Music

Ayra Starr & Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat” Honest Review

Published

1 year ago

1 May 2025

Let’s talk honestly.

When Ayra Starr and Wizkid dropped “Gimme Dat,” we all expected magic. And why not? Two of the most gifted voices in Afrobeats coming together on a track, that’s enough to make anyone sit up. So did it deliver?

Yes… and maybe a little no.

The Vibe? Sweet. Smooth. Easy on the ears.

“Gimme Dat” has pure vibes. The kind of song you want to play with the windows down or on a quiet night when you just want to feel good.

The production is clean, soft drums, mellow rhythm, a nice throwback sample from Wyclef’s “911,” and everything flows. Ayra’s voice? Beautiful as ever. Wiz? Smooth, mature, effortless.

You can hear the chemistry. They’re not trying too hard. It feels like two people are just enjoying each other’s energy. And that’s what makes it work.

But let’s be real, it played a little too safe.

For a collab this big, you kind of expect something more bold. More fire. More oomph. Instead, it stays calm, No doubt it’s a lovely song, but it doesn’t really hit you in the chest or stick in your head like you’d expect from these two.

It’s the type of track you enjoy while it’s on maybe even replay once or twice, but after a few days, it might fade into the background unless you’re a die-hard fan.

Still, it’s a win in its own way.

“Gimme Dat” is grown, it’s sexy, and it shows how much Ayra Starr has evolved. She’s no longer the rookie. She held her own beside Wizkid, and that alone deserves applause.

Wizkid, on the other hand, did what he always does, ride the beat, stay cool, and never lose his magic touch. But honestly, we’ve seen more daring sides of him in the past.

Conclusion

“Gimme Dat” isn’t a bad song, not even close. It’s just not explosive. It’s soft, sensual, and mature. The kind of song you grow to appreciate with time, not one that grabs you on first listen.

But if you’re in the mood for something chill and smooth, this is your jam.

Rating: 7.5/10

Smooth ride, but we expected a little more from such a powerful combo.

Ayra Starr Announces StarrGirl World Tour for 2027

Published

1 day ago

13 October 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

Ayra Starr has announced the StarrGirl World Tour. It covers 20 cities across Europe, the UK and North America and begins in January 2027.

The tour is for her third studio album, “Starrgirl”, which came out on August 14, 2026. She opens on January 20 at Live Music Hall in Cologne, Germany, and closes on April 14 at The Fillmore in San Francisco.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

In Europe, she plays Amsterdam on January 21, Paris on January 24, Milan on January 27, Zurich on January 29 and Brussels on January 31. The European leg ends in London on February 2 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

The North American shows start on March 18 in Houston. She then plays Dallas on March 19, Atlanta on March 21, Silver Spring on March 24, Boston on March 25, Philadelphia on March 26 and Brooklyn on March 28. After that come Toronto on March 29, Montreal on March 30, Chicago on April 1, Minneapolis on April 2 and Denver on April 5, before the San Francisco show.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

She announced the tour just after performing at the halftime show of the NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 11.

Fans in Europe and the UK can access the artist presale from October 14, while Mastercard presale access is available to eligible cardholders in France, Italy and Belgium. General sales for all dates open on Friday, October 16, at 10am local time on Live Nation.

Music

Weekend Playlist: 4 New Songs From FOLA, Blaqbonez and More

Published

5 days ago

9 October 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

A good weekend playlist needs songs for different moods, whether you’re winding down after a long week or getting ready to head out. This week’s picks include a new collaboration between FOLA and Davido, Duncan Mighty’s link-up with Halver, and fresh releases from Ayo Maff, Zinoleesky, Blaqbonez and Asake. Each track brings something different, from a familiar take on romance to songs built around everyday struggles and lively rhythms.

Malaria – Ayo Maff ft. Zinoleesky

Photo: X/@chartsafrica

Love is the subject of “Malaria,” but Ayo Maff and Zinoleesky approach it through an unusual comparison. Released on September 24, 2026, the song likens falling in love to catching an infection, presenting romance as something that can take hold of a person and become difficult to ignore.

The midtempo street-pop production leaves room for both singers to bring their individual styles to the track. Ayo Maff delivers his verses in a deeper tone, while Zinoleesky adds a more melodic touch to the chorus. Their different vocal approaches give the song its character, with the hook providing a memorable centrepiece.

Ikebe 3000 – Blaqbonez ft. Asake

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

Blaqbonez reunites with Asake on “Ikebe 3000,” released on October 2, 2026. The pair previously collaborated on “Chanel,” and their latest release brings them together again ahead of Blaqbonez’s forthcoming project, NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME.

Punchy percussion and lively melodies drive the track, while the repeated chorus gives it an easy rhythm to follow. Blaqbonez takes a melodic approach to his delivery, and Asake adds his recognisable vocals to the mix. The result is a lively record suited to parties, social gatherings and moments when a playlist needs more energy.

Hustler – Halver ft. Duncan Mighty

Photo: Instagram/@thahalver

Halver teams up with Duncan Mighty on “Hustler,” released on October 8, 2026. The song focuses on the effort it takes to earn a living, with financial pressure and the sacrifices involved in pursuing personal goals shaping its message.

Its drill-inspired hip-hop foundation sets it apart from the other releases on this list. Traditional African instrumentation adds another layer to the production, while Duncan Mighty’s presence connects the track to the sound associated with the Port Harcourt singer.

2am in Toronto – FOLA ft. Davido

Photo: Instagram/@hypestribeng

“2am in Toronto” appears as the third track on FOLA’s sophomore album, 9, released on October 9, 2026. The 14-track project gives the song a place within a larger body of work, but the collaboration with Davido is one of its main attractions.

Romance takes centre stage as FOLA delivers the song with his melodic vocals, while Davido adds his own style to the record. The pairing suits the song’s love-focused theme, making it a natural fit for late-night listening or a playlist built around romantic Afrobeats.

Music

Ayra Starr and ZAYN Finally Share the Screen in “Heaven Baby” Video

Published

1 week ago

7 October 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra Starr and Zayn have appeared together in the official music video for “Heaven Baby,” giving their collaboration its first music video featuring both artists. Released on October 5, the video comes weeks after the Nigerian singer and British pop star teamed up on the track.

The video unfolds in a dark, futuristic setting with metallic surfaces, tinted glass and illuminated floor panels. Ayra Starr wears a royal blue satin dress, while ZAYN appears in a dark outfit as close-up shots capture his performance.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

Ayra and ZAYN appear separately in some scenes before coming together in the same setting. The visual also offers a different take on their August performance of “Heaven Baby” at All Points East in London, where ZAYN appeared on a large screen behind Ayra during their live duet. In the new video, they appear to share the same physical space.

“Heaven Baby” is featured on Ayra Starr’s third studio album, Starrgirl, released on August 14, 2026. ZAYN features on the track, pairing Ayra’s Afropop delivery with his pop and R&B-influenced vocals. Apple Music describes it as a piano-led duet about attraction, affection and a celestial idea of love.

Photo: Instagram/@zsquad

The collaboration had already drawn attention before the video was released. Ayra Starr has spoken about being a fan of ZAYN since his One Direction days, making their meeting on the song a notable moment for the singer. Behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot also gave fans an early glimpse of the pair before the full visual arrived.

“Heaven Baby” has also performed well on the UK charts. The song peaked at No. 2 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart after entering the chart in August, giving the collaboration another milestone before the video’s release.

Directed by Earthboi, the “Heaven Baby” video gives the collaboration its first full visual featuring both artists.