Rolling Stone just dropped their list of the 250 greatest albums of the 21st century, and guess what? Four Nigerian heavyweights—Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, and Tems—made the cut.
This isn’t just about music. This is a cultural revolution.
Starting with Burna Boy. His African Giant doesn’t just sound good—it feels like a battle cry for Afrobeat domination. Released in 2019, this album grabbed the world’s attention, earned him a Grammy nod, and screamed, “Africa is here to stay!” It’s the type of album that hits deep, blending tradition with the cool edge of modern sounds.
Then there’s Asake, the new kid growing in leaps and bounds. In 2022, he dropped Mr Money With the Vibe, and yeah… he didn’t miss. It’s gritty. It’s energetic. And with tracks like ‘Organise’ and ‘Terminator,’ it quickly became the soundtrack for both local street parties and international playlists.
You can no longer talk about African musical exports without mentioning Tems. In 2020, her debut EP For Broken Ears turned heads and hearts with her soulful sound. Since then, it has been from heavyweight collaboration to the other, rendering validity to her incredible gift to the world. Tems gave us depth, raw emotion, and a vibe that’s made her one of the most sought-after voices globally.
And of course, we have Wizkid. If Afrobeat were a throne, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos is the crown jewel. Released in 2020, this album didn’t just cater to fans back home; it broke boundaries. Collaborations with international heavyweights and that smooth-as-silk vibe? It’s no wonder the world couldn’t get enough.
What makes these albums so special isn’t just the music itself. It’s the stories, the resilience, and the undeniable creativity that went into crafting them. Each one represents a piece of the Afrobeat puzzle that’s taken over the world stage.
So, yeah, these aren’t just albums. They’re proof that Afrobeat is no longer waiting to be recognized. It’s here, it’s loud, and it’s changing the soundscape of the 21st century—one banger at a time.
Feeling the vibe yet? Because the Afrobeat revolution is only just beginning. Especially when you consider the coming giants yet unsung. Talk about the likes of Skelvin. His 2021 album, “Rendition”, registered his name in a competition of promising Nigerian artists whose presence signals the hope of Afrobeat’s global longevity.
