There are artists who make hits. Then there are artists who make moments. Mohbad was the latter. His sound felt like a Friday night in Lagos — loud, unpredictable, full of emotion. One minute he’s singing about survival with grit and gravel in his voice, the next he’s riding a beat that could light up an entire room.

Mohbad’s work lingers. It’s not just the rhythm, it’s also the honesty. His lyrics echo real-life Lagos: the resilience, the hustle, the small joys. Whether it’s a slow groove or rapid-fire delivery, there’s always a sense of purpose. Each verse came across as personal, made for the listener who needed to feel seen, even in the middle of a packed dancefloor.

And the reach was wide too. From house parties in Surulere to playlists in London, his sound travelled far, touching people wherever it played.

These five songs have been on loop since the day we heard them, and we’re not hitting pause anytime soon.

And then there’s the more recent collab that stole our hearts, “Egwu” with Chike. A rich mix of soul and rhythm that had us dancing, and still keeps us grooving like it’s brand new.

Ask About Me

Beast & Peace

Account Balance

Weekend

Pariwo

Egwu – Chike and Mohbad

The post These 5 Mohbad Songs Will Always Hit—No Matter the Mood appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Kehinde Alabi, better known as Louddaaa, interned as a sound engineer in Port Harcourt before moving to Lagos about five years ago. He started seeking employment as a sound engineer since it seemed production didn't make sense — he hadn't produced in over a year as production jobs weren't readily available. He submitted his CVs to studios, companies, and radio stations, but "they all rejected me," Louddaaa recalls in a recent Zoom conversation with OkayAfrica.

A friend would send him a vacancy post that turned out to be Mavin Records. "Are these people trying to scam me or something?" he remembers thinking, but he sent his credentials and got the job after a series of interviews. "It was a miracle," he says, "and I told myself I would be the best recording engineer ever because it felt like a second chance for me. I had hope again."

The journey to becoming a producer was even more interesting, relates Louddaaa. He selected beats and recorded the Mavin Records artists, but stayed back after every session to arrange beats. Due to his residence being on the Mainland, going to the other side of Lagos was stressful each evening. While making beats one night, Don Jazzy entered the studio and heard something he was making. "Can we try Ayra [Starr] on this?" the don asked, and soon enough, Louddaaa got locked in with the newly minted star, whose debut EP and album he would significantly influence.

Still, Louddaaa was unconvinced he was a producer. Sometimes, he flunked the producer sessions he was booked for since he didn't think he could replicate the genius of Ayra Starr's songs. "Working with her was different; we had a deep connection," he would explain. "It was easy; there was no tension. We simply exchanged ideas. They were ideas that took us six months to create; now you want me to create a beat on the spot?"

"It took a while for me to start playing that role of a producer," he says, "because I kept telling myself: 'I don't know why they love this thing that I'm doing. What do they like? This is not really making sense to me.' I wasn't sure about myself. It took me a while to say, 'Bro, it's happening already. They like this."

Since those days of uncertainty, Louddaaa has imprinted his sound more visibly on the colorful skies of contemporary Afrobeats. Shining with a deeply personal energy, the mellow and measured quality of Louddaaa's sound has shaped the early careers of new-age Mavin artists, from Magixx to Bayanni and Boy Spyce. This isn't a mere coincidence, he tells OkayAfrica. "Whenever I want to work with an artist, the first thing I do is try to engage them," he says. "I have a conversation with them and understand where they are. Then I try to create a sound based on all the information I have that I think is unique to your story."

He applied the same approach with Davido, collaborating on two tracks for his recent album, 5IVE. Louddaaa had tried connecting with the star in 2021 and subsequent years, but nothing came out of those efforts. Then, in February of last year, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit — Louddaaa is a firm believer — to create music for Davido, which he collaborated on with his friend, Dayo Grey.

"I was very intentional," he says. "I listen to David a lot, and I have an idea of where he is based on all the songs and features he has done in the past. I also have an idea of where he should be in terms of music, and I just put all those things together."

