10 Nigerian Music Projects That Have Defined 2024 So Far

Musical debuts, sophomores, and everything in between that have us in a chokehold. Nigerian albums

The first eight months of 2024 have been quite the journey for Nigerian music. So far, we’ve had an influx of creativity and standout moments that have kept fans buzzing.

In this article, we take a look at the top ten Nigerian albums that have shaped the year from January till now. From chart-topping hits to exciting collaborations, these projects have been at the forefront, defining the Nigerian music scene and making waves beyond our borders.

The Year I Turned 21, Ayra Starr

Before Ayra Starr turned 21, she was signed with Mavins and dropped her debut album, 19 & Dangerous. Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, marks the next exciting phase in her “Sabi Girl” story. 

The Year I Turned 21, released May 31, 2024, has achieved significant milestones. The album recorded 1.27 million streams in Nigeria on its opening day and 6.3 million globally, setting records for a Nigerian female artist. Additionally, it charted in 90 countries on Apple Music, another record for a Nigerian female artist.

The album, praised for exploring growth, love, and self-realization, includes notable collaborations such as “Last Heartbreak Song” with Giveon and “Woman Commando” featuring Anitta and Coco Jones. 

While her debut album introduced us to a fierce Ayra, dealing with heartbreak, this new release showcases a Grammy-nominated star who’s all about levelling up and chasing her dreams.

Born in the Wild, Tems

Tems’ first studio album, Born in the Wild, released in June 2024, has captured global audiences with its blend of alternative R&B and Afrobeats. Her voice throughout the album conveys raw emotion, whether she’s yearning for connection in “Love Me JeJe” or asserting her independence in “Gangsta.”

The album has set new benchmarks for Nigerian music on the international stage. It became the first Nigerian album to chart in 2024 and entered the Top 10 on US iTunes, making Tems the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone.

In the UK, Born in the Wild peaked at #4 on the Apple Albums chart, marking the highest position for any Nigerian release in 2024 and making Tems the first Nigerian female artist to break into the Top 5. 

The album also debuted at #25 on the Official UK Albums chart and broke into the Top 10 Albums on Apple Music US, further highlighting its broad appeal.

Ikigai, Olamide

Olamide’s EP Ikigai, Vol. 1, released on June 27, 2024, has quickly made a significant impact. The title, derived from the Japanese concept meaning “a reason for living,” reflects on self-discovery and introspection. 

The seven-track EP features high-profile collaborations, including “Uptown Disco” with Asake and Fireboy DML and “Synchro System,” which reunites the rapper with former YBNL label mates Lil Kesh, Pheelz, and Young Jonn.

“Ikigai” made chart records by gaining 7.92 million streams in its first week, making it the fifth largest streaming week for any project on Spotify Nigeria, following Davido’s “Timeless,” Burna Boy’s “I Told Them,” and Asake’s “Work of Art.”

The EP also debuted at #13 on the Billboard World Albums chart, marking Olamide’s seventh appearance on this chart and highlighting his growing international influence.

HEIS, Rema

Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS, released on July 11, 2024, marks a significant milestone in his career. The album, featuring 19 tracks, has achieved notable success, including earning the biggest first-week album stream on Spotify Nigeria for 2024, with 12.3 million streams.

It continued its success by debuting on the #7 spot of the Billboard World Albums Chart, charting alongside his first studio album, “Raves & Roses,” at #12.

Despite mixed reactions to certain tracks, the overall reception to HEIS has been positive, reflected in its impressive streaming numbers and sales performance.

Lungu Boy, Asake

Asake’s Lungu Boy takes its title from a word meaning “ghetto” or “hood” and is a clear reminder of his musical genius. 

With 5.88 million streams within its first 24 hours, Lungu Boy became the album with the highest first-day streams on Spotify. On its second day, the album added 3.03 million streams, setting a new record for second-day streams in 2024 and exceeding the first-day streams of any other 2024 release. Additionally, Lungu Boy made history as the first album by an African artist to top the Global Spotify Debut Chart, earning 9.42 million streams on its first day.

Internationally, this album reached the #2 spot on Apple Music US, matching the highest peak achieved by a Nigerian album on the chart, alongside ‘Timeless,’ ‘I Told Them,’ and ‘S2.’

