- The album year goes to; definitely 2024 for its unending album releases that took the music scene by storm
- Spanning Afrobeats, Gospel, High life and many other genres, 2024 saw some of the best album releases
- TheRadar curated its 20 best Nigerian albums of 2024
The year 2024 will be etched in memory as a vibrant music marathon for Nigerian artistes. It is marked by a relentless stream of music releases that captivated audiences.
Each day brought forth a wave of fresh tracks and albums, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of Nigeria's music scene.
From pulsating Afrobeats to soulful melodies, this year became a celebration of talent, innovation, and the passion of Nigerian artistes who continually pushed artistic boundaries.
This year, the Afrobeats, Nigeria’s most exported genre, saw bold statement and breakout debuts like Tems’s Born in the Wild, Victony’s Stubborn, solidifying statuses like Ayra Starr’s The Year I turned 21 and explosive takeover of airwaves like Rema’s HEIS, Asake’s Lungu Boy and Wizkid’s Morayo.
Though, not so many we saw emerging Afrobeats talents like Ayo Maff and Taves who have consistently proved their budding musical prowess. This year, Nigerian Afrobeats secured the most nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards.
This year, Nigerian artistes experimented with new sounds and most of all, explored different genres. This year, innovation happened— a true rollercoaster for the Nigerian Afrobeats scene.
Our Top 20 Nigerian albums of 2024
As the year winds down, TheRadar curated its 20 Nigerian albums of 2024. Beyond the buzz and record-breaking streaming numbers, this list pays more attention to the lyricism, intentional collaboration, production quality, innovation and overall art behind these albums.
Our ranking list captured albums that helped us push through the tumultuous 2024 experiences, that shaped our worldview about life and most importantly connected with us on a deeper level.
From the most sonic, to lyrically grounded, to gospel chills and exceptional new talents, Check out our top 20 albums of 2024 from across 150 albums and EPs that were released in the year from (January 1 to December 5, 2024).
- 20—By Any Minz — Minz
The debut album By Any Minz by Nigerian singer Minz captures his relentless drive infused with an emotional depth. These qualities make the album offer listeners pulsating rhythms and unforgettable moments. Needless to say, it’s a worthy debut. Tracks like Revelations and Lon3ly gives an introspective feel to the project.
- 19— The Chosen One — ShineTTW
On the 19th spot, ShineTTW’s Chosen One takes a majestic seat. The album is also a debut by the fast-rising singer but stands out in its bold declarations and mastery. Exploring his unique Afro-Sentio style, ShineTTW delivered a solid project.
- 18— Water & Garri — Tiwa Savage
Water & Garri album by Afrobeats Queen Tiwa Savage can be considered one of the original album soundtracks for a film. While her debut feature Water and Garri might have met heavy criticism, the album project reminded us why Tiwa Savage is who she is as far as music is concerned.
- 17— Full-Time Job — Phyno
Phyno on his fifth studio album, reminded us what music meant to him. It is not a hobby he fancies but a Full Time Job. The album is encompassing and showcases Phyno's flair for relatable rap bars and lyrics. Featuring Hushpupi’s message was one of the highlights.
- 16— The Year I Turned 21 — Ayra Starr
2024 was a defining year for Ayra Starr on her sophomore album, The Year I turned 21. From the collaborations, productions to her sonorous voice, it is an album that is almost unskippable.
- 15— Jiggy Forever — Young John
For a producer turned artiste, Young John never misses to deliver substantial music projects. His album, Jiggy Forever takes you on a rollercoaster ride from catchy lyrics to admirable productions with messages of love, family and relationships.
- 14—HEIS — Rema
There is one thing that stands out in Rema’s HEIS, it is the daring experimentation but the lyricism falls short. To pull off such an experimentation, the album is a testament to Rema’s defying prowess as an artiste.
- 13— Son of Chike — Chike
Chike’s Son of Chike is an ode to love, Perseverance and most of his African identity. It may not come close to his debut, Boo of the Booless, but it is undeniable that the singer balances RnB and Pop in the most interesting way.