They made 'Anything,' which stands out as an exceptional high point even among an album characterized by its triumphant moments. Davido had committed to recording the track, and Louddaaa still had many ideas to explore. He wanted something vintage for Davido, a beat with the rustic qualities of the classic "Aye," whose chorus he enthusiastically sings. "I told him, let's go back to that old David," he explains. "Let's create a 2024 record that has an element of the old David but still feels good for this age that we're in. That's how we made '10 Kilo,' I sent it to my songwriter friend, and he came up with some ideas, the melodies, and everything."

Louddaaa orchestrated the record. "I remember when I first sent the beat for 'Anything' to my songwriter, the first thing they wrote, I was like 'nah, this is not it,' because I had an idea what I wanted him to sound like: a Davido and Louddaaa song," he attests. "Everything that you guys hear now, to the glory of God, was something that I envisioned. In terms of the writing, production, and everything, we tried different ideas."

It's clear that Louddaaa isn't just another producer — he's a designer of entire soundscapes. "I call myself an 'A&R' in quotes," he says, "not an official A&R, but I have this ear to design a sound that is unique for an artist." More artists now want the sauce; between last year and now, his roster includes the likes of Lojay, Chike, Black Sherif, and Simi, whose latest album featured nine tracks from Louddaaa. Most of these artists share a soulful core; Louddaaa says the inspiration pulls both ways.

"It's from my end, first of all," he says. "My sound is born from my life experiences. I've gone through so many dark things in my life that I can't even go into details right now. My life is a rollercoaster. Growing up, music was like a coping mechanism for me. It was what I used to bury most of the things I was dealing with as a child and as a teenager. Every time I make music, I connect it to one of those things. I'm saying something, but it's with music. One of my biggest testimonies is when people listen to my music, they tell me they love it, it's so soulful, it's so emotional. And I'm like, 'Thank you, Jesus.' Because that was my goal — I want you to feel something."

Lagos is getting ready to light up as one of Nigeria’s biggest nights in music is just around the corner. The 17th edition of The Headies is happening on 27 April 2025, and yes, the stage is set for an unforgettable show.

The lineup is a solid mix of favourites and fresh faces. Chike is bringing his smooth, soulful vibes; Qing Madi is set to thrill with her Afro-R&B fusion; and Shallipopi is coming through with all the energy that’s made him a street-hop star. Add Nasboi, who’s got that perfect mix of music and humour, and Flavour, the king of highlife himself — and we’ve got a night to remember.

This edition of The Headies will spotlight the best of 2024’s music, celebrating the artists and sounds that defined the year. And guess what? There’s more. This is just the first. The 18th edition is also happening later in December. Two Headies in one year? We’re not complaining.

So, mark your calendars, the countdown to The Headies 2025 has officially begun.

The post It’s Happening! Chike, Qing Madi, Flavour & More Set to Perform at The Headies 2025 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Just 72 hours to go until you’ll be vibing to ‘5IVE,’ the highly anticipated fifth studio album from Afrobeats superstar Davido.

Setting the tone for the big release, Davido unveiled the official tracklist on Instagram today, and it’s packed with 17 tracks featuring genre-spanning, cross-continental collaborations. Expect guest appearances from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, Chris Brown, Latin pop sensation Becky G, and fellow Nigerian stars Chike, ODUMODUBLVCK, Omah Lay, and Victony.

Davido has already teased a few tracks ahead of the drop — ‘Be There Still,,’ ‘Awuke,’  and ‘Funds‘ — each giving fans a taste of what’s to come.

Sharing the tracklist on Instagram, he wrote:

“Legacy is not what you leave behind, but what you breathe into the future. 72 hours away! Thank you for the love & support.”

Adding to the momentum, Davido is currently on his ‘5IVE’ city tour, hitting Los Angeles, New York (where he linked up with the Chess in Slums kids), Atlanta, Paris, and London.

Click below to see the full tracklist.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Davido (@davido)

The post Davido Drops the ‘5IVE’ Tracklist With Features From Chike, Victoria Monét, Chris Brown & More appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.