The explore desk
what’s moving in african music
editorial, producer tips, and partner coverage from across the continent — refreshed throughout the day.
Industry NewsLevel Up Your Faith with Dianne Forte’s “Hallelujah Just Keep Your Heads Up Now”
Dianne Forte has somehow built a bizarre, joyous bridge between Sunday morning devotion and a vintage arcade console with the instrumental version of her latest single, “Hallelujah Just Keep Your Heads Up Now”.
InterviewsFKJ Begins New Album Rollout with “Soulmates” Single
The announcement of FKJ’s upcoming third album made me look back at how I first discovered his music. I was initially introduced to the French singer and multi-instrumentalist and producer through his collaboration with US artist Masego…
InterviewsEichem Teams up with HÄCHE and Flowasis for New Banger, “Dame De Eso”
“Dame De Eso” by emerging Colombian artist Eichem sits at the intersection of dancehall and reggaeton. Featuring Venezuelan-born artist HÄCHE and talented producer Flowasis, this urban Latin track was really brilliantly crafted.
InterviewsWhy “Sese” by Sa-Young Will Energize Your Playlist
“Sese” by Sa-Young is the song that introduces me to the Nigerian Canadian artist. The song leans into Fela Kuti’s classic afrobeat sound. I bet you will love the smooth percussion and sax solo.
InterviewsNew Song: “irresistable” by Tarang Joseph
Tarang Joseph‘s first single of the year is here. Called “irresistable”, it’s much groovier than the Indian musician’s previous release, “one track mind“. If you love funk music with hints of ’80s disco, then this new song is for you.
InterviewsBillet Doux share euphoric anthem, “Maybe Tokyo”: Watch Visuals
Billet Doux‘s “Maybe Tokyo” arrived last Friday paired with a music video which is as riveting as the track itself. The French duo of Pierre and Kaycie has been receiving increasing attention thanks to their ability to craft anthems.
InterviewsListen: Henry Aberson – “Don’t Wait Too Long” feat. Derran Day & Cortez Johnson
Whenever producer Henry Aberson and singer Derran Day link up, amazing music gets made. This time round, they were joined by Cortez Johnson to create “Don’t Wait Too Long”, a buttery neo-soul jam worth a dozen listens.
InterviewsBrittany Campbell Releases New Single: Watch Her Perform “Grudges”
If you thought Brittany Campbell’s “Creep With Me” was a fluke, her latest single proves she is here to stay. The Los Angeles-based R&B artist named the new song “Grudges”.
InterviewsReggae singer Owen Casey covers John Hurley’s “Love of the Common People”
Irish reggae singer Owen Casey recently released “Love of the Common People”, his reimagination of John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins’ classic song of the same title.
InterviewsTEHYA May Just Make 2026 Her Own — Hear Her New Songs “It’s You” and “Burn For Me”
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for TEHYA, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter and martial artist from Canada. In February, she released what has turned to be her breakout song: “It’s You”.
InterviewsWatch Kosha Dillz’s music video for “Hannah Senesh”
“Hannah Senesh” by hip hop artist Kosha Dillz is a song I find quite interesting and worth sharing. Kosha has been featured on Aipate a couple of times already, and each time, a banger is involved.
InterviewsSinger Kevon Edmond Returns with “No Ordinary Love”
As a member of the R&B group After 7, singer Kevon Edmond made a tonne of beautiful music, receiving multiple Grammys in the process. And after all these years, the artist still shows extraordinary passion whenever he sings.
InterviewsSayò Delivers a Powerful Message of Hope and Resilience on “Smile – Live”: Listen
British-Nigerian singer Sayo Popoola a.k.a. Sayò, may not have released a new single since her 2023 EP, Heartstrings, but the recent arrival of the unplugged version of that project generated so much excitement.
InterviewsListen to “Thanks For Asking”, the Latest Single from Estella Dawn
When it comes to creating moving ballads, Estella Dawn never misses. The San Diego based artist’s latest, “Thanks For Asking”, delves into those post-breakup blues.
Industry NewsRamaphosa honours film composer Dr Trevor Jones with Order of Ikhamanga in Silver
South African-born film composer Dr Trevor Jones received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from President Cyril Ramaphosa at the recent National Orders ceremony in Pretoria.
InterviewsKeeme Embraces Authenticity in Her New Single, “TONY”
This beautiful new song “TONY” marks the return for South African R&B singer Keeme. It’s her first solo release since her 2022 debut album, Losing My Mind.
InterviewsColombian artist Jhosy Drops New EP, Dime Que Tal Te Suena
Last year, Colombian artist Jhosy crossed into my radar when he dropped his “OBVIO” single. That song did set the tone for the EP that he was working on. Well, Dime Que Tal Te Suena EP is now here with us.
InterviewsBoy In Space Announces Debut Album, Releases “Sex Drugs & Money” Single
In case you missed it, Boy In Space announced his debut album this month. The Swedish pop singer-songwriter also released a new single, “Sex, Drugs & Money”. By the way, the upcoming album is simply called The Man Who Lost It All.
InterviewsRABO presents “Wide Eyed Wonder” – listen
The follow-up to Norwegian artist RABO’s Half Decade Addiction EP is an anthemic single called “Wide Eyed Wonder”. With RABO getting ready to begin her summer festival tour, this song sets the tone perfectly.
Industry NewsSteve Louw’s Traces of the Flood features Bob Dylan’s touring musicians
South African rock icon Steve Louw has released his latest album, Traces of the Flood, a Nashville-recorded project produced by acclaimed international producer Kevin Shirley and featuring members of Bob Dylan’s touring band.