These are the top 10 Nigerian debut albums with cultural impact
Most importantly, a Nigeria debut album means an It charted at artiste first-ever appearance or performance in a body of work
Best Nigerian debut Albums of All-time are picked and ranked based on commercial triumph, impact, critical applaud, awards and hits.
However, Nigerian has witnessed a coarse amount of standard albums over the past 2 decades, the metrics will be comfortable relying on the impacts of a debut album on the mainstream.
- RELATED: Burna Boy is the most Bankable Afrobeat artiste Now
- RELATED: Current Best-Selling Digital Artistes in Nigeria
Also, churns of Nigerian debut albums created an indelibly print in the music industry, cementing different genres on the records.
Below are the Best Nigerian debut albums of all time (ranks are based on notable impacts and not released date)
2Baba – Face2Face
This is 2Baba‘s debut studio album, after splitting from the renowned trio Plantashun Boiz, it was released on May 15, 2004, under Kennis Music, It became a breakout hit during CD’s era, sold over 2 million copies, Its victory linked massively to the lead single African Queen, it created a huge impact in the music industry.
Wande Coal – Mushin To Mo’Hits
This is Wande Coal‘s debut studio album and was officially released and launched on April 12, 2009, under then Mo’ Hits Records now Mavin Records, featuring artists including D’banj, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch.
It was supported by a smash hit single titled Bumper To Bumper, the album had major hit records and created a big impact in the music industry, it is somewhat regarded as the birth or blueprints to modern afrobeat.
Wizkid – SuperStar
This is Wizkid’s debut studio album and was released on June 12, 2011, under Empire Mates Entertainment, arguably best-selling afrobeat album, Sold over 5 million copies in the 2012 span.
It features guest artists including, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Banky W and Skales.
It was championed by the singles Holla at Your Boy, Don’t Dull, Tease Me/Bad Guys, Pakurumo, Love My Baby, and Oluwa Lo Ni.
The cultural impact of this album cannot be overestimated in the afrobeat genre.
Ice Prince – Everybody Loves Ice Prince
This is Ice Prince’s debut studio album and was released on October 9, 2011, under Chocolate City, It features guest artists including, Brymo, Wizkid, 2Baba, Jesse Jagz, M.I, Yung L, J-Milla, Wizboyy, Morell, Samklef, and Sean Tero
It was supported by the smash singles Oleku (the most remixed Nigerian songs of 2010), Juju and Superstar.
M.I – Talk About It
This is M.I. Abaga’s debut studio album and was released in 2008, it features guest artistes including Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Wizkid, Djinee, YQ and more.
- RELATED: Davido’s feature in Coming 2 America is BIG for the Culture
- RELATED: Nigerian albums/EPs to watch out for this month
It was the birth of the hip-hop genre in the Nigerian music industry, impactful and inspire almost the new generation.
Timaya – True Story
This is Timaya’s debut studio album and was released in 2007, under Dem Mama Records.
It was supported by the smash hit single Dem Mama produced by K-solo.
it inspired a generation and created a massive buzz because of its commercial success.
Olamide – Rapsodi
This is Olamide‘s debut album and was released in 2011, It was supported by the lead single Omo To Shan featuring Wizkid.
It features guest artists including Wizkid, ID Cabasa, 9ice, Reminisce and D’banj.
It introduced the new era of street Hop in the Nigerian music industry.
Kizz Daniel – New Era
This is Kizz Daniel’s debut studio album and was released on 14 May 2016, under G-Worldwide Entertainment, It was supported by the smash hit singles Woju, Laye, Good Times and Mama.
New Era debuted at #8 on the Billboard World Album Chart, the album was hits studded.
Fireboy DML – Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps
This is Fireboy DML’s debut studio album and was released on November 29, 2019, under YBNL Nation.
It was supported by singles Jealous, What If I Say and King.
Phyno – No Guts No Glory
This is Phyno’s debut studio album and was released on March 20, 2014, under Sputnet Records and Penthauze Music.
It was supported by 4 singles, Ghost Mode, Man of the Year, Parcel and O Set.
It features guest artists including P-Square, Omawumi, Olamide, Stormrex, Efa, Flavour N’abania, Runtown, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Timaya and Illbliss.
Top 10 Nigerian debut albums with cultural impact
1. 2baba – face2face
2. Wande Coal – Mushin to mo’hits
3. Wizkid – Superstar
4. Ice Prince – Everybody Loves Ice Prince
5. M.I Abaga – Talk About It
6. Timaya – True Story
7. Olamide – Rapsodi
8. Kizz Daniel – New Era
9. Fireboy DML – LTG
10. Phyno – No Guts No Glory