By Suad Ayinla
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
What’s the soundtrack to your Lagos weekend? Today, August 14, 2026, Nigerian music fans have plenty of fresh releases to choose from, with new projects and singles from some of the country’s buzzing names. Leading the pack is Ayra Starr with her highly anticipated third album, Starrgirl, while Bella Shmurda arrives with the feel-good single “Happy Song.” Whether it’s a house party, road trip, beach hangout or a late-night drive through Lagos, there is something new to add to the playlist.
Ayra Starr takes centre stage with Starrgirl, a 16-track project that showcases her growth across Afrobeats, R&B and pop. The album features collaborations with major names including ZAYN, Wizkid and Rema, highlighting the singer’s increasingly global sound. From the energy of “Tornado” to “Heaven Baby” with ZAYN, Starrgirl sees Ayra move beyond the youthful urgency of her earlier work into a more confident and polished sound. It is the kind of project that can work equally well for solo listening and loud group singalongs.
Bella Shmurda, meanwhile, brings a lighter energy with “Happy Song.” True to its title, the upbeat track is designed to lift the mood after a long week, combining catchy hooks with the street-pop sound that has become central to Bella’s identity. Alongside recent releases such as “Mandalene,” the song further strengthens his position as one of Afrobeats’reliable voices for music that blends street sensibilities with accessible melodies. If the plan is a Friday night drive or a pre-party warm-up, “Happy Song” could easily find its way onto the playlist.
The weekend’s new music extends beyond the two headline releases. For fans of Afrobeats mixed with dancehall, Juls and Projexx’s Junction brings together African production and Jamaican influences across nine tracks. Kunmie’s 22 offers a more introspective but rhythmic experience, while other notable releases include Billiana’s Unsaid Feelings EP, 6uff’s Excellent, and Kitschkrieg’s remix of “Gut Genug” featuring Omah Lay. Together, these projects offer different moods, from reflective late-night listening to music built for movement and celebration.
So, what is going on your playlist first? From Ayra Starr’s global-pop ambition and Bella Shmurda’s feel-good energy to the cross-genre sounds of Juls, Projexx, Kunmie and others, this Friday has delivered plenty of options for Nigerian music lovers. Whether you’re heading to a Lekki beach hangout, an Ikeja house party or simply stuck in Lagos traffic, there is a fresh release ready to soundtrack the moment. The weekend has officially started now all that is left to do is press play.
