Years ago, the tag ‘Afrobeats to the world’ had been for the most part, words of manifestation and belief in the future of the genre and the talent of the artistes on whose backs it was strapped upon. This is because, while Nigerian music had gotten international recognition, these moments had either been few and far between or it was from migrants from Nigeria and its neighbouring countries, rarely sub-Saharan Africans. At the heart of it, we were nowhere on the international charts, with little visibility on international media and tokenised inclusion at award shows. Fortunately, these days, the narrative has reached a turning point with Afrobeats, Nigerian songs as well as musical products from other African countries now rubbing shoulders on the charts with entries from international megastars. While the artistes leading this change, consistently sell out arenas in borders far from home, entertaining people who due to the transient power of Afrobeats speak the same language in that moment and space. In fact, in recent times, there’s been a heart-swelling spate of Nigerian songs on international charts with an even longer list of artistes enjoying international recognition, so much so that the ‘Afrobeats to the world line has now clearly come into fruition. As a result of this coming of age, in this story, we draw out 10 Afrobeats songs that have been certified Gold in the US. 

But to help break down this milestone, what does it mean to attain Gold certification in the US? 

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, the RIAA, which advocates for music recorded or distributed in the United States as well as the people and companies that create them, the certification defines success in the recorded music industry. An RIAA Gold certification is awarded to artistes when their single or album sells at least 500,000 units whether as records, tapes or compact discs. 

While digital and physical albums both count as one “unit” per sale, the RIAA counts 100 permanent track downloads the same as 1,500 streams be it video or audio. In other words, 1,000 downloads and 1,500 streams both equal the 100 units you’d earn by selling just 100 physical or digital albums. So you either sell 100 units of a physical album, or get 1,000 downloads or 1,500 streams.

It’s also important to note that Afrobeats in this light is used as an umbrella label for the poly-rhythmic and contemporary style of popular music made in African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana which we all know and enjoy today. 

So what are the Afrobeats songs that have attained Gold certification?

Your Number-Ayo Jay, 2017

Ayo Jay may no longer be in the eye of mainstream Nigerian music but several years ago he had been a torchbearer, with his Your Number track blazing through the UK and US charts. Your Number had been released in 2013 and re-released two years later by RCA Records. Produced by Melvitto who is currently a well-loved singer, it became the first-ever Nigerian song to get a spot on the Billboard Chart without any features. If a playbook of successfully marketed Nigerian songs is ever made, Ayo Jay’s Your Number will most definitely be a highly referenced record as it also leveraged on international features with two remixes, the first featuring American rapper, Fetty Wap and the second with Chris Brown and rapper Kin Ink. On the video streaming platform YouTube, Your Number’s visuals also took off and currently sits on 29 million views, the audio upload amassed 26 million views and the Chris Brown-featured remix 15 million. 

ALSO READ: 5 Times Nigerian Musicians & Industry Game Players Broke A World Record

On the 28th of February, 2017 these well-played cards paid off when Your Number officially sold 500,000 units in the USA and became certified Gold. The record-breaking single also made waves in the UK and became certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry after selling 200,000 units. 

Fall- Davido, 2020

The expression hit the ground running was exemplified by Davido in 2017 as he released Fall three months after his equally Gold-certified, If. Produced by Fresh VDM, it had also caught on instantly like the aforementioned, igniting charts in Nigeria and blazing on to the Billboard charts to become one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs in Billboard history.  Interestingly, Fall was such a success, its Gold certification came almost a year before that of If, on the 28th of May 2020. Like a gate oiler, the meteoric rise of Fall in earning its Gold certification marked a quickening in the length of time for the Gold-certification of Nigerian songs that came afterwards. 

Come Closer- Wizkid ft Drake, 2020

Wizkid has always exuded a palpable level of grace most evident in the rise and global spread of his music. For instance, in 2014, Wizkid had put out the stirring Afrobeats record, Ojuelegba where he chronicled his childhood and path to fame. Ojuelegba had become an instant favourite, travelling past the shores of the country despite being sung for the most part in Wizkid’s Yoruba mother tongue. Soon enough, British rapper Skepta had caught the Ojuelegba bug and in the spirit of sharing good music, had played it for American rap star, Drake who later requested to be on the remix of the record with the latter. After that collab had come the global smash hit Drake, Wizkid and Kayla had created with One Dance and to return the favour, the duo had made another musical lap, this time on Wizkid’s Come Closer. Come Closer was produced by the legendary Sarz and was released in March 2017, some three years later, in September 2020, it became Gold certified in the United States after selling 500, 000 units. 

