Nigerian singer Solana is developing YoruPop, a contemporary sound that brings Yoruba language and musical traditions into modern pop, drawing from Afrobeats, electronic music and other genres. Her single, ‘Okunkun’, has attracted interest from international music stars, including SZA, Little Simz, Diplo and Tyla, since she began teasing it on social media in June 2026.

Produced by Killertunes, ‘Okunkun’ takes its title from the Yoruba word for ‘darkness’. Solana describes the song as a reflection on overcoming difficult moments and finding the courage to embrace a better phase of life.

Photo: Instagram/@solana_tii

‘Okunkun’ was written in 2023, several years before its eventual release. In an interview with NME published on November 4, 2026, Solana revealed that people within her music circle initially resisted the song. Their reaction affected her confidence and made her question her creative direction. She eventually chose to release it on her own terms, trusting her instincts instead of allowing other people’s opinions to shape her decisions.

For Solana, YoruPop is more than pop songs performed in Yoruba. The language shapes her melodies, vocal delivery and rhythms. Because Yoruba is tonal, pitch can change a word’s meaning, a feature she incorporates into her songwriting and musical arrangements. This gives Yoruba-speaking listeners a familiar point of connection while allowing others to enjoy the music without understanding every word.

Solana’s music career began long before ‘Okunkun’. In 2020, she joined Mr Eazi’s emPawa30 initiative, where she received support and mentorship. Her earlier releases include ‘Far Away’, featuring Joeboy, and ‘On My Way’, featuring Victony.

Photo: Instagram/@solana_tii

In October 2026, Spotify named Solana its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month, featuring ‘Okunkun’ in the campaign. The initiative supports female artists across Africa and introduces their music to wider audiences. That same month, Solana announced that the single had crossed one million Spotify streams.

Solana has continued developing her sound with releases such as ‘Dide’ and ‘O Rí Mi’. Both songs will feature on her forthcoming EP, Girl From The West, scheduled for release on November 13, 2026, through Since 93. The project marks a step towards establishing YoruPop as a more defined part of her musical identity, moving beyond individual singles to a collection built around her Yoruba songwriting and contemporary pop influences.

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Nigerian music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia is returning with a new album. Titled Oldest Young Man, the 16-track project is set to drop on November 27, 2026.

The singer shared the news on his Instagram page, keeping the caption direct: “The legacy continues. OLDEST YOUNG MAN drops 27.11.26. Timeless music, no expiration date”.

This will be his first full-length studio project since Warriors was released in February 2020. That 13-track album featured artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, and Peruzzi.

2Baba first hinted at the new project back in August, posting a reflective message to his followers: “I’ve lived it. I’ve seen it. I’m still here. My new album, OLDEST YOUNG MAN, is coming soon”.

Photo: Instagram/@official2baba

To give fans a taste of what’s to come, he hosted a listening party on September 19 in Victoria Island, Lagos, during his 51st birthday celebrations. The event was well-attended, with guests including his mother, his children, and industry veterans like Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo “D-One” Adeneye, Wande Coal, African China, and Tony Tetuila. 2Baba and Faze also hopped on the mic for a freestyle, taking it back to their Plantashun Boiz days.

The lead single, Mental, featuring Fave, was released on September 18, 2026. Produced by Dee yasso, the track is a laid-back groove that sees 2Baba delivering smooth verses alongside Fave’s distinct vocals. With Oldest Young Man, 2Baba is preparing to release his first full-length album since 2020.

Ayra Starr and French singer Theodora have released the music video for their collaboration, ‘Ms. Paper’, bringing the song to life with colourful graphics, distinctive fashion choices and creative set designs. Released on October 28, 2026, the video uses playful graphics and set designs, with its art direction playing a major role in the video’s overall look.

Taken from Ayra Starr’s third studio album, Starrgirl, ‘Ms. Paper’ combines Afropop influences with English and French lyrics. The song touches on money, success and independence, themes that also appear in the video through currency-inspired graphics, retro magazine layouts and pop art.

Photo: YouTube/@ayrastarrofficial

Custom toy-box packaging and museum-style portrait frames are among the video’s standout details. These appear alongside money-counting scenes and currency-inspired displays, bringing the song’s themes of money and success into the set designs.

Ayra Starr’s outfits are another notable part of the art direction. In one scene, she wears a pink mini-dress with a matching side cap and cowrie-shell details. She later appears in a blue halter top, with bright red hair and distinctive face detailing. The different looks complement the colourful sets and graphic elements used throughout the video.

Photo: YouTube/@ayrastarrofficial

Theodora also shares the spotlight with Ayra, appearing alongside her as they perform the English and French lyrics. The choreography and scenes featuring both singers give the collaboration a shared visual identity, allowing Theodora to play an active role in the video rather than appearing briefly as a guest performer.

The video was directed by thinkakanni for Nouvelle Films, with Femi Dapson serving as executive producer. Adeola, professionally known as thisisadeolatoo, handled the art direction, while elfridagrey was responsible for movement direction. Editing and colour grading were credited to tundecutz and MTY Studios.

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