The album also topped the Apple Music UK Chart, making Asake the first Nigerian artist to have three albums reach this milestone, following ‘Mr. Money with the Vibe’ and ‘Work of Art.’ 

Jiggy Forever, Young Jonn

Young Jonn’s debut album, Jiggy Forever, is the most streamed Nigerian debut album of 2024, with over 300 million streams since its release. It has also made a significant impact internationally, charting in the Top 10 on both the US and UK Spotify Albums charts.

The album showcases Young Jonn’s transition from a prolific producer to a prominent artist, featuring 15 tracks that blend traditional African beats with contemporary music styles. Jiggy Forever includes popular tracks like “Aquafina” and collaborations with artists such as Don Jazzy, Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez, Sean Paul, and Zlatan. 

Stubborn, Victony

Released on June 21, Victony’s debut album Stubborn marks his resilient return to music following a near-fatal car accident in April 2021 that resulted in extensive surgery and rehabilitation for him to re-learn how to walk. 

The album spans multiple genres, including Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B/Soul, and Hip-Hop/Rap, showcasing Victony’s versatility. It features collaborations with notable artists such as Asake, Shallipopi, Teezo Touchdown, and Saint JHN, each adding a unique touch to the project. The tracklist includes songs like “Oshaprapra,” “History,” “Ludo,” “Tiny Apartment,” and “Slow Down.” 

It landed the #7 spot on Spotify Nigeria’s biggest first-week streams list for 2024, with 3.43 million streams. The album earned 760k streams on Spotify Nigeria on its first release day.

Loseyi Professor, Seyi Vibez

Seyi Vibez’s album Loseyi Professor was released as a surprise to fans on July 12, 2024, coinciding with his 24th birthday. This seven-track EP features songs named after different cities, like Lagos, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Casablanca, Manchester, and Santorini, each offering a unique blend of Apala and street-pop influences. 

The album was created in line with Seyi Vibez’s signature style, incorporating introspective lyrics and Amapiano log drums.

Loseyi Professor follows the singer-songwriter’s December 2023 EP “NAHAMciaga” and continues his trend of rapidly producing music, marking his sixth project in 21 months.

RnB, Ruger and BNXN

Ruger and BNXN’s joint RnB album, released on April 18, 2024, is a significant collaboration that showcases the duo’s musical range and synergy. Released under Blown Boy Ent., T.Y.E, and EMPIRE, the project features seven tracks that blend Afrobeat influences with contemporary RnB rhythms. 

The collaboration is especially impressive as it marks a truce between the two artists after a nearly two-year rift. The album opens with “Bae Bae” and includes tracks like “POE,” “Calculate Love,” and “Romeo Must Die (RMD).” 

Beyond being praised for the artists’ ability to address themes beyond typical party anthems, RnB has also been well-received internationally, charting at #11 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs Chart.

Shakespopi, Shallipoppi

Shallipopi’s sophomore album, Shakespopi, released in 2024, highlights his eclectic style and playful references. The album features nine tracks, each with a different theme and sound.

The opening track, “ASAP,” incorporates spirited Ogene rhythms and samples from legendary Edo musician Sir Waziri Oshomah, setting a high-beat tone. “High Tension” blends Afrobeats and Amapiano with the iconic Italian revolutionary anthem “Bella Ciao,” showcasing Shallipopi’s unique twist on traditional sounds.

Tracks like “Dey” and “Find Me” shed light on Shallipopi’s pre-fame life and current affluence, though some critics note a lack of depth in his delivery.

Despite its mixed reviews, Shakespopi is one of this year’s top-charting albums, landing at #3 for the biggest first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria with 5.7 million streams.

Honorable mention: Nigerian albums

Another Style by Kaestyle; Lost & Found by Simi; TZA EP by Kizz Daniel; Adedamola by Fireboy DML.

So far, these Nigerian albums have truly defined 2024, delivering all the vibes, emotions, energy, and everything in between. They’ve kept us grooving, thinking, and talking, proving that Nigerian music is on a whole new level. With so much already achieved, it’s thrilling to think about what more this year has in store. As Flytime Fest approaches, we’re excited to see these hits light up the stage. Curious about what surprises 2024 still holds? Stay connected and join the conversation by following @flytimefest on Instagram for the latest updates and exclusive content.