On 2025’s NEW ROAD AND GUAVA TREES, M.anifest embraces the avant-garde and conceptually navigates notions of sowing and reaping. With storytelling informed by the introspective and observational, the artist born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata offers metaphoric explorations of proverbial droughts and harvests. “You have to make the climb to get to the fruits of your labour,” M.anifest tells Apple Music. “This album is a reflection of that climb.” The Ghanaian’s sixth album is a juxtapositive climb itself, pairing poignant commentary with melodic expression, measuring the abundant against the scarce and preserving heritage while embracing a sense of futurism. The “new road” of the title references a lively Madina upbringing and “guava trees” symbolise growth. On the album, M.anifest meditates on identity, hope, perseverance, self-actualisation, faith and mental health. This thematic breadth finds an ideal companion in expansive compositions crafted by Budo, GuiltyBeatz and MikeMillzOn’Em, where highlife, electronic, hip-hop, jazz, Afrobeats and tropical elements accompany a griot’s ruminations. While tucking his teachings between groove-filled pockets, M.anifest traverses geographies through features with Bien of Sauti Sol, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, T’neeya, The Cavemen. and A-Reece. This cosmopolitanism shares its resonance with rousing opener “TIME CATCH”, which advocates for capitalising on the occasion. “SAFE PLACE” anchors the project and espouses a steadfastness that foreshadows the commitment expressed on the acoustic, King Promise-graced “HANG MY BOOTS”. The AratheJay-assisted “WINE AND BLUES”, meanwhile, breezes through any troubles in preparation for the summery rhythms of “EASE MY MIND”. That uplifting touch of freedom extends into the encouraging “HIGHLANDS”, which shares its soulfulness with closer “SECOND HAND”—itself the encapsulation of an album offering freshness through its “flea market of thoughts”.