HAAi (Teneil Throssell), courtesy Sophie Webster.

This week’s edition is filled with banger after banger. We’re winding our waists with Seun Kuti and Goyo, while HAAi, Paperwhite and Cafuné deliver electronic bliss. Lanz Pierce gets inspired by Eminem, while Cam and Braye remind us of the important things.

HAAi featuring Jon Hopkins, Obi Franky, ILA and Trans Voices, “Satellite” — My favorite thing about this electro-pop jam from London producer Teniel Throssell (HAAi) is that it’s an enigma. Opening with beautiful choral harmonies layered with scattered voiceovers, then slowly building into a psychedelic frenzy while Obi Franky delivers inspiring lyrics, this song is sonic bliss.

The collaboration allows each artist to express themselves. For Throssell, it’s about her people and the unique humanity we offer one another in a rapidly changing world. Franky, meanwhile, was moved by the passing of her father. From her new album, HUMANiSE, this song embodies connectivity.

***

Cafuné, “e-Asphyxiation” — My new favorite songs are ones that call out how absurd and out of hand technology is. This garage rocker by the duo of Noah Yoo and Sedona Schat taps into that. “I’m tied down too tight by all these/ Phone screen obligations/ E-Asphyxiation” Schat sings. It’s a wake-up call done with coolness and guitar riffs. The song’s from upcoming album Bite Reality, due in September. Cafuné is creating music that’s confrontational and critical of humanity. I’m here for all of it.

Seun Kuti featuring Egypt 80, “T.O.P.” — Channeling his legendary father, Fela Kuti, “T.O.P.” is an Afro-reggae jam that will have you on your feet from start to finish. From the deluxe edition of his album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), produced by Lenny Kravitz, “T.O.P.” is a political anthem that addresses a timeless issue in African leadership: Greed. “To make it to the T.O.P./ You put things over people/ We put nice things over we brothers/ We sick, boss,” he sings. With the current state of issues in my own country (South Africa), “T.O.P” hits a nerve.

***

Lanz Pierce, “Get It” — New York artist Lanz Pierce was inspired by Eminem’s “Slim Shady” on “Get It.” She delivers pointed, punchy lyrics over a mellow, chilled beat. It’s her witty lyricism that had me hanging on every word with a flow that takes you back to old-school hip-hop. “The world is crazy, and my generation medicated/ Social media famous, you just feeding the metadata,” she raps, offering bars on bars.

Braye, “Stuck” — Truth is, if it were possible, Braye’s entire EP, I Wish I Had More Time, would be on this list. “Stuck” is what resonated with me the most. The Nigerian singer-songwriter delivers warm and raspy vocals over acoustic guitar plucking. The soulful song taps into a space we fear confronting as people, yet the tone is gentle and understanding. Between the pace and the beautiful harmonies in the second verse, “Stuck” will be on heavy rotation on my playlist for a while.

***

Goyo featuring Zaider, “Volver a Verte” — I don’t speak a lick of Spanish, but I already know the chorus to this summer jam word for word. From Latin Grammy winner Goyo, this is an Afrobeats Caribbean banger that exudes nostalgia and euphoria. Paired with a heartwarming music video, the song captures the essence of family and creating memories with your loved ones.

Paperwhite, “This Feeling” — From synth-pop siblings Katie Marshall (vocals) and Ben Marshall (producer), “This Feeling” sounds like sitting on  a cloud without a care in the world. It’s soft and nostalgic with a fun cotton candy beat that puts you in a good mood. From their sophomore album, Reach, set to release in June, it’s a dreamy pop song that reminds you to unclench your jaw.

***

Cam, “Alchemy” — Her first release after a four-year hiatus, Camaron Ochs‘ “Alchemy” embodies country and folk with a touch of pop. Produced by longtime collaborator Tyler Johnson, “Alchemy” feels timeless and inspiring, with Cam’s sweet harmonies being the main attraction of the song.

Dumi’s pick: There are so many elements that make HAAi’s “Satellite” a work of art. It’s layered with so many voices and sounds, yet it all fuses together perfectly. I love how the song feels like a sonic trip while delivering an inspiring message.

Follow Dumisani Mnisi at Twitter.com/nairobi_1899 and Instagram.com/nairobi_1899.