- Debut albums are considered the most crucial and defining projects of music artistes
- If rightly done, debut albums always push artistes to ground-breaking heights
- TheRadar, in recognising the defining power of debut projects, spotlighted and ranked 10 unforgettable debut albums
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.
Debuts for music artists are special for a lot of reasons from, propelling their careers, to defining their niche but the biggest part is that the world is being introduced to what impact their music offers.
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.
This just emphasises the importance a debut holds for an artiste. 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 basis for this ranking cuts across the debut album’s relevance, acceptance and evergreen appeal over decades.
Ranking top 10 debut albums of all time by Nigerian artistes
- New Era — Kizz Daniel — Number 10
The Afro-pop debut released in 2014 by Kizz Daniel formerly known as Kiss Daniel saw Topsy turvy moments of the star singer shine with G-Worldwide. Kizz Daniel's rise to stardom all began from his defining debut New Era and date, the quality of the project remains a reference point. The album birthed his hits like Woju, Laye and Jombo. With his debut and first-ever studio project, owned the year.
- Phyno — No Guts No Glory — Number 9
At the 9th position, Phyno’s No Guts No Glory takes a seat. The Rap/Hip Pop genre project released in 2014 proved Phyno’s tenacity despite being an Indigenous Igbo rapper. He conquered the barriers with his debut project, one that won hearts across Nigeria. Phyno earned his first-ever Album of the Year and Rap Album of the Year nominations. His notable hit from the album is Alobam.
- Timaya — True Story — Number 8
Timaya’s True Story comes next, a fusion of Afro-pop and Afro-dancehall genres. True Story album, released June 6, 2007 was Timaya’s way of compressing his life experiences into a music project. The relatability is one that places the work on a relevant pedestal. From Dem Mama, to Ogologoma and True Story, the album is unforgettable.
- M.I Abaga — Talk About It — Number 7
Arguably, Talk About It debut album is one of many reasons M.I. is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time in Nigeria. The music project impacted every aspect of the Nigerian hip-hop scene and still finds relevance today. It was released on December 1, 2008.
- Fireboy DML — Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (LTG) — Number 6
Fireboy’s LTG made the biggest first-week sales digitally during its release on November 25, 2019. It might be surprising why it is included on this list, but the impact as a debut project is one that cannot be overlooked. The Afro-life and Afro-pop genre-inspired album is a big deal for me. Sonically pleasing beyond its remarkable numbers, this was done without any features. What a way to introduce himself with a debut!
- Asa — Asa (Asha) — Number 5
Asa’s pen game is one advantage that elevated her eponymous Asa album in 2007. The alternative, acoustic and ballad album shined with its biggest hit Jailer. Til date, music enthusiasts cannot deny the indelible quality of Asa’s debut project.
- Styl-Plus — Call My Name — Number 4
In 2003, Styl-Plus came with Call My Name debut album. One of the most loved music groups in Nigeria released a defining project to introduce their craft to Nigerian homes and the reception was mind-blowing. It featured hits like Call My Name, Run Away and their greatest Olufunmi track.
- Wizkid — Superstar — Number 3
In 2011, Wizkid released his debut album Superstar. This is one album that always has fans singing word for word. This album solidified Wizkid’s Starboy effect to captivate his listeners with quality and relatable songwriting. One of his greatest if not his greatest project of all time.
- Wande Coal — Mushin 2 Mo’Hits — Number 2
Wande Coal stormed the Nigerian music scene in 2009 with his debut, Mushin 2 Mo’Hits. It is regarded as one of the most diverse debut albums in Nigeria. The debut album is one Wande Coal would be forever remembered for, a classic that have inspired many New generational singers til date. Some of his hits on the album include Ololufe, Who Born the Maga, and Jehovah.
- 2baba — Face 2 Face — Number 1
Asides Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Tuface Idibia now known as 2 baba remains one of the greatest pioneers of Nigerian music. His debut Face 2 Face is a classic that sits unshaken on the number one spot. The album wears impeccable quality and deep songwriting prowess. His songs like African Queen cuts across generations as evergreen and as one of the greatest songs to come out of Africa.
10 best surprise on-stage appearances of Wizkid
TheRadar earlier reported that Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, had severally left fans stunned by his surprise appearance to support fellow artistes on stage.
Following Wizkid’s recent surprise on-stage performance at SeyiVibez’ concert, TheRadar looked back at the 10 best surprise performances of Wizkid to support fellow artistes in the Nigerian music scene.
