June was hot; July might be even hotter! So here are seven new videos to savor. From Dayme’s blues to Mádé Kuti’s juggernaut groove, there’s something here for everyone. Check out the full Afropop Top Videos playlist for all our recent selections. And remember, if you have suggestions of videos our fans would love, send them to info@afropop.org with the subject line “Top Videos 2025.” Enjoy!
Banner photo of Africa Express in Bahidorá by Camila Jurado
Mádé Kuti: “Life As We Know It”
Son of Femi, grandson of Fela, Mádé Kuti may turn out to be the most musically adventurous artist the famed Kuti clan has yet produced. This track comes from his brilliant upcoming album, Where Does Happiness Come From? (out on July 25) His language is clear, his message strong, and as you’ll hear, the grooves are fierce and the brass downright ferocious. When the video ends, keep YouTube playing for the audio-only version of “I Won’t Run Away,” a seven-plus minute masterpiece from the album. Watch this site for Banning Eyre’s interview with Mádé, posting soon.
Laiz & The New Love Experience: “Se Segura”
Laíz was born in the city of Jundiaí – Brazil – in the state of Sâo Paulo in 1999 and migrated to Germany in 2019 where she started her musical journey in the Berlin Jazz scene, blending Latin groove, free jazz and Afrobeat with Brazilian hip-hop. This funky track delivers on all those fronts, with brassy bravado and punk attitude. Bracing stuff!
Daymé Arocena: “Mean”
With this Cuban dynamo, nothing should surprise us, so why not a turn as a belting blues mama? That’s what we get in this stunning performance accompanied only by Daymé’s own sparse piano playing. When she sings, “I am a tiger,” we believe her all the way.
Africa Express: “Invocation' ft. Onipa, Jupiter & Okwess, Otim Alpha”
Here’s another collaborative venture from the Africa Express caravan, during their epic recording session in Bahidorá, Mexico. Congolese roaring groaner and alternative music visionary Jupiter winds his way through a trap-like groove amid rapping from Onipa, ambient acoustic piano and strings. It’s worth it for Jupiter’s throaty laugh and thumbs up at the end.
Tekno: “Powerbank”
Afrobeats hit-maker Tekno, with over three-billion global streams, glides into summer in this playful romance featuring Nollywood star Regina Daniels. It might not be everyone’s song of the summer, but the hooks do stick with you!
Duende Libre Trio: “Song For Seales”
A slinky, slow funk jazz instrumental from Seatle-based jazz trio Duende Libre. The track began as a jam and turned into a tribute to thegreat West Coast jazz pianist Marc Seales (b. 1963), one of pianist and bandleader Alex Chadsey’s most inspiring mentors. The group’s new album Invocation drops on July 7.
Althea SullyCole: “Free”
This New York-based multi-instrumentalist and singer has been spending time in Bamako, Mali, polishing her kora chops. This track, in advance of her debut album, Due West (out July 11 on Chaco World Music) presents a cheerful, serene take on daily life in Bamako, quite at odds with what you might read in the news these days, but equally true!
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