The Best Nigeria Albums In 2013

The Best Nigeria Albums In 2013

we are still waiting for the album wizkid promised 

This is the period for retrospect; People, News Agencies, Websites, Blogs and even the market women take time to reflect on and review the events of the year gone by. On Omini, we are no different. This has grown into one of our biggest articles and also our favourite article. Here is a list of the biggest and best music albums produced by Nigerians in the year 2013. Enjoy 

In 2013, Nigerian musicians embraced the idea of releasing music albums like never before, there were probably more albums released in2013 than in the last 10 years. This may be due to availability of more outlets for them to sell their music, unlike what obtained before when Nigerian artistes were left at the mercy of marketers and the activities of pirates. However, it proved to be a thing of quantity over quality. Despite this, we still managed to unearth some gems this year as well as smash hit songs. Enjoy, share and comment! 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Albums that didn't make the top list (I know, I know) include:

Iyanya V Desire by Iyanya, Chapter One by May D, Merchants, Dealers & Slaves by Brymo (because of THAT incident), Alaga Ibile by Reminisce, L.I.F.E by Burna Boy & The Lasso Of Truth by Omawumi. 

10 – FIRE OF ZAMANI x ICE PRINCE ZAMANI

I like Ice Prince’s sophomore album more than his debut album, despite it getting panned by critics. I think FIRE OF ZAMANI was more successful in fusing ice prince’s rapping with the more popular kind of music that is more commercially accepted in Nigeria. Although I think this album suffered from the criticism of the Everybody Loves Ice Prince, I like how ice prince rapped more on this LP than on ELI, with commercial hits like ‘aboki’, ‘I swear’ as well as powerful songs like ‘stars and lights’, ‘whiskey’ ‘no die tomorrow’ Mr Zamani adds substance to his ‘swag’. No one makes music like ice prince in Nigeria, he’s original and with a track list that features stellar names like Wale, Sunny Neji, Sound Sultan, Wizkid, Don Jazzy, French Montana & Shaydee, tell me a rap album that was ‘bigger’ in Nigeria. 

9 – 200 MILLION MUMU x LAGBAJA

Omo baba muko muko returned from his hiatus to drop this LP for his teeming fans as well as the 160 million plus mumus in Nigeria. In 2013, a lot of veterans resurfaced and showed the younger artistes how they manged to stay on top for so long. Lagbaja returned with several tracks commenting on the state of the nation while managing to step on toes and keep us entertained at the same time. Lagbaja also included several of the signature tunes that have made him a favourite. He also managed to ‘explain’ and ‘clarify’ the terms ‘mumurity’ and ‘mumudom’ in 2013. Legend. 

8 – WHO IS WILLIAM ONYEABOR x WILLIAM ONYEABOR

Who is William Onyeabor? Like seriously! In the 30 years, since he practically disappeared from the music scene, William Onyeabor hss grown to become something of a mythical figure on the internet, where fans traded copies of music produced by this cult hero for as much as $500! No one really knows much about William onyeabor these days, or even where he currently resides. Not even Luaka Bop, the record label that released this collection of some of the maestro’s music. The same record label he was signed onto some 30 years ago at the height of his powers. We don’t know who or what he is, we hear he disavowed music to be a preacher and won’t even speak about it. But music critics the world over all agree, his music was some 30 years ahead of his time! William onyeabor makes this list, for the mere fact that even Google isn't sure who William onyeabor is, and the fact that this Nigerian musician is seen as a pioneer in music the world over, and his work is still appreciated 30 years after releasing them.

7 – ME MYSELF & EYE x SOUND SULTAN

Mr Fasasi is going 12 years plus strong in the game! I remember when he used to rap, when he used to do comedy and when he broke out on some baba dee songs. And he has grown in stature over the years. Sound sultan makes great music and his sixth album, me myself & eye is probably his best work ever. With songs such as natural something and kokose which features wizkid, sound sultan is not about to retire anytime soon. The album also features wyclef jean, Duncan mighty, the naija ninjas, baba dee, sean tizzle, reminisce, flavour and 2face idibia. 

