10 Nigerian artistes who need to drop albums now!

By Osagie Alonge

It’s mid year and we are partly pissed, partly disappointed that some Nigerian artistes haven’t released their albums yet. The anticipation level is at an all-time high right now, so NET decided to identify these guys who’re making us starve.

Five of them are expected to drop their debut albums, while the other five are more experienced artistes.

Read on to see if your favourite artiste made the ‘waiting’ list, and let us know if we left out anyone!

Banky W – R&BW

We all got excited when Banky W released the first two singles ‘Setting P’ and ‘Lowkey’ off his fourth studio album R&BW, but in February, the EME boss announced he wasn’t going to release an album until the state of the country improved.

Even though the talented singer released an impressive compilation album with his EME crew last month, fans are still expecting Mr Capable to do his wonders on a new solo record.

BrymO – TBD

In the last two years, BrymO has carried some of the most memorable hooks for Nigerian artistes. The Chocolate City singer has had it pretty good so far and with two successful singles ‘Ara’ and ‘Good morning’,  but fans are clamouring for his second album, after his first didn’t quite hit the mark.

The album, which is still being put together, will feature production from Choc City mates M.I, Jesse Jagz and Legendary Beatz (Ara).

Davido – Omo Baba Olowo, The Genesis

What more can we ask for? After three number-one singles and four videos within the last 18 months, Davido is the  new age pop music producing machine. Arguably the most anticipated album this year, fans and critics alike can’t wait for the 19-year-old to release his debut material ‘Omo Baba Olowo, The Genesis’. Expect a collabo with Wizkid, cameos from the HKN Gang members – B.Red and Sinarambo, and production from Davido himself and Shizzi. The album will be released this July.

D’banj – Mr Endowed

Now who isn’t dying to listen to a post-Mo’Hits D’banj album? ‘Mr Endowed‘ has been pushed back for over two years, and even though The entertainer continues to whet our appetite with hit singles upon singles, we are eager to hear what a new D’banj album will sound like.

With the news that Kanye West will feature on the remix of his ‘Scapegoat‘ single and eyes of the international media firmly on him, D’banj’s fourth solo album is one project he can’t afford to delay any longer.

Modenine ­– Optimus 9

Nigel Benn spent the most part of 2011 recording materials for his fifth album ‘Commercial Break’ then scrapped it at the last minute for a new project ‘Optimus 9’. But, signing onto a new label -Monarch Music – has seen that project stall a bit, as the Hip-hop purist began releasing free music and then an eventual ‘Occupy the Throne’ mixtape. Loyal rap fans impatiently await his fifth studio album, whatever it will be titled.

Omawumi – TBD

Her 2010 debut album ‘Wonder Woman’ earned her the respect as one of the top female singers in the country. Omawumi will however be looking to topple her last attempt with her new work. She’s already released a couple of singles, including ‘If you ask me’ and highlife duet ‘Bottom Belle’ with Flavour, creating more anticipation. The usual suspects Dokta Frabz and Cobhams will handle production on the forthcoming yet-to-be titled LP.

Tiwa Savage – Tiwa Oni Baje

It’s only been two years since Tiwa Savage returned to Nigeria and blew our minds with the chart-topping single ‘Kele kele’. Keeping up the tempo with two other successful singles ‘Love Me X3’ and the duet with Don Jazzy ‘Without my heart’, Tiwa has been able to position herself as the hottest R&B singer in the country. We would however love to see her put her writing prowess into her album coupled with a touch of MAVIN production.

W4 – TBD

Mr Wonder, as he calls himself, made a remarkable change to his career last year when he gave it a makeover, adopting the Afrobeat-Fela style. This produced the smash hit ‘Kontrol’ which W4 used to soar very high. He says the album is under construction, so we’ll have to wait to see what the former Naija Ninja-Hypertek fella will bring forth on his second LP. (W4 released his first album ‘Temperature’ in 2008).

Waje – Words Aren’t Just Enough

After five singles and four videos since her debut in 2009, you’d be right to say R&B singer Waje’s debut album is long overdue. It’s hard to qualify the talented vocalist as a starter, after knocking off hooks for the likes of Psquare, M.I, 2Shotz, and Naeto C, and headlining top events. The album, titled ‘Words Aren’t Just Enough (W.A.J.E) will be released this July, and will feature Omawumi and Muna, with production from J Martins, E Kelly and others.

Wande Coal -TBD

Wande’s career has been quite interesting so far – From Mushin to Mo’Hits to MAVIN. The dark and chubby singer wowed us with a near-classic debut album ‘From Mushin to Mo’Hits’  in 2009. The album is now a yard stick being used to measure the success of any other pop record. It’s been three years, and we are hoping he can replicate the genius quality on another record, especially since he brightened our hopes with the release of three new singles last year. A MAVIN compilation album which dropped weeks ago has however pushed back the album’s release.

Follow @thenetng