The African music scene in 2024 continues to thrive with groundbreaking albums that blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences.
Aside from streaming statistics, hit songs, charts, and massive numbers, these albums have provided us with a compelling experience. In this essay, we look at ten of the best African albums released thus far in the first half of 2024.
These picks demonstrate that Africa’s music scene is diverse and talented, even if some of the biggest names have recorded fewer songs than normal. They include album debuts by rising artists as well as comebacks by musicians whose works have been anticipated in African music in 2024.
Here are the top 10 African albums in the first half of 2024 (in no particular order) that have made significant waves, each showcasing the rich diversity and talent of the continent’s artists.
10. Young Jonn – “Jiggy Forever”
Young Jonn’s Jiggy Forever captures his signature production style, merging Afro beats with contemporary sounds. The album’s energetic tracks and collaborations with top artists like Don Jazzy, Zlatan, Blaqbonez, Ya Levis, Kizz Daniel, Sean Paul, and Seyi Vibez reflect his influential role in the industry. The album includes hit singles such as Aquafina, Big Big Things, Sharpally, and Go Hard.
Listen on Spotify: Young Jonn’s Jiggy Forever
9. Jeriq & Psycho YP – “Evil Twin”
Evil Twin is a hard-hitting collaboration between Jeriq and Psycho YP. Featuring gritty lyrics and powerful beats, the project highlights their lyrical prowess and chemistry, making it a must-listen in 2024. The EP has five tracks, one featuring Phyno. This collaboration, a standout from the “Evil Twin” album, is more than just a song; it’s a fusion of lyrical prowess and infectious beats that defines the essence of Igbo Hip Hop.
Listen on Spotify: Jeriq & Psycho YP – “Evil Twin”
8. Victony – “Stubborn”
Victony’s debut album, Stubborn, is a bold and eclectic album that highlights his unique approach to music. The project’s emotive lyrics and diverse soundscapes make it a standout release amongst the albums dropped so far in 2024, reinforcing Victony’s place in the Nigerian music scene after he had to fight many battles.
Stubborn features a diverse group of artistes, including Teezo Touchdown, Saint JHN, Asake, Shallipoppi, and Shorae, some of whom are making their debuts in the Afro beats scene.
Listen on Spotify: Victony – “Stubborn”
7. Kizz Daniel – “TZA”
In Kizz Daniel’s TZA (short for Thankz Alot), he explores new musical territories in the EP while staying true to his Afro pop roots. The album features a mix of upbeat anthems and introspective tracks, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his status as a major player in African music.
Released on March 11, 2024, Reward Beatz, AyZed, P. Prime, and Killertunes produced his solo four-song extended play, “Sooner,” “Showa,” “Too Busy to be Bae,” and “Twe Twe,” all of which are hits.
Listen on Spotify: Kizz Daniel – “TZA”
6. Psycho YP, Azanti – YP & Azanti Vol.2
This collaborative project, YP & Azanti Vol.2, showcases the synergy between Abuja’s finest sing-rap duo, Psycho YP and Azanti. Azanti and Psycho YP let loose as they experiment with Afro pop, Amapiano, hip hop, funk, and dance to create a ten-track album that showcases global contemporary influences while also remaining in touch with the sensibilities of the Afro beats audience without losing sight of the signature cool kid music that drives their brand.
Listen on Spotify: Psycho YP, Azanti – YP & Azanti Vol.2
5. Olamide – “Ikigai”
Olamide’s Ikigai celebrates life and purpose, blending traditional Yoruba sounds with contemporary beats. Featuring collaborations with various artists, the 7 track EP underscores Olamide’s enduring impact on the African music scene.
The surprise EP, which was released on June 27, 2024, had a positive welcome from listeners, and its outstanding first-day numbers confirmed Olamide’s status as the most streamed African rapper on Spotify. He features YBNL superstars Fireboy and Asake, and he also collaborated with old YBNL allies Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh.
Listen on Spotify: Olamide – “Ikigai”
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4. Shallipoppi – “Shakespoppi”
Shakespoppi by Shallipoppi is an experimental venture that pushes the boundaries of Afro pop. The album’s eclectic tracks highlight Shallipoppi’s innovative approach, making it a noteworthy release this year.
Five months after releasing his first album, “Presido La Pluto,” Nigerian rapper, singer, and composer Shallipopi returns with a brand-new album, “Shakespoppi,” his sophomore project.
The nine-track album features collaborations with Reeha and Jeneral, as well as Zerry DL and Tega Boi from his Plutomania Records label.
Listen on Spotify: Shallipoppi – “Shakespoppi”
3. Tyla – “TYLA”
Tyla’s self-titled debut album TYLA is a vibrant blend of Afro pop and dancehall. Her charismatic delivery and infectious rhythms make this project a standout, establishing Tyla as a significant new voice on the global stage.
The project was released on March 22, 2024, and features guest appearances from Kelvin Momo, Tems, Gunna, Skillibeng, Becky G, and Travis Scott.
The album has had a significant impact worldwide, charting in 30 countries on Spotify and 64 on Apple Music, including the United Kingdom, the US, and Canada. Tyla debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, peaking at number 26 on the Canadian Albums Chart and reaching number 19 on the UK Albums Chart. It also hit at number 25 in Nigeria’s turntable charts.
Tyla’s music crosses ethnic boundaries and connects with people all across the world. It is a big achievement for Tyla as an artist and a significant chapter in African pop music.
Listen on Spotify: Tyla – “TYLA”
2. Tems – “Born in the Wild”
Tems highly anticipated debut album, Born in the Wild, is a masterclass in versatility and depth. Spanning 18 tracks, the album features collaborations with Asake on “Get It Right” and J. Cole on “Free Fall“.
The 18-track LP was released on June 6, 2024, and reached No. 3 on Nigeria’s TurnTable album rankings, it is one of the highly acclaimed albums to be released in 2024. Tems, Spax, Sarz, London, GuiltyBeatz, Nsikak David, DameDame and P2J all contributed to the album’s production.
Tems blends sultry R&B with Afro beats and Amapiano, exploring themes of self-discovery and resilience.
Listen on Spotify: Tems – “Born in the Wild”
1. Ayra Starr – “The Year I Turned 21”
Ayra Starr marks a significant milestone with The Year I Turned 21, an album that reflects her growth as an artist. Combining soulful ballads with upbeat tracks, this project showcases her diverse musical influences and personal journey.
Her second album, The Year I Turned 21, represents the next chapter in her pop fame narrative. While her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, focused on an angsty Ayra jaded by bad past relationships, TYIT21 portrays a Grammy-nominated Starr bent on getting the bag.
The album features collaborations with Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, Seyi Vibez, Milar, and includes the single Santa by Rvssian, with Raw Alejandro and Ayra Starr. Producer credits go to London, Marvey Muzique, P2J, Ragee, AOD, Off n Out, Sparrq, Mike Hector, and more.
Listen on Spotify: Ayra Starr – “The Year I Turned 21”
These albums not only highlight the diversity and richness of African music but also underscore the continent’s significant influence on the global music landscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, these projects are essential listens for 2024.