Here are a few notable albums/EPs from recent years:
1.”African Giant” by Burna Boy (2019)
“African Giant” is the fourth studio album by Nigerian Afrobeat artist Burna Boy, released on July 26, 2019. It serves as a follow-up to his third studio album, “Outside,” and gained significant recognition and success both locally and internationally.
The album features a fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and other African music genres, showcasing Burna Boy’s unique style and musical versatility. It contains a total of 19 tracks, including the previously released singles “Gbona,” “On the Low,” and “Dangote.”
The title “African Giant” reflects Burna Boy’s aspirations to champion African music and culture on the global stage. The album tackles various themes such as love, societal issues, personal reflections, and pride in African heritage. Burna Boy’s charismatic and expressive delivery of xclusivesongs, coupled with infectious beats and catchy melodies, make the album an enjoyable and impactful listening experience.
“African Giant” received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart and entered the top 50 in several other countries. The album also earned Burna Boy a nomination for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020.
Overall, “African Giant” solidified Burna Boy’s position as one of Africa’s most prominent and influential musical talents, showcasing his artistry and establishing him as a global ambassador for Afrobeat.
2. Twice as Tall Album By Burna Boy (2020)
“Twice as Tall” is an album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Burna Boy, released on August 14, 2020. The album serves as Burna Boy’s fifth studio album and follows his critically acclaimed 2019 album, “African Giant.” “Twice as Tall” features a fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and hip-hop, and includes collaborations with artists like Stormzy, Youssou N’Dour, Naughty by Nature, and Sauti Sol.
The album was executively produced by American music mogul Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, along with Burna Boy himself and his longtime producer Leriq. “Twice as Tall” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Burna Boy’s versatility, lyricism, and ability to blend different genres. The album also achieved commercial success, topping charts in several countries and earning Burna Boy his first Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021.
“Twice as Tall” reflects Burna Boy’s personal growth and addresses various themes such as African pride, resilience, and social issues. The album’s title signifies Burna Boy’s determination to overcome challenges and rise above expectations, aiming to inspire his listeners to do the same. Some of the standout tracks from the album include “Wonderful,” “Way Too Big,” “Real Life,” and “Monsters You Made trended top on latest Nigerian music.”
Overall, “Twice as Tall” solidified Burna Boy’s position as one of Africa’s most prominent music stars, and it further expanded his international reach and recognition.
3. “Made in Lagos” by Wizkid (2020)
“Made in Lagos” is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Wizkid, one of the Nigerian music albums released on October 30, 2020. The album was primarily influenced by Afrobeats, reggae, and R&B, showcasing Wizkid’s versatility as an artist. It features collaborations with various artists such as Burna Boy, Skepta, Damian Marley, H.E.R., Ella Mai, and more.
The album received critical acclaim for its infectious melodies, smooth vocals, and fusion of different musical styles. It explores themes of love, success, and the vibrant energy of Lagos, Nigeria, which is Wizkid’s hometown and the album’s namesake.
Some of the standout tracks from “Made in Lagos” include “Blessed,” “Ginger,” “Essence,” and “No Stress.” These songs became popular hits both in Nigeria and internationally, propelling Wizkid’s career even further and solidifying his status as one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
“Made in Lagos” received several award nominations and won Album of the Year at the 14th Headies Awards in 2021. It also achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in Nigeria and making appearances on various international music charts.
Overall, “Made in Lagos” is considered a landmark album for Wizkid, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
4.”Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps” by Fireboy DML (2019)
“Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps” is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on November 29, 2019, under the label YBNL Nation. The album features a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop sounds.
The album consists of 13 tracks, with no guest features, showcasing Fireboy DML’s solo artistry. Some of the standout tracks from the album include “Jealous,” “King,” “Vibration,” and “Scatter.” These songs received significant airplay and became popular hits in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps” received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics, captivating melodies, and Fireboy DML’s soulful vocals. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, resonating with listeners and establishing Fireboy DML as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
The album’s success helped Fireboy DML win several awards, including the Headies Award for Best R&B Album and the City People Music Award for Album of the Year. It also contributed to his nomination for the Best International Act category at the 2020 BET Awards.
Overall, “Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps” played a significant role in launching Fireboy DML’s career and solidifying his position as one of Nigeria’s most promising artists.
5. Apollo” by Fireboy DML (2020)
“Apollo” is the second studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Fireboy DML. It was released on August 20, 2020, by YBNL Nation. The album features 17 tracks and includes guest appearances from artists like Wande Coal, D Smoke, and Olamide.
Some of the popular songs from the album include:
1. “Champ” (featuring D Smoke): This track is an energetic collaboration between Fireboy DML and American rapper D Smoke. It blends Afrobeat and Nigerian hip-hop songs elements.
2. “Eli”: “Eli” is an Afrobeat-influenced track with catchy melodies and vibrant instrumentals. It showcases Fireboy DML’s versatility as an artist.
3. “Tattoo”: This song is a love-themed track that combines Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary R&B. It gained significant popularity and became a fan favorite.
4. “New York City Girl”: “New York City Girl” is a romantic song where Fireboy DML sings about a girl he met in New York City. The track features catchy melodies and smooth vocals.
5. “Airplane Mode”: This track has a laid-back vibe and reflects on the pressures and distractions of fame. It showcases Fireboy DML’s introspective songwriting style.
The album “Apollo” received critical acclaim and was well-received by fans. It further solidified Fireboy DML’s status as one of Nigeria’s rising music stars, and it contributed to his growing international recognition.
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