1. Agatchu – Maradona
Source:Agatchu
Following the success of ‘One For Me’ with Ya Levis to kickstart 2025, fast-rising French Angolan artist and producer AGATCHU is excited to unveil his first solo release of the year titled ‘MARADONA’ as he inches closer to his highly anticipated sophomore EP. The new single is a genre-blurring slow burner, fusing raw emotion, R&B harmonies, afrobeats grooves, and deep storytelling. It sees Agatchu step fully into the spotlight, pairing his smooth vocals with Yoruba and French infused lyrics, over sleek production from longtime collaborator AZNVR (MHD, Focalistic, Tayc). Inspired by the clash of two dominant personalities in a passionate relationship, the track explores love, ego, vulnerability, and power through a cinematic lens.
Drawing from West African pop influences and modern R&B sensibilities, while tapping his own Nigerian heritage, the single blends English, Yoruba, and French to reflect Agatchu’s multicultural identity and global musical influences. Co-written with Lagos singer-songwriter Pekeys, ‘Maradona’ sees Agatchu crafting a rich layered offering that feels both soulful and unfiltered. He describes the track as a song about the tension, complexity, and beauty of relationships, adding that it is “a celebration of love, and the intricate dynamics and vulnerabilities we all experience in relationships”. With its hypnotic groove and resonant songwriting, the track marks a confident step toward Agatchu’s highly anticipated sophomore EP, set for release in spring 2025.
Since his official debut as an artist less than a year ago, Agatchu has rapidly become one of the most exciting new voices in the global music and afrobeats landscape, earning with strong support from industry tastemakers such as Spotify, Apple Music, BBC 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, Mouv, Générations, and Vevo DSCVR. Following the success of his debut EP Believe, and hit singles like ‘New Maserati’ and ‘Stamina’ with Joé Dwet Filè, Agatchu continues to push boundaries with his bold expansive genre-fusing artistry and resonant storytelling. His two new singles to start 2025, ‘One For Me’ and ‘Maradona’ mark the exciting next chapter in his ascent, as he prepares for the release of his highly anticipated sophomore EP. Defined by authenticity, creativity and excellence, Agatchu is one to watch.
2. Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille – Police
Source:Kizz Daniel
Award-winning Nigerian pop superstar KIZZ DANIEL opens a bold new chapter in 2025 with ‘POLICE’ – a feel-good genre-blending romantic anthem that features legendary GRAMMY Award-winning global music legend Angélique Kidjo and Nigerian soul favourite Johnny Drille. As the first single from his highly anticipated Uncle K album, ‘Police’ delivers tongue-in-cheek charm and undeniable groove, telling the story of a man so captivated by love that he threatens to “call the police” over his partner’s irresistible allure. Originally crafted with Johnny Drille, and later elevated by Kidjo’s electrifying pan-African presence, the track fuses afrobeats, soul and infectious lyricism, with standout production from MOG Beatz, Blaise Beatz (Chris Brown, Wizkid, Davido), and Johnny Drille himself. The outcome is an infectious celebration of romance, humour, culture, and cross-generational collaboration.
This feel-good love song showcases three powerhouse artists at their most expressive and in sync, with Kizz Daniel delivering sharp storytelling and effortless swagger, Johnny Drille providing rich harmonies and emotional texture; and Angélique Kidjo injecting timeless global flavour, even sampling her iconic 1994 hit ‘Agolo’ in the chorus. It’s a track rooted in joy and cultural connectivity – light-hearted, infectious, and widely resonant. ‘Police’ not only reaffirms Kizz Daniel’s status as a master of afrobeats storytelling, but also hints at the sonic ambition behind Uncle K, his most globally minded project to date. The track perfectly sets the tone for Kizz Daniel in 2025 – it is an uplifting pan-African offering that is both forward-thinking and classic, personal and universal. It’s the sound of an icon evolving, once again
Kizz Daniel stepping into 2025 with renewed energy, fresh creative fire, and a legacy stronger than ever. Marking a decade at the top of afrobeats, 2024 was a landmark year – one that saw him dominate the charts, headline major festivals, and embark on a globally acclaimed ‘Vado at 10’ tour. From his record-breaking single ‘Twe Twe’ featuring Davido topping both the Official Nigeria Top 100 and the UK Official Afrobeats Chart, to the massive hits ’Showa’ and ‘Marhaba’, to the introspective ‘Pano Tano’ with Adekunle Gold, Kizz Daniel proved once again why he is one of the most consistent and innovative hitmakers in the game. His year also saw him release the chart-topping TZA EP for his fans, amassing half a billion global streams, and reinforcing his influence as a global music powerhouse.