If- Davido, 2021

In 2016, Davido put out his Son of Mercy as his project with Sony Records, while records off the EP had been well-received, Davido himself had not been a fan of the project and till date, speaks dismissively on it. Coincidentally, after the release of the EP, the star had taken a brief break, he’d later share that it had been needed to re-strategise and indeed, when Davido got back into the game in February 2017, it had been with the Tekno produced and written If which had instantly grown on Nigerians till it became a smash hit. Eventually, it grew beyond being a Nigerian hit, trending on social media and penetrating South Africa and the US as well. In South Africa, If became certified Diamond in February 2018 selling  200, 000 copies. While in the US, it raked in a Gold certification on the 12th of February 2021.

ALSO READ: The Essence of Wizkid's Sound: 5 Ways He's Pushed Afrobeats Forward 

Interestingly and according to Davido, Tekno had handed him the song, already written with beats too, going as far as tracking him down to Quilox club to get a hold on him and get him to record it.

Ye- Burna Boy, 2021

The sixth and most successful single off Burna Boy’s internationally centring album, the story behind the making of Burna Boy’s Ye is one that never gets old and highlights how mysterious mechanisms of the universe work in one’s favour at the right time and in unexpected ways. 

Burna Boy had just rounded up on his Outside album, he’d bought himself a Bentley to celebrate and was clubbing every other day till the fateful day he’d wound up at Quilox. There the owner, Shina Peller had convinced him to listen to beats that had just been made by the in-house producer, Phantom. Reluctantly he’d gone ahead and listened to the beats of what we now know as Ye. The song had in fact been recorded within 10 minutes and had upon its release on the 6th of August in 2018, been accepted as the new national anthem. Today, when people turn up to Ye, they do so with rapt attention, upholding its anthem status. It has however surpassed being a Nigerian anthem and this was also spurred by the cogs of providence whereby Ye witnessed a 200% spike in streaming numbers thanks to the fact that it shared titles with Kanye West’s Ye album, leading Kanye fans to stumble on the song. Ye was certified Gold in the US on the 5th of May 2021 and had at that moment, been the fastest Nigerian song to reach those heights. 

In My Bed- Rotimi ft Wale, 2021

“I’m just a first-generation Nigerian kid from Jersey. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you that there’s a box, a CEILING or LIMIT to what you can do, or who you can be,” Singer Rotimi had captioned his Instagram post announcing his Gold certification  As the child of immigrant Nigerians who had blossomed into an actor and singer, he was definitely speaking from a wealth of experiences from struggling with disillusionment and confusion regarding origin and identity and most likely career as he also doubles as an actor. As an actor, Rotimi had earned his chops and was in fact a regular character in the popular series, He’d also been cast in a handful of well-performing songs and had through his acting, garnered music placement in a show. In between and after this, he’d put gotten a deal with 50 Cents G-Unit and also put out some projects as well as singles. His works finally came to a head after releasing In My Bed on the 13th of November, 2019, when on the 14th of July, 2021, it was certified Gold by the RIAA. 

Essence- Wizkid ft Tems; 2021

On one of Wizkid’s earlier records, No Lele, the Starboy had prophesied his success singing, “My music travel no visa,” now his prophesy continues to ring true as his Essence record keeps on growing past any cultural differences to become a much-loved record even in the United States. In fact, this love has grown into a movement with the Tems-featured Essence being tagged the song of the summer in 2021 and for some, the song of the year. In fact, Essence has currently been nominated at the 64th Grammys for the award of Best Global Music Performance. 

ALSO READ: 12 Female African Musicians Pushing the Sound to the World

And on the record, Wizkid’s unquantifiable grace becomes evident again in the making of the Essence remix which features Justin Beiber after he reached out and requested to be on the record. Despite having 70 million streams on the remix which signals a major cultural crossover and a different type of alignment for Afrobeats, Essence the original still takes the cake, becoming Gold in the UK with 400,000 units sold. And then barely a year after its release, became the fastest African song to be certified Gold in the US, after selling 500,000 units to cinch the award on the 2nd of September 2021.

To cap it all, on the 4th of October 2021, Essence officially hit the benchmark of a million sold units and went Platinum in the United States and then on the 3rd of March, got certified Double Platinum, after making sales to the tune of 2 million units, and in that process, becoming the first Nigerian song to hit that milestone. 

