After claiming the blog’s Album of the Month title back in July for his project, ‘7:05’, upcoming Afrobeats connaisseur 705 returns to share single ‘High’ released last Friday, 1st December for your pleasure!
Continuing the smooth reverbs of the Motherland, hip-hop & R&B from his project ‘7:05’, ‘High’ makes the perfect company to kick back with some friends and escape the real world just for an evening…and I suspect it’ll make the great escapism piece for the upcoming chaotic festive period!
Born in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria and raised in London, 705 is heavily influenced by great artists such as King sunny Ade, Fela kuti, Michael Jackson, Tupac and 50 Cent. Through these great legends, 705 has created a unique fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and Hip-Hop Music.
Multi award winning music artist, song writer, record producer OLOYE COLDMAN returns, taking listeners on a captivating and emotional journey with ‘Dear God’, out now across various music platforms.
The evocative vocals of Oloye Coldman deliver each line with conviction, weaving a compelling tale of personal struggles, triumphs, and the eternal quest for guidance. The rich sound of the Saxophone adds another layer of depth, enhancing the song’s emotional impact and creating an unforgettable sonic landscape.
With ‘Dear God,’ Oloye Coldman showcases his exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess, effortlessly combining elements of soul, folk, dancehall and afropop on an afrobeat. The result is an impeccable fusion of sounds that appeals to a diverse audience and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners. Have a listen below…
Singer/songwriter/composer OLAEDO IBE gives a glimpse of her triumphs, challenges and her relationship with God in her brand new album, ‘Golden Skin’, released 27th October across various music platforms.
Produced by G-Kid, ‘Golden Skin’ album starts off with vibrant sounds of the Motherland in ‘Royalty’, which sees Olaedo showing gratitude for God’s love and guidance – through the good and bad times. She continues to show her appreciation for the Most High in the previously released soulful ballads, ‘Manifest’ and ‘The Divine Exchange’, where she expressed the desire to build a deeper connection.
The ten-track project also touches on various topics that are close to Olaedo’s heart, such as mental health, healing, practicing forgiveness, self-love and self- worth. She’s not afraid to raise awareness on taboo topics such as colourism and the dangers of skin bleaching with optimism in most recent single, ‘Golden Skin’. Featuring gospel songbird Rae Rae, the encouraging message from ‘Golden Skin’ received a seal of approval from BBC Radio London, Premier Gospel as well as Heartsong radio, Sheffield Live! Susy Radio, Radio Africana, Naija Fm, plus many more. Since its release in August, the title track has gained over 3000 streams and the music video is now a fan favourite. ‘Golden Skin’ is also used to create awareness about the British skin foundation to raise funds for skin research.
Speaking of her latest project, Olaedo says: “Despite life’s ups and downs, I believe it’s possible to overcome them and win. I hope Golden Skin uplifts and encourages every listener. I truly believe whatever you were born in God has made a way for you to win.”
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Olaedo – meaning gold in the Nigerian Igbo language – started singing from a young age at church, weddings and school and stage plays, while simultaneously, developing her song writing ability by reading psalms, listening to Motown music and through personal life experiences. While spending a few years of her childhood in Nigeria, she was introduced to a plethora of different types of music, counting Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Blanca and Mary Mary as her biggest music influences.
Returning to the UK, she shared the stage with Peobo Bryson at the Cadogen Hall at the age of just 14 and with the encouragement from David Gest and former Manager of Roy Ayers/Deniece Williams she began to pursue a career in music.
Her distinctive soulful sound, profound lyrics and inspirational message became a force to be reckoned with after the release of debut EP ‘Shine like Gold’ which featured her debut single, ‘Dust with Life’. The single was featured on Yahoo! Screen homepage and earned her a Premier Gospel award and MOBO nomination.
