In December 2019, as we approached the new year, everyone was outside enjoying the festive period and having the time of their lives at all the shows, events, and parties. 2019 ended in relatively good terms, no one knew what 2020 had in store. COVID-19 hit and everyone was locked up in their homes for the whole year with no ‘Hot Girl Summer’ for anyone.
2021 came around and the scientists had developed their vaccines, so COVID-19 restrictions began to ease and everyone is now gradually going back outside! One set of people who will the happiest that we can all go outside again is all the artists, who will be back to be touring again and I’m sure they have all missed that tour money. One good thing about the pandemic is that artists had to stay at home, so they had more time to focus on the music and as a result, it seems we’ve been getting bangers consistently for about a year and a half.
In this article, we’re highlighting some of the songs that reflect our mood for this summer, the songs that are making waves, and are favorites for Summer ’21.
In no particular order here are our top songs this summer:
Outside – Buju
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A3MiNlX6II
Buju is fast becoming a household name in Afrobeats, and if he continues at this rate it won’t be too long before people start comparing him to the heavyweights. The mid-tempo song just gives off that vibe that makes you want to be on a beach with ocean winds blowing across your face. The timing of this release was impeccable as people literally used this song as their anthem after they got their vaccines.
Essence – Wizkid ft Tems
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jipQpjUA_o8
We’ve previously written about how Essence might just be the song of the summer and this sentiment has not changed, what a banger! The song was actually released as part of Wizkid’s album last year but the music video release, as well as the campaign that launched the song as a single, has helped elevate this song to the top of everyone’s playlists.
Feeling – Ladipoe ft Buju
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a56eW1JM6M0
If there was an award in Afrobeats for best rap/song duo then this song would win it 9 out of 10 times. Poe’s bars and Buju’s soft singing create a sweet melody that’s pushed this song to number 1 in Nigeria and Ghana. There’s just something about the song that resonates with people.
Bling – Blaqbonez ft Amaare & Buju
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJsCz_1ib30
Bling is undoubtedly the biggest song of Blaqbonez’s career! What a hit! The self-proclaimed best rapper in Africa is singing his heart out about love, sex, and women and he does this with the help of two super exciting talents, Amaarae and Buju, who both help take the song to another level.
Yaba Buluku remix – Dj Tarico & Burna Boy ft Preck & Nelson Tivane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xWd-SpMo0Y
Amapiano sounds have been making waves all over the continent and Yaba Buluku perfectly personifies that. The South African boys had been getting a lot of attention but once they got Grammy winner Burna Boy on the track it was destined for the top. Yaba Buluku is a global hit now.
I’m Coming – Naira Marley ft Busiwa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nnAHn2aupM
Naira Marley has been one of the biggest artists in Nigeria ever since his controversial break out a few years ago. Everything about his career is controversial, he is that bad boy that knows he is bad and is not afraid to show it. Coming is a song about living your sexual fantasies, only Naira would be brave enough to create a song like this, if you think the lyrics are controversial then wait till you see the video. Everything about this is Naira Marley in his element.
It Ain’t Me Remix – Eduardo XD ft Dj Abux & Innocent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWAxl4uQUvI
The story behind this song is pretty special. The original ‘It ain’t me’ was released in 2017 by Norweigein Dj Kygo with vocals from pop star Selena Gomez. Fast-forward a few years later and Amapiano is making waves, 3 kids from Namibia decide to make an Amapiano version of one of their favorite songs and the power of social media pushed this song to radio and headsets all over the world. Amazing.
Soundgasm – Rema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrTkERuwdCc
Soundgasm, an amalgamation between the words, sound and orgasm, the golden boy is trying to tell the world that he is growing up. Soundgasm is just one of those songs that get you in the mood, whether it’s the sensual lyrics or the quick tempo beat, or maybe even the visuals. Everything about this song screams hot boy summer.
Monalisa – Sarz & Lojay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rap4M01-9GE&ab_channel=UKLyrics
Earlier in the year, Sarz released a 5 track EP with upcoming artist Lojay titled ‘LV N ATTN’. the project came as a bit of a surprise because Lojay wasn’t really popular so people were wondering who is this guy that Sarz has taken time to develop a whole project. Everyone thought the track with Wizkid would blow up the most but Monalisa which started as a hidden gem is now the most popular song on the project.
Ke Star remix – Focalistic & Davido
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQKKCXXRcKE
Another Amapiano song with a bit of Nigerian Flavor. Focalistic’s ‘Ke Star’ was one of the songs that have been pushing the Amapiano movement all over the world. What better way to take the song to another level than by recruiting a heavyweight on the remix.
