Out since July 18, 2025, on IN / ROTATION, ‘Zesa’ teams up Mx Cartier, Dr. Chaii, and Benni Ola for a high-octane afro house cut. Mx Cartier, the Paris-based beatmaker, has been unstoppable since launching in 2024 with his Jorja Smith remix ‘High’ and racking up millions of streams on ‘Oh Na Ri Na’ and ‘My Return Home’ with Benni Ola. His tracks have earned spins from Keinemusik, AmyElle, and more. Benni Ola, LA’s go-to rapper-singer, flexes his range after working with J. Worra and Daktyl, while Dr. Chaii, a Zimbabwean force, brings his joyful energy and pop cred from collabs with Sean Paul, Tyla, and Chris Brown.
This track’s a livewire: ‘Zesa’ locks in with a pulsing bassline, tribal rhythms, and sharp percussive accents. Benni Ola delivers smooth, hip house bars, while Dr. Chaii adds whispered chants and fired-up calls, channeling Afro-Caribbean soundsystem roots. It’s a tight mix of hip-hop, Afrobeatz, dancehall, and deep house that’s built to dominate dancefloors.
Dr. Chaii revealed: “I believe that music is the medicine and this song is no exception. We made a song that captures the energy of celebrating life and staying in your power, no matter what you’re going through. This one means a lot to me and I’m excited for the world to hear it!”
Nigerian hip-hop artist BIQD, born Paul Chibuike Chukwukere, dropped his scorching new single ‘This Love Is On Fire’ on March 21, 2025, cementing his spot as a rising force in the genre. All the way from Imo State and now based in Lagos, BIQD has been carving out a unique space in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene since his 2024 debut. Drawing from global heavyweights like Central Cee, Post Malone, and Drake, alongside local legends Psquare and even pop icons Westlife, his sound is a bold blend of introspective rap and melodic hooks. Following his debut EP D’s Genesis and the buzz-generating single ‘BigD’, BIQD continues to build momentum with a style that’s both emotionally raw and universally relatable, earning him a growing fanbase across Africa and beyond.
‘This Love Is On Fire’, produced by the innovative Skilla, is a slow-burning hip-hop anthem that dives into the complexities of love and heartbreak. The track’s moody soul samples and crisp beats create a haunting backdrop, with an evocative sample that echoes like a late-night confession. BIQD’s delivery is sharp yet vulnerable, weaving vivid lyrics that capture the push-and-pull of desire with cinematic clarity. The atmospheric production balances earthy tones with ambient textures, making the song as captivating as it is emotionally heavy, perfect for both introspection and repeat listens.
‘This Love Is On Fire’ showcases BIQD’s ability to balance vulnerability with polished artistry, cementing his role in Nigeria’s hip-hop evolution. The single’s relatable narrative and rich sonic palette highlight his growth since his 2024 debut, proving he’s a consistent force in delivering music that resonates. As Nigerian hip-hop continues to thrive globally, BIQD’s latest release positions him as an artist to watch, blending local roots with a universal sound that’s ready to ignite playlists in 2025.
British multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter James Berkeley – best known as the former frontman of UK neo-soul outfit Yakul – confidently steps into solo territory with his debut album Lost Boy, Golden Hour and the record’s heartfelt lead single ‘Giving Me Love’, out now.
Blending elements of soul, jazz, dream pop, indie, and electronica, Berkeley crafts a sound that’s distinct yet familiar – think Thundercat meets Japanese Breakfast with shades of Washed Out.
No stranger to the UK jazz, R&B, and soul circuits, James makes his mark with Yakul, from selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club three times to collaborating with Mereba and co-writing with Incognito on Tomorrow’s New Dream. He also tours internationally with Incognito, playing residencies at Blue Note Tokyo and Blue Note Milan.
Outside the spotlight, he remains quietly prolific: releasing two EPs as a solo artist and collaborating with long-time creative partner edbl, including their 2022 joint EP, which has racked up over 2 million streams. He also supports acts like Cosmo Pyke and continues to build a reputation for both his studio prowess and magnetic live energy.
