YONKI Picks: Nigerian Albums 2023

A year filled with novel and exciting artistry from all facets of the Nigerian music industry. It is almost unbelievable that the same year you streamed the Ravage EP back-to-back in October was the same year Na Money, by Davido had you up and dancing and feeling like the expectant bride to a fabulous life. The  same year, Lady Donli dropped her sophomore album filled with exciting and refreshing tunes such as Comme ci Comme cà and My Ability. The spirited incline of the Nigerian music industry continues to contribute largely to the pride of the nation as the likes of Rema, Ayra Starr, and Asake continue to make groundbreaking achievements both at home and internationally.

It is immeasurably satisfactory that the greatness of the nation as a musical powerhouse has been on a steady incline with nothing other than the perverse factor of authenticity which has inspired a lot of diversity in forms and styles of music making. Aside from the already existing and well-renowned genre of the Nigerian alté, this year the Nigerian music industry realized a surge of the energetic, afro-rave, enticing afro-future, and the unlabeled genre for all Plutomanians and their Pluto-president. Nigerians have always had a knack for formulating things to fit their preferred narrative and a lot of people may find it annoying and unnecessary that the afro-beats genre is now being fueled with seemingly niche terminology, but what is art if not experimental and exciting for both the artiste and the consumer. A long year indeed for Afro-beats. To wrap the year up, we summarize some of the most explorative musical bodies of work for the year in Nigeria, in case you missed it.

1. RAVAGE

Starting off strong is the pivotal 14-minute EP, by the prince of Afrobeat, Divine Ikubor, stage name Rema. Versatility being a strong theme of his artistry Rema’s’ ravage EP introduces the average Nigerian music consumer to the energetic style of rave music, theming it simply afro-rave. The crowd favorite DND seems to serve as the star’s subtle reminder to the world that he is currently the one in charge with the excerpt lyric, ‘them talk say no be me be H-I-M; You go come tell me na who o, na who’ directly addressing and almost challenging the listeners. The EP is an exciting peer into what the new generation Nigerian artists may have in store for all, led by the afro-rave pioneer himself. This EP doesn’t only have us feeling like real ravers but also has us excited for “another banger!”. Two words for this project would be energetic and electrifying.

2. PAN-AFRICAN ROCKSTAR

Released on 22 September 2023, Lady Donli returns after a long break, blessing fans with an exciting and refreshing 12-track sophomore project. Infusing the sounds of afro-swing, soul, and her classic sound of Nigerian alté, which presents the album into a perfectly wrapped gift-box delivered to her fans. In an attempt to allow fans to delve into her thoughts and partake in a whole new music experience, the Pan-African Rockstar album was born after three years of work which was written to incite confidence and fun for its listeners. Donli, the self-proclaimed Pan-African Rockstar featuring collaborations with the likes of Obongjayar, Kah-lo, and Pierre Kwenders, tampers back and forth with strong lyricism and immersive musicality on this project. The album proves that raw talent coupled with the right amount of hard work is a sure method to curate a real worth-it listening experience. Donli makes use of upbeat instrumentals, alluring vocals, and superb storytelling to deliver an album worthy of the title. Two words to describe this project will be upbeat and rockstar.

3. PRESIDO LA PLUTO

With his debut album the Pluto president not seeming to make any attempt at a renowned statement in terms of musicality, was able to still immerse all Plutomanians with his go-to music style which has been jokingly regarded as ‘afro-talking’.  Proudly acknowledged on Evil Receive, the second track on his freshman album where he simply responds ‘na that one be the vibe, na that one people dey like’. Actively representing his Benin heritage this album can be seen to be Shallipopi simply encapsulating his thoughts with a funky beat and personal flow. For any listeners looking for a cryptic album with a strong message, this may not be the alignment you need, as was clearly hinted with the track Oscroh(Pepperline), which imitated the tune of a Christian nursery rhyme majority of Nigerians easily recognized. Despite the use of themes that have to do with the accumulation of wealth and all the perks that come with success, the album never attempted to be pretentiously renowned and that is the beauty being acknowledged. The album represents the president’s belief in himself and his seemingly overnight success, from nothing to something. Two words for this album will be fun and danceable.

