African Fresh Picks — October 2025
A selection of ten standout new tracks from across Africa and its diaspora.
From Tyla’s designer-ready “Chanel” swagger to MOLIY and Tyla’s irresistible club-ready “Body Go,” this month’s list highlights songs that are moving crowds and streaming charts. Lojay’s reflective duet with Tyla, “Memories,” treads the line between past longing and hopeful nostalgia, while Mavin’s Ayra Starr and Rema link up on the hypnotic “Who’s Dat Girl,” which charted at No. 3 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart dated November 1, 2025.
Below are ten favorites released roughly within the last month, with short takes and embedded videos so you can listen as you read. A Spotify playlist follows the selections—press play and enjoy the vibe.
Lojay & Tyla — “Memories”
On “Memories,” Lojay and Tyla play ex-lovers who can’t quite let go. The track glides on honeyed harmonies and a sensual Afropop production courtesy of Sarz, with melodic lines that hint the chemistry between the two may not be entirely resolved.
MOLIY & Tyla — “Body Go”
“Body Go” is a dancefloor command: taut percussion, seductive hooks and a call to move your waist. The track’s contagious rhythm and flirtatious lyrics make it a late-night anthem—Tyla and MOLIY turn it into an instant club favorite.
Ayra Starr & Rema — “Who’s Dat Girl”
Mavin stars Ayra Starr and Rema spark on “Who’s Dat Girl.” Starr commands with effortless poise while Rema’s rapid-fire verses flip between playful admiration and braggadocio. The production—part dancehall, part Middle Eastern-tinged textures—gives the single a thrilling, cross-cultural edge.
Young Jonn — “Full Control”
Ahead of his sophomore album Blue Disco, Young Jonn delivers a sleek late-night cut. Electronic accents and restrained log drums set the mood for a confident, sensual performance—an assertion of ownership over one’s space and sound.
Boj & Anaïs Cardot — “After Hours”
Anaïs Cardot’s airy voice pairs beautifully with Boj on “After Hours.” Their easy, intimate exchange rides over guitar-led production, shifting into an R&B-tinged loop that amplifies the song’s romantic atmosphere.
The Cavemen feat. Pa Salieu — “Gatekeepers”
The Cavemen’s new album Cavy In the City was released on October 31, 2025. On “Gatekeepers,” Pa Salieu contributes a reflective spoken-word cadence that complements the duo’s warm highlife groove, adding a contemplative texture to the record’s charming, city-minded sound.
Shallipopi feat. Gunna — “HIM”
Shallipopi taps Gunna for a cross-continental pairing that balances streetwise grit with glossy melody. Spanish-tinged guitar lines and a brooding beat provide a cinematic backdrop as both artists stake their claim to the track’s smoky atmosphere.
Flavour & Baaba Maal — “Afroculture”
“Afroculture” showcases Flavour’s signature fusion of percussion and traditional vocals, with Baaba Maal’s presence adding gravitas. The arrangement swells and unfurls across multiple stylistic touchpoints, crafting a densely textured performance that lingers long after it ends.
Lil Kesh feat. Balloranking — “TTGG”
Lil Kesh’s unmistakable vocal tone carries “TTGG,” a song about resilience and finding ways to get through hard times. Balloranking’s verse brings contrast, and together they create a track that’s melodic, urgent and defiantly optimistic.
Joeboy & Shoday — “Ring”
Joeboy flips his romantic playbook with “Ring,” a buoyant, hook-laden ode to committing to the one who finally made him change his ways. The single’s earworm chorus and comedic video make it an instant fan favorite.
Listen: African Fresh Picks — October 2025 (Spotify)