Do Like That- Korede Bello, 2021

At the age of 18, Korede Bello had become signed to one of the most powerful record labels in the country, Mavin Music. He had served to inform the transition of the label and had with his success as a fresh teenage sensation, had helped maintain their social currency earned via hit records from much-loved popstars. In a short period after he was signed, the singer had put out a string of well-received singles and till this date, his Godwin rings in the minds of several Nigerians as a soundtrack for joyous moments. The singer then struck the pot of gold with his sensuous RnB, Pop and Dancehall-blessed hit, Do Like That which was produced by Altims. Released in September 2016, two years after he was signed, his Gold certification was confirmed by the RIAA on the 20th of September, 2021. Presently, the video to Do Like That sits at 125 million on YouTube and has 68 million streams on Spotify alone. 

9. Drogba (Joanna)- Afro B, 2021

A British DJ of East African descent thanks to his Eritrean parents, Afro B had secured a win for the self-coined genre which he also pioneered, with his hit single Joanna. Tagged Afrowave, the sub-genre is described and actualised as a blend of Dancehall, Hip-hop and Afrobeats melodies. These elements had come together perfectly in Joanna which he released on the 18th of February, 2018 and rapidly grew into an international hit. Some three years later, on the 8th of November 2022, Afro B's fusion on Joanna went Gold, signalling a win for the musical African talents in the diaspora, who've been blending sounds from different cultures to create a place of belonging for themselves.

Love Nwantiti- CKay, 2022

Simply put, CKay’s Love Nwantiti is the biggest African song and makes the perfect argument for the talent and potential of artistes that make up the new age of Nigerian and African music. Love Nwantiti was released in 2019 off his ep, CKay the first, by Chocolate City through American multinational entertainment company, Warner Music Group and in 2021 began its climb to global dominance through DJ versions, international remixes and Tik Tok challenges. On the 12th of June, 2022 Love Nwantiti went Gold in the United States but that’s only a droplet of the mighty ocean of milestones the song has pooled together. Presently, Love Nwantiti is the most certified African record, going Platinum in the US with a million units sold, Platinum in the UK with 600,000 units in the bag, Gold in Germany with 200,000 units certified by their Federal Music Industry Association; Bundesverband Musikindustrie. It’s also two times Platinum in Portugal at 20,000 units and is double Platinum in Canada at 160,000 units. In addition to these are has Platinum certifications from music associations in France, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, among several others. 

The post All the Afrobeats Songs Certified Gold in the US appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ayo Jay

READ ALSO - Ayo Jay Releases New Project 'Wonder Shall Never End'

Highly talented Nigerian singer Ayoola Ogundeyi Jr., popularly known as Ayo Jay, has dropped a lyrics video for his tune 'Paranoia'.

The song is off the US-based singer's latest project titled 'Wonder Shall Never End'-a five-track EP that dropped on July 2nd 2021.

In a bid to continuously put the new project in the faces of the people, the singer and songwriter released a short lyric visualizer for one of the songs off the EP today 19th of July 2021. 'Paranoia' is a soothing Afropop sound that resonates around doubting the feelings behind love.

"Wonder Shall Never End" is Ayo Jay's second body of work after his 2018 EP titled "Lazy Genius".

Watch Ayo Jay's 'Paranoia' Lyric Visualizer Below

Get updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook

The post Watch Ayo Jay's Lyric Visualizer for 'Paranoia' appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ayo Jay

READ ALSO - chuXchu and Ayo Jay Delivers Visuals For 'Numbers Don't Lie'

After initially announcing that he would be releasing new music last month, the New York-based Nigerian singer today, July 2nd 2021, released a 5-track EP with no features. His new project is a soothing Afrobeats EP that is well worth your time. He is known for his smash single 'Your Number,' which recently won Gold in the US and Silver in the UK.

'Wonder Shall Never End' will be Ayo Jay's second body of work after his 2018 EP titled "Lazy Genius". That project featured Rotimi, Akon, and Safaree, amongst others.

Listen to 'Wonders Shall Never End' below.

STREAM ON DSPS HERE

Get updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook

The post Ayo Jay Releases New Project 'Wonder Shall Never End' | LISTEN appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ajo Jay announced this via a post on his Instagram page on Sunday, the 6th of June 2021. He posted the artwork for the forthcoming and project and mentioned the title of the EP. The singer also directed people to check out his bio for the link to pre-order "Wonder Shall Never End". He wrote;

My new EP “Wonder Shall Never End” drops Friday July 2nd, 2021. Super excited to share this project with y’all. Link in my bio to pre-save now. Let’s gooo #wondershallneverend

READ ALSO: Ayo Jay Receives Gold & Silver Certifications for "Your Number", Set to Drop New Music

"Wonder Shall Never End" will be Ayo Jay's second body of work after his 2018 EP titled "Lazy Genius". That project featured Rotimi, Akon, and Safaree amongst others.

