2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Nigerian music, a testament to its dynamic evolution and growing global influence. From Lagos’ bustling streets to the world’s grandest stages, Nigerian artistes have pushed creative boundaries, delivering projects that redefine genres and set new standards for innovation.

This list doesn’t just celebrate the best of 2024—it highlights the power of great music. Some featured albums, released in 2023, continue to dominate playlists and conversations, proving that outstanding albums outlive release dates.

Here are the Top 10 Albums of 2024.

ASAKE - LUNGU BOY In early 2022, Asake burst onto the scene with the Olamide-assisted hit “Omo Ope”, a record that quickly set the tone for his breakout year. Since then, Asake has consistently delivered chart-topping music, showcasing his talent and rapidly climbing the ranks of the music industry

On August 8, 2024, Asake unveiled his fourth project in three years, titled Lungu Boy—a phrase that translates to "Boy In The Hood." The album marks a notable evolution in Asake's sound. While still deeply rooted in his origins and rich in street slang, the project reflects a more refined and mature artiste. Asake delivers his music in Yoruba, English, and even Spanish, showcasing a broader cultural palette and linguistic versatility.

Asake represents the gritty side of Lagos, blending Yoruba, English, and Spanish while expressing gratitude and ambition.

SEYI VIBEZ - NAHAMCIAGA EP Last year, Seyi Vibez stood as the ghetto preacher, his music serving as gospel that transformed skeptics into his most fervent believers. If he captured the streets’ ears in 2023, then in 2024, he has undoubtedly won their hearts. With the release of his Nahamciaga EP, the prophecy was fulfilled, and tracks like “Different Pattern” and “Cana” elevated him to even greater heights.

As 2024 comes to an end, we celebrate Seyi’s reign.

YOUNG JONN - JIGGY FOREVER Young Jonn's journey to stardom began in his teenage years when he formed a rap group called "Avangar" with his brothers. While they initially rapped over other artistes’ beats, their desire for original music led Young Jonn to explore music production. Armed with Fruity Loops, he embarked on a decade-long career as a hitmaker, crafting chart-topping hits for Olamide, Lil Kesh, and Kizz Daniel.

In 2018, Young Jonn stepped into the spotlight as a solo artiste with "Oshey," showcasing his vocal prowess and songwriting skills. However, it was his 2022 debut EP, "Love is Not Enough," that solidified his position as a fully-fledged artiste.

Riding the wave of success, Young Jonn continued to dominate the music scene in 2023 with hit singles like "Stamina," "Aquafina," and "Sharpally."

On April 12, 2024, he released his debut album, "Jiggy Forever." The 16 tracks is a collection of Afofusion songs that addresses the matters of the hearts while providing the melodies to bop to.

REMA - HEIS Rema’s mastery of cadence is unparalleled. When he speaks—or sings—he commands attention, and the world listens. Since his 2019 self-titled debut EP, “Rema” has silenced any doubts about his versatility. His cadence isn’t about speed or complexity; it’s about leaving a lasting impact.

For Rema, chart success and accolades are secondary. His true pursuit lies in the innovation and acclaim that comes from reshaping the soundscape. His presence is regal, and at the 2023 Headies Awards, he reinforced his role as a custodian of Afrobeats by passionately advocating for its nurturing—standing in stark contrast to those who underestimate its value.

On HEIS, Rema crafts an experience that keeps listeners captivated. The build-up in his songs creates a sense of anticipation, and the melodies resolve into those satisfying “ahh” moments. Tracks like “March Am” and “Now I Know” embody this dynamic, blending suspenseful tension with hooks that deliver relief and resolution.

ASAKE - WORK OF ART Since his meteoric rise to fame in 2022, Asake has exuded the aura of a true superstar. His back-to-back hits that year not only dominated the Nigerian music scene but also significantly influenced the broader landscape of Nigerian pop music.

