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Ayra Starr and Tems released their new albums, “The Year I Turned 21” and “Born in the Wild”, in the last two weeks and have since dominated most conversations in the Nigerian music scene.
Inching close to being the hottest Afrobeats artists of 2024 (so far), their new albums are meant to offer something rewarding. Here are nine subtle lessons that listeners draw from their long-awaited albums.
Dodging bad energy is serious work
You can’t avoid bad-belle people entirely. The only way to become a no-nonsense pro max is intentionally and consistently telling them off like Ayra Starr and Tems did on their new albums (“The Year I Turned 21” and “Born in the Wild”). From Ayra’s Birds Sing of Money, Goodbye and Bad Vibes songs to Tems’ Wickedest and Unfortunate, they set a big “fuck you” tone for bad energy dealers.
Rollout is MOTHER!
Your business service is a product, and to attract target users and customers, you need engaging content that not only attracts but also gets them talking. That’s what Ayra Starr and Tems did. They were in everyone’s faces. Ayra’s album appeared on Chowdeck and some Nigerian bank apps, and users were urged to listen. Tems put out announcement visuals and even threw a party for music listeners and industry players a day before her album release. These babes put their new albums on everyone’s lips.
Good kids make happy parents
Ayra’s and Tems’ mums appeared on their albums to contribute to their process and album narratives and motivate them. These emotional features prove that parental support is just as crucial as making parents proud.
Always enjoy yourself
You don’t have to be told this, but you need a reminder to enjoy what you work hard for and have a good time sometimes. Somebody play Ayra’s Commas, Control, Jazzy’s Song and Tems’ Wickedest, Turn Me Up and T-Unit and turn the fuck up.
Never leave your squad behind
Carrying all your real ones with you (including sharing opportunities) shows that you value your friendship and are proud of it. This is how Ayra Starr feels in Woman Commando.
Women are the biggest gangstas
On Bird Sings of Money, Ayra says her past experiences have toughened her up in the trait of a gangster. She even made Woman Commando, and Tems made Gangsta. When the other gender is back on top, you’ll get the memo or not. For now, new lords are in town.
Never hesitate to throw toxic lovers away
Don’t wait for your toxic partners to fly their red flags before you throw them out like bath water. You better get necessary updates from Tems’ Unfortunate and Ayra Starr’s Goodbye (Warm Up).
You’re your biggest motivator
It’s okay to be sad or cry. But when a horse knocks you to dust, pick yourself up and push yourself to be better until you can ride it with a flex like Ayra on Last Heartbreak Song and 1942 and Tems on Burning and Hold On.
Forever be a dream chaser.
Ayra wanted to be a pop star before 16, but it only happened when she turned 19. Now she’s 21 and global. Tems had a 9-5 for a while but didn’t let her music dream die.
2023 came with numerous album releases, from heavy hitters to upcoming acts. We expected some of our biggest stars to join the wagon, but instead, they gave us dust. Here’s a short list of artists who owe us a feast in 2024.
2Baba
It’s been four years since Warrior. But on January 3, the veteran singer took to Instagram to announce his 2024 plan to release a new album. Motivated by the vim and excellence of new-gen artists, 2Baba said, “Na so we no dey gree for anybody this year o.”
Tems
She dropped two singles towards the end of 2023, and it’s been over a month since she teased her album on X. Let’s have it, please.
Image source: Premium Times
Victony
This guy made noise in 2023 with bangers like My Darling, Angelus and Ohema. We heard him. Now, he needs to put his artistry into a full-length body of work. We’re ready for Victony.
Image source: BellaNaija
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage may be killing features up and down, but she needs to drop a new album. Water & Garri, an EP, came out in 2021. That’s a long time to be stuck with only groceries. Maybe banga soup and starch-type albums this year?
Image source: Premium Times
Odunsi (the Engine)
The three-track SPORT EP he dropped in December 2023 was just a tease. We see he’s come out of ghost mode and has been appearing on his socials lately. He also produced Jazz Up off Pan African Rockstar (Lady Donli’s latest album) back in September 2023. We hope he’s back to feed us with another innovative album like rare. (2018).
Image source: GQ Middle East
Peruzzi
Peruzzi has shown himself to be a brilliant singer-songwriter and composer. With three albums in his catalogue and over 252 songwriter credits on hits like Nwa Baby, Risky and Unavailable, he’s defining himself as one of Afrobeats’ top writers. But it’s been over three years since Rum & Boogie, or is he not doing singing again?
