Bringing you a pick of the month’s best releases, Maria Hanlon presents 10 tunes that have hit her decks – and got a reload – in February.
Starring Nat Oaks, Ezra Collective & Sasha Keable, Meron T & Sey G, Kofi Stone & FloFilz, CLIPZ & Reek0, Nia Chennai & Ella More, NiNE8, Lizzie Berchie, Pinty & Makèz and Asha Gold…
Nat Oaks
BAFTA
Onatura
For fans of… Little Simz, Loyle Carner, Arlo Parks
Why listen… North London’s Nat Oaks delivers an instant head bopper you need to know about.
‘BAFTA’ fittingly dropped a week after the BAFTAs, stealing the show. The track was produced by Max Rad and is Nat Oaks’ first release of 2025, marking a new elevated era for Nat’s fresh hip-hop vibe. The lyrics are about the ups and downs of being an artist as they rise to fame. Nat is definitely someone to keep on your radar – make sure to check out the music video for this too!
Ezra Collective, Sasha Keable
Body Language
Partisan Records
For fans of… Nubiyan Twist, Kokoroko, SAULT
Why listen… Ezra Collective and Sasha Keable link up to bring some heat to the end of winter.
Two of London’s most exciting talents get together for the Latin infused ‘Body Language’. Sasha Keable’s incredible vocals work perfectly with Ezra Collective’s impressive production. Ezra Collective’s drummer Femi Koleoso says the single “is a tribute to the Latin American communities of London that deeply inspire us. A collaboration with a friend who has been part of the EZ family for years. The language of the body is dancing and this song is a celebration of this.”
Meron T, Sey G
1sidedlove
Meron T
For fans of… Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, The Silhouettes Project
Why listen… Meron T is back with an empowering track that needs a place on your playlist.
South London’s Meron T has just shared her first release of 2025, and it’s a beauty. ‘1sidedlove’ was born from frustration, telling a story of self-realisation and empowerment. The song is about the turning point in a relationship when someone steps away from unrequited love. Meron T teams up with frequent collaborator Sey G on the production for this one. ‘1sidedlove’ was released on Valentine’s Day and Meron took to Instagram to say, “I hope it can be a warm blanket over my singletons today, and encouragement to step away from what no longer aligns with you.”
Kofi Stone, FloFilz
Doves
Melting Pot Music
For fans of… Loyle Carner, Children of Zeus, RUBII
Why listen… Every single Kofi Stone drop is top notch and ‘Doves’ with FloFilz is no different.
One of the UK’s finest rappers, Kofi Stone, has joined forces with acclaimed Berlin producer FloFilz for head bopper, ‘Doves’. The track dropped on 21st February via Melting Pot Music and is the lead single from FloFilz forthcoming EP, ‘Dim Down’. Kofi comes through with the heartfelt lyrics working so perfectly with the vibey production from FloFilz. If you want to catch Kofi Stone live this year he comes to London on Friday 25th April at O2 Forum Kentish Town.
CLIPZ, Reek0
WERK
DREAM VISION FUTURE
For fans of… IZCO, Casnova, Finn Foxell
Why listen… ‘WERK’ serves as the ultimate pick me up.
CLIPZ kicks off the year with a brand new banger, as he links up with Reek0 to create ‘WERK‘. The song blends classic jungle sounds with a unique modern twist to create something really special. CLIPZ continues to make a huge impact on the electronic music scene whilst Reek0 goes from strength to strength with his distinctive sound. It’s clear to see the pair have both been smashing it individually, so the collaboration was always going to be a huge success.
Nia Chennai, Ella More
Give It Up
WNTR Sounds
For fans of… Elsa, Loie, Lily Allen
Why listen… Two of London’s most exciting R&B artists have come together to create the gorgeous ‘Give It Up’.
Following the release of her singles ‘So Pretty When You Cry’ and ‘Who’s That Girl’, London R&B singer/songwriter, and artist Nia Chennai kicks off 2025 with her stunning new single ‘Give It Up’. The track was released on 7th February and features fellow female R&B artist Ella More and was produced by Justin Tailor. The bop instantly captures your attention from the very first note with the incredible vocals from both artists. ‘Give It Up’ explores the themes of female empowerment, confidence, and the notion that it’s ok to put yourself first.
NiNE8
They Them Flow
Ditto Music
For fans of… Lava La Rue, Biig Piig, Bone Slim
Why listen… NiNE8 are back with a sunny banger, just in time for Spring!
London supergroup NiNE8 have shared their first release of 2025 with the playful ‘They Them Flow’. The verses from each of the artists brings a different energy keeping the track fresh and exciting. The production comes courtesy of NiNE8’s Lava La Rue and Mac Wetha and brings a laid back yet up-beat vibe. Their EP ‘Open Return’ drops in March and will be the perfect soundtrack for the sunnier days ahead, I can’t wait to check it out!
Lizzie Berchie
I Hope You Understand
Tru Community
For fans of… Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack
Why listen… You need to know about this sophisticated and cinematic track from Lizzie Berchie.
Lizzie Berchie is a singer-songwriter and producer born and raised in East London. Her latest release is a cinematic spin on neo-soul with stunning string orchestrations, making the track sound like it belongs in a movie. ‘I Hope You Understand’ was produced by Lizzie’s long-time collaborator Hilts and narrates the journey of someone conditioned to prioritise the feelings of others, finally finding the strength to abandon that thinking and start putting their self first.
Pinty, Makèz
Loosen Your Bones
Classic Music Company
For fans of… Sampology, WheelUP, Moodymann
Why listen… This song is sure to get you moving and shaking.
Multifaceted producer duo Makèz and cross-genre rapper Pinty kick start 2025 with the incredible ‘Loosen Your Bones‘. As the title suggests the track encourages you to dance and will put you in such a good mood after listening to it. It’s a song that would work equally as well in the club as it would in your headphones, perfect for a mood lift anytime, anywhere. I’m looking forward to seeing what both Makèz and Pinty work on next, but I’ll have ‘Loosen Your Bones’ on heavy rotation in the meantime.
Asha Gold
My Body Isn’t Yours
Asha Gold
For fans of… Solange, H.E.R, Shae Universe
Why listen… You need to hear the captivating ‘My Body Isn’t Yours’ from Asha Gold.
Asha Gold has just shared her new single, ‘My Body Isn’t Yours’, the third track from her highly anticipated EP ‘Does That Mean You’re Ok?’. The track is produced by Grammy-nominated Mitch Jones (Jessie Ware, Mahalia, Tom Misch) and showcases why Asha is one of the most exciting voices in contemporary pop and R&B. The song is about the themes of everyday harassment and the objectification of women which Asha shares in the lyrics. I already can’t wait to see what Asha Gold works on next.
Words: Maria Hanlon @mariahanlon Listen to The Voices Breakfast Show with Maria Hanlon every Friday 9-11am on voicesradio.co.uk.
Listen back to Maria’s show on BBC Introducing in London HERE.