With a signature falsetto, jazz-inflected piano voicings, and a passion for analog synth textures, James Berkeley is a genre-defiant artist with something to say. Lost Boy, Golden Hour is more than a debut – it’s a declaration of creative freedom.
Born on the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza, OVAVA Music—the brainchild of UK DJ and producer Ollie Mundy—dropped its ninth release, ‘Cuentame’, on the world nearly a year after the label’s debut. This latest track, a collaboration between Italian Afro House duo PRAMA and Argentinian vocalist Estefa Silvera, is a testament to the label’s mission: crafting deep, melodic, and Afro-infused electronic music that resonates globally. Mundy, a seasoned performer who’s lit up stages from Burning Man (with 2.6 million YouTube views to prove it) to venues across Europe and the US, steers OVAVA Music with a curator’s ear. The label’s catalog has already earned nods from Mixmag and DJ Mag, plus spins from legends like Black Coffee and Claptone, cementing its spot in the Afro House scene.
‘Cuentame’ is pure OVAVA Music DNA—think pulsing Afro House beats layered with Estefa Silvera’s haunting vocals and PRAMA’s knack for earthy, melodic grooves. It’s the kind of track that hits you in the chest, perfect for an Ibiza sunrise or a packed dancefloor at 3 a.m. The release follows the label’s trend of spotlighting talent that bridges rhythm and emotion, a formula that’s landed PRAMA a Beatport Afro House No.1 and pushed DJ Hydra’s ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ into Traxsource’s Top 10. With every beat, OVAVA Music proves it’s not just releasing tracks—it’s shaping the sound of Afro House.
“OVAVA Music is about authenticity—music that connects on a deeper level,” says Ollie Mundy, reflecting on the label’s journey. From its monthly OVAVA Music Radio show on Bloop Radio to upcoming releases like Fogel’s ‘Breathing Sea’, the label is all about momentum. Rooted in Ibiza’s free-spirited energy, OVAVA Music isn’t just a label—it’s a vibe, a platform for emerging artists, and a love letter to Afro House. As it nears its one-year mark, Mundy’s vision is clear: this is Ibiza’s soul, remixed for the world.
Just announced today, June 3, 2025, Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR are hitting the road with their “$ome $pecial $hows 4 UK” tour, kicking off this July. Drake, the Toronto-born hip-hop titan with five Grammys and a string of platinum records, has been a dominant force since his 2009 EP So Far Gone, which MTV crowned the year’s hottest mixtape. His career’s packed with heavy-hitters like Scorpion and Certified Lover Boy, alongside massive tours featuring icons like Travis Scott and 21 Savage. Teaming up with him is PARTYNEXTDOOR, the Mississauga, Ontario native who’s carved out his own lane in pop and R&B. With credits on smashes like Rihanna’s ‘Work’ and a Grammy-nominated collab with Drake on ‘Come and See Me,’ he’s a certified hitmaker bringing serious heat to this run.
The tour’s a tight, high-energy trek produced by Live Nation, starting with double dates at Birmingham Utilita Arena (July 20-21) and Manchester Co-op Live (July 25-26), then rolling through Europe with stops in Munich, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and wrapping in Hamburg on September 23. Before that, Drake’s headlining all three nights of London’s Wireless Festival (July 11-13) at Finsbury Park, with each night boasting distinct setlists and surprise guests—tickets for that vanished in minutes, the fastest sell-out in the fest’s 20-year history. This marks Drake’s first European swing since 2019’s Assassination Vacation Tour, and with PARTYNEXTDOOR locked in for every show, it’s a rare chance to catch their chemistry live.
Earlier this year, the duo unleashed ‘$ome $exy $ongs 4 U‘ via OVO Sound on Valentine’s Day, a project that flexes their knack for blending hip-hop edge with R&B smoothness—think tracks that hit like ‘Come and See M’ but with a fresh 2025 twist.
Tickets drop soon: presales start June 4, general sales hit June 6 at LiveNation.co.uk—check local listings for exact times. This tour’s set to be a straight-up takeover, so don’t sleep on it.
