The global music cycle never slows — and this week proves it. From internationally celebrated hitmakers returning with major statements to African artists breaking new ground on the world stage, the latest drops deliver both star power and cultural milestones.
Whether it’s a long-anticipated comeback, a surprise release, or a historic first for the continent, these are the records setting timelines alight and reshaping playlists across streaming platforms.
Here’s a closer look at the global legends and African firsts defining this week in music.
(If you missed our previous feature, revisit our coverage of new music releases as we re-launch our regular weekly music round-up).
U2 return with politically charged EP Days of Ash
Rock icons U2 have dropped a surprise standalone six-track EP titled Days of Ash, ahead of a full album expected later this year.
The project includes five new songs and a spoken-word poem, with themes centred on global unrest, protest, war, and human dignity. The band describe the EP as an immediate response to current events — raw, urgent and reflective.
Among the most talked-about tracks is Yours Eternally, featuring British pop star Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier Taras Topolia. The song will be accompanied by a short documentary film marking four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Other standouts include:
- American Obituary — inspired by a fatal protest shooting in Minneapolis
- Song of the Future — honouring Iranian activist Sarina Esmailzadeh
- One Life At A Time — reflecting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Frontman Bono says the songs “couldn’t wait” for the next album cycle. “If you have a chance to hope, it’s a duty,” he adds.
Formed in Dublin in 1976, U2 have sold over 170 million records worldwide and won 22 Grammy Awards, building a legacy on blending arena rock with activism. From The Joshua Tree to Songs of Experience, they have long used music as a vehicle for social commentary — and Days of Ash continues that tradition.
Listen to the EP HERE // WATCH LYRIC VIDEOS HERE
Following the release of the EP on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, U2 announced that proceeds will support organisations dedicated to freedom and human rights. The contributions will be made to:
- Amnesty International
- Committee to Protect Journalists
- UNHCR
The initiative aligns with the band’s long-standing commitment to advocacy and global awareness, continuing a tradition that has accompanied their music for decades.
🇳🇦 African first: Sony Music Africa signs Namibia’s Ms. Gideon
A landmark moment for Southern African music: 20-year-old Windhoek singer Ms. Gideon becomes the first Namibian artist signed to Sony Music Africa, through a partnership with ERA Music Group.
Blending soul, Afrobeats and contemporary African influences, Ms. Gideon first captured continental attention after winning the Next Narrative Africa talent competition in 2024. That victory led to a performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York.
Her breakout single Home made history as the fastest Namibian song to reach one million YouTube views — cementing her as one of the country’s fastest-rising voices. She now prepares to release her debut Sony single, Tiki Tak Tak, on Friday, February 27.
“My dream has always been to represent Namibia with pride,” she says. “This moment is for every young girl back home who dreams boldly.”
African representation in global music continues to expand, mirroring broader streaming and cultural trends highlighted in Spotify’s Global Radar Africa insights.
Calum Scott & Aitch reimagine “Unsteady”
Multi-platinum UK singer-songwriter Calum Scott joins forces with Manchester rap star Aitch on a reworked version of “Unsteady,” originally featured on Scott’s 2025 album Avenoir.
The collaboration adds a rhythmic, confessional rap verse from Aitch to Scott’s emotionally charged ballad about embracing imperfection in love.
Scott first rose to global prominence with his 2016 breakout cover of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” followed by the smash hit “You Are The Reason.” His debut album Only Human went multi-platinum, while Bridges and Avenoir showcase a broader sonic palette.
Notably, Avenoir also features a posthumous duet version of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” alongside the late Whitney Houston, created with the blessing of her estate — marking the first time her original vocal stems were reimagined in this way.
Meanwhile, Aitch continues his rise as one of the UK’s most commercially successful young rappers, known for hits like “Rain” and “Baby.”
Seth Tabatznik shares soulful sophomore album Awakening Embers
South Africa-based London-born folk artist Seth Tabatznik releases his second album Awakening Embers via Moth Music, led by the meditative focus track “Pacha Mama.”
The 10-track project blends acoustic folk, medicine music and spiritual storytelling, exploring themes of nature, healing and unity.
Tabatznik began releasing music in 2024 and has already amassed over 200,000 streams, with sold-out shows at Boschendal Estate and London’s Green Note. Mentored by Nick Mulvey, his sound evokes artists like Ben Howard and Gregory Alan Isakov.
The album debuts with a live performance at South Africa’s Retreat Yourself Festival, followed by an immersive launch event at Boschendal Farm in March.
With tracks such as “Dear Nature” and “We Are Walking Home,” Awakening Embers feels tailor-made for festival fields and reflective listening.
Listen to Pacha Mama on Spotify.
Global and African voices shaping modern music
Music this week spans everything from U2’s reflective EP and Ms. Gideon’s historic signing to Seth Tabatznik’s folk storytelling — a reminder of how varied contemporary sound has become. Streaming platforms continue to break down geographic boundaries, bringing African artists to global audiences and reshaping modern popular music. Artists such as Tems exemplify this shift, appearing on international playlists and collaborations that amplify African perspectives within mainstream pop.
Award stages tell a similar story. Recent global ceremonies have seen African talent recognised alongside established international stars — from the breakthrough success of Tyla at the 2026 Grammys to categories featuring long-established international icons such as Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny. These moments reflect an industry where influence is increasingly diverse and global rather than confined to traditional centres of power.
The verdict? Legends still command attention, but African firsts and independent voices are defining what comes next.
Update your playlists — these are the releases and movements everyone will be talking about.
