This week’s releases carry the kind of energy that moves through speakers and settles in your chest; bold, reflective, playful, and wildly replayable. From smooth link-ups born off meme culture to heavyweight albums built for legacy, the drops are loud, layered, and loaded with intention. Explore this week’s releases.
Purr – Shoday, Ayo Maff
After a stellar 2024 run, fast-rising Nigerian artist Shoday kicks off the new year with ‘Purr,’ an infectious collaboration with his frequent partner-in-vibes, Ayo Maff. Their last link-up, “Casablanca,” became a viral sensation and an instant fan favourite that dominated timelines and playlists. Now, ‘Purr’ picks up the baton and is already making serious noise, proving that their chemistry isn’t a fluke but a formula.
Over a lush, layered beat from Magicsticks, the track oozes laid-back groove and repeat-worthy vibes. It’s a case study in how online trends can fuel musical innovation when filtered through the right creative lens. Purr is yet another catchy track that showcases Shoday’s knack for weaving internet culture into his music in a way that feels organic rather than gimmicky.
Shoday slides effortlessly over the beat, his mellow delivery floating across the textured production with ease. Ayo Maff complements the energy with a sharp, charismatic verse that adds flavour without overpowering the track. Together, they bottle the viral essence of the “Sope Purr” meme and flip it into something you can’t help but vibe to. With Purr, Shoday continues to build a lane marked by authenticity and adaptability.
5ive (Album) – Davido
Global Afrobeats heavyweight Davido returns with his fifth studio album, ‘5ive‘—a 17-track body of work that marks a pivotal chapter in his career. Riding high off the Grammy-nominated ‘Timeless,’ Davido doubles down with ‘5ive,’ delivering a bold, genre-spanning project that both reflects his growth and cements his global appeal.
Executive-produced by Davido himself, with creative guidance from Alwajud and Tycoone Umarudeen, the album lands with major momentum thanks to three lead singles: “Awuke” featuring YG Marley, “Funds” with ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike, and “Be There Still,” a vibrant Amapiano bop crafted by Marvey Muzique, DJ Maphorisa, and Black Culture.
‘5ive’ showcases Davido’s evolution and his gift for building bridges between cultures through music. The album effortlessly blends Afrobeats, R&B, Amapiano, pop, and dancehall into a rich sonic mosaic, proving he’s unafraid to experiment. The guest list is a who’s who of global talent: Omah Lay (With You), Victony and Musa Keys (Holy Water), Chris Brown (Titanium), Victoria Monét (Offa Me), Becky G (Tek), Shenseea and 450 (R&B), Tayc and Dadju (Lover Boy), and more.
In his own words, Davido describes the album as a reflection of his “growth, journey, and where I am now”. When he dropped the tracklist on Instagram (April 14, 2025), he captioned it: “Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future.” Early listens suggest he’s not just talking the talk.
Egbami – Rexxie ft Rybeena
Super-producer Rexxie is back with Egbami, a fresh, high-energy collab with rising singer-songwriter Rybeena, and the result is a tune that feels effortless yet electric. Renowned for crafting street anthems that stick, Rexxie once again showcases his versatility and elite ear for hooks that move both hearts and hips.
Egbami is pure street-pop bliss, layered with the bouncy drums and rhythmic richness expected from Rexxie. The production is textured, yet uncluttered, leaving enough room for Rybeena to float with ease. His vocals glide over the beat with confidence, delivering catchy melodies and hooks that demand attention.
What makes this drop special is its balance. While it’s a street-certified jam, it also highlights Rexxie’s continued knack for spotlighting new talent. Egbami is breezy, replay-worthy, and perfectly crafted for the current soundscape. For Rexxie, it’s another win in a stacked discography; for Rybeena, it’s a major step forward, one that hints at even more magic to come in his budding career.
Economy – Tim Lyre, Show Dem Camp
Over a calm, cyclical guitar loop, Tim Lyre joins forces with Show Dem Camp to unpack the heavy weight of life in Nigeria, touching on the hustle, mental strain, and the harsh realities of the economy. At a time when socio-political commentary in music has taken a backseat to club-ready hits, Economy is a breath of fresh introspection.
Tim Lyre sets the tone with reflective vocals that balance vulnerability and resolve. Then, Tec and Ghost step in with their signature storytelling, turning everyday frustration into poignant, relatable bars. From unstable electricity to skyrocketing food prices, stagnant wages and broken infrastructure. Tec opens his verse with urgency and metaphors, while Ghost closes his with a jab at the incumbent president and his government: “Tpain, you dey fuck up”
‘Economy‘ in a country where silence can feel like complicity dares to speak, and in doing so, it resonates deeply with anyone trying to survive and make sense of Nigeria today.
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