Afros Picks is a curated cultural roundup by Afros in tha City spotlighting the music, artists, and creative moments shaping contemporary culture across the globe.
From emerging voices and underground discoveries to internationally recognized artists, Afros Picks exists as a space for thoughtful cultural observation highlighting the sounds, stories, and creative energy driving music and artistry forward today.
More than recommendations, Afros Picks focuses on evolution, storytelling, experimentation, and creative excellence celebrating artists and projects that leave a lasting impression.
1. AYRA STARR KEEPS THE MOMENTUM SWIRLING
New single "Tornado" signals another confident step toward Starrgirl.
With over 7 billion global streams, two GRAMMY® nominations, and a catalogue that has helped redefine the global reach of Afrobeats, Ayra Starr isn't chasing momentum—she's sustaining it.
Her latest single, "Tornado," offers another confident step forward ahead of her third studio album, Starrgirl, arriving August 14. As African artists continue expanding their influence across international stages, Ayra remains one of the movement's most recognizable voices, proving that consistency, ambition, and fearless artistry continue to move the culture forward.
The release follows a remarkable run that has seen Ayra Starr perform on global stages, make her Tiny Desk debut, appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show, and continue collaborating with some of music's biggest names. As Afrobeats expands its international footprint, Ayra remains one of its defining voices, balancing commercial success with an artistic identity that feels unmistakably her own.
2. FAIZA finds clarity in "Suddenly."
Toronto R&B artist FAIZA returns with "Suddenly," the first single from her forthcoming EP LESS, arriving later this year. Built around the emotional unraveling that comes when a relationship is seen for what it truly is, the track balances vulnerability with quiet confidence, carried by FAIZA's rich, expressive vocals. We loved this one. "Suddenly" is soulful, beautifully restrained and lingers long after it ends. If this single is any indication, LESS is shaping up to be one of the R&B projects we'll be watching closely in 2026.
3. KUZI CEE – GIA
Zimbabwe-born, Calgary-based R&B artist Kuzi Cee is heating up the summer with "GIA," his latest single released through Universal Music Canada. The record marks a confident evolution for the rising singer-songwriter, pairing sleek production with smooth melodies and a bold new perspective on romance, attraction and authenticity.
Fresh off landing on Rolling Stone Canada's Future of Music list, Kuzi continues an impressive breakout year. His previous single, "Rather Be," climbed to No. 16 on Canadian Top 40 radio, while his music has generated more than 7.4 million streams worldwide.
From Calgary to the global stage, GIA is another reminder that one of Canada's most exciting new R&B voices to watch.. GIA is out now.
4. “Smoothie aux bleuets” sets the tone for Poirier's next chapter.
Producer and DJ Ghislain Poirier returns with “Smoothie aux bleuets,” the first single from his upcoming album Flip The Script Sounds Fun, arriving this October. Joining him is KNLO, the Congolese-Québécois rapper, poet and founding member of Alaclair Ensemble, whose thoughtful lyricism and genre-blending approach have made him one of Québec's most celebrated hip-hop voices.
Together, the pair deliver a playful, groove-driven collaboration that bridges electronic production with francophone rap, offering an early taste of what promises to be one of Canada's most intriguing releases this fall.
Discover more artists, music and culture in the Afros in tha City July 2026 Digital & Print Issue, available now.