The year 2024 has been phenomenal for Nigerian music albums. Many artists have dared to experiment with new sounds besides Afrobeats, and we’ve also seen more collaborations with international stars, leading to greater global recognition for Nigerian musicians.
As we approach the end of the year, several albums have emerged as exceptional releases. Here are our picks for the five best Nigerian music albums that have captured attention this year.
#1. The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s second album, released on May 31 through Mavin Records, captures her transition into adulthood. The album explores themes like personal growth, love, and heartbreak, providing a relatable perspective on her experiences. The Year I Turned 21 debuted at No. 195 on the Billboard 200 and sold 8,000 copies in its first week, while also reaching the top spot on the Nigerian music charts.
The album features standout tracks like Rhythm & Blues, Commas, and the emotional Last Heartbreak Song, which includes a collaboration with Giveon. Ayra skillfully mixes Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, and her collaborations with other artists like Anitta, Coco Jones, and Seyi Vibez add even more variety to the project. Critics have responded positively to the album, scoring it 8/10 from Clash and 4/5 stars from The Guardian. Additionally, it received recognition with a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2024 African Entertainment Awards USA.
You can listen to the full album on Spotify.
#2. HEIS by Rema:
Rema’s eagerly awaited second album, HEIS, builds on his previous success with Rave & Roses and shows how much he has developed as an artist. The album, which was released on July 10, features 11 tracks, including highlights like Benin Boys featuring Shallipopi, Hehehe, and March Am. Rema also collaborated with Nigerian singer/rapper Odumodublvck on the fan-favorite track ‘War Machine.’
HEIS solidifies Rema’s status as one of Africa’s most creative musicians, debuting at No. 2 on the TurnTable Charts after selling over 4,400 copies in its first week. The album also attracted millions of streams on Spotify and earned Rema his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
You can listen to the full album on Spotify.
#3. Adedamola by Fireboy DML:
Released on August 29, Adedamola is Fireboy DML’s fourth studio album, named after his birth name. The album includes 14 tracks that mix traditional and modern sounds. Key songs on the album are Iseoluwa, Obaa Sima, and Everyday. It also features collaborations with artists like Seun Kuti, Jon Batiste, Lagbaja, Lojay, and DJ Spinall. Critics have responded positively, giving the album an 8/10 rating from Pulse Nigeria and a 7.4/10 from Afrocritik. It was also highlighted in a Billboard poll as one of the top new music releases.
You can listen to the full album on Spotify.
#4. Lungu Boy by Asake:
Lungu Boy is Asake’s third studio album and an important addition to his body of work. Released on August 9, this album explores the Afrofusion and Fuji-techno genres, mixing traditional Yoruba sounds with contemporary beats. Key tracks include Wave featuring Central Cee, Active with Travis Scott, and Suru with Stormzy. The album also features collaborations with popular artists like Wizkid and Ludmilla.
Lungu Boy made a splash by breaking streaming records, pulling in 18 million streams on Spotify within its first week and outpacing Davido’s Timeless. It even debuted on the Billboard 200. The album received positive reviews, with ratings like 4.5/5 stars from The Daily Telegraph and 7.4/10 from African Folder.
You can listen to the full album on Spotify.
#5. Born in the Wild by Tems:
Released on June 7, through RCA Records and Since 93, Born in the Wild is Tems’ first studio album. The album features notable tracks such as Me & U, Love Me JeJe, and Burning, which have been recognized for their strong emotional resonance and cohesive production. Tems collaborates with artists like J. Cole and Asake on the album.
Born in the Wild achieved commercial success, climbing into the top thirty in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland, and reaching number fifty-six on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album by a Nigerian female artist. The album was also nominated for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
You can listen to the full album on Spotify.
We’ve reached the end of our roundup of the five best Nigerian music albums of 2024! Did any of your favorites make the cut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