6 – R & BW x BANKY W

After 4 years, the EME record label co-chief returned with R & BW, and he didn't disappoint. Featuring the artistes like sarkodie, camp mula, eldee, lynxxx, m I, 2 face idibia, vector as well as label mates, niyola, skales and shaydee. Key tracks include, yes/no, low key, yes/no part 2, to my unborn child. To be honest, this album is probably banky’s best work yet. I’m sure you agree with me. 

5 – ONCE UPON A TIME x TIWA SAVAGE 

Mavin first lady (I hate that term), Tiwa Savage, the one and only lady signed on to Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, finally released her debut album, Once Upon A Time, after what seems like an eternity. Aunty Tiwa has been in the game for quite some time now, so it’s not so surprising that songs that made her a household also found their way onto the album. However, with Eminado currently ruling the airwaves and clubs, once upon a time is proving to have doubters wrong with other gems, such as Shout Out which features Ghanaian superstar Sarkodie is a future hit for sure. Tiwa took her time and definitely didn't disappoint on this album. 

4 – THY ALBUM COME: VOL. 1 x JESSE JAGZ

This was the undisputed favorite for album of the year among the music critics and commentators in 2013. There’s very little going against jesse garba abaga on this LP. However, I’m not totally convinced that this album is really much better than any of the other albums on this list. Jesse jagz really shows off what he can do without the shackles of a record label, this self-released album shows off the best of jese jagz skills. With superb production, and great content as well. Jese jagz makes a real effort to come out of the shadow of his brother m I and ice prince. The album can’t go wrong with a very smooth mix of rap, reggae as well some singing that can lead to some baby making action. Songs such as bad girl and redemption stand out, but great songs all through the album from start to finish, just insert into your car stereo, light a blunt and just relax! 

3 - WORDS AREN’T JUST ENOUGH x WAJE

My personal best album for the year 2013! Just like tiwa savage, waje has been in the industry, she’s more like a veteran even, with so many false starts (you can hear waje on some of the oldest p square songs), waje finally delivered with this amazing debut album. You will be pleasantly surprised if you skeptical about waje’s ability. Waje obviously has been working on perfecting her art. This is not your commercial pop album that populates the market this days, this is a statement, waje wants to sing her way into our hearts, pockets, everywhere! Superb production, superb delivery and even the guests didn't disappoint. Waje can only keep getting better. 

2 – NO PLACE FOR MY DREAMS x FEMI KUTI

To be honest, the first time I heard about this album was when US rapper Common, posted a picture of the album cover on Instagram. He was obviously in awe, ironically, the album didn't really enjoy such recognition in Nigeria. That’s the Nigeria music industry in a nutshell, where any other type of music other than the POPular dance floor sound that everybody is doing now. Even the artistes who learnt their stuff in foreign lands have sacrificed their craft for ‘popular’. This album practically didn't exist in the mad blogosphere and social media circles until it received a grammy award nomination. No place for my dreams is about how femi kuti’s world has changed, a commentary about the social ills and corruption is his native Nigeria as well as the world at large. Key songs include, the fela influenced one man show, Na so we see am and the world has changed. This is the real afro beat, the others are just impersonating. Nigerian artistes always talk about winning the grammy award, Femi Kuti has shown time and time again how that can be done, but will they ever listen? 

1 – BADDEST GUY EVER LIVETH x OLAMIDE

Baddoooooooo! In the space of 12 months, Olamide’s stock has risen, he’s the cream and has risen to the top. BGEL was the second LP released in 12 months, and Baddoo Lee did a great job. Not one to rest on his laurels after the success of Yahoo Boy No Laptop, Olamide took the time to record while riding high on the wave of YBNL. With the help of Pheelz Mr Producer, as well as a new image and the some new fans thanks to his work with rock star looking rapper Igbo. Olamide took Nigeria & indeed Africa by storm in 2013. Hit after hit after hit, which is unprecedented for A rapper in these parts, Olamide has broken so many barriers in the industry. What I like the most about BGEL is the excellent use of sampling, from the insane anifowose sample (kwam1) to the mumford & sons sample. Olamide has come of age and showed that anything is possible with hard work and God. BGEL tries to be tush enough for the freshos and also stay close to the streets where he comes from. Besides, that ‘gun man pose’ thing was a very original way to promote an album.