MASTERCARD: Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Sweden, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Denmark and Italy. Mastercard Presale starts Wednesday June 4 at 12pm local. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available in the countries listed and the UK from Friday June 6 at 12pm local. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
$OME $PECIAL $HOWS 4 UK 2025 DATES:
Sun Jul 20 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Mon Jul 21 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Fri Jul 25 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Sat Jul 26 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Wed Jul 30 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome Thu Jul 31 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome Thu Aug 07 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis Mon Aug 11 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion Fri Aug 15 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena Sat Aug 16 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena Thu Aug 21 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena Fri Aug 22 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena Sun Aug 24 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena Mon Aug 25 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena Fri Aug 29 – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum Sat Aug 30 – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum Sun Sep 07 – Paris, France – Accor Arena Mon Sep 08 – Paris, France – Accor Arena Thu Sep 11 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena Fri Sep 12 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena Tue Sep 16 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle Thu Sep 18 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle Mon Sep 22 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena Tue Sep 23 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
Château Perché’s 10th edition, set for July 24 to 27 at Château de Farcheville, transforms a medieval castle into a playground of immersive stage design for 6,900 attendees. With over 400 international artists, the festival’s theme, “Once upon a time there was a graphic fantasy utopia,” comes alive through daily dress codes like “Pyjamas in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Vermillon Love Legion.” The castle’s historic grounds are adorned with surreal installations—glowing arches, recycled sculptures—that make every stage a visual masterpiece, blending 14th-century architecture with modern creativity to create a festival unlike any other.
Four daytime and seven nighttime stages deliver a sonic spectrum, from amapiano’s rolling rhythms to psytrance’s pulsating kicks, melodic techno’s lush textures, UK garage’s sharp beats, house grooves, and live bands’ raw energy. Le Mirador de l’Amor pairs breathtaking views with soulful sets, Le Jardin à la Française channels regal elegance into dance anthems, and Le Colombier ignites with late-night intensity. Each stage integrates decor and sound—think techno echoing off stone walls or live drums under starlit skies. The Exploration Village offers workshops like light art creation, while La Cour d’honneur dazzles with synchronized audiovisual shows, amplifying the immersive vibe.
Sustainability anchors the experience, with a vegetarian menu of fresh, local dishes and reusable dishware minimizing waste. Shuttles from eight cities reduce emissions, and the moral commitment form ties attendees to Respect, Ecology, Safety, and Awakening. Press can explore the stagecraft via guided tours, seeing how Château Perché blends art and ethos. It’s a festival where every stage is a portal to a utopian world, inviting you to dance through history.
Canton Jones dropped his latest single, ‘YOU KNOW I DO (LOVER’S Version)’, today May 30th, 2025, through Cajo Records, delivering another chapter in his storied career. With over 24 million Spotify streams, 35 million YouTube views, three Stellar Award nominations, three Gospel Choice Awards, and a Trailblazer in Media & Entertainment Award, the Grammy-nominated singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer has cemented his place in gospel and contemporary music. Hailing from Deerfield Beach, Florida, and now based in Atlanta, Jones started performing at five in a family quartet and was crafting beats by 16. His two-decade journey includes performances for legends like Oprah Winfrey and Ray Charles, collaborations with Moses Bliss, Maverick City Music, and Nathaniel Bassey, and features on Erica Campbell’s Get Up! Mornings. Beyond music, Jones is a pastor and entrepreneur, partnering with brands like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart for community outreach.
The track itself is a heartfelt anthem of devotion, blending gospel’s emotional weight with contemporary R&B’s smooth edge. Anchored by a steady backbeat, ‘YOU KNOW I DO (LOVER’S Version)’ weaves atmospheric instrumentals with modern production flourishes. Jones’ commanding baritone drives the song, elevated by gospel-inspired call-and-response vocals that add depth and reverence. Drawing from influences like Fred Hammond, Marvin Gaye, and Dr. Dre, the single balances theatrical flair with danceable energy, appealing to fans of soulful artists like Teddy Swims.
“The inspiration behind this track is to show everyone that it’s ok to love again… it’s the season of love,” Jones shared. His latest release captures that sentiment with raw emotion and universal appeal, making it a standout in his catalog and a must-listen for anyone craving music that speaks to both the heart and soul.
