The year 2013 witnessed different
kinds of music from Nigerian Artists. There were hit songs that kept us busy on
the dance floor and helped us to relax.
Reports from Alaba International
Markets, says that about 100 albums were released in Nigeria of 2013. While we
may not even know many of these albums, they were some that rocked the
airwaves. The NET has compiled a list of the Top 12 Nigerian Albums in 2013.
See the full list after the cut:
1. 1. 'Iyanya
Vs Desire‘ – Iyanya
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.
2.
2. ‘Once Upon a Time‘ – Tiwa Savage
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.
3. 3. 'Jagz
Nation Vol. 1: Thy Album Come‘ – Jesse Jagz
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
4. .4. M'erchants,
Dealers and Slaves’ – Brymo
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.
5. 5. 'RnBW‘
– Banky W
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.
6.
6. 'Alaga
Ibile‘ – Reminisce
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.
7.
7. 'Words
Aren’t Just Enough‘ – WAJE
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.
8.
8.'D’banj
Presents D’ King’s Men‘ – DB Records
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.
9.
9. '200
Million Mumu (The Bitter Truth)’ – Lagbaja
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.
1 10. 'L.I.F.E (Leaving an Impact for
Eternity)‘ – Burna Boy
‘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.
111. 'Me, My Mouth and Eye‘ – Sound
Sultan
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.
112. ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth‘ –
Olamide
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.
I see some albums of hit songs on
the list. Is there any album you think should have made the list?