Fiona Amaka’s new single, “Cowards and Shadows,” doesn’t kick down the door; it slips the lock and vanishes into the night, leaving the chain on. There’s a particular London cool to this departure, a swagger in its disappearing act. The track's lauded Bowie-esque posture is immediately apparent, thanks in no small part to Andy Zanini's sharp, stalking guitar work. It’s less a gentle fade...

As he prepares to release his upcoming album "Afrikan Boy," it's only natural that he dishes up some fresh calming, and engaging songs. He understands his role and executes it flawlessly. The 23-year-old Montreal singer/songwriter is offering a great 10-track album that combines Afrobeats with an unexpected injection of R&B, dancehall, and kompa, with the result likely to be a dynamic and fascinating blend that...