Image source: Viberate
Ayra Starr
Sabi Girl had a successful 2023 taking her music around Africa, Australia and North America, and featuring on everything from Girl Next Door with Tyla to Big FU with David Guetta. We love these records, but a new album will bang differently.
2023 has been a busy year for the Nigerian music industry, particularly Afrobeats. As artists like Burna Boy and Rema aggressively sell out shows and arenas, get nominations and win awards, they’re also in the studio to cook jams and feed their fans new music.
Over the past few years, the new generation artists have held our attention and climbed up to new, noticeable heights. After a series of releases and commercial success, one would expect these artists to present to us their full-length musical projects this year, but we’re still biting nails with no hope they’ll serve us.
These are the new school Nigerian artists we expected to drop an album in 2023.
Tems
In the last two years, Tems has trailblazed her path and registered herself as a global brand. She has worked withartists like Brent Faiyaz (Found), Drake (Fountains), Rihanna (Life Me Up), and Beyoncé (MOVE), showing her musical range. After the releases of two EPs (For the Broken Ears in 2020 and If Orange Was A Place in 2021), we’re due for an album.
Although the release of Me & U may be a step closer to Tems’ debut album, we don’t know how many steps are left to get us there. On November 20, 2023, Tems tweeted on X that she’d leave the internet and lean more into the background after her debut album drops. There’s no pointer it’s coming out in 2023. Temilade, see you in 2024.
Oxlade
We anticipate an Oxlade album, but he’ll also take the time to get back in the right headspace. The falsetto-singer mentioned in an interview this year that he went through a lot mentally and Ku Lo Sa was one of the expressive pieces that came out of this situationl.
Ku Lo Sa is now one of Oxlade’s biggest songs ever. Also, he just released a two-song pack which has a very emotional single, KATIGORI, which addresses backbiters andfolks sabotaging his brand and business. In all that, he still found a pocket to remind his peers and detractors he’s far above them. Honestly, this type of confidence sounds fresh from him and gives the let-me-talk-my-shit vibes. With his current energy, he needs to give us the album ASAP!
Victony
Victony has had an incredible run in 2023, defining the year with hits like Soweto (original and remix), Jolene, My Darling, Angelus, Jaga Jaga, No Joke, and the latest, Ohema, which has over 14 other artists on it. Though it’s an incredible idea and execution, I’m wondering why he can’t just make an album and feature each one of them.
Magixx
We heard the ATOM EP in 2022, and we were sure it was the next direction after Magixx’s self-titled debut EP. Fast forward to 2023, only three songs (Colors, Loyal and Maria) have come out from the artist. Yes, they’re great titles but we exist in a period where almost all his new-cats colleagues likeCrayon, Rema, Ruger, Teni, Blaqbonez etc., have dropped their albums.But we’re patient and looking forward to his 2024 plans. Hopefully there’s an album in it.
Fave
Honestly, we are tired of getting only singles from Fave. It’s like giving a kid a piece of biscuit but never the whole pack. Don’t you want us to get filled? If that’s Fave’s intention, releasing a few songs and doing some features here and there, then she wins. Maybe in 2024, we’ll get a full experience of her talent and artistry in an album.
It’s easy for albums to easily get lost in the pile of the singles 2023 has been choked with. So we went digging into the Nigerian music released so far to discover and rediscover the bodies of work women have blessed us with this year.
KOLLIDE – Kold AF
On KOLLIDE, Kold AF’s vocabulary oozes of admirable bluntness and confidence. They hold stead and still leave one open enough to admit that “I’m a hard guy, but I hurt sometimes too.” The EP offers six songs that explore romance, being broke and keeping heart on the sleeve.
Kold AF is an amazing singer and overall, KOLLIDE is clear afropop and r&b fusion. With a platform like Aristokrats Records (Burna Boy, LeriQ, Mojeed, Novemba) behind her, it’s only up. We’re rooting for her.
Heaven Has Come – TY Bello
TY Bello invited other artists she loves together on Heaven Has Come. Listening to the album comes with a feeling that suggests that it’s more than just an album of MP3s and WAV. files — it’s transcendental experiences of worship and praise. The production is excellent, catchy and modern, but won’t make you lose your home training and start throwing legwork anyhow.
