12 Albums To Buy In 2011

By Tomiwa Fawunmi

2010 saw classic, inspirational and not so impressive albums hit the shelves. It’s a new year and Nigerian acts won’t stop chunking out more. Here is a list of 12 albums you should buy; while some are highly anticipated, some are long overdue and some might just be that classic we’ve all been yearning for.

1. Naeto c

Naeto C’s second studio album ‘SUPER C SEASON’ has been a work in progress for over two years, producing chart topping singles like ‘Ako mi ti poju’, ‘Duro’ ft. Y.Q, ‘Ten over Ten’ and the recently released ‘Share my blessings’ ft. Asa. With guest appearances like Asa, YQ, Dagrin Omawumi, Terry G and Waje, ‘SUPER C SEASON’ is by far the most anticipated rap album in 2011.

2. D’banj

His previous albums have never disappointed commercially and even while performing his old songs, D’banj always sounds relevant. Therefore with three hot singles released last year, fans are eager to hear fresh songs off his fourth studio album titled ‘MR ENDOWED’ which was earlier scheduled for release last year.

3. Ice prince

Since emerging winner of the 2009 Hennessy Artistry project, Rapper Ice Prince never looked back, from cameos and appearances to releasing a highly successful single ‘Oleku’, Ice Prince shot his way into the mainstream last year. With the previous success attained by fellow chocolate city label mates, the full body work of his debut album ‘EVERYBODY LOVES ICE PRINCE’ is the least expected from him in 2011.

4. Wizkid

The brilliant kid made his debut appearance on M.I’s ‘Fast Money fast cars’ and since then he has been an industry favorite. Last year he released an excellently delivered single titled ‘Holla at your boy’ and featured on many notable tracks, remaining a recognized act all through 2010. His debut album, on the EME imprint, is expected to drop in the first quarter of 2011.

5. 9ice

Mr. Abolore Akande’s second album ‘GONGO ASO’ was a great success but his marital controversy and scuffle with Ruggedman last year have since dropped him down the pecking order of industry favorites. The Alapomeji boss’ double album ‘BASHORUN GAA’ and ‘VERSUS’ were initially scheduled for release last year but is now expected to be drop early this year.

6. Kelly Hansome

The ‘Maga don pay’ hit maker almost got his career sunk after the hit song off his last album was banned by the National Broadcasting Corporation. He came back into the music scene last year, throwing jabs at various artistes he felt were disrespectful, notably M.I, Mo-hits crew, Kennis Music, Terry G and 2-shotz . The most recent of his diss tracks in response to M.I’s song, ‘beef’ is titled ‘Finish you boy’ ,thereby making his forthcoming album ‘NAMES OF NOISE MAKERS’ highly anticipated as he has promised to call out more names.

7. Sasha

After the release of her debut album ‘FIRST LADY’, her contribution to the music industry has been very minimal with many wondering why she is still regarded as the first lady of Nigerian Hip-Hop. Storm records first lady would now be going all out to prove her critics wrong as she prepares to release her yet to be titled second studio album.

8. Darey

The Soul Muzik R&B singer Darey was silent for months until he dropped two singles ‘The way you are’ and ‘Don’t let me know’ last year . Towards the end of 2010, he released follow up singles ‘Ba ni ki di’ sung in hausa and ‘Si-si Eko’ in Yoruba as he prepares for the release of his third studio album ‘DOUBLE DARE’ scheduled for release early this year.

9. D’prince

After playing for so long in the background, the last born of the Mo’Hits family has been given the opportunity to shine. With four smashing singles and a couple of videos under his belt, his debut album will be looked forward to as it drops later on in 2011.

10. Bez

His strength lies in alternate soul which differs from the average Nigerian up tempo songs. Nevertheless, he gained relevant recognition for himself when he participated in the 2009 Hennessy Artistry project emerging as the second runner up. Fans of soul music are set to be thrilled when his debut album ‘SUPER SUN’ drops this year.

11. Weird MC

She blew up the charts with her monster hit single ‘Ijo ya’ in 2005 but suddenly fizzled out, because of the protracted delay of her follow-up album, only to return with new videos and singles last year in preparation for her next album ‘Broken Silence’ set to be released this year.

12. Ty Bello

The gospel singer cum photographer released a wonderful debut album inspired by hit single ‘Greenland’ in 2006 and had since then gone off the memory of many. She is expected to make a resurging comeback in 2011 after the completion of her second solo album.