Albums That We Loved in 2022

A compilation of Nigerian albums that resonated with the zeitgeist in 2022.

It has been a glorious year for Afrobeats. The genre has triumphed, conquering and penetrating new grounds across the globe. This year, the likes of Burna Boy, Tems, Asake and Oxlade raked in several international awards, making Afrobeats a more recognised genre in the world.

2022 saw the release of brilliant bodies of work from an array of artists. Out of these albums, some of them stand out and have seemingly made an impression on listeners. Here’s a list of 10 albums that rocked the Nigerian music space in 2022 (in a non-chronological order):

Asa ‘V’

There are many ways to describe Asa’s music but no word quite hits the nail on the head like ‘celestial.’ Asa’s V explores various themes such as life, adulthood and relationships. She remains a talented vocalist whose lyrics require some attention for you to decipher. Collaborating with the likes of Wizkid and Cavemen, Asa makes an attempt at making her most commercial album yet and the result is nothing short of phenomenal.

Rema ‘Rave and Roses’

With his debut album, Rema hollers about his lifestyle, love, sex and fame. After taking over the mainstream with two groundbreaking EPs and a bevy of hit singles, Rema proved to music lovers and critics with Rave and Roses that he is Afropop’s golden child. He showcases his versatility on songs like “Addicted” and “Jo,” dabbling between Afropop and Trap without losing the essence of his sound.

Asake ‘Mr. Money with The Vibe’

Not a lot of artists can boast of the year that Asake has had so far. Signed to Olamide’s YBNL, Asake quickly rose up the ranks with his eponymous EP which contained the infectious hit song “Sungba.” Mr. Money with The Vibe opens with a spiritual vibe “Dull” as Asake descends into a prayerful chant. Incorporating elements of different genres like Fuji, Amapiano and Hip-hop, Asake forges an album that’s filled with prayerful mantras, memorable lines and inimitable flows.

Burna Boy ‘Love Damini’

Without a doubt, Burna Boy is easily one of the most gifted Nigerian artists. Over the years, the singer has earned a reputation for making exceptional albums, winning a Grammy Award for “Best Global Music Album” with Twice as Tall. His latest project, Love Damini, preceded by smash hit single “Last Last,” is seemingly his most vulnerable work yet as he sheds light on the fickle nature of love, having little or no expectation from anyone and the power of dreaming big.

Blaqbonez ‘Young Preacher’

Even though there’s been debate about rap being dead or not, there are few names still hoisting the flag. One of such rappers is Blaqbonez. Braggadocious and stylish, Blaqbonez is an outstanding rapper with an ability to craft pop songs. Young Preacher follows the rapper’s experiences about the rough days of his upbringing, his sexual conquests and the flamboyant lifestyle that comes with fame. On Young Preacher, Blaqbonez highlights how he manages romantic relationships, exploring deeper parts of his emotional and mental state.

Omah Lay ‘Boy Alone’

Two years ago, Omah Lay stormed the Nigerian mainstream with his peculiar style of music, gaining recognition for his critically-acclaimed EP Get Layd. The singer has since distinguished himself with his poetic approach towards songwriting and adept use of witty phrases and sentences. Boy Alone, his debut album, details his struggles with fame, addiction and loneliness. He bares his truth and reality on tracks such as “I’m a Mess” and “Safe Haven.”

Seyi Vibez ‘Billion Dollar Baby’

Seyi Vibez has been at it for a minute. Having won over the love of people on the streets, he entered the limelight after a song “Chance” off his album Billion Dollar Baby dominated charts and airplay for weeks. His music is a reflection of his experiences growing up in the ghetto and his wild ambitions. On Billion Dollar Baby, Seyi Vibez blends elements of Amapiano and Afropop while singing predominantly in Yoruba, with lyrics that any regular Nigerian would consider relatable.

WurlD ‘My WorlD with U’

WurlD’s music speaks to your soul, inspiring a sense of calm. With powerful vocals, WurlD catches the attention of listeners, keeping their attention sustained with unprecedented melodies. His latest offering, My World with U, shows how vulnerable the singer can be as he meanders between RnB, Hip-hop and Afropop to deliver an album douched with themes of love and relationships. There’s a palpable soul-searching that seems to underpin most of the tracks on My World with U.

Obongjayar’s ‘Some Nights I Dream of Doors’

Obongjayar is simply unbelievable. When I think of artists going against the tide and creating art the way that pleases the gods, Obongjayar readily comes to mind. Some Nights I Dream of Doors is a strong thematic album that touches on the liberating power of love, going against the grain and self-acceptance. Not only does his velvety falsetto vocals shine through the album, Obongjayar’s lyrics keep you grounded, sometimes providing clarity for a troubled mind.

AQ, M.I & Blaqbonez ‘Behold The Lamb’

It’s impossible to talk about rap in Nigeria and not mention the names of rappers like M.I and AQ. They’ve held the culture down for years and are yet to lose their sauce. On what seems to be their last project, an album titled Behold The Lamb, the trio which includes Blaqbonez drop heavy bars and punchlines as they hammer on different topics across the 10 tracks on the album.

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How detty has your December been? Which concerts/shows are you planning to go for? Whatever event you attend, please make sure you hold your phone tight. You don’t want to enter a new year worrying about how to gather money for a new phone.

Anyway, I’m grateful for your support throughout the year. We what? We go again.