From Afropop to hip hop, this edition of LITM Pop Picks brings you fresh picks from the indie scene, featuring artists Bem Abu, luliano and Makhyli.
1. Bem Abu – Never Before
Nigerian singer-songwriter Bem Abu just dropped an absolute banger, ‘Never Before – 1’. It’s a vibrant Afropop song that strikes the perfect balance between cosy, "cuddle-up" vibes and dance-worthy beats, taking the listener through a sonic buffet of instrumental loops and vocal layering. The track features galloping instrumentation, soothing harmonies, and an unabashedly sincere celebration of love. Starting with gentle plunks of the piano and Abu’s warm vocals, the song is gradually joined by several other instruments, bringing the chorus and finale into a full-bloom season. The artist captures a fresh, wholesome vibe through both theme and soundscape, while keeping the track perfectly loopable.
2. luliano – Time
Moving to a completely different vibe, luliano’s ‘Time’ is a sizzler of a piece—one with an edgy theme, unique sonic backdrops, and steampunk energy. The song carves its own path by eschewing the typical formats a casual listener is accustomed to; instead, it adopts a three-act structure. The first act feels smoky and electric, the second resembles a laser-light-driven atmosphere, and the final act orchestrates a smooth retraction back into the crackling shadows. The overall vibe is ominous yet carries a tinge of playfulness, almost as if the energy of a ‘final boss’ were captured in musical form.
3. Makhyli – I Need You (Cat and Mouse)
Another track with great "mic drop" moments and endless swagger is Makhyli’s ‘I Need You’. This hip-hop track crafts a perfectly danceable beat with effortless rhythmic gravitas and a raw, gritty polish. The track opens with a dusty, crisp string of beats, culminating in a trail of crunchy, brain-scratchingly good mixes. Meanwhile, an undercurrent of instrumental loops anchors the listener to the rhythm, allowing the vocals to destabilise the soundscape by breaking in and out of the flow—disrupting the balance in a perfectly off-balanced way. Listen here -
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here