Afrobeats as a movement continues to break barriers, climb the biggest stages and penetrate the tightest corners in the world. However, the foundation for Afrobeats’ flourish was not a day’s job as many upon many artistes continue to contribute to it.
A decade ago, before Afrobeats achieved the renown it has today, a number of albums were released that redefined the landscape of music.
So, in honour of the artistes who braved the odds of achieving success in the music industry to bless the world with their outstanding bodies of work a decade ago, we would be examining these classic albums that were released in 2014.
5 classic Afrobeats albums that were released in 2014
- Wizkid - Ayo
The album consolidated Wizkid's status as a leading figure in the Afrobeats space, giving him further recognition in Africa and beyond. The album was a successful sophomore that showed Wizkid's growth and ability to blend different styles of music. The album had songs like Jaiye Jaiye, On Top Your Matter, and Show You the Money, which were the fans' favourite. Ojuelegba particularly was a smash it that further spread the gospel of Afrobeats. Drake and Skepta jumped on the remix of the song and it crossed over. Wizkid and Drake would latter reach Billboard number 1 with another song, One Dance, a few years after.
Till date, songs from the album are still played at events. Among other albums, Ayo constitutes the legacy of Wizkid as an Afrobeats legend.
- Olamide - Street OT
Street OT was Olamide's fourth studio album and it consolidated what everybody knew - Olamide is the king of the streets. His ability to rap with either Yoruba or English while mixing it with pop came to the fore on the album.
The album had hits like Bobo, Shakiti Bobo, and Falila Ketan and they dominated the airwaves in Nigeria and beyond, becoming anthems in their own right.
- Yemi Alade - King of Queens
Yemi Alade's King of Queens album announced her as the next big female star in Afrobeats. The album gave listeners hits such as Johnny, Tumbum, Kissing, and Daddy Oyoyo, with a number of songs emphasising the beauty of Africa.
- Timaya - Epiphany
This was Timaya's fourth album. With the album, he continued his evolution from his unique Ogologoma style to more mainstream Afropop. Epiphany gave us of hit singles such as Ugwu and Shake Your Bum, cementing Timaya's signature energy and new style. With the album, Timaya re-established himself as one of the leading figures in Nigerian music.
- M.I Abaga - The Chairman
Nigerian hip-hop legend M.I Abaga's 2014 album The Chairman had numerous hits including Mine, Bad Belle, Human Being and King James. The album also had big names on it such as 2Baba, Sound Sultan, Olamide and Wizkid. The Chairman was another musical statement from M.I that he was in a league of his own when it came to rap, and he was rewarded with the Headies' “Best Rap Album of the Year” in 2015.
