There are a host of high profile releases still expected however, as some of the music industry’s biggest names continue to work on their debut albums.
We take a close look at some of the stars with possible 2016 full studio album releases to their names.
1. Patoranking
Having won the much coveted Headies ‘Next Rated’ award in 2014, Patoranking has released chart-topping singles like Alubarika, Girlie O, and Daniella Whine, with numerous high-profile features to match.
He is however, still without a studio album and in a series of tweets on June 8 announced that the project, God Over Everything is set to debut sometimes this year.
Name of my debut Album is “GOD OVER EVERYTHING” #GOE2016
— PATORANKING (@patorankingfire) June 8, 2016
Have been working on this for 2 years now…I feel the time is right and the time is now #GOE2016
— PATORANKING (@patorankingfire) June 8, 2016
2. Adekunle Gold
Renowned for his urban highlife style of music, Adekunle Kosoko first gained prominence as a ‘King of Photoshop’ before going on to sign with the thriving Olamide-led label. He went on to win the 2015 Headies award for ‘Best Alternative Song’ with ‘Sade’.
Adekunle Gold has announced that his debut album, Gold is slated for a July 2016 release, delaying the project in honour of the holy month of Ramadan.
3. Simi
The X3M Music act’s sonorous voice has endeared her to music lovers, with her artistic narrations being one of her strongest points.
The talented songwriter has also previously released an EP, Restless but the demand for her major label debut is high. Her recently released single, ‘Love Don’t Care’ continues to garner rave reviews, with ‘Tiff’, ‘Jamb Question’ and ‘Soldier’ solidifying her position as one of the industry’s brightest stars.
Though yet to reveal a date for her major label debut album, Simi has revealed she is taking her musical chemistry with thriving rapper, Falz The Bahd Guy to crafting a joint EP aptly titled ‘Chemistry’.
4. Reekado Banks
His initial releases, ‘Turn It Up’ ‘Katapot’, ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Tomorrow’, coupled with several successful features have proven he is not a flash in the pan.
Post-Headies, the release of his well-received single ‘Oluwa Ni’ and more recently, ‘Standard’ have put him on a path to debut his 2016-slated, yet-to-be-titled album.
5. Cynthia Morgan
Her ragga-style has seen her top the charts with singles such as ‘German Juice’ and ‘Baby Mama’, while she has also shown diversity with previously released numbers like ‘Don’t Break My Heart’, ‘Lead Me On’ and ‘Simati Niya’.
A 2015 Headies ‘Next Rated’ nominee, Morgan has announced her debut album for a 2016 release, with an ambitious 25-track offering.
6. Korede Bello
Since signing to the fledgling Don Jazzy-led label in 2014, Korede Bello continues to find acceptance amongst music enthusiasts.
Though the success of his hit single, ‘Godwin’ is yet to be replicated with subsequent singles, he continues to show promise with releases such as ‘Somebody Great’ ft Asa, ‘Mungo Park’ and ‘Mr Romantic’.
No concrete details yet on a debut album, but a 2016-release is not far fetched for the 2015 Headies ‘Next Rated’ nominee.
7. General Pype
Having gone on to bag several award nominations with his hit, ‘Champion’ as well as gaining popularity with numerous high-profile features, Pype couldn’t put the buzz to good use with a full studio project.
The dancehall act is however looking to make that happen in 2016, already releasing a lead single, ‘The Seed’ from the yet-to-be-titled debut album.
8. Shaydee
He has found due recognition for his personal works, most notably for his vocal ability. He released his singles, 2013’s ‘Won Gbo Mi’ and 2015’s ‘High’ to critical acclaim.
His debut album, ‘SOS’ has been tentatively slated for a 2016 release.
9. YCEE
Though his brand is already fetching him returns in the form of endorsements, it is left to be seen how he weaves his mic presence into a solid body of work.
With successful singles like ‘Condo’ and ‘Jagaban’, anticipation for YCee’s debut album is high.
10. Aramide
Soulful in their brilliance, singles such as ‘It’s Over’, ‘Feeling This Feeling’, ‘Iwo Nikan’, ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Love Me’ have classified the former Trybe Records signee as one to watch out for after her run on 2006’s Star Quest.
Expectations for Aramide’s full studio debut is high, made even more pronounced with her win as the Best Female Vocal Performer at the 2015 Headies awards.
11. Niyola
Not found wanting for talent, brilliance or creativity, her music is unique in its essence. In 2014, she won the Nigerian Entertainment Award for the ‘Female Artist of the Year’, a true testament of her talent.
The cause for an anticipation of Niyola’s debut album has been greatly propelled by well received singles such as ‘Love To Love You’, ‘Toh Bad’, ‘Go On’, and ‘Last Bus-Stop’.
Let’s hope 2016 is the year…