The post Ayo Jay Announces New EP 'Wonder Shall Never End' to Drop in July appeared first on NotjustOk.

ALSO READ: April Wrap-up: Here’s a List of Some Notable Events that Happened in the Nigerian Music Industry

1. Kizz Daniel becomes a father

On the 1st of May which also doubles as the birthday of Oluwatobiloba Daniel or Kizz Daniel as he’s popularly known, the singer celebrated the gift of life in a different way as he became a father and welcomed a set of twin boys, Jelani and Jalil. 

ALSO READ: Singer, Kizz Daniel Welcomes A Set Of Twins On His 27th Birthday

2. Chidinma Ekile becomes a gospel singer

The Kedike crooner, Chidinma Ekile, debuted as a gospel singer on her 30th birthday on the 2nd of May. This became public knowledge when the singer released a single titled Jehovah Over Do and shared on a faith via an Instagram video with the caption “MY NAME IS MINISTER CHIDINMA EKILE.”

D’banj later on also declared his status as a born-again Christian in a church at Abuja. 

ALSO READ: Chidinma Ekile Makes A U-turn From Secular To Gospel Music As She Turns 30

3. Burna Boy Ye sets new Nigerian record

On the 4th of May, Burna Boy’s Ye unlocked a new level as it became the fastest Nigerian song to certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

ALSO READ: Burna Boy's 'Ye'Now Gold Certified In The US, Sets New Nigerian Record

4. Davido’s ‘E choke’ Gets a Twitter Emoji  

“Even Jack know say #echoke” was Davido’s tweet on the evening of the 5th of May to let us in on the fact that his ‘e choke’ slang had gotten an emoji which would promptly pop up whenever it was used as a hashtag. The emoji was launched in commemoration of the singer’s 10 year anniversary in the music scene.

ALSO READ: “Even Jack Know Say #echoke” - Davido Reacts To New Twitter Emoji

5. Tony Elumelu Drops Afrobeats Playlist

CEO of UBA, Tony Elumelu showed that he balls just as hard as he works on the 7th of May when he drooped an Afrobeats playlist featuring music from Wizkid, Davido, Phyno, Ke-star, Teni, Blaqbonez among others.

ALSO READ: Tony Elumelu Drops Afrobeats Playlist Featuring Davido, Wizkid , Others

6. Burna Boy Hints at new album

The singer who is known for his Twitter rants, had similarly blown some steam off on the 7th of May. Here, he made it known that in his next album, he would capture his pain which was one of an outsider and had written the word ‘Outsider’ in capital letters, giving rise to the suspicions that the album would be named thus. 

ALSO READ: Here’s What We Know About Burna Boy’s Upcoming Album

7. Fireboy and Rema Bag brand ambassadorship deal with Monster Energy

After racking up much hype on social media about a possible collaboration, Rema and Fireboy on the 7th of May, unveiled their ambassadorship deal with Monster Energy drink.

ALSO READ: Fireboy and Rema Join The Monster Energy ‘Geng’ | Nigeria’s New Brand Ambassadors

8. Fela Kuti gets snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The 12th of May wasn’t a very pleasing one of the Nigerian music community as the latest inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced with Fela Kuti, who was the nominee with the second highest votes, left out from the list.

ALSO READ: Femi Kuti and Other Nigerians React to Fela Kuti's Hall of Fame Snub

9. Rumours circulate about Sound Sultan having throat cancer

That same day, rumours about Sound Sultan being diagnosed with throat cancer started to make the rounds. The singer however came made an Instagram post the very next day where despite not outrightly debunking the rumours, he’d looked healthy and happy and thanked everyone for their concern.

ALSO READ: Sound Sultan Speaks Following Throat Cancer News

10.

Nigerian Music in May: Victony shows signs of speedy recovery

Victony who has been in the thoughts and prayers of Nigerians begun to show signs of speedy recovery as he tweeted for the first time since his accident and also made an Instagram live through which he addressed his fans while discussing the accident.

ALSO READ: Victony Addresses Fans on Instagram Live Since Accident

11. Tems gets a billboard in 5 cities round the world

Tems' manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, on the 14th of May took to his Twitter to thank God as Tems was spotted on 5 billboards in LA, New York, Atlanta, Miami and Lagos. Some days after, the singer also broke new barriers by becoming Billboard’s Next Big Sound.