Grey Choir – Christtie Jay
Christtie as Jay is an innate storyteller and spoken word artist. Her newly-released EP, Grey Choir, beautifully blends spoken word and music,explores self-love, sexuality, relationships, melancholy, grief, and japa themes.
The sonic palette of the project is just as broad as the array of emotions and topics she explores. On Story Story, guest artist Mo’Believe’s book builds a commentary around Lagos-living.One could almost hear Christtie Jay burst into tears on Hello/Goodbye, the track before the last. Poetry-music projects require attentiveness, including Grey Choir.But you never know what the next track will sound like. Every song is unique and captivating.
Angel On The Run – Rukmani
Rukmani’s EPis Pop-inflected R&B at its finest. Angel On The Run opens with guitar strings that usher in Rukmani. From the first track, Purpose, a song about reconciling past mistakes, to the seventh track, Softies Vibes, a vulnerable expression of self-love, Rukmani’s silky voice keeps calling to her listener.
Angel On The Run is the music to get cosy to, especially when emotional waves crash over you.
Winny – WINNY
On her self-titled debut music project, Winny, a Nigerian reggae artist, turns her love tales and heartaches into songs. Winny’s voice can quickly become a rude gyal’s weapon, full-blasting in patois. At the same speed, she can be very soft and begs a lover not to leave. WINNY is an exciting body of work; the seven tracks promises that the Nigerian music scene will soon become very fluid and accessible to all styles and genre
Anger Management – Bloody Civilian
Beyond being a super producer and sound engineer, Bloody Civilian isn’t your average artist. Check her collaborative effort with Native Records and Marvel’s Black Panther. Even her name. Then check her Anger Management EP. But don’t stop there — dive into the music project and enjoy her brilliant brand of storytelling that’s rare in our popular music scene. Parental supervision, poke-nosing family members, and anti-misogyny are some of the stories Bloody Civilian lays bare in the project. If you’re not jamming to this for enjoyment, don’t forget it anytime you fume angry.
Kaleidoscope – Lindsey Abudei
In Nigeria, where niché music isn’t as widely accepted, Lindsey Abudei continues to polish her brand of Neo-soul, alternative R&B. Her new project, Kaleidoscope, is recent proof.
The music on Kaleidoscope is cinematic. Asides from her lyricism, the drums are softly tapping, guitar strings jumping and giving Jazz vibes. On days that emotions are high and running, or there’s just stillness — Lindsey’s got us.
Also, film production companies and theatres need to holla at her and cut her cheques for movie soundtracks ASAP.
dear diary – RnB Princess
In five songs, RnB Princess lifts the things that usually stay in a diary to the recording studio,spilling her heart out about unreturned love, jilt and the relationship woes that trouble a Gen-Z lady. The EP features new R&B babes Tsuni and Keziah Mallam — one can liken their collaboration to a girl’s night out, in group support of a heartbroken friend that shouldn’t be left by her pain or loneliness. Nothing is actually hotter than women supporting women.
Elevated – Mercy Chinwo
In just six tracks, Mercy Chinwo performs worship songs that’ll put you in thanksgiving mode and waving your hands in the air. But these are not only church songs; they are personal testimonies and declarations many Gospel or Christian music lovers will passionately sing along to. The instrumentals are vibrant, exciting and comforting — she beautifully sings of her belief and spirituality.
Mercy Chinwo isn’t one of Africa’s most prominent gospel artists for nothing.
Lifesize Teddy – Lifesize Teddy
At a time we can count Nigerian female mainstream rappers on one palm, Lifesize Teddy shows up as Mavin’s last signee with her titular EP. She raps and sings well in English and Pidgin English. The PH dialects you hear in her lines are pointers to her home-base, City of Garden. Get in tune with Teddy.
Pan African Rockstar – Lady Donli
After a four-year album break, Lady Donli’s sophomore album, Pan African Rockstar comes out and gets on our rotation,blasting funk, percussion and electric guitars.
Many considered her first album Enjoy Your Life a classic, and her latest has materials and the making of a classic, too. We’ll give it some time, but this is an album we won’t stop jamming for a while.
