amped in september

amped in september / Burna Boy features with All My Life & Gbona

Every month, we compile the best songs and some gems you may have missed. September was packed with pop hits and R&B stunners. Our contributors picked out some of their favourite songs of the month.

All My Life - Major Lazer feat. Burna Boy

With a claim to fulfilling their conquest of padding their outreach and influence in Africa, the triple threat team which is spearheaded by internationally acclaimed DJ & record producer Diplo, have once again scored another hit record with the current forerunner of the Neo Afrobeat movement Burnaboy. The record at the first attempt of listening to it, immediately grasps the attention of minimal EDM music lovers as it takes the form in its chorus spotting an instantaneous “Anthem” vibe to it. Burna boy does his thing as he glides through the beat with relatable lyrics & storytelling. - Femi

Gbona - Burna Boy

A track that easily passes off as a chip off the old block of old school "Afrobeat" which had been cleared by Benson Idonije, (the legendary broadcaster of Nigerian media) who went on to become the Manager of Late Afrobeat legend Fela, has consistently held the forth as director of his grandson’s music. Who ceased the opportunity to roll out a follow up to the previously released All my life record. Gbona, is easily one that gets the people going; to enjoy the music with no worries /when the Gbedu dey Enter body/. The song has some catchy and relevant lyrics and it features glimpses of Fela samples and chants used by Burna Boy as he infuses the right melody, beneath the background percussion instruments. - Femi

Valet - Kiah Victoria / Put You On - Amber Mark

There’s some stellar R&B coming out of New York at the moment. It’s well polished, soulful and beautiful. Kiah Victoria & Amber Mark perfectly encapsulate this. Kiah Victoria’s second EP is more personal than her first and my personal favourite Valet is actual perfection.

Amber Mark returns with an assist from Dram on Put You On after her previous stellar release Conexão. Amber Mark's upbeat 90's r&b style is notable here as she sings about her post breakup glowup. - Iyin

Bam Bam - Timaya feat. Olamide

Timaya is one of the most consistent artistes when it comes to creating party jams and on this Olamide assisted track, he hits all the right spots. This song is bound to have clubs rocking till December. - Uzo

High Score - Tobi Lou & Galimatias

'Tobi Lou with the troop' teams up with Danish electronic artist Galimatias for a catchy video game themed song. Tobi's colourful and fun approach often overshadows the serious or relatable youthful topics he tackles on his songs. On High Score, he talks about fake friends and a girl he wants to win over (high score), layered under some ear catching flow.

Tobi Lou has a notable creative direction, check out his videos. - Iyin

Love U Long Time - Maleek Berry feat. Chip

Maleek berry has been a hit and miss with his last few releases but Love U Long Time is a return to form. It is a very catchy song...with the famous Maleek Berry base. - Uzo

Check out the video:

Special - Ayelle

Ayelle, the Iranian Swedish singer based in London sings about learning from her failed relationships on her new EP - Slow Cap. The heavy production and sultry vocals make her a perfect mix of Banks and Kllo and this ultimately leads to the making of a minimal electro R&B masterpiece like Special. - Iyin

Check out the full playlist on Apple Music below: