We have one question for time: Sis, where are you running to? One minute we’re asking people for their BBM pin, and the next thing, we’re out on the streets wearing nose masks and dancing on TikTok. While we all, unfortunately, remember 2012 as the year of Ama Kip Kip and My Money Grows Like Grass t-shirts, these were some of the albums that truly defined that year.
OBO (Omo Baba Olowo): The Genesis — Davido
From the early days of “On the beat is Davido” to major worldwide tours, Davido has come a long way since his debut in 2012. OBO (Omo Baba Olowo): The Genesis was responsible for songs like Back When with Naeto C and the smash hit, Dami Duro. Davido took over with his carrot jeans, and Afrobeats has never remained the same.
YBNL — Olamide
Ten years and with over ten albums to his name now, Olamide has refused to drop the ball. YBNL gave us the azonto-heavy, First of All, as well as Voice of the Streets, Ilefo Illuminati and the seriously underrated International Local with Tiwa Savage.
Solar Plexus — Mavin
We were all shook when Don Jazzy confirmed that Mo’Hits Records had separated in 2012. But the shock reached a new level when Don Jazzy announced a new record label, Mavin Records, and dropped a surprise album, Solar Plexus drop later that year. Mo’Hits’ blood was still fresh on the streets when we started singing, “Take banana till you go yo.” Yes, D’Prince had the best song on this album. While Mavin has evolved over the years to become the label for stars like Ayra Starr and Ladipoe, those “Mavin activated” days were golden.
Blessed — Flavour
Flavour came in, took off his shirt, whined his waist furiously, sang about forgetting enjoyment and stole our hearts just like that. Please, fear Igbo men. Blessed is one of his best albums to date. Even today, no wedding is complete without Ada Ada, and no party can close without breaking people’s waists with Shake. I for iconic!
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Empire Mates State of Mind — EME All Stars
In 2012, no record label was complete until it dropped a compilation album. After Don Jazzy pulled up with Solar Plexus, Ebute Metta crooner, Banky W dropped Empire Mates State of Mind for his label, Empire Mates. The album included hits like Baddest Boy, Dance For Me, Roll It and Get Down Tonight. Ah, nostalgia!
Book of Rap Stories — Reminisce
It’s hard not to lose your home training when Kako Bi Chicken comes on, even in 2022. Admit it. No one will judge because we’ve all been there. With Olamide and the late Dagrin blowing up street-influenced rap, Reminisce’s Book of Rap Stories came at the right time and left its mark on the music scene.
Above and Beyond — 2Baba Idibia
You had to be there.
Do we wish one of 2Baba’s best songs from this era, Only Me, was on Above and Beyond? Yes. But he still gave us Ihe Neme, Dancing in the Rain and the pre-Instagram-dama romantic bop, Rainbow. You have to give it to Annie’s man. He was dropping bops up and down. Come through, African king!
Oga Boss — Ill Bliss
Yes, kids, Ill Bliss from King of Boys is the same person responsible for street anthems like Anamachi Kwanu and Emini Baller with Chidinma. This man killed it with his album Oga Boss in 2012, and now he’s literally killing it on our screens. It’s giving range; Love it.
The Year of R ‘n’ B — Capital F.E.M.I
What happened to Capital F.EM.I? This man popped up with some Joe and Tyrese early 2000s baby-making R&B vibe and disappeared. Baby, I Got It with Eedris Abdulkareem was inescapable that year, and we thought he’d be around for much longer. Bring back grown R&B!!
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