- 12— No Love in Lagos — Show Dem Camp, The Cavemen
Combining efforts, Show Dem Camp and The Cavemen delivered No Love in Lagos. A lyrically deep album that shares the relatable tale of what is in Lagos City. It reminds you that Love is on a long vacation. It is a manual for finding love in Lagos.
- 11—RnB— BNXN and Ruger
With their loggerheads on social media, Ruger and BNXN’s collaborative album, RnB, is one no one saw coming. The 7-track album delivered smooth renditions from the two singers. A classic that leaves you immersed.
- 10—Lost and Found — Simi
Storytelling. Irresistible Vocals. In-depth lyrics. If there's anything Simi does so well, it's the trio in no particular order. Sometimes, beyond creating a buzz, some albums on a deeper look hold water. Lost and Found falls into that category. A cohesive project that leaves you mesmerised in love and romance.
- 9— Rebel Queen — Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a custodian of African culture. The Rebel Queen as she also titled her 2024 album is a project that solidified her uniqueness. Her song Tomorrow off the album earned her a Grammy nomination for the 2025 Awards.
- 8—The Chorus Leader — Timi Dakolo
His remarkable voice and talent is undeniable. Timi Dakolo’s 17-track album. The Chorus Leader captured his soulful vocals and poignant storytelling. Tracks like Everything (Amen) and Na So E Be are uplifting anthems that resonate with listeners. The album was released January 26, 2024.
- 7—Homeless — Llona
Despite being a debut, Llona’s Homeless wraps up in one word—Emotive. The storytelling is in-depth and leaves you engrossed in every verse. He helped us reflect on the true essence of life by sharing his vulnerability—one that is rarely seen these days.
- 6—Lungu Boy — Asake
Asake on his Lungu Boy Album takes on a luxurious International flight to live the dreams he has always wanted. To explore the global pedestal of his music. Worldwide and MMS are some of the hits that made this album standout.
- 5—Morayo — Wizkid
One may argue that Morayo is too early to make the album of the year. The circumstances that led to the project, intentionality and lyricism afford it a spot. The album was inspired by Wizkid’s late mother and is authentic. Here, Wizkid created a manual on how to grieve. A subtle reminder that we can find healing in Joy.
- 4— Born in The Wild — Tems
This is one of the most defying debuts in recent times. For a time album, the production quality and creativity behind Tems’ Born In The Wild is commendable. One that earned her four Grammy nominations for 2025 Awards. The Afrobeats queen proved herself more than expected this year.
- 3—Octagon — AnendlessOcean
Octagon by AnendlessOcean is an album that basks in deep lyricism. Lyrics that connect with you on a deeper level of spirituality. The amazing part of this is how it drives on the familiar Afrobeats and groovy sounds to deliver its poignant message.
- 2—Stubborn — Victony
After surviving a ghastly accident, Victony Stubborn represents his stubbornness to keep up despite all the hurdles life puts in front of him. The sonic album shines in its production quality, compelling story and experimentation. Every track made our year.
- 1—adedamola — Fireboy DML
You see talent, lyricism, melody and talent, Fireboy DML, is one artiste that embodies them. For someone, who broke out with his debut album, Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, without a feature, it is unsurprising. His 2024 album, adedamola, is a complete body of work that takes you on an unforgettable music experience. adedamola is a genuine Afrobeats album, anyone should listen to.
Ranking 10 debut albums that took Nigerian industry by storm
In a previous report by TheRadar, it noted that debut albums go a remarkably long way in determining the trajectory of a music artistes’ career. Think of the phrase ‘first impression matters’ — as a better analogy.
It also opined that the Nigerian music scene with its competitiveness has seen some artistes fizzle out after a debut and yet have witnessed some grow enormously in the industry riding on the groundbreaking effect of their debuts.
From 2Baba’s Face 2 Face, to Fireboy’s Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, TheRadar ranked the top 10 debut albums that shook the Nigerian music scene. The ranking considered the debut album's relevance, acceptance and evergreen appeal over decades.