ALSO READ: Tems Goes Global as Her Face Covers Billboards in 5 Cities

12. Fireboy performs live for YouTube Black Africa Month

The performance which was done on the 16th of May saw the singer perform his songs like Champion, Tattoo and others for a duration of 14 minutes with his live band casting a jazz feel on his sound.

ALSO READ: Watch Fireboy DML Perform Live For YouTube Black Africa Month Celebration

13. Tekno gets recognised by RIAA for If

On the 17th of May, Tekno received a plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America for producing and writing Davido’s Gold-certified smash hit, If. 

ALSO READ: Tekno Receives Plaque from RIAA for Davido's 'If'

14. Wizkid signals new album in the offing

Famous for being a big tease, the megastar had dropped hints on his Instarstory on the 18th when he uploaded an image showing him in front of a blank board with a question mark on it, flanked by his previous projects in a way that looked like the Apple music callback.

ALSO READ: See Wizkid's Way of Confirming His New Album on the Way

15. Show Dem Camp spot impostors

The rap duo Show Dem Camp, issued a memo warning against a show, Palwime Festival, parading as their annual show with a lineup of Nigerian acts who aren’t associated with the palmwine music brand.

ALSO READ: Show Dem Camp Issues Memo to Warn Against Imposter Palmwine Festival

16. Burna Boy unlocks new milestone on Spotify

Self-named African Giant, Burna Boy recently became the first African artiste to have three albums-- Outside, African Giant and Twice as Tall, with at least a 100million streams on Spotify.

ALSO READ: Burna Boy Becomes First African Artiste to Hit 100 Million Spotify Streams on 3 Albums

17. Shatta Wale disses Davido

Nigerian megastar Davido, had recently bought himself a Rolls Royce to celebrate his 10th year anniversary in the music game but Ghanaian singer, Shatta Wale had not been having any of it and called him out for showing off his father’s wealth.

ALSO READ: "I Don't Use My Father's Money for Hype" - Shatta Wale Drops Cryptic Snapchat Rant

18. Nigerian music Tiwa Savage hits the stage for the first time in a while

The African Bad Gyal who gave word that her EP Water and Garri is almost done hit the stage for the first time in 2021 on the 21st of May. Not many details were given but it was obvious she had a good time doing what she does best.

ALSO READ: Tiwa Savage Is Back on Stage for the First Time in 2021

19. Rema makes a declaration about his sound

Rema who also belongs to the group chat of musicians who go on Twitter rants, made a declaration on the 22nd of last month that his sound is to be called Afrorave and promised to cement it with an album.

ALSO READ: "From this day my sound will be called Afrorave" - Rema Declares Music Genre

20.

Nigerian Music in May: Timaya chops off dreadlocks

If there’s one thing the Egberi Papa One of Bayelsa has become synonymous with, it’s his dreadlocks. The singer has however let go of that look for a lowcut which he posted on his Instagram. 

ALSO READ: See Timaya's New Look as He Chops Off His Locks... Again

21. Ayo Jay’s Your Number gets doubly certified

Your Number by Ayo Jay which was a hit song in 2013 and popularly known as the first Nigerian song to chart on Billboard without a feature has gotten a Gold certification in the US and silver in the UK. 

ALSO READ:Ayo Jay Receives Gold & Silver Certifications for 'Your Number', Set to Drop New Music

22. Badboy Timz  falls out with record label

Following what has been a messy back and forth, Badboy Timz parted ways with his record label company, Anonymous Music and on the 24th of May stated that the next stage of his career will be with his self-owned label, Shock Absorbers Music.

ALSO READ: Bad Boy Timz Terminates Contract With Record Label, Demands 200M for Libel

23. Notjustok hosts Africa’s Next Radio Mode by Pandora Music

Launched on the 24th of May to celebrate Africa Day, Pandora advanced their Afrobeats station with a brand new mode called Africa’s Next to be hosted by Notjustok. It is to spotlight acts such as Fireboy DML, Sha Sha, Gyakie, Blaqbonez, Omah Lay and others. 

ALSO READ: Pandora Launches 'Africa’s Next' Radio Mode Hosted By Notjustok

24. Audiomack kicks off virtual concert series

Debuting on the 25th of May, the Audiomack Hometown Heroes Nigeria Virtual Concert is a series of concert which so far has given platform to stars such as Zanku master, Zlatan, Ladipoe, Omah Lay and Tems.

