2023 feels like it started two weeks ago, it’s been racing so fast like it can’t wait to complete its 52 week-cycle and be done with us.
Thankfully, music has accompanied us; from highly anticipated big-time projects to impressive debuts, this year has given us fire releases back-to-back.
Gangster Romantic — Lojay
After the success of his 2021 joint EP, LV N ATTN (Love and Attention), with producer Sarz, Lojay took his time to brew new music, then kicked off 2023 with sophomore solo project, Gangster Romantic. Its first track YAHWEH is far from being praise and worship. On songs like LEADER! and MOTO, Lojay sounds like he has gone through some character development induced by heartbreak. Although he won’t let himself get hurt, he still wears his heart on his sleeve.
Body & Soul — Joeboy
Joeboy has been on a smooth and interesting musical ride, with the well-curated rollout of his viral single, Sip (Alcohol) which became a TikTok fave; to the controversial Contour that swung veteran Asa into legal action; to his recently released album, Body & Soul. With strong productions from Tempoe, Big Fish, Kemena, and features from BNXN, Ludacris, Oxlade; Joeboy has made a very enjoyable album.
Top Boy — DJ Spinall
Spinall remains one of the most relevant DJs in Nigeria by serving us ridiculously good songs and collaborations. He delivered again on his latest album titled Top Boy. While packing features with the big guns like Olamide, Phyno, BNXN, and Summer Walker, he also has space for new names like Minz, Azanti, Tamera, and Kemuel to coexist. DJ Spinall never fails to keep a party hot.
Heaven Has Come — TY Bello
TY Bello’s music has always been all about praise and worship and in 2023 I can’t say no to it, especially with the events happening in Nigeria in the last six months. The singer-songwriter/photographer/philanthropist makes a comeback with Heaven Has Come, an album that’s sonically different from her 2022’s We Are Fire. With Heaven Has Come, the tempo is upbeat rather than taking a more solemn direction. Songs like He Fights For Me, That’s My Name, Ire and Torrents will make you do legwork anywhere because they always hit.
READ: Halfway Into 2022 and These Are the Best Nigerian Albums We’ve Heard
Timeless — Davido
Davido’s return to social-media and the entertainment space with a brand new album, after months of silence, is definitely one of the biggest moments in the Nigerian entertainment scene in 2023. After giving us A Good Time and A Better Time, he completes the trilogy with his latest Timeless. Aside from big-hit features like Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, and Asake, Davido reintroduces his revamped DMW music label with two new artists, Morravey and Logos Olori who also appear on the album.
West African Goat — PayBac iBoro
Listening to PayBac iBoro feels like you’re watching a Tunde Kelani meets CJ “Fiery” Obasi movie. He puts his soul into his music, it feels like you could almost touch him just from his album covers. On West African Goat, PayBac talks about his defiance over depression on Sacrifice and Bury Me For Gold, the country’s corrupt system on Land of The Tiff and Monkey See Monkey Do, and his hunger for success on Oloun and Spirit. This album is a pure body of work because the listener can feel the raw emotions the artist put into it.
Anger Management — Bloody Civilian
Bloody Civilian started getting mainstream attention after her contribution to the new Black Panther album. This year, she released her debut body of work, Anger Management which she wrote, produced, mixed and mastered by herself. Bloody Civilian explores themes of relationships, girl power and a corrupt government. With her DIY method, unique voice, great songs and stage name, you might as well get familiar with the Bloody Civilian.
Work of Art — Asake
If you think Ololade Asake would be sleeping in his oasis after making the greatest debut in Nigerian music, you’re wrong. He’s back with Work of Art, barely a year after his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibes. Asake said no slowing down. With only one feature from his label boss Olamide, Asake proves again that he can go platinum without features.
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