Me & You on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

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