All of Eniolaa – Eniolaa
She’s a singer who does afropop and other sounds like Amapiano and R&B. Her EP combines these sounds with her girly side and street consciousness. When not moulding Arya Starr and Fave on King Kong, she’s a neo-Fuji star like Asake on Iyele or a blue c-note, worried and gloomy, on Holy Days.
Lagos 101 – Bella Alubo
Although Bella Alubo came from Jos, she’s handing us a guide to navigate Lagos.
The growth of Bella Alubo has been interesting to see. She went from being a straight-up rapper to becoming an all-around artist. Lagos 101 is a commendable effort. It may be the direction she feels is next for her career, but we still struggle to connect to the music.
In Lagos 101, she’s singing about having fun and not rushing into love. Even though we found some details about the widespread belief that finding love in Lagos might be the hardest; either you’re the hunter or end up the target.
More – Grace Idowu
Grace Idowu is a gospel artist with a commanding voice. One vocal cord moves, and it grabs your attention.
More, her second body of work, is a choir-backed seven-track that focuses on eulogising God, strengthening her relationship with the spiritual being and speaking positively into existence. The beats are very hard, but Grace Idowu even goes harder with her rap verse on Joy, our favourite track on the EP. GIf there are love songs to God, this is what they sound like.
This 2023, Olamide made his grand return to the music scene as a recording artist with singles Kpe Paso, Trumpet and New Religion. And two years after dropping his last album, UY Scuti, he announced via Album Talks HQ’s tweet that he’s releasing a new one on August 10, 2023.
He’s spent the last few years supervising the success of his label signees, but it’s about time he fed his own fans. So here’s everything you should know ahead of the release.
It’s titled UNRULY
From Rapsodi to Baddest Guy Ever Liveth to Eyan Mayweather to UY Scuti, Olamide has the most unconventional album titles. But the common themes have always been street orientation, the hustle spirit and his confidence in his own supremacy. With UNRULY, are we getting a wilder version of Baddo? We hope so.
New album release date
Originally, he announced UNRULY would drop on July 12, 2023, but due to reasons unknown, he’s moved the release date. We’ll just have to trust Olamide’s process and timing.
The tracklist
Olamide hasn’t released a tracklist yet. So ignore the fake ones, like this one that’s been flying around Twitter as if it’s the gospel.
Olamide unveils tracklist for his 10th studio album, Unruly.
The album features Fireboy DML, Lojay, Fave, Phyno, Wizkid and Asake.
The other one, NATI, is pure Amapiano, produced by Asake’s go-to producer, Magicsticks. Olamide previewed it in August, 2022, but he’s been hoarding it. We hope it makes it to the UNRULY, the demand is high.
In what appears like a framed picture, Olamide is in a suit, a cigar and looking like an Italian mob boss. The Unruly album art gives absolute unfuckwithable vibes.
UNRULY is for baddies only
In his Threads post — on the day the new social media app launched — Olamide warns critics that his album is only for bad bitches and those who love them. He called it strictly “bo pata” (“remove your pants”) music. Looks like he’s about to give double of what he served on Story For The Gods. Baddies stay winning.
It’s his 10th studio album
UNRULY will become Olamide’s tenth solo album when it drops in August. 13th, if we include his EP and collaborative projects. Olamide’s work-rate is insane. With every music release, he’s demonstrated dedication and consistency. But please, Baddo, let August 10 be August 10.
There’s no way I’m the only one who’s rinsed Amaarae’s Fountain Baby countless times since it came out. Amaarae, girl, I’m sorry if your mouth hurts from me replaying your album; it’s just too good.
In just 40 minutes, Amaarae takes us on a journey of sex, partying, designer clothes, astrology, expensive cars and most importantly, what it feels like to be a bad bitch.
Source: Zikoko Memes
Princess Going Digital
Source: Zikoko Memes
“I been going out like a bad bitch”
“Tryna find love, but ninjas be doing the most”
Bad bitches catch feelings, too. Princess Going Digital is for the bad bitches that know they’re fly but wouldn’t mind finding a lover who’s ready to match their energy. Amaarae is asking for someone to take her off the streets, and all of you are dulling? Shame.
Angels in Tibet
Source: Giphy
“Y’all bitches boring”
“Don’t you want to taste it?”
Where are my main character girlies? You know those who swear they’re the Beyoncé of their friend group? Yes, Angels in Tibet is for all of us. It’s not easy being the most wanted and hottest in any room we step into. Like Wande Coal once said, “Wo ko wa je bi amala ati ewedu”.
