In this article, we will be discussing ten debut studio albums of sensational Afrobeat musicians that transitioned the music industry and shook the globe.
Prior to delving into the article, we would be explaining what a decade means for the unbeknownst. A decade can simply be described as a period of ten years.
Hence, we will be looking at music albums from 2013-2023.
ALSO READ: Layi Wasabi: A man who understands his onions
Recommended Video:
In recent times, numerous Nigerian musicians have released impeccable music albums, however, there are some projects that have stood the test of times and pulsated the artiste into mainstream prominence.
For instance, Wizkid’s 2011 debut album, Superstar redefined Afrobeat and youth culture in Nigeria. The album rapidly established the then 20-year-old artiste as the voice of a generation and the face of Afrobeat genre that was about to attain global relevance.
ALSO READ: Afrobeat: Why women need to tell more African stories
Making An Afrobeat Album…
Album is a collection of an artwork- a photo album, a music album, etc. In this context, we are discussing music albums, especially in the Nigerian music sect.
A music album composes of the singer’s perspective about life at the time; his/her struggle, pain and pursuit in that moment. Though Afrobeat has been described as the umbrella that shelters every artiste in the country, however, it is essential to note that not every Afrobeat musician unravels similar theme.
In a moment, we would dissect some of the most noteworthy music albums in the last decade.
Check out the list below.
- Sean Tizzle– The Journey (2014)
Following the release of The Journey in 2014, Nigerian recording artiste, Sean Tizzle real name Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele as at the time of this publication has not released a sophomore album. However, News Round The Clock gathered that the award-winning artiste is preparing to release another album, Dues sooner than later.
In the concluding part of 2013, Sean Tizzle won the award for ‘Best New Act’ at the Headies Award. He was dubbed the ‘next big thing’ haven’t won the award after the Afrobeat superstars, Davido and Wizkid who had won the award in 2012 and 2011 respectively. Unfortunately, Tizzle did not attain the heights of the aforementioned Afrobeat superstars.
However, the single, ‘Sho lee’ is still one of the most hypnotic party songs in the last decade.
2. Burna Boy- L.I.F.E (2013)
Since the release of Leaving An Impact For Eternity (L.I.F.E), Burna boy has released five more studio albums and has received several Grammy award nominations, going on to win the award in 2021.
He has since emerged as one of the flagbearers of Afrobeat across the globe. The self-acclaimed African Giant has sold out arenas on the international scene and performed at numerous mainstream events, including most recently, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey.
3. Omah Lay– Boy Alone (2022)
There is a dark cloud that hovers around the lyrics of Port Harcourt-born musician, Omah Lay. His debut studio album, Boy Alone talks about the fears, heartache and frustrations of a young man who hails from Rivers state.
On the album, Omah Lay was unapologetic about disclosing some heinous activities that has made him fall apart over the years, however, music has served as an escape route for him. Boy Alone is a good listen for the rejects, the screw-ups and those who feel left out.
4. Rema– Rave & Roses (2022)
The album, Rave and Roses is well detailed on our platform, News Round The Clock, read here.
Rema’s debut studio album is coming after he released three sensational E.Ps that made him garner massive followership in Nigeria and across the globe.
5. Yemi Alade– King of Queens (2015)
In 2015, Nigerian songstress, Yemi Alade released her debut studio album, King of Queens.
Yemi Alade has since followed King of Queens with four more impressive music projects.
Her music has been of influence in many African countries and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in using different African languages and attires in her songs and music videos.
More Afrobeat Debut Albums To Discover
6. Ayra Starr– 19 & Dangerous (2021)
At the commencement of 2021, Ayra Starr was introduced to the world with her eponymous E.P. Since her introduction, she has continued to attain prominence in the music industry.
Her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous released in August 2021 has become one of the most impressive albums in recent times. It influenced her generation and set her apart from her contemporaries.
7. Asake– Mr Money With The Vibe (2022)
It is no news that Asake’s debut studio album, Mr Money With The Vibe dominated the music charts and topped several music streaming platforms for several weeks. In the last decade, Asake’s album is easily the most influential and undoubtedly one that has etched it’s relevance in the history books.
In 2022, Asake was the man and his debut studio album was the most impressive project for the year.
8. Fireboy– Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps (2019)
The Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL) artiste, Fireboy DML in 2019 took the world by storm when he released his debut studio album, Laughter, Tears & Goosebump. Interestingly, the 13-track album had no feature, Fireboy lit the project up on his own.
The album was about love, transitioning into superstardom and becoming a man of his own.
9. Tiwa Savage– Once Upon A Time (2013)
Once Upon a Time is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. It was released on July 3, 2013, by Mavin Records and 323 Entertainment.
10. Kizz Daniel– New Era
New Era is the debut studio album of Nigerian recording artist Kiss Daniel.
Originally scheduled to be released on 1 May 2016, the album was however released on 14 May 2016 through G-Worldwide Entertainment, the album contains hit singles “Woju”, “Laye”, “Good Times” and “Mama”.
He has released three more studio albums since the debut of New Era.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
