Going by reports in Alaba, close to 100 Nigerian albums were officially released into market in 2013. While most of these albums, we sincerely will never get to know due to poor promotion, marketing and distribution, there were a few of them that did stand out.
NET presents the 12 best Nigerian albums of 2013 based on critical performance and commercial acceptance - The authentic list.
SEE WHO MADE THE LIST AFTER THE CUT
Iyanya’s long awaited sophomore release didn’t disappoint – we knew what to expect; unrepentant Pop/dance songs with not much lyrical content. Five powerful singles produced by DeeTunes and a few other picks was all Iyanya’s album needed to pull the much desired comeback. It probably sold the most too.
Definitely the most anticipated debut album of the year, after months of push backs, Tiwa finally released the LP – a blend of beautiful vocals, lyrics and impressive instrumentation. ‘Once Upon a Time’ has officially become the go-to album for any Nigerian female act who plans to drop her own project.
M.I’s younger brother won many converts to his rebel movement with this near-classic sophomore release. How can we describe this? Try picturing the rapper boarding a time machine propelling him into the future, only to return with this body of work. This album which blended Hip-Hop, Reggae and Ragga music in one body couldn’t have been made in 2013. #FutureMusic
Brymo’s third album had no commercial sales as label squabbles saw its release restricted to only iTunes. Nevertheless, the potency of the album is so strong that it’ll make any relevant album list for the next decade. Brymo’s story board, lyricism and live band instrumentation are the key factors that earned him his first classic.
After a solo hiatus, Mr Capable returned with his fourth solo album which, as the name suggests, was a blend of slow and mid-tempo joints. Banky showed of his understanding of music, writing prowess and calmness at a point where the biggest act on his label was threating to walk away.
Reminisce’s second album can be best described as a second-first impression. It was almost like he wanted to erase our thoughts on his lacklustre debut and honestly he did. With major production from Sossick and Sarz, Reminisce was able to make a very impressive blend of club bangers and street anthems.
After stalling for a billion years, R&B singer Waje finally released her debut album and captivated us with her superior vocals. The LP was candid, honest and emotional. The stand out song of the album is the Cobhams-produced ‘No be u‘ – the best female recording we’ve heard in a long while.
D’banj gathered his consortium of singers and producers for his first release in five years and without former label collaborator Don Jazzy. The verdict? D’banj is still king. With three international acts Snoop Lion, Kanye West and Big Sean on the album, plus an impressive performance from younger brother KaySwitch, Banga Lee remains on top of the world.
The masked man’s ninth studio album is vintage Lagbaja. His writing, arrangement, great narration, and production make the LP a pleasurable listening experience. Add that to his sarcasm and humour as he sings about the ills of the Nigerian society.
‘Burna ranking’ didn’t waste any time dropping his debut album with included some chart topping hits like the Afrobeat inspired ‘Run my race’, ‘Like to party’ and ‘Tonight’. As at when ‘tungba’ music is at an all-time high, the 14-track album can be defined as a tool of reformation.
His sixth album in his 14 year on the microphone, Sound Sultan displays a gamut of styles that highlights his dexterity and shows off his writing skills. The 20 track LP is just like his music career, crafted in a way that can stand the test of time and be relevant in today’s market.
We were all surprised when Olamide announced he would drop a new album in 2013 making him the second rapper to release a studio LP in the space of 12 months. #BGEL did sound below par compared to his critically acclaimed ‘YBNL’ sophomore but huge props goes to Olamide as we can’t think of another artiste who can go this hard.
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