Released in 2023, Asake’s sophomore album, Work Of Art, is a triumphant and indulgent masterpiece. With this project, he bridged the gap between the gritty streets and mainstream pop, delivering a sound that resonates across diverse audiences.

Work Of Art propelled Asake to new heights, transforming him from a nationwide sensation into a global celebrity. It’s a testament to his evolution as an artiste and his ability to consistently innovate while staying true to his roots. 

KIZZ DANIEL - TZA EP Since his breakout in 2014, Kizz Daniel has solidified his reputation as one of Nigerian music’s most bankable talents, consistently delivering singles and albums that produce hit after hit. Rather than chasing trends or competing for dominance, Kizz Daniel relies on a tried-and-true strategy: staying true to his craft and flooding the Afropop scene with dazzling pop masterpieces.

In 2024, Kizz Daniel released his latest project, the TZA EP. This four-track collection features standout hits like “Twe Twe Remix,” “Showa,” “Sooner,” and the 2023 smash single “Too Busy To Be Bae.” With TZA EP, Kizz Daniel doubles down on the formula that works best for him, embodying the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

ODUMODUBLVCK - EZIOKWU  In 2017, ODUMODUBLVCK asked his friend Agunna how long it would take for him to make it in the music industry. The prediction was five years. While his big break came in 2022, real success materialized in 2023, as ODUMODUBLVCK’s self-belief left the world no choice but to believe in him too.

ODUMODUBLVCK music embodies a gritty, streetwise masculinity that’s impossible to ignore. His style combines explosive 808-heavy production with the message-driven intensity of a BIG K.R.I.T and the hunger-filled delivery of a prime Cassper Nyovest.

Moving with the audacity of a superstar, Odumodu’s words carry the weight of truth. Each release showcased an increasing hunger, confidence, and a burning desire to break through. His rise is a testament to the saying: luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

On EZIOKWU, ODUMODUBLVCK proved his readiness. His polished delivery was complemented by flawless contributions from featured acts, and the production matched his energy perfectly.

Now, a year later, EZIOKWU remains a force, sitting comfortably among the top 10 albums of 2024.

SHALLIPOPI - PRESIDO LA PLUTO At the start of 2023, the name Shallipopi was largely unknown. But by the end of the year, hearing “Worldwide Plutomainians, that na normal thing” became a cultural moment. Not knowing the response to this phrase could easily raise eyebrows—a testament to how deeply Shallipopi had embedded himself into public consciousness.

It’s no small feat for an artiste to establish a distinct musical identity so quickly, yet Shallipopi has done just that. The unmistakable vibe of his music makes it instantly recognizable; you know a Shallipopi song the moment it starts.

Presido La Pluto is many things—playful, humorous, and undeniably appealing. But its greatest strength lies in how effortlessly Shallipopi’s music disarms you, leaving you entertained and coming back for more.

VIBEZ INC - VIBEZ INCORPORATION MIXTAPE, VOL.1 In 2024, Seyi Vibez took a bold step by launching his own record label, Vibez Inc. To introduce his new signees, he implemented a strategic rollout, releasing a new single each day for a week.

The campaign kicked off on April 30th with "Instagram," featuring Seyi Vibez and Muyeez. Building on this momentum, Vibez Inc. dropped "Well Fargo" on May 1st, a track that celebrates perseverance and self-belief. On May 2nd, they surprised fans with "Ogo," a collaboration between Seyi Vibez and Tion Wayne.

Adding to its unique appeal, the mixtape’s artwork drew significant attention. Each single’s cover was styled to resemble a magazine lead page, while the overall mixtape cover paid homage to the iconic XXL Freshman Class cover, reinforcing the project’s theme of new beginnings and the rise of fresh talent.

BURNA BOY - I TOLD THEM Burna Boy has solidified his status as a global music icon, with sold-out tours, chart-topping hits, and numerous awards. His latest album, "I Told Them...", sees him prove a point to everyone that underappreciated him.

This cohesive body of work showcases Burna Boy's ability to appeal to Afrobeats, reggae, and hip-hop lovers.