3. ROHAN – I Wish I Could Tell You
Source:ROHAN
Today, Melbourne/San Francisco alt-pop artist & producer ROHAN shares the confessional, slow-burning earworm “I Wish I Could Tell You” and DIY visualizer out now. With its infectious guitar loop and raw vocals, the vulnerable tune is an open letter to an ex love the artist never formally sends. Last month, ROHAN supported his ex’s (and Chappell Roan’s) favorite pop artist, Devon Again at her sold out San Francisco show where he debuted the track live for the first time.
On the new single, the musician moves towards acceptance as he comes to terms with a heartbreak that is out of his hands. Recorded in his home studio in Melbourne, Australia, ROHAN shares, “I originally wrote it as a folk song on my acoustic guitar in my San Francisco apartment after a volatile, unexpected breakup on the night of Halloween. Despite being lovers for over 4 years, my ex and I haven’t spoken a word to each other since that night, and the song became a release—a place to pour out everything I wished I could tell her but never could.” After he posted the demo on TikTok and received a like from Beabadoobee, he decided to officially release it. Its matching DIY visualizer was done in collaboration with celebrated director Mark Kohr whose work spans iconic videos for Green Day, No Doubt, Alanis Morissette and more.
“It acknowledges a phase where you feel stuck in the past and the weight of lingering emotions,” ROHAN shares. Influenced by the indie rock he grew up on, the artist continues, “I was reconnecting with some of my favourite Aussie indie artists like Skegss and Courtney Barnett and Matt Corby, pulling inspiration from them and blending it into the song’s DNA. And that’s what inspired the more “in the mud” 90s guitars that contrast the modern upbeat rhythm.”
ROHAN was raised by Indian parents between Australia and Singapore and was introduced to music through Australian Idol and Green Day’s American Idiot. After high school, he moved to California and attended Stanford to continue exploring his love for technology and music. Recently opening for Devon Again proved to be a cathartic moment as the pop artist was a shared love of ROHAN and his former love. Now, out of his own studio in San Francisco and pulling inspiration from Australian indie rock bands like Skeggs, 90s R&B like Lauryn Hill and contemporary pop artists like Dominic Fike, he’s ready to officially introduce himself with his own blend of Australian indie rock with R&B, electronic and folk influences that form his self-produced confessional alt-pop anthems.
With “I Wish I Could Tell You,” out now, ROHAN attempts to part with a meaningful love on his own terms with no regrets. Connect with ROHAN on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and stay tuned for much more to come from the rising artist.
4. Girlfriend ft. Tierra Whack – Bon Voyage
Source:Girlfriend
Rising R&B talent Girlfriend is turning up the heat with her latest release, “Bon Voyage,” a bold new single and visual featuring Grammy-nominated artist Tierra Whack, available now on all platforms.
Known for her genre-blending sound and fearless creativity, Girlfriend teams up with Tierra Whack to deliver a feel-good anthem made for romantic escapes. “Bon Voyage” blends smooth R&B vocals with playful lyricism and an infectious groove, capturing the magic of getting away with your person. The accompanying visual matches the song’s vibrant, carefree energy — a perfect backdrop for a track that feels like a fresh start.
“Bon Voyage” follows a string of standout releases from Girlfriend, including “Feelin’” featuring Maiya the Don and “Tell Me Again” with Bay Swag, both of which helped cement her as one of the most promising new voices in R&B. As she continues to carve out her own lane, Girlfriend is gearing up for her highly anticipated debut EP, due out later this spring.
5. Duckwrth – Escapist
Source:duckwrth
