The traditional Christmas carols are favourites at this time of the year because of the nostalgia they evoke, but the soundtrack of the holidays can be refreshed by adding some contemporary festive-themed tracks to the mix.
Whether you are planning a party or you just want to create your own playlist for this Christmas, here are tips of new singles, and re-releases, including those that give the carols an innovative Afropop twist.
Remember Yemi Alade singing O Come All Ye Faithful on the final episode of the 2017 season of the TV show Coke Studio Africa? The prolific Nigerian singer-songwriter proved that adding an Afropop twist to an age-old Christmas carol sparks an irresistible fusion.
The Grammy Award nominee applies that formula, complete with cheerful lyrics in pidgin, on her Christmas single, released on November 27, 2024,
The festive “gift” to her fans starts with a familiar instrumentation of a carol before coming alive with an Afrobeats vibe as Alade, known for her jolly personality, sings a catchy chorus about the joy of sharing and togetherness
“I will spend Christmas sharing some good time with my family and also with my fans around the world,” she told the BD Life on a call this week.
“Remember to make the best of this season as it only comes once a year.” Alade has dropped a song that you should play on repeat throughout December.
Pheelz
The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Nigerian producer, songwriter and singer best known for the massive 2022 international hit song Finesse adds percussions and fresh lyrics to this Christmas single with an upbeat dance vibe.
“I chose to cover Twelve Days of Christmas because it captures that festive spirit and joy, which resonates with me deeply,” he told Apple Music.
“The original has a beautiful blend of celebration and love, and as an artiste, I strive to bring those same vibes through my music. Also, I just really wanted to give it my own twist.” The track is part of the Apple Music Carols Covered playlist.
BNXN
Joy to the World
BNXN (pronounced Benson from his real name Daniel Etiese Benson) chose to reimagine Joy to the World because it reminds him of when his choirmaster would make a funny face while singing the lyrics “and heaven and nature sings”. “It is like he tried to make a baritone voice and then made this funny face and sometimes it distracted the whole band. That is a memory I don’t think I could ever forget, because it is a very happy one,” he recalls.
This single was first released in 2023 but has received a fresh boost on streaming platforms during this festive season. The mellow rhythm allows the Lagos-born singer, songwriter and producer to deliver his silky-smooth vocals on this well-loved carol.
Wham
Last Christmas
December 3, 1984: the date when CBS Records released what has turned out to be one of the most enduring Christmas pop songs ever and the third best-selling singles of all time in the UK.
A youthful British artiste called George Michael wrote a song about unrequited love in his childhood bedroom while visiting his parents in 1983 and then sang all vocals and played all instruments on the recording.
Fun fact: Michael, who went on to become a global pop icon, covered the studio in Christmas decorations to set the festive mood while recording the song in August 1984.
Last Christmas celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and that milestone makes it an essential song on every playlist during the holidays.
Ed Sheeran
Under The Tree
When it comes to writing and singing lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, few can match Ed Sheeran. This new ballad which expresses longing for a love lost, fits perfectly into the style that has made the Englishman one of the world’s best-selling artistes.
He sings: “There is nothing under the tree that I wished for. I want you to come back to me. And be like before.” The song is from the soundtrack of the animated film That Christmas that premiered on Netflix this week.
“Having kids, I struggle to find great movies for very young kids to watch at Christmas and, and this ticks all the boxes,” says Sheeran about the film.
Coco Jones
Coco by the Fireplace
The winner of the 2024 Grammy Award for Best R&B performance has released four original songs that capture the different emotions that invariably are a part of the holidays.
Santa Is Me is the perfect cheerful start if you are spending Christmas with a loved one, while Coco reflects on a past relationship wishing for a chance to rekindle it on the acoustic call on Christmas.
The mood switches to an upbeat banger My Presence is a Present and she rounds off the EP by asking Santa to guide her to her true love on String of Lights.
