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Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks” 

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After Osay’s uniquely written single “How Many Licks” was released, we caught up with an insightful interview with such a talented artist to explore her eidetic experience and what she had to say about his incredible musical journey so far. Read below to learn some exciting details about Osay and her musical journey

Thank you for speaking with us at African Hype. What’s the first thing you hope new listeners feel when listening to your music?

Thank you for having me. What I want people to recognize first and foremost is that I’m a little different from your average female artist, and I welcome that. I don’t always talk about the same things, my subject matter, my way of rapping, and my beat selections, are sometimes a bit off kilter because I want my music to represent me! A lot of my sound blends elements of old school and new school to create something totally new and I want people to feel that nostalgic essence about me, but also recognize that I’m doing it my way.

“How Many Licks” is a fun record from start to finish with the combo of that hard-hitting beat and your catchy lyrics. What was the inspiration behind that song?

Haha, I love that record. It’s not what you’d expect from me, but that’s a bit of why I like it. It’s fun, it’s sexy, it’s light-hearted, and honestly, it’s just a vibe. When I first heard the beat, I fell in love instantly and the lyrics just came naturally and I just gotta give a huge shout out to muladè for producing such heat lol.

Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks”  Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks” 

I can’t say there was anything in particular that inspired the song outside of just what I was when I heard those kicks and that bang. I didn’t want the song to be taken too seriously or have the lyrics be too intricate, I think there’s a time and place for everything so I just wanted to just swag out on the song and let the beat kinda lead me.

Have you written songs for any other artists?

I have! Before I became an artist in my own right, my small claim to fame was working behind the scenes writing for other artists. They were all small local artists, so nothing you would have ever heard of but it did prep me on how to tell different stories and variate my subject matter as well as just putting myself in someone else’s shoes. I think that experience helped me a lot in improving my artistry and versatility.

What do you enjoy most about being an artist?         

That’s a good question. The thing I love most about being an artist is creating. Simple I know, but seriously I love that I can have an idea and then I go to record it and it becomes this tangible thing that other people can also enjoy. For the longest time, my songs were just private voice memos on my phone and now I have songs that are out that can be streamed and downloaded for anyone to listen to. Man if you told me I would have public releases a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. Creativity has no bounds and being able to expand upon thoughts and ideas that literally came from nothing is absolutely mind-bending to me. It’s so surreal and I never want to take that for granted.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

If I could collab with any artist of today it would either be J. Cole or Brent Fiayaz. I love J. Cole, I remember first hearing his Friday Night Lights project and just being enamored by his storytelling and real perspective on life. I also really appreciated seeing how different he was from his contemporaries at that time but he owned it. I’ve been a fan ever since and I just admire him not only as a creator but as a person, he really cares about what he does and you get a sense of how genuine he is through his endeavors and his work.

Brent reminds me of the old-school r&b I grew up listening to and I just think he’s incredible and super talented. I think he just had this essence about him that brings life to any song he’s a part of and I would love to have some of his special sauce on a record.

Do you put a lot of pressure on yourself?

Haha, is water wet, is grass green. I put so much pressure on myself it’s not even funny. It’s because I love music, I love that my art has given me this platform. It’s the only time, I truly feel like I have a voice and I want to do it well. Anything worth pursuing should be done at the best quality you can so I find myself banging my head against a wall trying to come up with the best ideas I can. I’m always working, always writing, always trying to find new ways to push the envelope and myself further and I think if you want something bad enough, you gotta apply that pressure to a certain degree to get what you want. Pressure makes diamonds or it busts pipes, you decide how it affects you.

Are you working on any project right now and what can we expect from you in the future?

Yes, I’m currently working on my first EP documenting my current journey as an artist as well as just navigating this thing we call life. It should be dropping later this year and I’m excited to give the people a full-length project. I’ve been dropping singles for the time being but there’s something really special about creating a body of work and being able to tell a full-fleshed story to really give people a sense of who I am. You can also expect more singles as well some new visuals dropping very soon.

For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?

For everyone who has checked out my work or even took the time out to read this article thank you so, so much. For those of you discovering me for the first time, I’m Osay a female rapper, a singer-songwriter who’s tryna bring a bit of personality and fun back into music. I just released a few singles such as “Shimmy Season” and “I’m On High” which is out everywhere.  And a music video for my single, “Off Brand” will be coming out soon. I think that’s everything but you can find me everywhere at @osaycantsee. Thanks again African Hype for the opportunity.

