amped in august

cover (kacy hill, travis scott, dev hynes, bas, tay iwar, santi, cautious clay, m.i, odunsi (the engine))

August was filled with gems from Santi, M.I, Choker, Tay Iwar, Travis Scott and more. Our amped contributors rounded up some of their favourite songs featured on the playlist.

Sugardaddy - Tay Iwar (feat. Odunsi (The Engine)

Described by Camille Storm writing for okayafrica as an infectious upbeat afropop track. Tay & Odunsi’s synergy on this is electric. The energy on Odunsi’s afrobeat hook in Yoruba brings complements Tay Iwar’s mellow singing and they craft a vibrant song that alludes a common fixture in Nigeria - Yinka

Suzuki Peaches - Choker

The first time I heard a Choker song, I could instantly feel the influence of Frank Ocean in the music arrangement, and he even sounds like Frank. Not to take anything away from Choker, he's very experimental in his production and unique in his own right. If you're not a patient listener, you may find it frustrating listening to a song that sounds like 3 songs in one, or you hear the beat switch at the glimpse of a nice melody. But I found out that this style makes you want to listen to the song more and more because you liked 10 seconds of the track; and before you know it you appreciate the whole song. Choker is a master of this art at only 22. - Iyin

Freaky - Santi (feat. BRIDGE & Nonso Amadi)

This song is addictive. A genre cutting tune that is one of Santi’s better efforts. Genio’s production is sick, the calmness with which Bridge sings the chorus is chilling, Nonso Amadi’s smooth vocals is laden with misery & melancholy. Santi putting together the squad is clutch. Checkout the Nollywood inspired video - Yinka

No Bystanders - Travis Scott

All you need to know about this song is it is literally the soundtrack to chaos.

Case in point:

Yes other songs on Astroworld like Stop trying to be God, Yosemite and Sicko Mode could have made the cut. But No Bystanders gets the people pumped on another level. - Iyin

Narcissist - No Rome ft. The 1975

Dirty Hit's new star follows up on hits Seventeen and Do it Again with this track and new EP RIP Hindo Hisashi. The 1975 accompanies him on the track, contributing to the sultry hook. The pink haired Indonesian is clearly a pop hit making machine, and highly revered as Matty confirmed him as a muse for the new The 1975 album - Iyin

+/- M.I (feat. Odunsi The Engine & Lady Donli)

The legendary Nigerian rapper features rising youngsters Odunsi (The Engine) & Lady Donli on +/-. The Engine drops a stellar hook and Donli singing “positive vibes, no minus” in her verse encapsulates the simple & direct message of the song. Special shoutout to the complimentary sax under Odunsi's hook. - Yinka

Read our album survey and review of M.I's new album.

Motigbana - Olamide Olamide paid homage to the originators of that konto/galala infused type of street sound. He added his own twist to it while engaging his listeners from start to finish. I think this song is actually perfect and an all round relatable track towards the modern palm wine drinkers joint. - Femi

Millions - Always Never

Always Never, the R&B duo from Toronto makes that riding around late in the night type of songs like PartyNextDoor. Always Never caught a lot of buzz back in January from The Joe Budden Podcast with Wylin'. They've since dropped a few singles, an EP and now an album. Millions is a catchy song about chasing Ms of course and you can hear a little bit of the The Weeknd in their sound - Iyin

Dun Care - Simi

Simi sails through comfortably on this track as she delivers in Yoruba & Pidgin English engaging her listeners. The song is solemnly recorded and sweet to listen to, while getting busy with your regular activities - Femi

Gimme Love - DJ Xclusive (feat. Duncan Mighty)

The smooth rendition by Duncan Mighty takes this delightful arrangement of a record to exciting heights as he springs up the same foundation he built-on, while trying to put together Fake Love. A welcoming sing-along type of record - Femi

Tribe - Bas (feat. J. Cole)

Bas has been consistently dropping amazing rap singles and this is no exception. mellow beats that make you appreciate the cleverness in the lyrics is something to stan for. There seems to be endless chemistry between Cole & Bas and it shows on Tribe. loved the way they both start off their verses, almost as if they are showing off their skill. - Tunde

Checkout the full playlist on Apple music or Spotify