Get ready to vibe, because Jacqui’s latest single, ‘fries, bb’, is out now via Beeline Records. Born in South Korea, raised in China and in the U.S., and now spending most of her time back in South Korea, this neo-soul firecracker has been making waves since her 2022 debut EP, Birthday, stacked over 500,000 Spotify streams. Her journey’s been wild—rocking SXSW Sydney, opening for slchld, and owning Bangkok Music City earlier this year. Right now, she’s lighting up UK stages at Focus Wales and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Her voice has already popped off on Netflix’s My Holo Love with ‘White Clouds’ and Amazon Prime’s BUTTERFLY with ‘Sagwa’. Drawing from Erykah Badu, Jacqui weaves raw feels and playful vibes, serving a sound that’s got FKA Twigs and Mahalia energy but is 100% her own.
‘fries, bb’ is a slick, R&B-drenched bop that flexes Jacqui’s sharp lyricism and lush production. Her smooth-as-velvet vocals slide over a cheeky, polished beat, mixing flirty swagger with a fearless edge. It’s the kind of track that feels like a 2 a.m. diner sesh, oozing longing and effortless cool, pulling you deep into Jacqui’s world with every note.
Jacqui spills the tea on the track: “‘fries, bb’ takes place in a late-night burger shop, ordering things when I am not even hungry, just because I want to spend more time with this person next to me. Still, no moves are made and then it’s me saying “just so you know, I am into you.” I focused on creating a straight-forward and aggressive (in a cute way!) sound that penetrates the whole song which matches with the message I am carrying in this song. So that is why you will hear different types of distortion on my voice and the instruments.”
With ‘fries, bb’, Jacqui’s proving she’s a neo-soul powerhouse, dropping a track that’s as addictive as a late-night munchies run.
QO52 unleashes his blistering new single ‘Space Invaders’ today, May 6, 2025, through Musique Nomade, paired with a gripping music visualizer. This track is the lead-off from his upcoming album, set to drop in October 2025. Hailing from Gesgapegiag, Gaspésie, and now based in Sherbrooke, Quentin Condo, known as QO52—a nod to his Mi’gmaq roots and reserve number—blends hip-hop, grunge, and alternative rock with a fierce social edge. A 2023 International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards winner for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, he’s earned nominations at the 2021 ADISQ Gala, 2022 Teweikan Gala, and 2022 GAMIQ. QO52’s commanding stage presence has electrified festivals like FEQ, Innu Nikamu, and FME, and he’s shared bills with legends like Cypress Hill. A frequent voice on TVA’s La Tour and Radio Canada, his music is a rallying cry for Indigenous rights, youth, and women’s protection.
Stream ‘Space Invaders’:
‘Space Invaders’ is a relentless, old-school hip-hop banger laced with cyberpunk-rock grit, evoking a scorched, dystopian soundscape. Heavy, pounding beats collide with QO52’s razor-sharp bars, delivering a fierce rebuke to those who falsely claim Indigenous identity for personal gain. The track’s raw energy and unapologetic lyricism channel the spirit of Public Enemy and Mobb Deep, fused with the apocalyptic intensity of a Mad Max fever dream. It’s a sonic gut-punch, blending classic hip-hop flow with alternative rock’s searing edge, making a bold stand against cultural exploitation.
QO52 stated: “This song is about the people who falsely claim that they are Indigenous in order to benefit from programs, spaces and platforms that are intended for actual Indigenous People.” His words underscore the track’s urgency, cementing his role as a vital voice in music and advocacy, using his platform to confront injustice with unflinching clarity.
Nyah Grace has announced her second album Divinely Devotedfor release on June 11th 2025 via Palawan Productions. Marking the announcement the acclaimed Manchester by way of Oregon neo-soul singer has released the brand new single ‘Only Mine’.
The new single finds Nyah’s honeyed voice conveying the complexities of human experience with the gravitas of Sade or Mahalia over slinky pianos and a smooth looping bassline.
Regarding the single Nyah says, “‘Only Mine’ was written by myself, De’Jour Thomas and Abi Nav in just one day. Recorded out of De’Jour’s small home studio in LA, I wanted to tell a story of a relationship evolving from something casual, into real love. It was exciting for me to explore the sultry, vulnerable side of love with this song, and the intimacy that comes with opening up to someone.”
