Now that summer is in full swing, we’re all staying out a little later, and the days are starting to feel like endless possibilities again. So there’s no better time to curate a perfect Afrobeats/Afro-R&B playlist to serve as the perfect background music?
But this isn’t just any playlist. For this, we thought we’d get a little help from popular Afro-R&B singer Odeal, who recently sat down with The Root to talk about his upcoming EP “For A Good Time…” and give us a handful of summer-approved Afrobeats-Afro/R&B songs you need to add to your lists ASAP! So keep reading to get into it!
First Things First: What Is Afro-R&B/Afrobeats?
When asked to define “Afro-R&B/Afrobeats,” Odeal told The Root that it’s not easy to define. After some thought, he shared his perspective, describing an expansive genre that encompasses a wide range of sounds.
“I feel like when people hear ‘Afro-R&B/Afrobeats,’ they’re like ‘nah, I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to hear anything Afro, just give me R&B.’ But it’s a grand genre, and it’s any and everything within that spectrum,” he said.
He continued, expressing his desire for people to have an open mind and embrace the genre.
“It doesn’t sound like one thing; it’s loads of different things within it. And as an artist, I like pushing things and finding different pockets. So much so that you wouldn’t even call it ‘Afro-R&B,’ but the melody and the sound are derived from R&B and the groove, and the thing that’s making you dance is the Afro element, that drum.”
Related: The Story of Fela Kuti, The Godfather of Afrobeat
Who Is Odeal?
Odeal is an “Afro-R&B singer/songwriter/producer” from London who creates music that defies categorization. His music is a perfect sonic complement to any environment. Some songs are suited for late-night car rides (looking at you, “Miami) while others are meant to be blasted at full volume at a party (looking at you, “London Summers”).
He developed his love for music from artists like Michael Jackson, J. Moss, and Kirk Franklin.
“For A Good Time”
@iamodeal the set up vs the shoot
FOR A GOOD TIME… 31 July
who’s ready? #odeal #newmusic #foragoodtime #setupvstheshot #rnbtok
Because Odeal produces music and performs his own Afrobeats/Afro-R&B DJ sets, we thought we’d pick his brain for a handful of summer-approved songs that are perfect for having a good time.
Of course, he couldn’t give us a list without mentioning his own music—and honestly, we’re glad he did! He has a brand new EP dropping on July 31, titled “For a Good Time.” While he’s still keeping some details about the project under wraps, he’s been dropping snippets of songs that could appear on the album on his official TikTok page. From what we heard, it sounds like he has some more heat in the coming months.
Wizkid – “Kese”
“Kese” by Wizkid is one of Odeal’s top choices. He described the song as fun and one that will get the crowd in the mood to groove.
Tems – “Avoid Things”
“Tems, ‘Avoid Things.’ You gotta have that one,” Odeal told us about the smooth joint with a chill vibe.
Natanya
Odeal also recommended Nigerian singer Natanya, and let’s just say, she definitely didn’t disappoint!
“The Summer That Saved Me”
If you don’t feel like waiting for Odeal’s new music, you can blast the 2025 EP “The Summer That Saved Me.” This one is a short stream, but it’s full of good sounds from start to finish!
Wizkid – “Made in Lagos”
While Odeal mentioned just one Wizkid song, his 2020 project “Made In Lagos” is perfect for summer from top to bottom. Some of the highlights include collabs with Skepta, H.E.R., Ella Mai and Burna Boy – and his popular song, “Essence,” featuring Tems.
Tems – “Born In the Wild” & “Love Is A Kingdom”
After you finish listening to “Avoid Things,” go ahead and give her 2024 album, “Born in the Wild,” a listen and pay special attention to “Love Me Jeje,” “Wickedest,” “Get It Right,” and “Me & U.”
Once you get your fill of that album, switch on her 2025 project, “Love Is a Kingdom,” and stream “Lagos Love,” “Mine,” and “Big Daddy.”
Tyla – Self-Titled Debut Album
An artist rarely comes out the gate with a near-seamless debut project, but that’s exactly what Tyla did when she dropped her 2024 self-titled body of work. There are literally no skips on this one, so let the whole thing rock and then come back here and tell us how your mood improves.
J Hus – “Who Told You”
J Hus gave us a bop with “Who Told You” and even added a little American flair, putting Drake on the remix. It’s an addictive listen for sure!
Fola – “Ginger Me”
Fola’s “Ginger Me” has a smooth rhythm and an infectious vibe that makes you want to move
Dave – “Raindance”
There’s something about “Raindance” that feels like it’s filled with sunshine and the mist from ocean waves. This song was made for lovers and long summer nights. We can guarantee you’ll want to play it over and over.
