The Benin-born singer helms a star-studded introduction to the KFMD label. Qing Madi may barely be 20, but the singer has quickly established herself as one of Afropop’s most consistent performers. First breaking through with 2022’s “See Finish,” Madi earned praise for her hypnotic blend of R&B and African elements. On Barely Legal, the follow-up to her 2025 debut album, I am the Blueprint, she unites distinct generations of Afropop stars for a high-octane celebration of the genre’s rhythmicity and bounce. Eastern Nigerian star Flavour joins Madi and Tiwa Savage for a declaration of love on the highlife-inflected “Lady,” setting the pace for the collision of influences that defines the project. After going it alone for all of I am the Blueprint, collaboration is at the heart of Barely Legal, restoring the collaborative streak that marked some of Madi’s most popular songs. Afropop legend Wande Coal is here, extolling his partner’s best qualities over a throbbing, percussion-led instrumental on “10 Over 10.” Where the opening section of Barely Legal platforms Afropop’s OGs, the middle of the tape celebrates its most cogent voices at the moment. Victony and BNXN animate a song of seduction on “Come Slide,” while the IBK Sleek-produced “Pepper Me” coaxes a deft fusion of Madi’s R&B crooning and Zinoleesky’s gritty street-pop sound. The Zlatan- and Eemoh-featuring “1 or 2” feels like a natural continuation thereafter. By the time we land on “Jowo” and the Rotimi-featuring “Adding Up,” Madi is squarely in her element, parsing her R&B grooves with an Afropop sensibility that’s second nature to her. Brought up on R&B as a child in Benin, Madi came of age in a golden era for Afropop, and Barely Legal pays homage to the two styles that continue to define her artistry.