4. CINCINNATI PUMPIN

With his four-song EP, Cruel Santino, one of the alté music scene leading talents delivers another agnostic musical project. One of the most explorative and creative musicians in the Nigerian music scene, Santino features the likes of Len, S-smart, and longtime collaborative partner Odunsi the engine. Maintaining his pumping style of music making, devoted boundary-breaking, and genre-melding, this EP is another star on the artist’s long list of achievements. Two words for this, short and sweet.

5. SPORT

Dropping on the 3rd of November, Odunsi the Engine delivers a 5-minute piece showcasing a mastery of his craft. Altè leading pioneer and genre bender provides fans with a suave and interestingly diverse set list. His transitions from the soft-sung Nostalgia to the fuji-infused OTE and finishing off with a long feature on Love My Life provide for a short eclectic listen. Two words; short and eclectic.

6. ANGER MANAGEMENT

Fast-rising singer/songwriter Emoseh Khamofu known professionally as Bloody Civilian released the groundbreaking project, Anger Management which garnered succinct traction to catapult her into becoming one of the fastest-rising stars of the year. A force to be reckoned with, this project highlights Bloodys’ capabilities as a genre-bending artiste and her knack for storytelling through her lyricism. With the goal of empowering African art through her art Bloody, marks the beginning of her journey with this impressive body of work. Two words; refreshing and relatable

7. DON’T GET USED TO IT

Talented Wurld drops his sixth musical project made up of eight tracks featuring a collaborative effort with artistic producer, Sarz. The talented singer/songwriter fluidly utilizes his succinct voice to deliver several tracks that intertwine the sounds of afro-fusion, alternative soul R&B, and afro-pop. He describes this project as an ode to inevitable changes that exist in life and his desire to embrace it all. Channeling his soft-spoken persona into the creation of this work, the album transcends listeners to 25 minutes of musical bliss. Two words; soft and romantic.

8. THE EVIL GENIUS

On this project, Eazi maintains his soft cadence of singing to deliver a handful of tunes filled with an innate musicality of that of a poet. His first full body of work in nearly five years, he delivers a sixteen-track masterpiece including features from the renowned Angelique Kidjo, Tekno, Efya, Whoisakin, Joeboy, and Soweto Gospel choir. Tapping into his Yoruba roots, this project is filled with tracks that show an evident growth in the artist’s persona from his last piece, Lagos to London. Lyrically brilliant, the album encapsulates the existence of a different Eazi as a successful all-around act. The album shows a more explorative form of delivery by the artists and is definitely a must-listen. Two words for this work are danceable and explorative.

9. NAHAMciaga

An active year for the star, dropping three bodies of work this year. His five-track EP dropped on the 8th of December re-emphasizes the reasoning for the star’s undeniable success. With a collective number of at least 10 million streams, the EP takes up a softer cadence than other bodies of work you may have associated with the artist. Maintaining his rhythmic sonic and Yoruba lyrics, the artiste showcases a talent that he believes ought to be easily recognizable saying “You can call me an entertainer At the same time I be preacher”. A true musical sensation, true to his roots Seyi Vibez delivered majorly on this project. Two words to describe this EP are authentic and rhythmic.

10. OSAPA LONDON

Abuja’s born and bred rap talent, PsychoYP delivers another hip-hop album reminding everyone that the Afrobeat genre is capable of being melded into different forms. Being in the limelight for a while for his sonic rap flow and impressive world play, Osapa London is just another reminder that the afro-beat and rap fusion is an ingenious stepping stone for the Nigerian music industry to be tapped into. Osapa London in two words would be ingenious and impressive.

All in all, the Nigerian music scene continues to set and surpass the bar as it relates to the global music industry. 2023 was one to be reckoned with and assures that if there is one thing Nigerians will excel in, it is their otherworldly talent as it relates to the fusion of sound. Honorable mentions of other favorites not mentioned can be found in the YONKI Fusion playlist.