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.

“Be My Guest” – Internet Girl

Last year, South African alt-pop band Internet Girl broke into mainstream consciousness with their single “Follow Me Around.” They built on that by releasing a slew of singles throughout the year, building a fanbase while establishing their unique sound in a strange market. This week, in a culmination of growth, they released their first project titled The World I Love. Although the instant highlights of the six-track EP are previously released singles like “Asshole” and “Living Far Away”, an entirely new track that slaps is the penultimate track, “Be My Guest.” Heavy on the drums and synth sounds that constitute their style of music, “Be My Guest” addresses relationships, a heavy theme in Internet Girl’s music. A brilliant way to start the day.

“Champagne” – Ashidapo

Compared to his peers, it has been a quiet year for singer Ashidapo who has preferred to work on music in the background instead of releases. However, the wait is finally over with the release of “Champagne.” The song is a delightful take on amapiano infused with afrobeats and is produced by Niphkeys, the brains behind Zinoleesky’s smash hit “Kilofeshe.” A celebration of life and its joys, raise your glasses in the air and toast with Ashidapo’s “Champagne.”

“Y3 Y3 DOM” – Jay Bahd

The growth of Kumerica and the Ghanian drill scene is no longer news to anybody in the music industry. Every week, we are treated to brilliant offerings with hard flows over sharp beats that get us on our feet dancing and throwing gang signs, and this week is no different with rapper Jay Bahd releasing “Y3 Y3 Dom.” The 4-minute and some track is a marvel as he enlists the help of six other drillers. Fortunately, too many cooks do not spoil the broth in this case, as each rapper complements the other with excellent delivery and flow, serving up a beautiful drill dish.

“Goboyi” – Odumodublvck

On the Nigerian drill front, Odumodublvck teams up with Reeplay, Tcash, and Oladips on the hard-hitting “Goboyi.” Although he has three fewer collaborators than his Ghanian counterpart, it does not take anything away from its merits as a hard drill track. Again, Odumodublvck comes through with his trademark Yoruba flow rapping about money and the hustle, relatable themes to his mostly youth fanbase.

“Living In Bondage” – Prettyboydo

After teasing on social media for weeks, Prettyboydo releases “Living In Bondage.” Part of a compilation package alongside earlier released single “Police n’ Teef” and its remix with Zlatan, “Living in Bondage” is an anthem for the masses, speaking about the ills of Nigerian society. A recent victim of Police harassment which he described online, the track is an honest documentary of the various ways Nigerians are subjected to abuse by the State. On the song, Prettyboydo is his usual boisterous self delivering his trademark witty flows with energy. A slight nod to the Nollywood classic of the same name, “Living in Bondage” is another banger from Prettyboydo.

“PEPE” – L.A.X

L.A.X has had something of a resurgence in the past year and this upturn in form continues with his latest track, “Pepe”. Joined by DMW boss and hitmaker Davido, “Pepe” is a classic afrobeats song celebrating life, thanking God, and asking women to whine all at the same damn time. In other words, it is a really fun time and will have you dancing without even realising it. Press play and enjoy two of Afrobeats’ finest strutting their stuff.

“Soundgasm” – Rema

After tweeting about a new track for weeks, Mavin Records frontman Rema comes through with “Soundgasm” to close our list for the week. A throwback to his “Indian” sound, the song is one of his more gentle releases compared to the more upbeat afrobeat numbers like “Dumebi” and “Bounce.” However, this is no problem because slow Rema is the best Rema (argue with your keyboard), and this London-produced track is no exception to the excellent vibes we have come to expect from Rema. One to slowly vibe and nod your head to, “Soundgasm” is one for the calm weekends and a placeholder as we wait earnestly for Rema’s album.