Before listening to a single note of Suris’ new album, “Pertinax”, I spent a few minutes just looking at the word. Pertinax. It has the distinct ring of a Stoic philosopher’s last defiant utterance or maybe a type of beetle known for its unusually stubborn shell. What a curious flag to fly for a collection of songs in an age of fleeting distraction. But...

We have heard a lot of love songs, but this one has a distinct vibe—something you will hear for yourself after you listen to it. An exciting fusion of rhythmic African rhythms and soulful vocals, Kurtys's new single "Joha" narrates a love story with a significant woman. The songs are Afrobeat and R&B. Afrobeat components combined with catchy grooves give the song depth of feeling, and...