The song is already proving a radio hit with early support coming from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music. “That track is just gorgeous, that song really captures the start of a relationship and the electricity that comes with it. Perfectly captured in a soulful three-minute pop tune. Thank you Nyah Grace”, praised Emily Pilbeam on her 6 Music show this week.
The new album Divinely Devotedbirths a new direction for Nyah Grace. Coming five years after her debut Honey-Coloured, Nyah now delivers a bespoke brand of smoky, sassy confessional R&B over 10 tracks, co-written and produced with De’Jour Thomas (Chlöe, Fousheé, Monaleo).
The new single ‘Only Mine’ proved foundational and as the first song the pair created together for the album it saw De’Jour’s sparce production aesthetic allowing Nyah’s sumptuous voice room to breathe. That recording, and Nyah’s trust in the process, set the tone for what followed.
“It all happened super quick,”Nyah says. “De’Jour has got such an ear, musically, and for some reason we both knew exactly what the album was supposed to sound like.”
That chemistry is more than evident amid the relatable relationship blues and swaggering gospel chorus of ‘Down’. “That’s probably my favourite song,” she enthuses. “When I first heard the demo, it was just like ‘Whoa! This could be something really, really cool’. What’s funny is some of those lines were just one-takes I’d written a minute before, thinking it was just going to be a demo. Afterwards he was like, ‘Okay, it’s done’. That song really captures the moment.”
That creative synergy can be heard across the Lauryn Hill-styled opener ‘Back Of The Cab’ as Nyah relates the tale of slightly tipsy, tearful female passenger “venting to the Uber driver about like the shitty night she’s just had. I’m really trying to jump out of my comfort zone lyrically.” It’s further lifted by subtle production touches – a heavy exhalation at the start, a subtle switch so the outro sounds like it’s playing on a car stereo, a slamming door – oozing the creative confidence that’s apparent throughout.
That sense of innovation extends into ‘Fall Into You’, as a voicemail from Nyah’s mother comes through with some reassuring maternal advice. “I was going through something really, really bad at the time,”Nyah explains, “and I was just like having one of those moments calling my mum every day, trying to like figure out what was going on. It’s funny because it sounds like it’s rehearsed or planned, but it wasn’t. My mum always knows the right thing to say.”
Elsewhere, Nyah shows off her vocal chops over a spooky guitar figure on the slow-burn R&B of ‘I Know’ – “It’s nearly impossible for me to sing live. It’s the lowest that I can possibly go in my register and then it jumps three octaves!” – while emoting heavily amid the three sorrowful chords of ‘Seventeen’. “The goal was to do that in one-take, together in the room, which we pretty much did. It’s a ‘fake one-take’ as we supplemented a few little things later, but you can hear my voice breaking in there. It was super intimate.”
As well as revealing a newfound maturity in Nyah’s writing, Divinely Devoted is also the most personal set of songs Nyah has released. “I don’t like drawing inspiration from my life, so in the past I would story-tell a lot. I’m not the kind of person that when something happens, I’m like, ‘Oh, I need to write a song about it’ – I just write what feels good. But I’ve brought more of my personal life to the table here.”
Raised in a small farm town in Oregon, Nyah was a “big Disney Channel kid” who set her heart on a singing career aged six. In 2018 Nyah moved permanently to the UK, finishing her schooling and completing her debut at the same time.
Cooked up alongside producers Steve Chrisanthou and Michael Graves, the album Honey-Coloured peaked with whip-smart Corinne Bailey Rae duet ‘My Sista Told Me’ and racked up over 12 million streams. Last year’s single ‘More’, recorded with Jay Mooncie and Dayyon, was the first hint of her current direction, gaining support from Radio 1, Radio 2, BBC Introducing, Mi-Soul, Jazz FM, Smooth FM and many more.
The maturity in her new album Divinely Devotedis abundantly clear as De’Jour’s stripped-down productions accentuate the purity of Nyah’s sensuous delivery, helping Divinely Devoted stand proud alongside defining releases from neo soul greats such as Erykah Badu, India.Arie and Jill Scott.
