What a fantastic year it has been, filled with breathtaking sunsets, captivating songs, and extraordinary playlists. We’re thrilled to present an article that showcases the cream of the crop among Nigerian songs that are setting the Afrobeats scene on fire and resonating across the global music industry.
In this article, we’ll provide concise insights into the most electrifying tracks that are currently dominating the Nigerian music landscape and making waves around the world. Additionally, we’ll delve into the top 10 Nigerian albums that have graced the year 2023 so far, promising a musical journey like no other. Rea for an incredible exploration of the best music that Nigeria has to offer.
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Burna Boy – I Told Them…
Burna Boy’s exploration of diverse cultural influences, spanning Nigeria, the UK/US, and the Caribbean, is vividly depicted in his latest project, “I Told Them.” However, the music sensation recently stirred controversy by erroneously asserting that Afrobeats lacked depth, drawing sharp criticism from his Nigerian fan base. Paradoxically, he both criticizes and contributes to the defining elements of Afrobeats and Hip Hop, leaving “I Told Them…” open to both creative acclaim and scrutiny. Burna Boy’s interviews reveal a potential creative platform when it comes to reconciling his artistic vision and target audience.
Nevertheless, the African Giant, Burna Boy, masterfully bridges the realms of hip-hop and Afrobeats in “I Told Them,” showcasing the best of both musical worlds. The album has garnered remarkable attention, with global music enthusiasts hailing it as one of the most captivating releases of 2013. Notably, “I Told Them…” has achieved a historic feat by debuting at the pinnacle of the UK albums chart, making it the very first African album to claim the coveted #1 spot. Since the release of “I Told Them…” by Burna Boy, the album has proven to be one of the best albums released worldwide.
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Asake – Work of Art
In just two albums, Asake, the Nigerian musician, has firmly established himself as a beacon of musical innovation, blending ancient melodies with contemporary pop creativity. His recent masterpiece, “Work of Art,” stands as a testament to his genius.
Asake’s Afro-Fusion style is elevated by a unique infusion of Amapiano, a subgenre of South African house music rooted in kwaito. What sets him apart is his ability to craft a distinctive sound by harmoniously blending choral arrangements, string orchestrations, and elements from the Indigenous Yoruba music tradition known as Fuji. It’s on his “Work of Art” album that this Nigerian star truly shines.
Notably, Asake steers clear of the conventional sounds that dominate the airwaves, delivering a diverse and refreshing musical experience through the 14 tracks of the album. Collaborating with Magicsticks, a key contributor to his distinct sonic identity, the album boasts a rich tapestry of musical beauty. Traditional string and wind instruments, ethereal vocals, and the rhythmic resonance of log drums all come together in a captivating display of musical craftsmanship.
Adding to the album’s brilliance are producers Anoop D’Souza, P.Priime, and Blaisebeatz, who contribute their expertise to enrich Asake’s already exceptional compositions. Also note that the renowned veteran rapper and YBNL label head, Olamide, is the only featured artist on this musical journey. Together, these talented producers have breathed life into the album, infusing it with depth and character. “Work Of Art” transcends language barriers, captivating listeners with its rhythmic talking drums, persistent log drum beats, and melodious guitar strings that serve as percussive elements.
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Davido – Timeless
On March 31, 2023, Davido unveiled his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “Timeless.” This musical masterpiece comprises a total of 17 exceptional tracks, some of which feature vocal collaborations with esteemed artists like Asake, Angelique Kidjo, Musa Keys, Skepta, Fave, Focalistic, and more.
The release of the “Timeless” album represents a significant project from one of the leading digital ambassadors of African music, marking Davido’s first album since 2020’s “A Better Time” and his triumphant return from a five-month public hiatus. With “A Good Time,” “A Better Time,” and now “Timeless,” Davido’s discography is shaping up to be a remarkable trinity of musical achievements.
The music within the “Timeless” album encapsulates Davido’s distinct artistic style, seamlessly blending elements of pop with the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats. However, what truly sets this record apart is its introspective and life-affirming theme. As you journey through this album, you will delve into 17 compelling tracks such as Feel, Unavailable ft. Musa Keys, etc.
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Ruger – Ru The World
Ruger, an incredibly gifted artist, has made a striking entrance into the music scene with his latest masterpiece, the “RU The World” Album.
This exceptional project, “RU The World,” is a musical treasure, featuring a rich collection of 17 tracks. What sets it apart is that Ruger isn’t on this musical journey alone; he’s joined by an array of the music industry’s most brilliant luminaries. The album showcases collaborations with celebrated artists such as Projexx, Sauti Sol, Stefflon Don, Govana, and Jugglerz, elevating it to a truly star-studded affair.
The harmonious fusion of talent and creativity that Ruger and his illustrious collaborators bring to “RU The World” has enthralled fans and exceeded expectations. Whether your musical taste leans towards reggae, dancehall, or contemporary Afrobeat, this album promises to deliver something that resonates with music enthusiasts of all genres.
