Notably, the Nigerian music industry has expanded significantly during the past several years. And as of now, 2023 has established a remarkable milestone for Nigerian music, with a number of singers producing outstanding songs and albums that have astounded listeners.
We will look at the top 7 masterpiece projects that have been released in the first half of this year in this article – this list includes records by Nigerian musicians so far in the Afrobeats music scene.
Timeless – Davido
Despite taking a sabbatical from the music industry, when the Nigerian superstar, Davido, came back, the “Timeless” record solidified his status as one of Nigeria’s greatest performers ever.
Remarkably, top performers including Angelique Kidjo, Asake Skepta, Focalistic, and The Cavemen – along with up-and-coming musicians like Morravey and Logos Olori, the most recent signings to Davido’s 30BG label – are invited to showcase guest vocals features on the 17-track masterwork that was released on March 31st, 2023.
Given that this is Davido’s first album since “A Better Time” in 2020 and his first substantial effort following a five-month hiatus from media attention, the album has the makings of a masterpiece from the renowned Afrobeats artist.
Body & Soul – Joeboy
The “Body & Soul” album by Nigerian singer-songwriter and emPawa Africa’s golden kid Joeboy is a mesmerizing musical journey that demonstrates his prodigious talent and craftsmanship.
This much-awaited album features a number of tracks that deftly combine several genres, displaying Joeboy’s versatility and capacity to produce music that appeals to a broad audience.
His music lovers and fans worldwide have shown that they have been wishing and craving a new project from the Nigerian Afro-Pop star, Joeboy, as his new album, Body & Soul, is doing extreme numbers on digital streaming platforms during a short time of release.
Rave & Roses Ultra – Rema
Rema strategically decided to release an improved version of his iconic debut “Rave & Roses” album – an ultra (deluxe) edition.
In addition to the previously-released transformative remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez, Rema also drops tracks – “Holiday”, and “Reason You” on this revitalized version of the album. The amazing album also includes the new songs “Charm,” “Hov,” and “Dunno Me.”
Notably, the album has been doing massive numbers as the biggest Afrobeats album so far. The young superstar doesn’t seem to be calming down anytime soon.
Gangster Romantic – Lojay
Afropop superstar, Lojay, released his eagerly anticipated studio extended playlist, “Gangster Romantic”. According to Lojay, the album, which stars South African musicians DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, is a reflection of the experiences he has gained through life, love, and heartbreak.
With the help of outstanding production, mixing, and mastering skills from eminent African music producers, Lojay’s 2023 album exposes his pen game and flexibility to the general audience while still keeping his originality.
His vocals and delivery on “Gangster Romantic (EP)” are so lyrical and spot-on that it truly is a work of art in its entirety. Lojay has kept up its presence on a number of charts, including those for Shazam, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Legend or No Legend – Wande Coal
Wande Coal’s fourth studio album, “Legend or No Legend”, which has been eagerly awaited, will not let you down. It’s pure classic.
The album, which was released on May 18, 2023, features guest appearances like Wizkid, Fireboy, Olamide, and Tpain. The “Legend or No Legend” demonstrates Wande Coal’s versatility as an Afrobeat performer.
To genuinely leave a legacy, he artistically blended a wide variety of Afrobeat sounds. Given that Wande Coal explores a variety of topics, including losses, love, and the difficulties associated with himself, the album is unquestionably Wande Coal’s most introspective and contemplative work to date.
“This album is a reflection of my growth as an artist and as a person. I can’t wait for my fans to connect with it.” – Wande Coal makes remarks when discussing his most recent effort.
Big Time – Rexxie
Rexxie has established a reputation and a niche for himself in the Nigerian mainstream music industry since his entry in 2019 or thereabouts.
The talented Afro-Pop music producer also launched his album in 2023, titled “Big Time,” which includes Wizkid, Naira Marley, and Lojay among other top superstars. The album’s fusion of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Hip-Hop was notably flawless, carrying it to be one of the top Nigerian music projects released so far in 2023
Memory Card – Seyi Vibez
With the captivating studio extended playlist titled “Memory Card”, Seyi Vibez opened 2023 with an elite entry. The project has five strong songs with YXNG K.A – a singer-songwriter from North Philadelphia – who delivered a standout performance.
Remarkably, Seyi Vibez’s distinctive fusion of genres and styles on the “Memory Card EP” gives the popular Afrobeats sound a contemporary feel. We can absolutely say he is one of the young performers driving the new generation wave of Nigerian Afro-Pop music.