Reckless and Sweet
Source: Zikoko Memes
“Looking at me, you get goosebumps”
“Call me when the money come come come”
Bad bitches don’t play with poverty, and that’s on Eucharia Anunobi’s eyebrows. Reckless and Sweet is an anthem for bad bitches who disagree with Tinubu on letting the poor breathe. They have their own funds, there’s no way you can step to them when your bank account is giving struggle energy. Run along now.
Co-Stars
Source: Meme Monkey
“I met a girl, she a saint and a demon”
“Down to earth but way too high”
Astrology babies, get in here because Amaarae just made a new anthem for you. From sex with a Gemini feeling like a threesome (multiple personalities, sho get?) to Leos being hot but unloyal, Amaarae drags each sign by their edges, giving us a rulebook on which ones to avoid. Thanks, girl.
Amaarae is on fire, name-dropping Mowalola, singing about pulling up to the motive in a fly Mercedes, partying hard and getting faded like it’s no man’s business. This isn’t your average bad bitch anthem. This is Gwen Stefani-level luxurious.
Sex, Violence, Suicide
Source: Zikoko Memes
“Ruin your day and then I take a bow”
“Want a feeling. Something real tonight”
What is it with bad bitches and true crime? Famous serial killers Ted Bundy and Wayne Gacy are referenced in this song that finds Amaarae down bad, asking her lover to tell her she’s the best. Once again, it’s okay to be a bad bitch and like someone. It’s the duality of bad bitchery.
Water from Wine
Source: Zikoko Memes
“Call me for tongue in tongue”
“Shawty I can’t be caught in no love”
Who says you can’t eat your cake and have it? Water from Wine is for the sexually liberated bad bitches (to be honest, you can’t be a bad bitch without being sexually liberated) who want to have a good time and dip. No long talk. Take off your pants; we’re here for a good time; not a long time.
Is it me, or is 2022 running? Just yesterday, we were all shouting, “Happy New Year”, and now we’re in June looking through some of the albums that have gotten us through the year so far. From big comebacks to long-awaited debuts, this year has definitely given us incredible music (and small fuel scarcity too sha).
V — Asa
If someone had told me in 2021 that I’d be dancing to an Asa song in the club this year, I’d have called them a detty liar. But here we are. After creating a blueprint for many alternative artists we listen to today with her self-titled debut album, Asa decided to surprise us this year with a new sound on V. With features from Wizkid, The Cavemen and Amaarae, Asa shows us that she refuses to be boxed. We’re witnessing the evolution of Asa in real time, and we’re here for the ride.
Raves and Roses — Rema
Three years after he had the world (including former President Barack Obama) dancing to his debut self-titled EP, Rema kicked off 2022 with his debut album, Rave & Roses. On songs like Soundgasm and Dirty, Rema shows that he’s fully mastered how to make music for people who like sex but just haven’t had it yet. However, he truly shines when he lets go of the premature sex icon image on songs like Addicted, Divine and Are You There?.
Outlaw — Victony
Mayourkun’s Holy Father was one of the defining tracks of 2021, thanks to Victony’s smooth vocals. Stepping into the new year and on everybody’s radar as the artist to watch, Victony delivered again with his kickass EP, Outlaw. With songs like Apollo, Outlaw, Kolomental, Soweto, Jolene, and my favourite, Ole, aka “all power belong to your bumbum”, Victony has successfully created an EP with zero skips.
Catch Me If You Can — Adekunle Gold
If you thought Adekunle Gold’s rebrand ahead of Afropop Vol. 1 was a phase, then his new album, Catch Me If You Can, is what you need to remind you that AG Baby is here to stay. Pulling out the big guns (Fatoumata Diawara, Davido, Lucky Daye and Ty Dolla $ign) for this album, Adekunle solidifies his spot as one of the most exciting voices of new school Afrobeats.
Listening to Obongjayar feels like you’re reading someone’s diary. His music is personal, yet the themes and the stories he tells feel universal because we’ve all lived them. On Some Nights I Dream of Doors, he urges us to keep hustling in Try and Sugar, while also reminding us that we deserve better with Tinko Tinko (Don’t Play Me for a Fool). This album feels real because the artist behind it is honest with his emotions.
