The Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024 (So Far)

A compilation of Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024 featuring Victony Stubborn, Ayra Starr  The Year I turned 21, Tems Born In the Wild , Asake Lungu Boy, Rema HEIS

As we have long crossed the halfway point of 2024, the music scene has already delivered an impressive array of albums that have kept audiences entertained, and critics “busy”. From innovative releases by established stars to breakthrough projects by emerging talents, this year’s lineup showcases a diverse range of genres and styles.

Let’s take a look at the Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024 (So Far).

1. Victony – Stubborn

Number 1 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024 Victony’s Stubborn, released in June 2024, is a bold and captivating album that cements his status as a leading force in Afrobeats. Known for his ability to merge Afrobeats with trap music, Victony brings a unique sound to this project. The album title, Stubborn, reflects his tenacity and determination, both in his personal life and his musical journey.

Tracks like “Jagaban” and “Determined” showcase Victony’s lyrical prowess, as he delves into themes of perseverance and self-belief. His collaboration with producers such as Tempoe adds a fresh and experimental touch to the album’s sound.

With Stubborn, Victony not only stays true to his signature style but also pushes the boundaries of what Afrobeats can be. The album has received widespread acclaim for its innovation and boldness, securing Victony’s place as a top-tier Gen Z artist.

2. Llona – Homeless

If there’s one thing Llona is known for, it’s his ability to make soul-stirring melancholic songs filled with lyrics inspired by his real life,

Number 2 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, Llona’s debut album, Homeless, released in July 2024, stands as a profound musical exploration of belonging and identity. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences, Llona weaves together themes of displacement and emotional resilience, resonating deeply with her audience. The album’s title track, “Homeless,” is a haunting yet hopeful reflection on finding one’s place in the world.

Blending soulful vocals with traditional Afrobeats rhythms, Llona captures the vulnerability of her journey in each song. Critics have praised her for not just her voice but her storytelling ability, which connects with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Homeless has quickly become a standout debut, positioning Llona as a rising star who is unafraid to pour her heart into her music.

3. Ayra Starr – The Year I turned 21

Number 3 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024,  Released on May 1, 2024, The Year I Turned 21 is Ayra Starr’s reflection on reaching the milestone age of 21. The album blends R&B and Afrobeats, showcasing her growth and the new musical directions she’s exploring.

The lead single of the album, Commas, where Ayra Starr thanks God for her success and reflects on her journey. The song “21” is a standout ballad where Ayra Starr contemplates the challenges and excitement of being 21. The song combines simple, dreamy melodies with her expressive vocals, showing her ability to convey complex emotions through music.

The album features collaborations with Seyi Vibes, Asake, Coco Jones, and Giveon. These artists add variety to the album, bringing their unique styles and enhancing the overall sound.

The Year I Turned 21 explores themes of youth, self-discovery, and the pressures of success. Ayra Starr’s lyrics cover her feelings about money, her fears about losing everything she’s worked for, and the excitement of young love. Songs like “Birds Sing of Money” and “Lagos Love Story” present a mix of confidence and youthful romance, while “Last Heartbreak Song” hints at the emotional ups and downs of her personal life. It is considered as one of the top-tier albums to come out of Nigeria this year.

4. Tems – Born In the Wild

Number 4 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, Tems’ debut album Born In The Wild, released on August 23, 2024, marks a major moment in her career. After rising to international fame with hits like “Higher” and “Free Mind,” and collaborations with big names such as Drake and Beyoncé, Tems presents an album that reflects her growth and varied musical influences.

The album blends RnB with elements of Afrobeats, jazz, dancehall, and hip-hop, creating a rich and diverse sound. Tems’ style is rooted in soulful melodies and emotional lyrics, delivered with her distinctive voice. The track “Boy O Boy,” featuring jazz fusion guitarist Nsikak David, sets a luxurious and introspective mood, while “Burning” highlights Tems’ ability to convey deep feelings with her smooth vocals.

The album is expansive, with 18 tracks that showcase Tems’ versatility. On “Forever,” produced by DAMEDAME* and inspired by Kaytranada, her voice shifts from a deep bass to a light falsetto, reminiscent of Michael Jackson. Meanwhile, “T-Unit” sees Tems exploring hip-hop, adding a fresh edge to the album.

While the album is a strong showcase of Tems’ talent, some aspects could have been improved. Interludes featuring snippets of her mother and managers, while personal, might have been trimmed to maintain focus. Additionally, tracks like “Get It Right” with Asake and J. Cole’s verse

on “Free Fall” slightly disrupt the album’s flow. A missed opportunity is the exclusion of Tems’ 2023 single “Not an Angel,” which could have added to the album’s depth.

Overall, Born In The Wild is a reflection of Tems’ journey, filled with moments of introspection and celebration. A solid album that is undeniably part of the top 10 albums released in 2024 by a Nigerian artiste.

5. Young Jonn – Jiggy Forever

Number 5 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, Young Jonn, known for his tag “the wicked producer,” has transitioned from behind the scenes to the forefront with his debut album, Jiggy Forever. This album encapsulates his journey from a music producer to an artist with a distinct identity.

