The first half of the year felt leisurely in regards to new music releases globally, however, as the year comes to a close, artists are sharing more projects with their audiences. For Nigerian music, 2020 will go down as the year the big 4, Davido, Burnaboy, Olamide, and Wizkid dropped full-length independent albums, also including collaborations from their international peers.
This is indeed a great feat; even though their stans perpetually conflict over who should be on top. They are all legends in their own respective lanes and have done exceptionally well in taking Nigerian music to greater heights.
Davido’s “A better time” finally saw the light of day after a few songs off the album were leaked on social media. That’s not the only piece of exciting news. The talented Ghanaian sensation Amaarae also released her debut album and the Apex collective unveiled its new signee Azanti. Check out our editor’s pick of some of the best new music out now and refresh your playlists.
A BETTER TIME –– DAVIDO
Afropop star Davido has released his third studio album “A Better Time”. The 17-track album features an array of international artists including Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Young Thug, Nas, Lil Baby, Hitboy, Sauti Sol, Mugeez, and Sho Madjozi and Nigerian stars Tiwa Savage, Mayorkun, C Kay and, Bella Shmurda.
THE ANGEL YOU DON’T KNOW –– AMAARAE
We are huge fans of Amaarae and have been documenting her growth since 2017. Seeing her come this far and putting out her debut album is just as exciting for us. The 14 track-list is Cruel Santino, Princess Adjua, Kojey Radical, Moliy, and others. The Angel You Don’t Know also includes Amaarae’s “LEAVE ME ALONE” and “FANCY.”
AN INTERIM UPRISING –– DJAJI PRIME
The tragic turn of the youth-led End SARS protests left a lot of us in our feels. In the case of the rapper, Djaji Prime, he decided to convert the dreary emotions into 6-track EP ‘Interim Uprising.’ It touches on the protests, the angst of the youth and the ills of the government. On ‘This is a Democracy,’ the harsh realities of police brutality, generational war and bad governance are interposed over elements of cloud rap that starts off with a sample of Asap Rocky’s instrumentals on ‘Canal St.’
YP & AZANTI VOL. 1 –– AZANTI, PSYCHO YP
The man of the moment breaking out right now is 17-year-old Nathan Otekalu-Aje also known as Azanti. Following the release of ‘YP & Azanti Vol. 1’ (a collaborative project with Psycho YP), it is quite clear that Apex Village has added another infinity stone to their gauntlet.
Flights – Yotan
If you have been in search of new, fresh voices, then Yotan should be your first stop. The Cyprus based Nigerian alt singer sings really good afro-soul and his latest track is a testament to this. You should definitely listen to Flights.
BAD TRIPS –– DADDY99
Lagos based Afro-R&B Daddy99 has just released Bad Trips, his follow up track after ‘NINETY9′ in 2019, his debut EP that grossed over 100,000 plays across streaming platforms. The new track was produced by 44DB collective producer Johnson IP and engineered by TimmyJ with Daddy99 delivering a passionate, soulful and authentic song creating an ambience that’s memorable.
23, FOR DAYS –– KIZZ ERNIE FT DAVID MELI & LAIME
Kizz Ernie has a double package for us. On the first joint, he teams up with his partner from the 2015 hit “Dobale” Laime, and talented producer and artist David Meli. A self-produced record that’s bound to get locked on repeat by listeners, the 3-man team hit us with the smooth vibes, letting us know that the flex is for real and the drip goes hard. He worked with producer Trill Xoe on “For Days” a record that reminds us of humble beginnings and the singer’s hustle.
PSIV –– GANGLAND
Gangland is a Drill record about living in Nigeria as a Nigerian Youth; experiencing police brutality, bad governance, and every other woe experienced by the average Nigerian Youth. It features emerging South-African Drill artist Espiquet, so the song is a peek into what to expect from Africa’s growing Drill scene; From Lagos Nigeria to Ghana’s “Kumerica” to South Africa’s Vaal suburb.
WHERE WE DEY –– KING RILEY
This is a politically charged Afro-beat anthem. In his new drop, Riley re-enters throwing the gauntlet at the state of his badly governed motherland and her struggles. He did a madness.
Our fave decided to bless us with some short, exotic poetry… slow poison literally. If you’re looking for a thrilling vibe, catch this one.