From Ayra Starr’s ridiculously successful sophomore to Dotti the Deity’s 80s-inspired oeuvre to Victony’s mind-numbing genius, here are Ten of the Best Afrobeats Albums (LP/EP) that dropped in the first half of the calendar year 2024.
Ayra Starr- The Year I Turned 21
Ayra Starr’s ‘The Year I Turned 21’ sets itself apart from the often discussed ‘Sophomore’s Curse’, boldly imprinting itself as one of the year’s first-half best drops. Starr’s ‘The Year I Turned 21’ is a riveting work that blends Afro-sonics with Westernized musical influences. The Nigerian singer’s sophomore full-length project features an impressive lineup of guest performances from home and abroad. The album received much acclaim for its sonic framework and equally remarkable project rollout. The album has already amassed over 200 million streams across all credits making it the best streaming Afrobeats album of the year so far.
Dotti the deity – Madame Dearest
Dotti the Deity’s ‘Madame Dearest’, for lack of befitting words, is PHENOMENAL. The eleven-track body of work is characterized by the vehement crystallization of vintage Nigerian music influences such as Woro, Juju, and Highlife, with loans from contemporary legends such as Asa, Brymo, and Bez. ‘Madame Dearest’ is a project for real, uncompromising lovers, and not the cup of tea for the frivolous, hopeless romantic oeuvre that spawns hope.
Ajebo Hustlers – Bad Boy Etiquette 102
Portharcourt Duo, Ajebo Hustlers’ third project ‘Bad Boy Etiquette’ is one of the best albums released in the first half. Seasoned with a plethora of amazing musical collaborators that help bring the talented duo’s vision to life.
Victony
Encore Recordings signee, Victony released an experimental album ( as he is accustomed to) in the form of his latest work, ‘Stubborn’. The project, dubbed as one of the most outstanding albums enlists amazing music stars. The album is authentically woven to suit Victony’s multifaceted sonic taste.
Ruger, Bnxn – RnB
Ruger and Bnxn’s combo was one few saw coming. The two artists via their collaborative project, ‘RnB’, laid bad blood rumors to rest. Since its release, RnB has enjoyed appraisal by critics and fans alike, with many using the body of work as a reference to the silver linings of musical collaborations.
Wizard Chan – The Messenger
Wizard Chan’s ‘The Messenger’ is a collage of dynamic stories employed via tools such as satire. The indie singer is known for his thought-provoking lyrics strikes a fine balance thanks to this amazing body of work.
Azanti, Psycho Yp – YP & Azanti, Vol. 2
Two of the coolest kids in Africa, Azanti and Psycho Yp took listeners on a sonic rendezvous with the release of their subtle classic project, ‘Yp & Azanti, Vol.2’. The serial collaborators are at their best, welding familiar sounds with newer ones.
Olamide – Ikigai
Iconic Nigerian musician, Olamide’s ‘Ikigai’ came late into the first half but has already earned its place on this list. Once again, Baddo proves why he will always be relevant to the Afrobeats culture, delivering a wonderful album that embodies his past, present, and future.
Yimeeka- Yimeeka
Talented fast-rising producer, songwriter, and singer, Yimeeka is the perfect package, and her self-titled body of work, ‘Yimeeka’ affirms the aforementioned. Yimeeka’s penchant for mixing vulnerable storytelling, with happy beats makes her artistry contrast, but in a way that you can’t help but marvel at the genius intent. Definitely one of the best Afrobeats Album of the year.
Tems- Born in The Wild