The Nairaview: The Top 10 Nigerian Music Albums Of 2012

There were just a handful of albums released during the year, however there were still some gems.
There were a lot of great songs, but it seems Nigerian artistes have an aversion to making albums or they're just lazy.
Like the french say, in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king. so without further ado, here are the best albums among the (mediocre) lot released this year.

10 The Second Coming -- Vector  

This album just came out and distribution has been lousy, to be honest, I'm yet to get the album but from the track list I've seen, and the other albums released this year, it should probably be higher up this list. but for now, vector just manages to make the cut.. hmmmn, absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder!

-- EME All Stars -- Eme Records & Frenzy -- D Prince
Two albums we didn't see coming, two albums that surprised us. two albums that have a whopping 45 or 46 tracks combined! (m not sure the top 5 albums have up to that number of tracks combined, lol). the less said about them, the better. however, both albums would have been placed higher up this list if they had a more slim-fitted number of tracks! Nevertheless, expect these albums to last for a long time!

7 OBO -- Davido
in my life, i have never seen any musician blow up as fast as davido did, however, a blessing can sometimes curse you, this sudden rise to fame and prominence probably hindered davido's progression as an artiste. however, there's still room for improvement, OBO is an okay album and a solid platform to start of your career. the album may not be a classic, but as long as some of the singles remain staples for DJs, david o won't mind.

 6 My Book Of Rap Stories -- Reminisce
Reminisce reminds me a lot of wacka flocka flame, they both look like they'll beat u up in a street fight and they're ready to tell you, they're not the best rapper! however, just like flocka, what works for remi is his street lingo, his street attitude and his fans love it! with songs like kako, bisi my lover, if only, 2 mush & 2 mush remix, BORS may just be the most slept on album of the year.

5 YBNL -- Olamide
"I'm The Voice Of The Streets!" olamide screams on the street hit VOTS, excellent sophomore album from bariga's finest! like many albums this year, this album could have done with fewer tracks and olamide succeeded in showing what a loss, da grin is to the industry! olamide delivered on this project, however, the production on most of the songs could have been much better.

4 Undeniable -- Eldee
Veteran rapper announces his next album would be his last, how many times have we seen that? but on undeniable, eldee shows why he's called the don, albeit with some production gems by sarz (isn't he like the best producer at the moment?). undeniable is a great album, that shows that eldee has accepted his pop music alter ego while also delivering on a few rap cuts.. we'll miss you sir.

3 Son Of A kapenta -- Brymo
before brymo signed to chocolate city, very few people knew him or even knew he had released an album. but oleku dropped and he blew up. on, SOAK, brymo didn't rest on his laurels and managed to give us a great album, one that can stand the test of time.

2 Away & Beyond -- Tuface Idibia
Hypertek! Nigeria Living legend, tuface idibia takes it to a spiritual level with this project, that features excellent production, great lyrics and a wide range of guests. this is a mature 2face, but he still oozes the same charisma. creative and quality music, tuface doesn't the industry formula of the day!

1 African Woman -- Jodie
"u tell me kuchi kuchi" or something like that. kuchi kuchi, the run away hit is the lead single but as with most great albums isn't even the best song on the "african woman" album (she reps dun entertainment). excellent album by jodie in an industry where the females are mostly seen and not heard. and the ones that try to be heard are pushed aside (case in point, the trybe-eva fisco). and for this reason, african woman is my best album for 2012! not since asa has a female artiste released something this good and widely accepted, more of this please..

 

 

BONUS: 12 Essential Tracks Of 2012

unless you were in a severe coma or just came back from scandinavia, you must have heard any of these songs that were released during the year!

ihe neme by tuface

goody bag by d prince

like to party burna boy

omo pastor/serenre by ajebutter 22

first of all by olamide

kokoma by k9

distractions by aq & vector

tony montana remix by naeto c

oko mi by waje

bum bum by timaya

Overseas by davido

ur waist/kukere remix by iyanya

any of wizkid's (everyone's favorite artiste) freestyles' (fortunately they were many of them)