Nigeria: Olakira shares new singles Ileke and Kisses

The tracks, available for streaming and download across major digital platforms, herald a new album due in October.

Produced by Zimbabwean rapper Simba Tagz and Olakira, the love-themed offerings are laced with pop elements, amapiano-leaning log drums and Afrobeats sensibilities.

The accompanying music video for ‘Ileke’ was directed by Clarence Peters who has worked with top Afrobeats stars like Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Tiwa Savage. The visuals invite viewers to join Olakira in his vibrant world that showcases the beauty and allure of African culture and fashion.

Olakira burst onto the global music landscape in 2020 with ‘In My Maserati’. Since then, he has released two EPs and viral singles like ‘Polongo’.

The artist, who taught himself how to play musical instruments as a teenager, got his big break after co-producing Dotman’s ‘My Woman’ and ‘Akube’ that saw him land a record deal with U&I Music.

In 2021, he was nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies, as well as Artist of the Year and Producer of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards. Last year, he entered a landmark endorsement deal with Italian luxury carmaker Maserati following the success of his breakout track ‘In My Maserati’.