Bahd — Falz
Falz is all about being a baby boy in 2022 and I can’t even be mad at it. The rapper/actor/activist/all-the-other-things-he-does makes a comeback with Bahd, an album that sounds totally different from 2019’s Moral Instruction. With Bahd, Falz is more concerned with having a good time than telling you the difference between right and wrong. Songs like All Night, Another Me, Knee Down, Parampe and Inside will follow you everywhere because they’re just that good.
Riddim 5 — Fave
It’s hard to remember musical moments from 2021 and not think of Fave’s Baby Riddim. It was that song everyone sang till it became annoying. While Fave might not have been able to recreate the magic of Baby Riddim, her EP, Riddim 5, shows us that she’s here for the long haul, with compelling love songs like Obsessed and Mr. Man..
SUBARU WORLD: FINAL HEAVEN — Cruel Santino
Saying you know what to expect from a Cruel Santino record sets you up for disappointment. SUBARU WORLD: FINAL HEAVEN shows a side of Cruel Santino we didn’t get on Mandy & The Jungle (to be fair, even his name was different back then). This album is more daring, more cohesive and louder than anything he’s put out. But there’s one big problem, though, 21-tracks? Cruel, who has time for alladat?
This year alone, we were met with an overnight Twitter ban and also threatened with another ban that almost prevented our fave IJGBs from spoiling us with foreign currency this Christmas. Through all of these things, music has held us up together in one piece, helping us think, connect or just whine our waists. From the artists we discovered by ourselves to those we stole from other people’s playlists, this has been a good year for Nigerian music. Looking back, we decided to rank some of the albums that gave us good vibes (some made us cry sha) this year.
20. SGaWD – Savage Bitch Juice EP
The rap girls are making an entry into the scene and honestly, we’re here for it. Since she started popping up on our radar with features on songs with Dusten Truce and Sute Iwar, this fearless and unapologetic rapper has demanded our attention. Featuring Princess Mami and Somadina, on her debut EP, SGaWD reminds us that she’s the shit and the rest of us are just playing catch-up.
19. Buju – Sorry I’m Late
Buju is everywhere these days. Providing hooks for artists like Ladipoe, Blaqbonez, and Timaya, you can hardly go through a full day and not hear Buju’s voice somewhere. Buju released the EP Sorry I’m Late to a lot of anticipation. Does it match the energy we expected from the guy whose vocals carried the year? No. But we also can’t deny that this was quite an interesting record.
18. Kizz Daniel – Barnabas
Kizz Daniel is a certified hitmaker at this point. Since Woju attained wedding anthem status, he has switched record labels and changed his name. But despite all these changes, Kizz Daniel has remained reliable, pushing out earworm after earworm. On Barnabas, he maintains the same relatability that has made his songs slap over the years. While we’d like for some artistic evolution, the project carries enough weight to land itself on this list.
17. Ajebo Hustlers – Kpos Lifestyle, Vol. 1
If there was one song that soundtracked the #EndSARS protest of 2020, it’s Ajebo Hustler’s Barawo. Highlighting most of the issues young Nigerians were talking about in their demand for better, the song immediately catapulted this group to the top of the charts. But how do you follow up a song — no, a cultural movement — like that? The result is their debut album, Kpos Lifestyle, Vol.1, which sees the duo create standout moments while maintaining the same in-your-face Port Harcourt energy that made them popular in the first place.
16. Psycho YP – Euphoria EP
Psycho YP is in a league of his own when it comes to making trap and rap in Nigeria. Breaking out of the “Abuja-based” tagline to become a formidable force in his own right, Euphoria shows the artist at his best — hyper expressive, intense and confident AF.
15. Ladipoe – Providence EP
After years of mind-blowing guest appearances and some standout solo moments, Providence EP introduces one of our favorite rappers to a new, larger audience. Songs like Love Essential and Law of Attraction are sure to make it to your bedroom playlist, but it’s on the title track, Providence that Ladipoe reminds us who’s boss. Is this the same Ladipoe that gave us Can’t Forget and the iconic rap verse on Show Dem Camp’s Victoria Island of Broken Dreams? No, but that’s okay, the change here is a welcome one.
