New Music Friday | Friday Frequency #006

New Music Friday never looks the same twice.

Some weeks are driven by blockbuster albums or headline-grabbing releases. Others are defined by the quiet confidence of artists delivering records that simply speak for themselves. For Friday Frequency #006, we explored Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists across Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya to curate 15 releases that best capture this week’s African music conversation.

Leading this week’s selection is Asake‘s Ako (Live in London), a performance that transforms one of his newest records into an event, while Tyla continues her global momentum with THAT GIRL. Alongside standout releases from Teni, Chike, DJ Neptune, Joeboy, ODUMODUBLVCK, Rudeboy, Sarkodie and a new wave of emerging talent, this week’s list celebrates collaboration, confidence and the diversity that continues to define African music.

Collaboration Defines The Week

Some Fridays belong to solo stars.

This week belongs to collaborations.

Teni and Chike combine their unmistakable vocal chemistry on Wurumanya, while DJ Neptune recruits Joeboy and ODUMODUBLVCK for the infectious Okpeke (Dance for Me). Rudeboy and Sarkodie reunite two African heavyweights on Blessed & Alive, and Strongman once again links with Sarkodie for the lyrical showcase LOMO (League On My Own).

Elsewhere, Oberz and Qing Madi deliver one of the week’s smoothest collaborations with Lucky, while Laime, Dremo, Jimohsoundz and Sante SVM bring alternative energy to Matcha Latte.

Rather than competing for attention individually, many of this week’s strongest records prove that the right collaboration can elevate every artist involved.

New Music Friday Across The Continent

Nigeria once again leads the conversation through Asake, Teni, Chike, Ayo Maff, DJ Neptune, Joeboy, ODUMODUBLVCK and taves, delivering another week filled with commercial appeal and artistic depth.

Ghana continues its impressive run with Fameye’s socially aware Gen Z, the infectious Tatata from Sefa and King Paluta, while Strongman and Sarkodie reinforce the country’s reputation for lyrical excellence.

South Africa’s biggest statement comes from Tyla, whose latest release further cements her global rise while continuing to blur the boundaries between Afropop, R&B and contemporary African music.

East Africa earns another deserved place through Wanavokali, whose Always and Forever provides one of the week’s most heartfelt performances and rounds out an impressively balanced continental selection.

Why Friday Frequency Is More Than Just Another New Music Friday Playlist

Friday Frequency is AceWorldTEAM’s weekly editorial selection of African music worth your time.

Rather than recreating Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists, we review releases from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya before selecting the songs that best represent African music each Friday.

Every selection is driven by editorial judgement, musical impact and long-term replay value—not algorithms.

Editorial Highlights

🎵 Cover Story
Asake — Ako (Live in London)

🤝 Best Collaboration
DJ Neptune, Joeboy & ODUMODUBLVCK — Okpeke (Dance for Me)

📝 Lyricist’s Pick
Strongman & Sarkodie — LOMO (League On My Own)

🌍 East African Standout
Wanavokali — Always and Forever

🔥 Breakthrough Pick
TRK. — Numero Uno

Friday Frequency Essential 15

• Asake — Ako (Live in London)
• Tyla — THAT GIRL
• Teni & Chike — Wurumanya
• DJ Neptune, Joeboy & ODUMODUBLVCK — Okpeke (Dance for Me)
• Ayo Maff — Lifestyle (YA MAN)
• taves — Simone
• Rudeboy & Sarkodie — Blessed & Alive
• Fameye — Gen Z
• Oberz & Qing Madi — Lucky
• Sefa & King Paluta — Tatata
• TRK. — Numero Uno
• Tiphe, Rybeena & Priesst — AMIRI
• Laime, Dremo, Jimohsoundz & Sante SVM — Matcha Latte
• Strongman & Sarkodie — LOMO (League On My Own)
• Wanavokali — Always and Forever

Featured Artists

Asake, Tyla, Teni, Chike, DJ Neptune, Joeboy, ODUMODUBLVCK, Ayo Maff, taves, Rudeboy, Sarkodie, Fameye, Oberz, Qing Madi, Sefa, King Paluta, TRK., Tiphe, Rybeena, Priesst, Laime, Dremo, Jimohsoundz, Sante SVM and Wanavokali.

African music rarely moves in just one direction. This week reminds us that while blockbuster releases may dominate headlines, the continent’s strongest Fridays are often shaped by collaboration, consistency and artists continuing to refine their craft. Friday Frequency #006 captures those moments—bringing together the releases that deserve a place in your rotation long after New Music Friday ends.