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Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks”  Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks”  Osay Gives Us a Taste of Her Rap Skills in the New Single “How Many Licks” 

MUSIC

Michael M Jeni Turns Heartbreak Into Self Respect And Quiet Release On New R&B Single “Played”

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Michael M Jeni Turns Heartbreak Into Self Respect And Quiet Release On New R&B Single “Played”

Iowa-based Rwandese artist Michael M Jeni returns to his R&B roots with “Played,” a moody, atmospheric, and deeply personal release that leans into vulnerability without losing its smooth composure. The song, the fastest he has ever written, recorded, and released, traces the mental and physical exhaustion of giving chance after chance to someone you love, only to end up caught in the same pattern again.

Heartbreak sits at the center of “Played,” but the song is ultimately about reclaiming self-worth. It captures the moment when someone finally recognizes their own value and chooses growth over the comfort of what is familiar. That shift comes through clearly in the words, “I’m done with giving chances, let me find my way…you’re just somebody that I used to know.”

The production is built around minimalist, slow-burn R&B, with soft, crisp, and unobtrusive beats that leave space for the emotion to breathe. The intro feels floaty and atmospheric, carried by Michael’s rich, lush vocals as they set a silky foundation. The drums offer a gentle head-nod pulse rather than a heavy knock, giving the song room to ache instead of pushing it toward a forced climax.

“Played” moves at a slow-to-mid-tempo pace, shaped by a smooth, swaying groove that makes it feel like a private late-night confession. Its hook is catchy and memorable, creating a lingering, circular pull that stays with you after the final notes fade.

Velvety keys, warm low end, airy synths, and delicate percussion give Michael’s conversational tone the right setting. The lyrics feel personal and relatable because he delivers them with a natural ease, letting the song’s soulful and introspective mood land without overstatement.

Michael sings with controlled vulnerability. His runs and ad-libs are carefully placed, which keeps the emotion raw without turning it theatrical. His vocal identity here is rooted in emotional connection rather than vocal dominance, using melody, harmony, and rhythmic finesse to make the record feel heartfelt, memorable, and widely relatable.

“Too many times you broke the rules, too many times I played the fool, I gotta graduate from this, you’re just somebody I used to know…”

Those lyrics form the emotional core of the record, capturing the painful but necessary decision to step away from a relationship that has become a repeated cycle of hurt. Instead of sinking into bitterness, “Played” turns heartbreak into self-respect, making the act of leaving feel like a declaration of personal freedom.

“Played” also serves as a compelling precursor to Michael M Jeni’s forthcoming project, “KING,” offering listeners a glimpse into the vulnerability, growth, and self-discovery shaping this new chapter of his artistry. Named after the meaning of his surname in Kinyarwanda, “KING” is expected to explore resilience, identity, healing, and personal empowerment.

Stream “Played” here and find a home for it in your playlist.

Connect with Michael M Jeni

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KING TYGUSS turns faith into a battle cry on the commanding new single “Made For This Moment”

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KING TYGUSS turns faith into a battle cry on the commanding new single "Made For This Moment"

KING TYGUSS approaches music as a calling, with artistry that carries the force of Gospel truth. He is the kind of Gospel hip-hop artist who treats every track as ministry, using rhythm, testimony, scripture, and raw emotion to reach hearts inside the church and beyond it. His work feels rooted in something lived rather than performed. That honesty, along with his spiritual conviction, gives his music a weight listeners can sense right away.

A devoted educator, army veteran, and proud servant of Christ, KING TYGUSS returns with one of his most commanding and spiritually charged releases so far, “Made For This Moment.” The single brings together hard-hitting modern drill production and an uplifting Gospel-centered message, shaping the track into a declaration of faith and a rallying call for believers walking in divine purpose.

At its heart, “Made For This Moment” celebrates spiritual awakening, identity, and victory through Christ. The song speaks to those who know they were created for a higher calling, soldiers for the Most High moving boldly through faith and purpose. With passionate lyricism and a firm, commanding delivery, KING TYGUSS reminds listeners that Christ gave His life for humanity, and through Him, believers can begin to understand why they were made and what they were destined to become.

Musically, the record carries as much range as its message. It is built on a dark, bass-heavy drill foundation that grabs attention immediately, driven by booming low-end percussion, sleek electronic drums, and eerie melodic textures. Even with that intensity, the instrumental leaves enough space for KING TYGUSS to move across the beat with sharp flows and magnetic conviction. From the opening moments, the hook locks into an anthemic energy that stays with you after the track ends.

As the song develops, “Made For This Moment” takes a surprising but natural sonic turn, shifting into a glossy, haunting early 2010s pop atmosphere that recalls the cinematic edge of Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow.” Tense synth stabs, shadowy melodies, and polished electronic details blend smoothly with the aggressive drill framework, creating a dynamic listen that reflects the depth and urgency of the song’s spiritual message.

What makes “Made For This Moment” so impactful is KING TYGUSS’ ability to connect modern mainstream production with unwavering Gospel truth. He brings faith into contemporary sound without softening its message, creating music that feels spiritually grounded while still speaking clearly to today’s listeners.

