By SCM Lifestyle Reporter
LAGOS, Nigeria – In an era where the world feels increasingly heavy, music remains the ultimate healer. This week, a powerful new collaboration has emerged from the heart of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, aiming to do much more than just make people dance.
Acclaimed producer and composer Cobhams Asuquo has joined forces with the meteoric Afropop sensation Qing Madi and the lyrical sharp-shooter Magnito for their new single, Despite (We Rise Up). It is a track that isn’t just climbing the charts; it’s capturing the soul of a generation.
The song is a masterclass in “Afro-fusion,” blending rich, cinematic instrumentation with the raw, rhythmic energy of the streets.
But it is the message behind the melody that is stopping listeners in their tracks. Despite (We Rise Up) serves as a bold declaration of resilience, speaking directly to young people currently navigating a maze of social and economic uncertainty.
Cobhams Asuquo, a man known for his profound musical depth, provides the track’s anchor.
His production creates a soundscape that feels both grand and deeply personal. Into this space steps 18-year-old Qing Madi, whose soaring, heartfelt vocals provide the song’s emotional heartbeat.
She captures a rare mix of vulnerability and stubborn optimism that has quickly made her one of the most exciting voices in the industry.
Adding the finishing touch of grit is Magnito. Known for his wit and storytelling, he shifts gears here to deliver conscious, sharp verses that mirror the lived realities of the “collective struggle.”
Together, the trio has created what many are already calling a “rallying cry”—a musical reminder that pressure is often the very thing that creates diamonds.
”Rising is an act of defiance,” the artists suggest, and in Despite (We Rise Up), that defiance sounds beautiful.
The single, released via Now Muzik/BMN/MMF, is available now on all major streaming platforms. In a world of fleeting pop hits, this is music with a mission: reflective, uplifting, and unapologetically human.