ALSO READ: Audiomack Presents: Hometown Heroes Nigeria Virtual Concert Series ft. Omah Lay, Tems, Fireboy, Yemi Alade

26. Mo’Hits stars reunite at Ikechukwu’s wedding

It was a live concert at rapper, Ikechukwu’s wedding as Wande Coal, D’banj and Don Jazzy showed up and showed out at his wedding and turned things up a performance of Iskaba and Whine Am Well among others. 

ALSO READ: It Was Mo’hits Reunion At Ikechukwu's Wedding as Don Jazzy, D'banj & Wande Coal Perform Live!

27.

Nigerian music in May: Charly Boy involved in accident

The Nigerian veteran musician shared photos of his bruised-up face on the 27th of the last month, adding that he’d gotten into an accident while on his scooter and prayed for his well-wishers.

ALSO READ: Charly Boy Badly Bruised After Scooter Accident

28. Davido and Focalistic go platinum in South Africa

The two artistes we collaborated on the Ke-Star remix received plaques after the song got Platinum-certified 3x in South Africa.

ALSO READ: Davido and Focalistic Receive Certification Plaque for 'Ke Star'| Watch

29. Simi and Adekunle Gold celebrate their daughter with a single

Superstar mom and dad, Simi and Adekunle Gold not only celebrated their daughter, Adejare’s one-year-old birthday with cute birthday photos but also released a single with proceeds set up to go to her trust fund. 

ALSO READ: Simi and Adekunle Gold Wish Deja 'Happy Birthday' With New Single | Listen Now

30. Notable tours starting soon

Wizkid, Rema, Asa and Burna Boy have all began talks of going on tour with Burna Boy set to headline a show at London's 02 Arena.

The post May Wrap-Up: DavidoAt10 and Other Notable Events That Happened in the Music Industry appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ayo Jay

Ayo Jay posted this news himself via his Instagram page on Monday, the 24th of May 2021. "Your Number" is widely popular as the first-ever Nigerian song to chart on Billboard without features. Now the song has gotten a gold certification in the United States along with a Silver certification in the United Kingdom. Ayo Jay wrote on his Instagram;

A couple of trophies for Afrobeats. Gold in the US, Silver in the UK and counting. Sincere thanks to everyone involved and everyone who’s enjoyed the record one way or the other. New music out real soon #wondershallneverend

CHECK ALSO: Ayo Jay drops a new jam titled 'Whine Pon It'

"Your Number" was originally released in 2013 under One Nation Records, then re-released in 2015 under the RCA Records imprint. Ayo Jay released the remix one year later in 2016 and it features American rapper Fetty Wap opening the song up to an entirely new market.

The singer has also hinted at new music. We are excited to hear something fresh from one of Nigeria's best exports.

The post Ayo Jay Receives Gold & Silver Certifications for "Your Number", Set to Drop New Music appeared first on NotjustOk.

Ayo Jay ft. Akon & Safaree - No Feelings

One Nation act, Ayo Jay maintains a record of having the best performing Afrobeats single in the US till date, with "Your Number" amassing over 70 million streams, and getting playlisted on major radio stations across America.

Ayo Jay's just-released EP "Lazy Genius" is currently receiving rave reviews home & abroad. The early fan fave is "No Feelings" featuring Akon & Safaree. Listen/download below.

Stream the "Lazy Genius" EP

The post Ayo Jay ft. Akon & Safaree - No Feelings appeared first on NotjustOk.

"One Nation Records recording artist Ayo Jay releases his highly-anticipated new EP Lazy Genius Vol. 1 today. The EP features 7 tracks and includes features from Akon, Safaree, Rotimi, and more. Lazy Genius Vol. 1, which features previously released tracks “The Vibe” and “Let Him Go” is available today across all digital service providers. Click here to listen.

“Lazy Genius Vol. 1 is a compilation of songs that reflect my current sound; a sound that I think is the perfect fusion of Afrobeats, Dancehall, Hip Hop & Pop music. It's essentially music I am making for the world! These are genres of music that I either grew up listening to or I picked up along the way, so I drew a lot of influences from them for my overall sound and for this project in particular,” says Ayo Jay on the EP.

Ayo Jay is known for his smash hit single “Your Number,” which has over 70 million streams. The critically acclaimed song received coverage from The New York Times, FADER, Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed and more.

Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayo Jay, also known as Boy Wonder, first discovered his passions for singing and songwriting during his childhood in Nigeria. In pursuit of his collegiate education, Ayo Jay moved to the United States to obtain his degree in finance, not losing sight of his dreams of becoming a musician. After graduating in 2013, Ayo Jay signed a record deal with One Nation Entertainment. He credits Michael Jackson, Usher, Akon and Nigerian artists 2face Idibia and Wande Coal as his musical inspirations."

The post Ayo Jay - Lazy Genius Vol. 1 (EP) appeared first on NotjustOk.

Fellas, if you're tryna "score big", play these songs when she comes over. Oh... you gotta have fine wine and some chocolates on the side, you know, to spice things up.

Ladies, if you wanna trap him, right before you ask him "what are we?", make sure at least 5 of these songs have already played into his head. Then pop the question!

#1. Simi - Smile For Me

I listened to this song "Smile For Me" the moment it dropped and listened again... and again... and again... now I'm probably on my 569th listen. Having listened 569 times (and counting), I can concretely tell you guys right now that Simi wrote it specifically for me. Ask her on Social Media. If she denies it, that's FAKE NEWS! *Donald Trump Voice*

Simi, you are already my weakness! So, this is me - Ovie - Smiling For You.

#2 Johnny Drille - Dear Future Wife

Johnny Drille has made our "Artist To Watch" list for 2 consecutive years. While "Dear Future Wife" is neither an official single nor has it been released online, it's been doing rounds on Lagos radio for months!

I've been quietly enjoying it for quite some time, however, and now I feel the need to bless you guys with this awesomeness! After all, it's the season of love. Sharing is caring.

#3. Davido - Return

Davido's first record under Sony Music, the "Son of Mercy" EP is out, and there's been lots of buzz surrounding a few of the tracks. However, my personal favorite is quite possibly the least heralded of them all; "Return".

The Shizzi-produced song starts off as a typical Davido Afropop tune, then breaks into a pleasant Yoruba folk/highlife composition, with the vocals, lyrics, and instrumentals blending so soothingly. If you ever listened to the likes of Orlando Owoh, you'd understand.

Simply put, this song deserves more attention. Nigeria is sleeping on a classic.

#4. JiLEX Anderson ft. Sean Tizzle - Afro Lover (Refix)

JiLEX Anderson is one R&B act I'm keeping very close tabs on. The original version of "Afro Lover" is getting a lot of traction in some quarters, but it's the Sean Tizzle remix that does it for me.

Sean Tizzle made a very good song sound even better. Push that play button and get in the groove!

#5. Shaydee ft. Banky W - Bad For Me

Shaydee's "Rhythm & Life" album is every R&B fan's dream. I could easily pick out 5 or 6 songs that'd make this Valentine's playlist; highlights being the Flavour and 2baba collaborations.

On this one though, EME boss Banky W hops in the love booth with his protege to create this smoove track titled "Bad For Me".

#6. Nonso Amadi - Radio

Nonso Amadi is quickly becoming the name on everyone's lips, thanks to his slow-burning 2015 single "Tonight" which is belatedly gaining traction on the ground (watch the video here).

Nonso's latest single "Radio" is sure to become another fan favorite as it ticks all the right boxes. This guy is a star of the future.

#7. Ayo Jay - Want You

Nigeria's hottest Afrobeats prospect in America, Ayo Jay released 2 new singles last month, with "Want You" being one of them. Can the song follow in the footsteps of the highly-flying "Your Number" and get mainstream airplay in the US? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure though... "Want You" is a sweet Afropop love number.

Now sing with me: "I really want you. I really want you, want you, want you, want you!"

#8. Tjan - Your Smile

Tjan's Aduke stole the hearts and blew the minds of virtually everyone who listened to the song in 2016, earning him a spot on our "Artist To Watch" list this year.

The power vocalist linked up with Cobhams once again to deliver this recently released special tune "Your Smile". The ladies are sure to love this.

#9 Praiz - Folashade

You really can't put together a list of love songs without getting Praiz on it somehow. He deserves an automatic spot, TBH.

Listen to the recently released "Folashade". I'm pretty sure we'll be getting a video for it soon.

#10. Chordratic - My Love

Chordratic Beats has quietly been churning out amazing inspirational songs in the last couple of years, and "My Love" fits into that bracket. He may not be a celebrated mainstream artiste and producer at the moment, but he's certainly as good as your favorites. I'm a big fan.

#11. Adekunle Gold - Beautiful Night

Adekunle Gold's "Gold" album is easily one of the top 3 albums released in 2016. "Beautiful Night" isn't an official single yet, but I'm sure it will be at some point. It's a personal fave.

