Friday, September 25, comes with another round of new music, and there is plenty to choose from this weekend.
Taylor Swift leads the international releases with an expanded version of The Life of a Showgirl. On the African side, Rema joins French rapper Tiakola for a new collaboration “Best”, while Niniola returns with another Afro-house record.
Young Jonn, Shoday, Ayo Maff, Limoblaze and Cheque also have new music out. Champz continues to build his catalogue, while Fido takes a softer route with his latest release. 
Here are 10 new songs and projects worth adding to your weekend playlist.
1. Taylor Swift — The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore
Taylor Swift adds four new songs to The Life of a Showgirl with its Encore edition. The new tracks are “Patient Zero,” “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon” and “Cleveland!” The last song has already caught attention for its reference to her husband, NFL star Travis Kelce, and his Cleveland roots.
For Swift fans, the expanded project offers four more songs to unpack from an album they already know.
2. Tiakola featuring Rema — “Best”
Rema features into the French music scene on “Best,” his new collaboration with Tiakola.
The track brings Tiakola’s melodic rap style together with Rema’s distinctive delivery. It also adds another international collaboration to Rema’s growing list of records outside Nigeria.
3. Niniola — “Tika”
Niniola is back in familiar territory with “Tika.” The Nigerian singer leans into the Afro-house sound that has shaped much of her career. Rather than moving away from her dance roots, “Tika” puts rhythm and energy at the centre of the record.
It is easily one of the weekend’s picks for anyone looking for something made for the dance floor.
4. Young Jonn — “Glass in the Air”
Young Jonn continues his run with “Glass in the Air,” taken from Dear London.
The song follows the polished Afropop direction that has defined his transition from hitmaking producer to recording artist. It is upbeat without becoming overwhelming, making it an easy addition to a weekend or late-night playlist.
5. Shoday featuring Magixx — “Che”
Shoday teams up with Magixx for “Che.”
The collaboration brings together Shoday’s energetic delivery and Magixx’s smoother vocals. At the centre of the song is a romantic hook that keeps things simple and easy to remember.
Fans of melodic Afropop should find plenty to enjoy here.
6. Ayo Maff featuring Zinoleesky — “Malaria”
Ayo Maff and Zinoleesky turn falling in love into an illness on “Malaria.”
The song uses malaria as a metaphor for the overwhelming feeling that comes with attraction. Ayo Maff handles the record with his street-pop delivery, while Zinoleesky brings the melody.
It is playful, catchy and very much at home within Nigeria’s current street-pop sound.
7. Limoblaze featuring Johnny Drille — “Already Loved”
“Already Loved” slows things down.
Limoblaze teams up with Johnny Drille for a record that brings gospel, Afrobeats and alternative sounds together.
Johnny Drille’s vocals give the collaboration a softer feel, while Limoblaze keeps the song rooted in his gospel sound. It offers a welcome change of pace from the more energetic releases on this week’s list.
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8. Champz — “Groove”
Champz continues to build his own musical identity with “Groove.”
As Wizkid’s son, comparisons with his father will naturally follow his early career. His music, however, is beginning to show a different direction.
“Groove” draws from UK drill and Afroswing rather than simply recreating the Afrobeats sound associated with Wizkid. The release gives listeners another glimpse at the direction the young artist appears to be exploring.
9. Fido — “For Me”
Fido takes things easy on “For Me.”
Instead of chasing a heavy club sound, the singer opts for a more restrained and romantic record. The result fits comfortably alongside the melodic side of contemporary Nigerian pop.
This is one for the slower weekend playlist.
10. Cheque — “Andale”
Cheque closes out the list with “Andale.”
The Nigerian singer and rapper mixes trap influences with Afropop, continuing the genre-blending approach that has appeared throughout his music.
“Andale” brings the energy back up after some of the softer records on the list and gives this week’s selection a lively finish.
From Taylor Swift’s four new tracks to Rema’s latest international collaboration, this Friday offers something across pop, Afrobeats, street-pop, gospel and R&B. Whether the weekend calls for something energetic or something slower, there is enough new music to update the playlist.
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