The playlist: African pop – Wizkid, R2Bees, Petite Noir and more

Fun minimalism … Yannick Ilunga, AKA Petite Noir

Kwamz and Flava – Go Mad ft Mista Silva

For a long time, the Azonto dance craze has been Afrobeats’ most visible cultural signifier. Alkayida, which also originates from Ghana, is following its nifty footsteps, slowly raising its profile, thanks in part to dynamic producer and recording artist duo Kwamz and Flava. They follow their breakout hit Wo Onane No with this, which features previous collaborator Mista Silva, and has summer banger written all over it.

Wizkid – Ojuelegba remix ft Drake and Skepta

Wizkid fans have been keeping a watchful eye out for the Naija (Nigerian) pop star who, since signing to Disturbing London (home of Jessie J, Tinie Tempah), will be expected to make moves towards international acclaim. They never anticipated what happened this past weekend, though. Grime’s man-of-the-moment Skepta allegedly put Drake on to Wizkid’s Ojuelegba, a heartfelt rags-to-riches song. Soon after hearing it, both Drizzy and Skepta put their own verses on to a new version, which Drake dropped on his debut OVO Sound Radio show for Apple Music, setting the internet alight and the hopes of Wizkids fans ever higher.

99K – Kasa ft Fimfim and Wanlov the Kubolor

Probably one of the most imaginative videos out of Africa right now comes from newcomer 99K, who takes on the current state of Ghana, casting Wanlov Kubolor as its suave satirical president. Seen fielding questions from the public in a television interview, you almost wish the outspoken rapper would run for office.

R2Bees – Gboza ft Davido

Here’s another surefire hit from Ghana’s most prolific producer, Killbeatz, who’s currently part of Fuse ODG’s production camp and is reunited here with long-time associates R2Bees. The video for Gboza was shot in Texas after their SXSW showcase earlier this year, and follows Davido’s recent collaboration with US rapper Meek Mill.

Petite Noir – Down

South Africa-raised Yannick Ilunga, aka Petite Noir, makes his way to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo for this fun minimalist video, which accompanied the announcement of his forthcoming album La Vie Est Belle/Life Is Beautiful. The young Congolese/Angolan spoke to the Guardian in January this year. The interview touches on his inspirations, working with Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) and dealing with racism.