The result is a soaring Gospel anthem for every soldier of Christ who has accepted the call to action. It is for those living boldly for Him, carrying His message each day, and knowing deep in their hearts that they were truly made for this moment.

With “Made For This Moment,” KING TYGUSS continues to show that Gospel hip-hop can be sonically inventive and spiritually transformative, offering music that inspires strength, conviction, and steady faith in a generation still searching for purpose.

Check this heartfelt tune below, add it to your favorite repertoire, and share it with other soldiers of Christ.

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The Traveling High Priest delivers a transcendental anthem featuring the phenomenally gifted Jhonni Blaze

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The Traveling High Priest delivers a transcendental anthem featuring the phenomenally gifted Jhonni Blaze

With a biography that reads like a mystery, I’d best describe The Traveling High Priest as a prophetic spiritual phenomenon wrapped in the form of an artist, minister, and messenger. His artistry does not operate within the ordinary boundaries of music alone; it feels like a fusion of prophecy, spoken-word ministry, gospel rap, spiritual storytelling, and supernatural theater. He presents himself less as a conventional entertainer and more as a vessel carrying divine revelation through sound, speech, prayer, and presence. Welcome aboard!

Now that we are here, it wouldn’t hurt to talk about that ethereal performance he recently delivered with the single “Right One” featuring female vocalist Jhonni Blaze. This is a spiritually charged and emotionally immersive collaboration and marks The Traveling High Priest’s first-ever gospel release and serves as the official lead single from his highly anticipated upcoming album. Already generating major momentum online — including nearly one thousand TikTok creations — “Right One” is quickly proving itself to be more than just a song; it is becoming a movement of healing, reflection, faith, and emotional honesty.

From the very first seconds, “Right One” creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and transcendent. The intro arrives like a warm tropical breeze, carried by silky island-infused rhythms that sway with grace rather than force. The cadence is smooth, fluid, and deeply inviting. Gentle Afro-Caribbean percussion rolls beneath the production with hypnotic precision, allowing the beat to breathe naturally while soft melodic textures drift across the instrumental like sunlight reflecting on ocean waves. Every element feels intentional, warm, and emotionally alive.

The song immediately finds its emotional center through Jhonni Blaze’s unforgettable hook:
“You said you’d change. I believe every word. Gave you my heart even when it hurt. Stayed through the nights when love felt cold. Held on to you when I should have let go.”

Her delivery is soulful, vulnerable, and magnetic — setting the emotional tone for the entire record while bringing a powerful sense of human fragility and longing to the forefront. Then comes the arrival of The Traveling High Priest, whose entrance completely transforms the energy of the track. Delivering in his divinely inspired and unclassified spiritual language, he brings an otherworldly presence that feels less like conventional performance and more like prophetic expression poured directly into sound.

As he enters, the production effortlessly morphs into a floating, atmospheric Afro-Amapiano groove layered with minimalist yet deeply textured percussion. The beat does not rush. It lingers. It breathes. Dusty underground drums, airy melodic spacing, and smoky rhythmic textures create a hypnotic sonic environment where every word, cadence, and vocal inflection carries spiritual weight. Even without understanding the exact language, listeners can feel the emotional and spiritual gravity behind his delivery.

The chemistry between The Traveling High Priest and Jhonni Blaze becomes one of the song’s defining strengths. Her melodic vulnerability and his spiritually charged presence complement each other perfectly, creating a listening experience that feels healing, uplifting, and emotionally transporting. As the groovy Amapiano stabs settle into the mix and the fading harmonies dissolve into the instrumental atmosphere, “Right One” leaves listeners suspended in reflection, faith, and feeling.

The accompanying music video further elevates the experience. Visually stunning and cinematic in presentation, the video places both artists in a scenic studio-inspired environment filled with striking photography, immersive lighting, and captivating aesthetics. Rather than relying on excessive distractions, the visual allows the music, emotion, and chemistry between the artists to remain the focal point — making it the perfect companion piece to a record already resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

For The Traveling High Priest Thee, “Right One” is not simply another release — it is testimony transformed into music. Speaking openly about his battles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, he reveals that the song was born directly from GOD’s guidance and his own personal journey toward healing and purpose.

That sincerity pulses throughout every second of “Right One.” Beneath its lush production and hypnotic groove lies a deeper message about spiritual discernment, emotional boundaries, redemption, and divine direction. The Traveling High Priest Thee uses the song not only as art, but as ministry — encouraging listeners to stop walking into doors GOD never granted and to trust the path GOD has designed specifically for them.

“Right One” is available now on YouTube and continues to gain momentum across streaming and social platforms as listeners around the world connect with its message of healing, faith, surrender, and transformation.

Check it out, subscribe to his channel, stream, save and share this divine masterpiece.

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