Week 17’s New Music Friday turned out to be one for the books. A buffet of finely cheffed sounds served hot at midnight, cooked up for every kind of music lover. From surprise remixes to long-awaited collaborations and confident debut cuts, this week had a little something for every mood and moment. As always, the Afromixx filter comes correct: we’ve done the digging, shuffled through the pile, and picked out the gems worth your ears. Whether you’re in for vibes, verses, or just a good old-fashioned groove, we’ve got you sorted. Tap into our updated New Music Friday playlist and dive into the week’s best.
Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid
Just before the teaser and eventual release of ‘All The Love‘—perfectly timed for 2025’s Valentine season—Ayra Starr had teased what many of her devout fans thought would be her next 2024 release, ‘Gimme Dat’. In the visualizer/teaser, Ayra was seen walking the streets and riding in a golf cart, wearing headphones connected to a mini turntable held by a young man who trailed her. Sadly, due to imperfect timing, it wasn’t released, and Ayra never officially addressed it, until what would become the final audio teaser of “Gimme Dat” featuring the vocals of Afropop global star Wizkid, who croons, “Goddamn, arabirin, goddamn.”
Ayra Starr’s place in the music industry as the reigning Afropop queen is, for now, uncontested. And with the release of “Gimme Dat,” she puts her best foot forward, going two for two with her second release of 2025. Announcing the guest artist was Ayra saving her best card for last, even though she’s already made it clear through several releases that she has many surprises up her sleeve. On the opening notes of “Gimme Dat,” Ayra revisits a familiar past, sampling the acoustic guitar riffs from Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s 2000 classic “911” and Wyclef Jean’s “Diallo”, layered with bouncy drum rhythms, trumpets, and alternating African riffs.
With the ease of a hot knife through butter, Ayra glides over this mid-tempo rhythm alongside the guest artist, in a sheer display of Afrobeats royalty. With its laid-back energy, ‘Gimme Dat‘ is the perfect soundtrack for a weekend of unwinding.
lost – Fola ft. Kizz Daniel
Fola continues to showcase his talent and dexterity in crafting moving records that leave a lasting impression. 2025 is proving to be a busy one for the rising star, and with each release—whether a feature or solo effort—it’s clear he’s up to the task. Just seven days ago, Fola and his label boss Bella Shmurda dropped what could be considered a record label anthem, “Dangbana Riddim,” where both artists affirm their focus on reaching the good life.
Midweek, Fola shared a video across social media where he’s seen with Wizkid, previewing an unreleased track alongside the caption: “Big Wiz said ‘it sounds like it’s out already.’ Get your speakers ready for Friday.” “Lost” opens like a medley, with unfolding guitar strings before the percussion and slapping heat of the bass crash in, heightening the track’s emotional charge. The pause in heavy percussion allows Fola’s emotion to cut through: “Kowa comfort mi, Le mo body mi, Ko yo burden mi ah, I know you got eyes on money mi, She say not really, Ko te button mi ah.”
Not wanting to chronicle his desires alone, Fola enlists one of Nigeria’s finest mainstream acts, Kizz Daniel, to share in the creation. Kizz continues Fola’s expressive thread with the poise of a veteran and the perspective of a fellow yearner.
Do Me – Runtown
For his first release of 2025, Runtown leans into his inherently calm signature on “Do Me”, with minimalist production reminiscent of the early 2000s. He reflects on his lifestyle, relationships, and situationships that strain his connection with a partner, troubles he attributes to the very lifestyle and wealth that define him. Runtown’s sound here is like a psychedelic breeze, taking the listener on a mellow road trip that relaxes them. The consistent bass guitar and the soulful vocals of the backup songstress add a rich layer, brought together by the craftsmanship of emerging producer FADAH.
Laho II – Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy
Fresh off a viral link-up at Burna Boy’s historic Stade de France show, Shallipopi and the African Giant roll out ‘Laho II’. A remix that feels both calculated and chaotic in the best way. The original Laho already had the streets in a chokehold with its infectious slang and rugged delivery, but Burna’s entry gives it that jet fuel. Producer, Progrex retains the raw bounce of the beat but threads in synths and heavier basslines, transforming a street anthem into a continental crossover. Shallipopi doesn’t switch up his gritty cadence; Burna slides in with a melodic flex, brushing off bad energy: “no take my kindness for weakness.” It’s that classic big bro–lil bro link-up, and it knocks.
Gen Z – Zinoleesky
Zinoleesky finally unpacks his debut album ‘Gen Z’, a 16-track deep dive into the world of a modern-day street-pop star with a global vision. From the jump, Zino’s distinct vocals and range are a standout. The Niphkeys-produced “Most Wanted” set the tone earlier in the month, and now we’re seeing the full scope: gritty, bouncy, and occasionally vulnerable. Tracks like “Suit & Tie” with Toosii and “Abanikanda” with Naira Marley showcase his duality, a blend of local lingua laced with international polish. He dips into trap, dancehall, and sweet boy Afrobeats without losing that Agege tint. It’s bold, even if a little scattered at times.
You4Me – Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage enters the summer mood board early with ‘You4Me’, a buttery R&B-Afrobeats fusion that samples Tamia’s 1998 “So Into You“. It’s soft, sultry, and soaked in nostalgia, yet it doesn’t feel dated. Mystro’s production holds it down with a groove made for slow dancing under city lights. Tiwa’s vocals glide over the beat with that seasoned softness—half Brandy, half Mary J., all her. The lyrics hit that sweet spot between poetic and playful: “drive me loco, automatic.” Coming off the Craig David collab and now teasing her next project, ‘This One Is Personal,’ Tiwa’s clearly tapping into a more reflective space, but not without still serving up grown and sexy bops.
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