Oh yes, we know it’s not December yet. Does it have to be the end of the year before we accord accolades to projects that are deserving of some?
The new year has seen quite a number of solid music projects and we thought; well maybe we should reveal to you our top five of the year so far. EP’s are not considered for this list (a separate list may be released in the coming weeks).
Below, we have ranked our five best albums of 2018 so far. Of course, we know you have objections – isn’t that what makes music discourse so much fun?
5. Mystro – Sugar
Label: Bankuli Entertainment
Release Date: February 16, 2018
After spending years lending his one-of-a-kind production services to industry heavy-hitters like Harry Songs, Chidinma, Iyanya, Kcee etcetera, Mystro has placed the spotlight firmly upon himself with the release of his debut solo album, Sugar.
The 10-track project is a pack of sweetness and a compilation that provides a proof of his years of practice as a core member of the music ecosystem. Top-notch songwriting, laudable delivery and a well-curated list of featured artistes that greatly compliment the mushy aura of the project are what makes it a standout tape.
4. Seun Kuti – Black Times
Label: Strut Records
Release Date: March 28, 2018
Seun Kuti is the son of his father and his third studio album “Black Times” is a proof of it.
With the politically charged album, Seun Kuti employs the services of his late father’s iconic Egypt 80 band and delivers an extremely melodious wake-up call. Kuti preached against corruption and all form of social and economic injustice that stems from poor governance.
Albeit fierce, Black Times is an appealing musical protest armed with all the soothing elements of the sacred Afrobeat genre.
3. M.I Abaga – Rendezvous
Label: Chocolate City
Release Date: February 9, 2018
Rendezvous is a musical buffet! With Rendezvous, M.I Abaga made the promise of offering a soundtrack for an evening out in Lagos and this was delivered in the most thorough way ever.
The 15-track project which the rapper deems a playlist is a different type of genius. A project that reflects a laudable degree of evolution and flexibility that not so many rappers can boast of. Everything worked out just fine – Rendezvous is a decent crossroad of musical diversity.
2. Brymo – OSO
Label: Indie
Release Date: March 27, 2018
OSO (Wizard) is melody wrapped in wit.
The 11-track tape sees Brymo taking listeners on an introspective journey that touches the subjects of love, life and relationships. From “No be me” to the soulful “Bá’núsọ”, this trip is melodious and beyond beautiful. The blend of simple chords, even simpler words that hold so much depth and ear-soothing vocals all came together to create something that is absolutely stunning.
With OSO, Brymo cemented his position as one of today’s brightest musical talents.
1. Burna Boy – OUTSIDE
Label: Atlantic/Spaceship
Release Date: January 26, 2018
Burna Boy’s OUTSIDE is 38 minutes of thrilling, exhilarating and absolutely stunning artistry. On his third major label release, Burna is at his most honest, introspective and creatively unpredictable.
The project embodies the singer’s truth and offers to the public; a light text of his personal experiences with no apology of any sort. On sonic dexterity, the OUTSIDE mixtape is Burna Boy’s most versatile offering that saw him push far beyond the boundaries of his musical dimensions – balancing speed, depth, and par storytelling.
Honourable mentions: Boogey –Nouveau Niveau, Mr 2Kay – Elevated, John Networq – Son Of Merlin Vol. 2