14. Prettyboy D-O – Love is War
Prettyboy D-O may just be to this generation what artists like Baba Fryo, Danfo Drivers and Daddy Showkey were to listeners during their time. Drawing from the late 1990s and early 2000s, Prettyboy’s influence goes beyond his multicolored hair and fashion choices; his music is brash and convoluted in a way that keeps you hungry for more. Love is War, his third album in four years, explores love (obviously) and what it means to be a young Nigerian navigating a country that keeps moving mad.
13. Show Dem Camp – Clone Wars Vol.5 – The Algorhythm
When discussing Nigeria’s rap or alternative scene, Show Dem Camp is sure to come up at some point. A decade after releasing their debut album, The Dreamer Project, Tec and Ghost have continued to remain relevant fixtures on both scenes. While their Palmwine series might bring them a lot of commercial attention, it’s the Clone Wars series that binds real SDC stans together. And in this installment, they don’t disappoint either.
12. Teni – Wondaland
After making a major break into the industry with the fuji-inspired Askamaya in 2019, Teni finally put out her debut album this year, and it was worth the wait. Covering afropop, trap, highlife, R&B and yes, house music, Teni gave us bop after bop with songs like For You and Injure Me. But it’s songs like Hustle—which sounds a lot like Uyo Meyo—that remind us that our sugar mummy is an intentional storyteller.
11. Blaqbonez – Sex Over Love
Blaqbonez is to Nigeria what Lil Nas X is to American pop culture. Self-marketing his way into our playlists and hearts, Blaqbonez not only understands the power of the internet, he has also mastered the art of sharing authentic and relatable content. This same authenticity is evident on his album Sex Over Love. While a lot of questions have been raised about the strength of Nigeria’s rap scene, this album proves that rap doesn’t always have to be a monolith; it could be many things all at once.
10. Cavemen – Love and Highlife
In a year where GOATS like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and Davido all dropped albums, one album that stood out from the pack was Roots by The Cavemen. Continuing their two-man mission of introducing highlife to a new generation, Love and Highlife is an expansion on the story they started last year. Featuring appearances by Made Kuti and legendary producer Cobhams Asuquo, this album has “modern classic” written all over it.
9. Joeboy – Somewhere Between Beauty and Magic
You have to have been living under a rock not to have heard at least four or five songs off this album. Focus was a regular on TikTok and Instagram stories, while Show Me was playing literally every time we turned on the radio. If there’s something we’ve learnt this year, it’s that this is Joeboy’s world, and the rest of us are just squatting in it.
8. Tiwa Savage – Water and Garri EP
When Tiwa Savage announced a new EP barely a year after dropping the best album of her decade-long career, we were shocked but excited. Water & Garri proves yet again that Tiwa is great at creating cohesive sounding EPs (Sugarcane, everybody?). While the album opens with Nas and features a collaboration with her vocal role model, Brandy, it’s the songs with alternative acts Amaarae and Tay Iwar that carry the heavy punches on this EP.
7. Tems – If Orange was a Place
From cracking the Billboard Hot 100 to securing a Grammy nomination and hanging out with Adele and Rihanna, there’s no denying that we all want to be Tems right now. If last year’s For Broken Ears found Tems asking existential questions while telling madmen not to call her phone, If Orange was a Place shows a more confident artist, one who finally understands, but still doesn’t buy into the hype around her.
6. Femi and Made Kuti – Legacy +
Does being a Kuti automatically translate to being super talented? We have a lot of questions about this because why did Femi and Made Kuti snap so hard on this cross-generational album? Already a Grammy contender, this album is a beautiful nod to the past and a clear sign that the Kuti clan can step into the future without losing the ethos of what made them iconic in the first place.
5. Lojay and Sarz – LV N ATTN EP
Sarz has told us time and time again that he’s not our mate, and while we already believe him, every year, he drops something to make sure we don’t forget. LV N ATTN finds Sarz working with Lojay to create a record that soundtracks a wild night out in the city. From the strip club on Tonongo to the dancefloor on Monalisa, this EP is filled with bangers. We can’t stop listening, and to be honest, it’s not like we want to.
4. Tay Iwar – Love and Isolation
Inspired by the lockdown, Tay Iwar’s sixth project is an elite body of work that will make you want to give someone your mumu button, eat hot breakfast and still fall in love again like it’s jazz. Minimalistic and burning with intensity, we didn’t even know how much we needed this EP until we started listening to it.