#12. Sugarboy - Dada Omo

Sugarboy's "Hola Hola" was one of the biggest and most downloaded songs of 2016 in Nigeria. The next-rated G-Worldwide star began the year 2017 with this lovely song "Dada Omo" and I've had it on repeat ever since. No, seriously!

#13. Maleek Berry - Let Me Know

Maleek Berry's cross-over from being just a producer to becoming a successful singer makes him a bonafide musician; a leader of the new school, if we're being honest. The Last Daze of Summer EP is the perfect definition of eargasm.

"Let Me Know" is that tune you play to a girl you like so much but are leaning toward friendship. #SayNoToFriendzone2017

#14. Morientez ft. Dex Kwasi - Forever Yours

Morientez, the young 1073 Records act, is another talent I'm keeping close tabs on. "Forever Yours" was released in late 2016 and I'm guessing this may turn out to be another slow burner in the "Nonso Tonight" mold. Excellent mood-setting tune.

#15. Kiss Daniel - Kiss Me

Show me a better album than "New Era" in 2016, and I'll show you a flying Edo winch at noon. Kiss Daniel's debut album is a masterpiece. Period! *Sean Spicer voice*

While G-Worldwide continues to push the album by dishing out videos, one of my favorites has to be the Young Jonn produced "Kiss Me".

#16. Sarkodie ft. Masterkraft - Just Incase

Okay, so this is a Naija playlist, but Sarkodie is here. You're wondering why right?

Well, first of all, there's Masterkraft on the hook and production. 2ndly, it's originally a Masterkraft song (See "Because of You").

Lastly, and most importantly, the song is absolute fire!

#17. BOJ ft. Simi - For Sure

BOJ and Simi's chemistry (#NoFalz #NoAdekunleGold) on this track is stuff of dreams!

While the video is drawing mixed reactions from fans, the song itself is overwhelmingly loved, and that's "For Sure".

More of this please, BOJ and Simi!

Hope you've enjoyed our list of Naija Love Songs on this Special Valentine's Day! What other love songs are you feeling? Which ones deserve to be up here as well. They don't even have to be Nigerian. Please, let us know. Get Fresh updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook

The post 17 Naija Love Songs You Should Be Listening To | A Special Valentine's Playlist appeared first on NotjustOk.

2014 proved to be a stellar year for the ‘boy wonder’ Ayo Jay, which saw the fast-rising Nigerian Pop star crowned the Most Promising Act to Watch by the NEA Awards, and release the hugely anticipated visuals for his hit single “Available”, with international support from the likes of BBC 1Xtra, MTV Base and Channel O among other tastemakers.

Ayo Jay’s two marque releases “Available” and “Your Number” garnered over half a million downloads in the year, with a burgeoning fan base across Africa, America and Europe. He also brought the year to an end with the release of the E-Kelly produced “Taking Over” to rave reviews, as well as tour performances in New York, Boston, Detroit, and a special tour stop in Dubai.

With his new single “Think About Me”, produced by Young D, Ayo Jay is picking things right up exactly where he left them, and taking things up a notch for 2015! Taking a softer touch than “Taking Over”, “Think About Me” is a smooth and captivating love song, with lush high-life sensibilities and a gloriously infectious chorus, which you won’t be able to get out of your head.

With its official music video set to be released on February 1, “Think About Me” was premiered exclusively on Top Radio and Beat FM respectively earlier today, to earli acclaim and rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Stream and download “Think About Me” below, and anticipate the official music video premiering in a matter of days, as well as two brand club bangers from Ayo Jay in this first quarter!

- Lalaboiy

AUDIO DOWNLOAD: Ayo Jay - Think ABout Me

RBT Codes
Nigerian Mobile subscribers only:
Etisalat: Text 605369 to 251

Airtel: Text 0383160 to 791

Mtn: text 703701 to 4100

The post Ayo Jay - Think About Me (Prod. By Young D) appeared first on NotjustOk.

The alternative rapper links up with "Mr. Available", Ayo Jay, and also gets a verse from Swagu crooner Ajebutter 22! The song was produced by hitmaker HOD. All the different styles combined and blended well for this jam. "I go buy am! ""

DOWNLOAD: TeeZee (DRB Lasgidi) - Tell Me ft Ayo Jay & Ajebutter22

Check out other Lyrics of your favorite songs. Also, Get updates as they drop via Twitter and Facebook

The post TeeZee (DRB Lasgidi) - Tell Me ft Ayo Jay & Ajebutter22 appeared first on NotjustOk.