AFROBEATS

By Status Ain't Hood Staff July 29, 2025
Ghanaian American singer Amaarae has released a new song, “Girlie-Pop!,” accompanied by a sensual music video directed by Omar Jones. In a press release, Amaarae shared the inspiration behind the track: “‘Girlie-Pop!’ started as a freestyle over an open guitar on a magical night in Brazil. I wanted to create a song that captures the feeling of a kiss from your favorite person in the world—the kind of moment that sends you into the stars with just a smile and a peck on the lips.”
By Status Ain't Hood July 18, 2025
TobySensey’s new EP Reckless explores the emotional highs and lows of love, healing, and self-discovery. Blending Afrofusion, R&B, and alternative soul, the Lagos-born artist draws from his global experiences. With intimate production and honest lyrics, Reckless offers a raw, reflective journey through vulnerability, growth, and the beauty found in imperfection.
By Cleon Alert July 10, 2025
Nigerian Afropop icon Yemi Alade has released the video for her most recent single “My Padi,” a vibrant anthem celebrating friendship and loyalty. Marking her third release of the year, the upbeat track promises warmth and support. The Beyoncé collaborator recently performed at Morocco’s Mawazine Festival. “My Padi” is now streaming on YouTube and other platforms. 
By Status Ain't Hood Staff June 27, 2025
After a two-year break, Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae is back with the visuals for “S.M.O.” (aka “Slut Me Out"), a sexually-explicit jam that as the artist tells it was inspired by everything from Ghanaian 80’s highlife trailblazer Ata Kakto to Janet Jackson's classic track 'Pleasure Principle'. l, and jazz. Produced by The Indiggnation and Winta James, the track explores romance and connection ahead of his summer tour kickoff. As seen here, the accompanying video (directed by Samo), offers a sonic escape for the summer.
By Status Ain't Hood Staff June 27, 2025
His first release since his 2024 fan-pleasing EP ‘Ikigai, Nigerian singer/songwriter Olamide returns with the eponymously-titled new album 'Olamide', a 17-track opus that's filled with plenty of bangers for the summer.