Looking for the best Nigerian albums 2023 so far? Here it is! This year has given us some of the best Nigerian Long Plays so far. From the clever debut of Nonso Amadi to the conscious project of A-Q, to the groundbreaking sonics of Omah Lay here are the ten best Nigerian albums released in the first half of the year 2023 so far.
Here are the 10 best Nigerian albums 2023 so far;
Davido – Timeless
Davido’s ‘Timeless‘ was released on March 30, 2023, following an indefinite hiatus from social media platforms. ‘Timeless’ achieved wide success, earning its place on the radar of widely acclaimed pop culture magazines, Tv shows, and radio stations, and also well received by music listeners both at home and abroad – even forging new milestones (becoming the first African album to enter number one on iTunes). Davido’s fourth album sits comfortably as one of the best albums of the year 2023 with its ingenious public relations, succinct artist, and repertoire- which in turn has led to commercial success – garnering over 460 million streams across all credits.
A-Q – God’s Engineering 2
The sixth body of work of popular Nigerian rapper A-Q was one of the most talked about and well-curated Nigerian albums of the first half. The Abia State-born rapper delivered a phenomenal album with the second instalment of his ‘God’s Engineering‘ musical series. God’s Engineering peaked on Nigerian music charts and also achieved considerable streaming milestones. The album equally enjoyed positive reviews from music critics far and wide.
Omah Lay – Boy Alone (Deluxe)
Omah Lay’s ‘Boy Alone (deluxe version)‘ is highly considered one of the best bodies of work that was released in the first half of the year 2023. The Body of Work featured international collaborations inputs from the likes of Aitch, and Ozuna, with new hits such as ‘ Reason’ and ‘Imagine’. Boy Alone (deluxe) charted in 73 countries upon release. The deluxe has been hailed by many as an extension of the singer’s vulnerable and relatable storytelling. It is inarguably one of the best Nigerian albums 2023.
Asake – Work Of Art
Asake’s sophomore album, ‘Work Of Art’ is one of the best Nigerian albums of the year so far. The album brings to life Asake’s default sonic cadence and is a strong album of the year contender.
Seyi Vibez – Vibe Till Thy Kingdom
Seyi Vibez ‘Vibe Till Thy Kingdom’ was released on June 8, 2023, and was one of the most discussed musical projects of the year so far. The singer’s fourth body of work featured artists such as Young John, Russ, Focalistic, and Jibrille.
DJ Spinall – Top Boy
‘Top Boy’ by DJ Spinall was released on the 17th of February 2023 and is an amazing project with an equally amazing line-up of featured acts such as Olamide, Amaarae, Fireboy DML Kemuel, Adekunle Gold, Reekado Banks, BNXN and more.
Rexxie – Big Time
Ace Nigerian music producer Rexxie released an impeccable music project with ‘Big Time’. The body of work was highly profiled and praised for its brilliant sonic components and well-drafted musical collaborators. It is without doubt one of the best Nigerian albums 2023.
Pheelz – Pheelz Good
Well-renowned and experienced music producer cum singer Pheelz dropped one of the most complete bodies of works of the year. ‘Pheelz Good’ is an eight-track oeuvre with zero features but impeccable nevertheless. The album was also a commercial success.
Nonso Amadi – When It Blooms
Nonso Amadi’s debut is a norm shaper and a breath of fresh air in the Nigerian sonic ecosystem. ‘When It Blooms’ is the Canadian-based singer’s long-awaited statement that announces his full genius and forthcoming impact in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. One of the special albums dropped this year so far.
Joeboy – Body & Soul
Nigerian singer Joseph Akinwale Donus popularly known as Joeboy released his sophomore album titled ‘Body & Soul’ with intriguing hits like ‘Duffel Bag’, ‘Contour’, and ‘Body & Soul’. The project has accumulated a total of 600 million streams across major streaming platforms.
In conclusion, the Nigerian music scene in 2023 has witnessed the release of several exceptional albums that have captivated audiences both at home and abroad. From Davido’s highly anticipated comeback album ‘Timeless’ to the conscious and thought-provoking ‘God’s Engineering 2’ by A-Q, and the groundbreaking sonics of Omah Lay’s ‘Boy Alone (Deluxe),’ these albums have left an indelible mark on the industry. Asake’s ‘Work Of Art,’ Seyi Vibez’s ‘Vibe Till Thy Kingdom,’ DJ Spinall’s ‘Top Boy,’ Rexxie’s ‘Big Time,’ Pheelz’s ‘Pheelz Good,’ Nonso Amadi’s ‘When It Blooms,’ and Joeboy’s ‘Body & Soul’ have all contributed to the musical tapestry of the year.
These are the best Nigerian albums 2023. These albums have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also achieved significant commercial success and amassed millions of streams. With their creativity, talent, and innovative sounds, these albums represent the best of Nigerian music in 2023 so far, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating what the second half of the year will bring.