Olaedo continues to gain recognition with second project ‘Grow to Glow’ released in 2018 which featured hit singles ‘Lead Me (Olaedo’s Psalm 2), ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill Us, a song for children about the fruits of the spirit’. ‘Lead Me’ was Olaedo’s first top-ten single on the UK Christian Chart and became a favourite on Premier Gospel with the accompanied music video played on TBN UK. Featuring Leke & Becca Folkes, ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill US’ also became a top-ten hits on The UK Christian chart, both peaking at No 2.
Alongside her impressive music career, Olaedo travels around the country, giving motivational speeches at various youth events, colleges, churches. Olaedo Ibe currently creates Christian meditation videos and hosts show, #YourHealthMatters on IG live.
Now Olaedo Ibe returns to the spotlight, offering encouragement others, coming in the shape of the ‘Golden Skin’ album, out now across various music platforms.
Must Listens: Royalty, Golden Skin, Operate Me (Olaedo’s Psalms 3), Manifest
One year on from her acclaimed 2022 heater ‘Taboo’ and 2021’s sun-soaked Sensei II EP, ‘Goddess of Rhythm’ KAREN NYAME KG shares single, ‘P.L.L’ (Pretty Little Liar) with the announcement of her new imprint, Rhythm In The City.
A lush and luxurious slice of deep Afro-house, drawing on her experiences with the darker side of romance, KG describes the track as, “a diary entry in music format”. Unafraid to dive deep with soul-baring productions, in her own words, ‘P.L.L’ is darker in mood, an electronic, low-end, Afro Percussive bounce. It is a tale of heartbreak, jealousy and unrequited love.”
Self-described as “a party for the grown and sexy”, Rhythm in the City began life as an event, carefully curated by Karen herself. Developing into a sell-out event series, the strong community around RITC is a testament to Karen’s bold creative vision and her much sought-after sonics. The evolution of the platform into a label, (Rhythm in the City / RITC Records), was a no-brainer – the label sonically is a reflection of Karen Nyame KG and the parties – it’s all about soul, percussive bounce, mood and melody. In her own words,”it will make you dance, seduce, but better yet, feel.”
Karen adds, “RITC is an extension of my own production signature that embodies a multitude of styles, UK Funky, Altè r&b, Afro Altè, Gqom, Amapiano, Highlife, Afro House. The RITC sound is unconventionally rhythmic, a hub for genre-bending, Afro-Electronic music. The label is all about breaking conventions and formulas in electronic dance music.” Due for release on her own imprint, the anticipated Red EP is a sentimental, candid insight to KG’s deepest musings on romance, passion and lust.
Returning in 2018 after a break from the music industry, KG has been in the scene for over a decade and has become an iconic name. Adored globally across diasporic and electronic spheres she stands out from the crowd with her sensual, melodic sonics, and penchant for groove-laden sounds that sit at the intersection of UK club music and the sounds of African diaspora.
2022 saw Karen mark the end of summer with her sizzling single ‘Taboo’, tipped by COMPLEX, DJ Mag and The Wire in their best tracks for 2022. This year, she flexed her A&R hands, enlisting the mighty Afrotech pioneer DJ IC, and Batido maestro, Vanyfox to create two huge remixes for ‘Taboo’.
In 2021, Karen stunned faithful followers and new fans alike with the glorious EP Sensei II (Black Acre Records), featuring the widely-celebrated sound of the summer, ‘Koko’ (reaching over 2 million streams) and with support from Resident Advisor, Mixmag, DJ Mag, Pan African Music and more, Sensei II truly reignited the flame for her. Truly dedicated to her craft, Karen Nyame KG continues to reach new heights as her creative and personal evolution continues.
‘P.L.L’ is the first offering from her forthcoming EP, Red, and marks another step in the British-Ghanaian polymath’s journey. Have a listen below…
Nigerian neo-soul & R&B singer AYLØ delivers a brand new 4-track EP titled ‘Moneybag’.
The 29-year-old singer keeps delivering his chill and sexy production and signature sound. Having released a studio album in 2022 and featured on the iconic COLORS Show in the same year, AYLØ keeps delivering new music to leave a mark in 2023 as well. Why not check out the EP below…
New Lease Music 