Mp3bullet curated a list of top 10 Afropop debut albums that made an impact on Nigerian music.
You know what they say about first impressions lasting longer, well, that can also be said about artists with a debut body of work, from the most notable era, these are the top 10 Afropop debut albums that made an impact in Nigerian music.
There’s hardly anything that makes an artist relevant more than a debut album. Not in this industry anyway. And, not that I know of, album registers an artist’s credibility.
The debut album is very important, and that’s why not so many artists in the history of Nigerian music have been able to pull off an impressive debut.
Here’s a handpicked list of the best ten debut Afro albums from this era.
Top 10 Afropop debut albums that made an impact on the Nigerian music
2Face – Face 2 Face
It’s just impossible to do it like 2Face and Kennis Music did it. “Face 2 Face” is 2Face Idibia’s debut solo album and it houses the single most popular African song of all time, “African Queen.”
Nobody could ever remake that. Not in 2004, not in 2014, and definitely not right now.
Wande Coal – Mushin 2 Mohits
Wandecoal’s “Mushin 2 Mohits” was what ushered in the new afro-pop sound.
Wande Coal created a blend of fine R&B and Afro and made a correct album.
Without the release of M2M in 2009, there might never have been a “Superstar.”
This album is also part of what stamped Don Baba J’s legacy in the industry.
Wizkid – Superstar
Some say it’s the best debut of all time. With the impact on the culture this album has had and its current relevance, I really can’t argue with anyone who says it is.
“Superstar” is simply what it is; a classic. Wizkid may have surpassed Superstar’s commercial success with his other albums, but there’s no doubt that it’ll be impossible to create a masterpiece like that again.
Timaya – True Story
Maybe before Timaya, the boys from the South were not really getting the national press. But he changed that for good with this classic album, “True Story” that he released 14 years ago.
The LP which had the hit single, “Dem Mama” is one of the most commercially successful albums from the 2000s.
The sound, which is predominantly dancehall, does have some elements of Afro. It is what inspired the Patorankings and Burna Boys of today.
Olamide – Rhapsodi
Rapsodi is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Olamide, released by Coded Tunes.
The album features guest appearances from Pheelz, Wizkid, 9ice, Reminisce, I.D Cabasa, 2Phat, Adol, Ab1, Jumoke, Lord of Ajasa, B-Rank, Soul Joe, and Terry Da Rapman.
It was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2012
Sean Tizzle – The Journey
The Journey is the first studio album by Nigerian Afro-Pop artist Sean Tizzle. It was released on April 17, 2014, on Difference Entertainment. which was released in 2014.
The album features guest appearances from Olamide, Reminisce, 9ice, Ice Prince, Naeto C, Kcee, and Tiwa Savage.
The album was supported by four official singles— “Mama Eh”, “Komole”, “Kilogbe” and “Kilogbe (Remix)” along with the promotional singles “Mama Eh”.
Olu Maintain – Yahooze
Before his debut, Olu Maintain had previously released music as part of the group Maintain that he formed in the 90’s.
In 2004, they broke up and he continued his career as a solo artist.
He made one of the biggest contemporary hits in Nigerian music history in “Yahooze,” a track from his debut album, also named “Yahooze.” The album was literally everywhere in 2008.
Fireboy – Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps
Fireboy released his eclectic debut album in 2019 and since then, not so many people have been able to put out projects considered better than LTG.
It’ll take a couple more years before we get an album that’s as fine as this.
The album which has been compared to Wizkid’s “Superstar” is already being hailed as a modern classic.
Kizz Daniel – New Era
Around the time Kizz Daniel dropped his afro-pop debut album, “New Era,” so many artists dropped a lot of things, EP, albums, singles, etc.
It didn’t matter. Kizz Daniel just doesn’t miss.
“New Era” is actually the best album released from the mid to late 2010s. It wasn’t deficient of hits either.
Brymo – The Son of a Kapenta
Brymo is an all-around musician. He might be the most powerful alternative artist in the country right now, but back in 2013, his Chocolate City debut was the Album of the Year.
“The Son of a Kapenta” is a mad project. Imagine packing songs like “Ara.” “Good Morning,” and “Omoge Campus” in one album!
Top 10 Afropop debut albums that made an impact on the Nigerian music
- 2Baba – Face2Face
- Wande Coal – Mushin 2 Mohits
- Wizkid – Superstar
- Timaya – True Story
- Olamide – Rhapodi
- Sean Tizzle – The Journey
- Olu Maintain – Yahooze
- Fireboy DML – LTG
- Kizz Daniel – New Era
- Brymo – The son of a kapenta