By Ayomide Tayo
The year 2013 has gotten of to a great start with the successful release of albums by Banky W, Omawumi and Waje. The albums from these acts have set the ball rolling on what we should expect for the remaining of the year!
While 2013 is set to be choked with album releases, we’ve profiled some major LPs you must own.
1) R&BW- Banky W has always prided himself as a master of the arts. His third Nigerian album proves so as he delivers yet another collection of pop mixed with RnB songs that please the ears. Singles ‘Loving You‘ and ‘Yes/No‘ are just the tip of the iceberg. Banky W has a lot more in this album that’s already become a bestseller.
2) Lasso of Truth– Omawumi whips her ‘lasso of truth’ on her sophomore album. The album reveals the singer as a sensible, realistic and artistic singer. Omawumi is one of the best when it comes to producing records and Lasso of Truth is filled with pleasantly beautiful cuts.
3) W.A.J.E– Waje is our Nigerian lady of songs. Her debut album almost took an eternity but it was worth the wait. Nigerian RnB hasn’t sounded so good in recent times. Waje compliments her background in the genre with a flirtation with electro pop which works for her. If you are keen on getting quality albums this year, then Waje’s sparkling debut should top your list.
4) DKM– If you are curious on what D’banj sans Don Jazzy‘s production sounds like, then you have to get DKM. DKM (D King’s Men) is a collection of songs from D’Banj and his new crew – Kay Switch and J Sol. The collection features quite a few artistes but none as bigger than Kanye West himself. As we begin to come to terms with the post Mo’Hits era, DKM is an album to get to show you what the future entails.
5) Once Upon A Time– It’s crazy to think Tiwa Savage is just about drop her Nigerian debut. In 2011 she had two top hits- Kele Kele Love and Love Me 3x. Now the first lady of Mavin Records, she is set to drop her debut LP. While the hits haven’t rolled since her first two, she still has a huge presence and growing fan base. Her debut should hold a lot of good surprises especially now that Don Jazzy is back in top shape.
6) Chapter One – What’s life like outside the comfy Squareville Mansion? May D is about to show us on his debut album. May D isn’t wasting time in pushing his first major effort. He has just released the video for his latest single ‘So Many Tinz‘ and prepping the release of Chapter One. The album will definitely be filled with pop songs according to May D’s taste. That alone is a good reason to get it.
7) Iyanya Vs Desire: From hit to hits unto more hits, there are so many songs in Iyanya’s second album that would easily make the DJ’s playlist on a Friday club night. We’re talking about the D’Tunes produced ‘Flavour’, ‘Sexy mama’ duet with Wizkid, the calypso infused ‘Ur waist’ feat protege Emma Nyra and of course monster hit ‘Kukere’.
7) Fire of Zamani– Ice Prince’s second outing promises to be more of the same rather than change based on the singles he has released. That isn’t to say it’s a bad thing- if it’s not broken then don’t fix it. What’s that they say about a winning formula?
8) Wande Coal‘s second album has been in the pipeline for a pretty long time. While circumstances beyond his control have affected the release of his highly anticipated sophomore, Wande is finally ready to drop the LP we’ve all been impatiently waiting for. The dark chubby singer has his fans eagerly waiting for his return thanks to the current success of his singles ‘The Kick’, ‘My Way’ and the newly released ‘Rotate’. His LP is a must buy for 2013.
9) Wizkid‘s sophomore album is highly anticipated especially with the power move he pulled early in the year against his bosses in EME. While the newly released single ‘Jaiye Jaiye’ featuring Femi Kuti has been given the nod of approval by critics, songs like ‘Samba’ and ‘Back To The Matter’ have ensured that Wizzy is still enjoying heavy rotation. His second album which is scheduled to drop in June is reported to be his last with EME. Can Wizkid end his relationship with EME with another hot album? You have to get his sophomore to find out.
10) Burna Boy: What is all the fuss about Burna Boy? Well his debut album will answer that, and many more questions. His debut album which doesn’t have a specific date of release is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Burna Boy had a heavy impact on the charts last year with singles like ‘Tonight’ and ‘Like To Party’. Some say he is the next super star, others say he could be a flash in the pan. His debut album should settle the argument.
11) M.I: The third album from Nigeria’s King of Rap M.I is an album we highly recommend. Ever since the success of his classic debut Talk About It, M.I has had to battle balancing commercial acceptance with pleasing the core rap fans. His new singles ‘Apata’ and ‘Chairman’ show him battling with both sides once again. How he deals with them will be seen on his third LP. Whatever the outcome you know that M.I will deliver an album worth listening to; and album worth buying and keeping.
12) Terry tha Rapman, Pherowshuz, Overdose: The B.A.N.S album by Terry Tha Rapman, Overdose and Pherowshuz has been the wet dream of many rap fans in Nigeria for years. Thankfully the three influential rappers are working on this compilation project. Two singles have already been released- Money All Day featuring Morell and Sexy Lady (Koba) featuring Dammy Krane. The singles have gotten positive feedback. The album is in the last stages of completion. Despite it not having a definite release date, rap fans are eager to hear the B.A.N.S from three of Nigeria’s finest rappers.
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