Every week, the staff at the iMullar round up ten songs we can’t stop listening to forming the weekly list of songs On Rotation. You heard these combinations here first. From South to West Africa, then to the UK, each track is guaranteed to be a vibe.
1. Mannywellz featuring Tems – Peace
When I first heard ‘Peace’ and the gentle intertwining of both Mannywellz and Tems’ smooth vocals – I was transported. So aptly named, the track sets the tone for a relaxed, laid-back vibe. When we snap back to reality, Mannywellz is speaking about a very much relatable Instagram addiction and the line “this feels like drugs” really hits home. There was just something about him personally expressing the meaning of the song that gave it this newfound depth.
2. JAE5 featuring Skepta and Rema – Dimension
Whilst on the topic of songs that transport you, ‘Dimension’ is an exemplar case. As a debut single, JAE5 really showed out. Already well known for his exquisite beats, the bringing together of Skepta and Rema on this track is *chef’s kiss*. The well-balanced elements of Rema’s sweet melodies and Skepta’s direct bars just pair together so well. The beautiful visuals, shot in Ghana are just the icing on an already-elite cake.
3. Shekhinah featuring Bey T – Fixate
I have been obsessed with South Africa’s pop princess, Shekhinah. Her hypnotic vocals, the experimentation and deeper messages in her songs. The way heartbreak music slaps when you haven’t even had any heartbreak needs to be studied. Taken from her sophomore album, I have indeed been ‘fixate’-d on this track and Bey T’s verse gets multiple reloads.
4. Chwezimadeit, DJ Chris, and KennyToolz – On a Low
If you’re looking for an easy song to just throw on in the background to accompany whatever you are doing right now: this is the one. The simple lyrics are easy, catchy and match the vibe nicely. But one thing I seriously appreciate is when artists can do this but with substance. With the lyrics “Oluwa bless me and bless my people too”, simply listen and be blessed!
5. Ajebo Hustlers featuring Omah Lay – Pronto
I love the Ajebo hustlers and the alte cruise vibe they always bring and then I love Omah Lay and the clever way in which he wields words. It is therefore statistically impossible for this track not to be a banger. I have done the maths and checked it through. If your question is when do you need to listen to this track, the answer is ‘Pronto’!
6. Aya Nakamura – Bobo
One of those tracks that is so beautiful it transcends language. I can’t tell you what Aya is saying in French but I know it’s sensual. Shot by Vladimir Boudnikoff, the luxurious video places Aya Nakamura in the sun-drenched Cape Verde Islands, off the West Coast of Africa. Flirting with Caribbean rhythms on this track, it’s guaranteed to make a crowd move and I see it truly being a summer hit.
7. Odeal & Marzi – Na You
One of my favorite UK pairings, whenever Odeal and Marzi collaborate, their unique chemistry always brings something creative and fresh. A refix of Duncan Mighty’s ‘Obianuju’, it is really a masterclass in how to sample correctly and they paid excellent homage to a timeless classic. From watching the Instagram live session in which they created the song and seeing producer, Saionthebeat sprinkles audio crack on the beat live and direct, the song was bound to be addictive.
8. BXKS – Must Feel
I first came across Bxks from her single ‘Packed In’, another one of her fire tracks. Considering her sound alternative grime, this fusion of both traditional grime emceeing with an added twist of her distinctive flow is a force to be reckoned with. With A1 delivery on this track, she simply floats over the beat and you feel every bar. The clean, matrix-Esque visuals are an added bonus, Bxks is truly a breath of fresh air on the UK rap scene.
9. KDDO featuring Mayorkun – Loco
The opening track to his new EP: ‘Too Late Too Lit’, KDDO bon Loco sets the tone and level for the entire project. Praised for its high-caliber replay value, every single track could feature on this list. Teaming up with fellow Nigerian-natives for the project opener, he channels similar amapiano-inspired instrumentation that we have seen on the previous hit “eWallet”. It is the perfect track for you to do your best Bobrisky dance impression to.
10. Justin Bieber featuring Alpha P and Omah Lay – Peaches (Masterkraft Remix)
As if this record couldn’t get any more infectious, this afro-fusion remix has taken it up a level. Already dubbed ‘Instagram song of the summer we have heard ‘Peaches’ on Instagram reel after reel. The remix, however, produced by Masterkraft and with verses from Nigerian artists Alpha P and Omah Lay gives the track a new lease of life. We have Afropop elements in percussion coupled with the original mid-tempo pop sounds, both giving the track a new dynamic flavor.
On rotation is your weekly dose of musical geniuses to your library. Our editors update this playlist very frequently–so if you see something you like, add to your library.