3. Ayra Starr – 19 & Dangerous
This time last year, less than a handful of people outside the Mavin headquarters could identify the name “Ayra Starr”. Fast-forward to today and Ayra Starr has cemented her spot as Nigeria’s first teenage female pop star and one of the most in-demand artists of the moment. With confidence way beyond her years, Ayra owns every track on this album. Not all of us are 19, but we can totally relate to wanting to be a bad bitch every day. A rare no-skips project, 19 & Dangerous was one of our musical highlights of the year.
2. Olamide – UY Scuti
This is Olamide’s 11th album. Yes, not one, not two, but 11 whole albums, and we’re not disappointed. While Carpe Diem was filled with hits like Loading and Infinity, this album replaces crowd-pleasers to show an evolution in his lyricism and approach to story-telling. He also reminds us of the importance of fighting for our lives by avoiding broke niggas. Talk about life nuggets.
1. Wizkid – Made in Lagos (Deluxe Version)
Yes, we know the album originally came out in 2020 but was Anoti, Mood, or Steady on the old one? No. If Wiz drops deluxe plus next year, best believe it would make our end-of-the-year list again. Periodt.
2019 had a ton of great Nigerian albums, courtesy of big-name stars like Burna Boy and rising phenoms like Lady Donli. While all of these releases came with solid singles, all of them still have non-singles that are worthy of our attention as well.
Burna Boy’s “Wetin Man Go Do” (African Giant)
Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated magnum opus, African Giant is overflowing with excellent deep cuts, but a clear standout is the hustler’s anthem, “Wetin Man Go Do”. Even Kel-P, the album’s primary producer, declared it his favourite track.
Lady Donli’s “Take Me Home” (Enjoy Your Life)
Lady Donli’s debut album, Enjoy Your Life was easily one of the best releases of 2019. While a lot of tracks on the LP could have made this list, the strongest has to be the BenjiFlow-assisted “Take Me Home”, an immensely sensual song about the allure of the chase.
Santi’s “RX-64” (Mandy & The Jungle)
On Santi’s transportive, genre-defying debut album, Mandy & Jungle, the singer invites us into his vivid universe, and the sun at its centre is the KrisIrie-aided “RX-64 (The Jungle)”. Excellently produced by Odunsi, the hypnotic deep cut shows Santi at his magnetic best.
Asa’s “Stay Tonight” (Lucid)
With Lucid, Asa’s masterful fourth album, the singer-songwriter brilliantly explored the messiness of love and heartbreak. On “Stay Tonight”, the LP’s dreamiest deep cut, she looks to heal from the hurt, bravely putting herself back out there in search of the one.
Simi’s “Immortal” (Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1)
On Omo Charlie Champagne Vol. 1, Simi tackles a host of different themes — from loss to fame — but it’s on “Immortal”, her sexiest song to date, that she truly shines. With a fantastic assist from Maleek Berry, “Immortal” is further proof of Simi’s dynamic range.
Falz’s “Follow Follow” (Moral Instruction)
Thanks to Sess’ faultless production work, Falz’s Moral Instruction emerged as one of the most technically impressive albums of 2019. The track that most perfectly encapsulates the album’s sonic mastery is “Follow Follow”, a Fela-inspired gem that calls out posers.
Davido’s “Get To You” (A Good Time)
The most cohesive project of Davido’s career, A Good Time finds the afropop juggernaut celebrating happiness and love. For the latter theme, the song that does the best job of capturing that is “Get To You” — a delightfully toned down and deeply romantic effort.
Tay Iwar’s “DON’T KNOW” (Gemini)
Tay Iwar is one of our most gifted musical minds, and he proved that on his astonishing debut, Gemini. Every song on the LP is a testament to his genius, but “DON’T KNOW”, which features his equally brilliant brother, Suté Iwar, shines just a little bit brighter.
Fireboy DML’s “Like I Do” (Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps)
With Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, Fireboy DML delivered one of the strongest afropop debut albums we’ve had in years. While littered with beautifully written and performed songs, a clear standout on the project is “Like I Do” — a truly heartwarming love song.
YCee’s “Dada” (YCee Vs Zaheer)
YCee’s debut album, YCee Vs Zaheer, served as an infallible reminder of his range — both as a singer and a rapper — but it was on the Dapo Turbuna-assisted “Dada”, easily the project’s most infectious deep cut, that he reminded us just how much fun he could be as well.
