“Chop life to me means letting loose,” Ghanaian highlife fusion star AratheJay tells Apple Music. “It’s a chance to breathe after putting in all the hard work throughout the year. Also, being born in December, it’s a chance for me to celebrate life with friends and family. December also happens to be my busiest time as a performing artist, and it’s the time when I get to enjoy the live reactions of all my fans and supporters. Last last chop life, no make life chop you.” For our collection of Africa’s best feel-good sounds, AratheJay caps off his pivotal 2024—in which he released his debut EP, Finding Nimo Series: The Capsule, and earned his first No. 1 single with “Jesus Christ 2” (feat. Black Sherif)—with a toast to his influences, including Asake, Smallgod, Mayorkun, KJ Spio, Juls, M.anifest, Bella Shmurda and more. “The songs just describe me and what I’m about,” Ara explains. “Those who follow me know I love multiple genres, and my album is all about introducing the world to the diverse influences that come together to make my sound. This playlist is filled with amazing artists.” Hear something you like? Add it to your library.