The Nigerian music business has grown tremendously in the previous few years, but the progress was due to the hard work of the artists and teams who have been burning candles and keeping the torch lit. Most of the artists we see now on a path to worldwide dominance did not begin today. They’ve been honing their skills, bidding time, and sharing wonderful music.
Interestingly, many musicians today have walked the walk in terms of experiencing the Nigerian entertainment market, knowing what it is and looks like, as well as working on projects and developing a brand for themselves.
This week on WN Picks, we look at 5 albums that will be 10 years old in 2023, showcasing both the artist and the album itself.
Burna Boy – L.I.F.E
‘L.I.F.E,’ Burna Boy’s debut studio album, was released on August 12, 2013 by Aristokrat Records. It is an abbreviation for Leaving an Impact for Eternity.
This album came after his second mixtape, ‘Burn Identity,’ which was published in 2011.
L.I.F.E sold 40,000 copies on its first day of release, and Aristokrat Records then sold the album’s marketing rights to Uba Pacific for N10 million.
Some of the album’s hit tracks include ‘Like To Party,’ ‘Yawa Dey,’ and ‘Run My Race.’
Olamide – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth
‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth,’ released on November 7, 2013, by YBNL, is Olamide’s third studio album, following ‘Rapsodi’ and ‘YBNL.’
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth received the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Album of the Year, as well as the 2014 Headies Awards for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year.
Some of the album’s hit tracks include ‘Durosoke,’ ‘Anifowose,’ ‘Turn Up,’ ‘Dope Money,’ and ‘Rayban Abacha.’
Tiwa Savage – Once Upon A Time
‘Once Upon A Time,’ Tiwa Savage’s debut album, was released on July 3, 2013 by Mavin Records and features a slew of famous musicians.
Once Upon A Time received numerous excellent reviews from fans and entertainment aficionados, as well as nominations for Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and Best R&B/Pop Album at the Headies Awards in 2014.
Some of the album’s hit tracks include ‘Eminado,’ ‘Ife Wa Gbona,’ ‘Kele Kele Love,’ and ‘Wanted.’
D’banj – D’Kings Men
D’Kings Men was released on June 24, 2023 by DB Records and Sony Music and was produced by Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, and Dee Vee.
Music critics and entertainment aficionados gave D’Kings Men mixed reviews, with some praising the work done on it and others dismissing it as an ordinary album.
Some of the album’s hit tracks include ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense,’ ‘Oliver Twist,’ ‘Sister Caro,’ and ‘Scape Goat – The Fix.’
Reminisce – Alaga Ibile
Alaga Ibile, Reminisce’s second studio album, was released on November 7, 2013. It includes high-profile features such as Eleniyan with Wizkid and Daddy with Davido. Other characteristics include Naeto C and Olamide.
Alaga Ibile sold an estimated million copies, according to reports. In addition, Time Magazine named Reminisce one of the seven “Global rappers you should meet” in 2014.
Some of the album’s hit tracks include ‘Sunkere,’ ‘Fantasi,’ ‘Eleniyan,’ and ‘Daddy Mi.’
Honorable Mentions
The five albums on this week’s WN Picks were among the most popular when they were released ten years ago, but they are not the only ones.
There are also some albums released that year that have aged well, such as ‘Me, Myself, and Eye,’ by Sound Sultan on September 2, 2013, ‘R&B W,’ by Banky W on February 14, 2013, ‘Desire,’ by Iyanya on June 3, 2013, ‘Fire of Zamani,’ by Ice Prince on October 28, 2013, and ‘Merchant, Dealers, and Slaves,’ by Brymo.
Conclusion
The Nigerian music business has grown, as evidenced by the songs on our WN Picks that were launched 10 years ago. The albums themselves appear to have been released only yesterday, and they feature songs that we can still jam to at parties today.