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BNXN – Sincerely, Bnxn
Renowned Nigerian singer, BNXN, has unveiled his eagerly awaited project, the “Sincerely, Benson” Album. This sophomore album, “Sincerely, Benson,” is a robust offering comprising 15 tracks and showcasing noteworthy guest appearances from music heavyweights like 2Baba, Seyi Vibez, Kizz Daniel, Popcaan, and more.
The album has been a hotly anticipated release for the summer season, housing a collection of remarkable songs that vividly underscore BNXN’s exceptional musical prowess and versatility.
With “Sincerely, Benson,” BNXN solidifies his status as a prolific and iconic artist, particularly through his dedication to shaping the contemporary Afrobeats genre. This album promises to be a defining moment in his career, plus fans and critics worldwide are already praising the album as one of the finest Afrobeats albums released this year.
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Joeboy – Body & Soul
Joeboy released his highly anticipated project earlier this year 2023, aptly named the “Body & Soul Album.” The album’s release has been eagerly anticipated by fans, with excitement reverberating across all streaming platforms.
Before the album’s grand entrance, Joeboy teased fans with the single “Body & Soul,” a track that swiftly captured the hearts of many and accrued a substantial number of plays. The overwhelming response to this single served as the catalyst for Joeboy to develop a full-fledged album around the theme it embodied.
The “Body & Soul Album” is an extensive compilation, housing a total of 15 exceptional tracks. Joeboy’s artistic brilliance shines through as he collaborates with a diverse array of talented artists, including Odumodublvck, BNXN (formerly known as Buju), CKay, Oxlade, and others. This collective effort by Joeboy promises to deliver an extraordinary musical journey to all listeners.
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ODUMODUBLVCK – EZIOKWU
Nigerian rapper and singer, Odumodublvck, has finally unveiled his eagerly anticipated project, the “Eziokwu” Album. This album, titled “Eziokwu,” encompasses 14 tracks and is a collaborative masterpiece featuring a lineup of talented artists, including Bloody Civilian, Wale, Bella Shmurda, Cruel Santino, Reeplay, Fireboy DML, BlaqBonez, and Amaarae.
Leading up to the album’s launch, “Eziokwu” was promoted with a series of hit singles, such as “Blood On The Dance Floor” and “FireGun,” setting the stage for what promises to be a remarkable musical journey. The album, EZIOKWU, which has just been recently released has been breaking extra ground by the Nigerian Rapper and songwriter, ODUMODUBLVCK, making the project one of the best works released this year 2023.
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Omah Lay – Boy Alone Deluxe
When listeners first listened to Omah Lay’s Boy Alone album, they quickly discerned the underlying melancholy that permeated his work. Many began to label this project as an embodiment of depression, tagging it “Afro-depression.” Omah Lay didn’t shy away from this characterization; he openly acknowledged in various interviews that he drew inspiration for the project from a period of profound darkness in his life, and the music became his outlet to express his inner turmoil.
This genuine and raw emotional connection is once again evident in the deluxe version of his album, where he candidly shares his journey of finding light at the end of the tunnel. With the addition of six new tracks on the “Boy Alone Deluxe” album, Omah Lay extends a comforting hand to those who are going through difficult times, using his masterful melodic craftsmanship and soulful songwriting to ease their pain. Note that to date, the “Boy Alone” project by Omah Lay is still one of the most listened-to Afrobeats debut albums on most digital streaming platforms.
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Seyi Vibez – Vibe Till Thy Kingdom Come
Seyi Vibez, a trailblazing and raving artist from the new generation, is making a significant impact on the Nigerian and African music scene. For his latest project, he brought together a constellation of renowned superstars, including Young Jonn, Focalistic, Jibrille, and the American rapper Russ. Their collective effort has birthed an unforgettable musical journey.
The charismatic Nigerian singer and performer, Seyi Vibez, has consistently churned out chart-topping songs that have earned him a dedicated fanbase. His signature style seamlessly weaves compelling and emotionally resonant lyrics with melodic soundscapes, often delivered in his native Yoruba language.
With this latest studio release, Seyi Vibez once again underscores why he’s regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising talents. His innate musical charisma shines through, and this album is a testament to his ability to captivate the music community. It’s a must-listen for anyone who appreciates quality music.
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Rema – Rave & Roses Ultra
Nigerian Afrorave sensation, Rema, continues to maintain his impressive streak of delivering high-quality music, delighting fans with the release of “Rave & Roses (Ultra)”. This deluxe album offers a trio of previously unreleased singles, namely “Charm,” “Hov,” and “Dunno Me.” It also features the remix of his global hit “Calm Down,” in collaboration with Selena Gomez, as well as the two singles he unveiled in February, “Holiday” and “Reason You.”
“Charm” was expertly produced by London, “Hov” by Alex Lustig, and “Dunno Me” by Rodlof. The “Rave & Roses” Ultra edition, released on April 28, has already achieved the impressive feat of becoming the most-streamed Afrobeats album on Spotify, courtesy of the inclusion of the Selena Gomez-assisted remix of “Calm Down.”
This remix holds the distinction of being the highest-charting African song on the Billboard Hot 100. Its music video stands as the most-watched Afrobeats music video on YouTube and has earned several certifications, including Diamond in France and Platinum in the US and the UK. Rema’s global impact is undeniable.
