We’re still living in a pandemic and its endless resulting effects, but at least we’ve had an ample serving of tunes to keep us company. Each week, the B.Side staff will round up a guide to the hottest songs on the continent. Dig in and enjoy.

“Best I Ever Had” – Nasty C

Nasty C returns with his second single of the year. Asides from a couple of features and an appearance on the Coming 2 America soundtrack album, it has been a quiet year for the South African rapper, but we are glad to receive music this time around. Nasty C details his relationship with a love interest on the track, bringing his usual easy and intricate flow to a mellow beat. Despite the toxicity and his reluctance to commit fully to her, he agrees she is the best she ever had. The single is not the hyped, loud, and aggressive track you might expect from a rapper like Nasty C, but it does the job regardless, something we have come to expect from this talent.

“Hurricane” – Tomi Thomas feat Buju Banton

Tomi Thomas is back with a new EP called Hopeless Romantic led by the titular track he released last year. However, the standout track on the project is “Hurricane” featuring legendary reggae and dancehall musician Buju Banton. Strumming a guitar above drums, Thomas waxes lyrical about the love of his life, whose love is as strong as a hurricane. In similar fashion, Buju Banton delivers a solid verse in his trademark gruff voice. The result of this chemistry is a moving dancehall track, one that appeals to your body’s innate desire to dance, and best believe you will.

“Coachella” – Sarkodie feat Kwesi Arthur

Continuing the rollout for his upcoming album No Pressure, Ghanaian powerhouse rapper Sarkodie enlists the services of Kwesi Arthur for a groovy song. With his hallmark bars in English and Twi, Sarkodie is complemented by Arthur’s bouncy vocals and impeccable production. If this is a preview of what the album contains, then we cannot wait.

“Fada” – Soolking

“Fada” is Algerian singer, rapper, and dancer Soolking’s latest offering and his first single of the year. Singing in French above an exciting production comprising an array of instruments, “Fada” is designed to get you on your feet, and it does just that. Magnifique.

“I Want” – Chris Kaiga feat Mutoriah

For his first release of the year, Kenyan musician Chris Kaiga has dropped “I Want” featuring Mutoriah. A classic Kaiga song, “I Want” is a story of love and desire and has Mutoria on the hook while Kaiga raps in his native Swahili language. The switch from English to Swahili adds a unique twist to the song while doing nothing to affect the general flow and tempo. A song for cold nights and slow dances; who does not want that?

“All My Life” – MI Abaga feat Oxlade

Nigeria’s most eminent MC returns with a banger. A throwback to the MI of “One Naira” fame, Mr Incredible shows on “All My Life” that he has not lost his ability to go hard on a track while maintaining chemistry with a singer. On the other hand, Oxlade, who cannot just miss at the moment, takes the hook with the effortless ease and finesse we have become accustomed to, proving that he is worthy of the praise his melodies and voice have been getting recently. As emphasised by the accompanying soft and easy visuals, “All My Life” is an ode to feelings and affections, something we all need at the moment.

“LV N ATTN” – Lojay & Sarz feat. Wizkid

Last but not least on this list (bars, bro!), we have the track everyone has been expecting all week. After a video circulated on social media showing Lojay’s excitement at a Wizkid feature, interest in the track increased tenfold, and we are pleased to announce that Lojay and Starboy did not disappoint. Over an excellent Sarz beat, Lojay starts it off with the catchy hook and a fire verse before giving way to Wizkid, who continues his tradition of riding beats by Sarz with skill and panache. Released just in time for all the summer parties and events, “LV N ATTN” is definitely a contender for the song of the summer.