Jiggy Forever is a 16-track project that explores themes of love, hustle, and life through a mix of upbeat and introspective tracks. The album opens with “Tony Montana,” a declaration of Young Jonn’s confidence and success, followed by the culturally rich “Pot of Gold,” which blends Chinese erhu with log drums, symbolizing a search for happiness and wealth.

Tracks like “Aquafina” and “Big Big Things” showcase his versatility, with collaborations from Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez, and Sean Paul adding different flavours to the album. However, some tracks, like “Showcase” and “Bucket List,” fall into repetitive patterns, highlighting the challenges of maintaining lyrical freshness across a lengthy project. Nonetheless, Jiggy Forever marks a significant step in Young Jonn’s evolution as an artist.

6. Asake – Lungu Boy

With Asake riding high on the success of his previous albums, Lungu Boy arrives as his third release in three years, setting a pace rarely seen in the Nigerian music scene. The album is both introspective and expansive, reflecting Asake’s growth after reaching significant milestones in his career. Number 6 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024.

In Lungu Boy, Asake experiments with various sounds, showcasing his most rhythmically and emotionally diverse album to date. The album features a blend of South African amapiano and Nigerian fuji, genres that have been central to his previous success. Tracks like “MMS,” featuring Wizkid, highlight Asake’s ability to meld his style with that of an Afrobeats veteran. “Active,” with Travis Scott, is another standout, where Asake merges New Orleans bounce with his distinct sound, creating an explosive collaboration.

While some tracks, like “Fuji Vibe,” dive deep into the raw essence of fuji music, others like “Whine” with Ludmilla venture into new territories, such as dancehall. Despite some experiments falling short, the album’s balance of familiar and new sounds solidifies Asake’s place at the top of the Afropop scene.

7. Seyi Vibez, Muyeez, TML Vibez, Nerryckole & Billion Solar – Vivez Incorporated Mixtape Vol 1

Number 7 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, The Vibez Incorporated Mixtape Vol 1 is a showcase of rising talents under Seyi Vibez’s label, Vibez Inc., featuring TML Vibez, Muyeez, Billion Solar, and Nerryckole. This mixtape, in collaboration with Dapper Digital, highlights the diverse sounds and potential of these artists.

TML Vibez, one of the featured artists, is already gaining attention. His track “Goated,” featuring Seyi Vibez, marks a significant debut on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats chart. The mixtape serves as a platform for these emerging artists, providing a glimpse into their musical styles and the future of Vibez Inc.

8. ShowDemCamp, The Cavemen & David Nsikak – No Love In Lagos

Number 8 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, The collaboration between ShowDemCamp, The Cavemen, and David Nsikak on No Love In Lagos is a fusion of rap, highlife, and jazz, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. ShowDemCamp, known for its sharp lyricism and social commentary, has been at the forefront of the Nigerian rap scene for over a decade, while The Cavemen have revitalized highlife with their modern twist on the genre.

No Love In Lagos blends these influences seamlessly, offering a project that is rich in cultural heritage yet fresh in its execution. The album stands out for its ability to merge traditional sounds with contemporary themes, making it a significant addition to the Nigerian music landscape.

9. Rema – HEIS

Number 9 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, HEIS, is Rema’s highly anticipated sophomore album. It is a bold and innovative album that builds on the success of his hit single Calm Down.

Released on July 10, 2024, this album is a daring exploration of new sounds and styles, showcasing Rema’s ambition to elevate his music to the top of the Afrobeats genre.

The album features a dark and dramatic tone, with orchestral strings, eerie melodies, and distorted vocals blending with the vibrant amapiano beats. This combination creates a unique and thrilling sound that sets HEIS apart from other releases.

Rema’s vocal performance on HEIS is particularly impressive. He navigates the complex beats with ease, delivering both rap and singing with a high level of skill. Tracks like Yayo and Azaman highlight his rhythmic talent and ability to stay engaging despite the dark musical backdrop.

Additionally, songs like War Machine and the title track show Rema stepping out of his usual style, experimenting with new sounds and adding a fresh twist to his music.

10. Shallipopi – Shakespopi

Number 10 on Best Afrobeats Albums of 2024, Shallipopi, known for his playful style and catchy beats, is a prominent figure in Afropop. His latest album, Shakespopi, continues his trend of mixing street-pop with humour and memorable hooks. Following his successful debut album Presido La Pluto and EP Planet Pluto, Shakespopi adds to his growing discography.

“ASAP,” the album’s opening track, is a catchy beat-driven song that borrows classic Edo music. Lines like “Network slow nor mean say Wi-Fi disconnect” display Shallipopi’s signature sense of humour. He samples a song called “Bella Ciao” for “High Tension,” fusing it with his own account of growing up in a difficult environment.

In summary, Shakespopi offers more of Shallipopi’s familiar style but doesn’t show much new development as an artist. Notwithstanding, the album gained massive streams, especially in its first week of release.