Nigeria: DJ Cuppy, Adekunle Gold drop new albums

The 12-track album is available for download and streaming on various music platforms. It was released under London-based artist services company Platoon. Original Copy boasts a host of musicians including Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Efya, Nigeria's Rema, Seyi Shay, YCee, Fireboy DML and Teni. Other featured artists are Ms Banks (UK), Darkoo (UK), Wyclef Jean (US) and Jamaica’s Julian Marley.

"Original Copy is about being fearless," DJ Cuppy told Music In Africa. "When I first started making music, a lot of people felt like it was outside my realm. They felt I was being a bit of a rebel without a cause. Following my heart, I became a creative due to my passion, which has now become my profession. Now I’m putting out an album I’m so proud of! I hope that everyone that listens to Original Copy is inspired by my journey to trust their guts and be the best version of themselves. You were born an original, don’t die a copy."

DJ Cuppy also commented on how Afrobeats has gained traction on the global music scene, lauding how some of its artists are pushing boundaries. "It’s so beautiful to watch and even better to be part of it. We are taking Afrobeats to the next level on a global scale, we literally have a spotlight on us right now and all our stars are shining bright. I think this is just the beginning," she said.

On the same day, her fellow Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold unveiled his third album, Afropop Vol. 1. The 10-track album is available on digital platforms platforms and features guest spots by Patoranking, Nailah Blackman, Tenko and Olayinka Ehi. The album was released via EMI and Universal Music.

The singer fuses a number of prevailing sounds on the continent, which include Afropop, R&B, electronic, Afrobeats, ragga, Afro-swing and Afro-bashment. “Afro Pop, Vol. 1 is my freedom. I wanted to make sounds that have come out of Africa but in my own voice. This is the one time I took all the risk in the world,” Adekunle said.

Other albums by Adekunle Gold include Gold (2016) and About 30 (2018). Born Adekunle Kosoko, Adekunle Gold has clinched multiple awards including Nigeria Entertainment Awards and at The Headies.