Best 20 Nigerian Music Albums (January-May, 2023)

Nigeria is a thriving orbit for the arts, especially music, with new records added from time to time. It is home to some of the finest musicians, too, so there is always something for those who love a good time and deliverance from the curse of boredom.

It is May already – as some would say, the beginning of the second quarter of the year – and there is so much to pick from in terms of albums. In that timespan, so much has been released, encapsulating several genres.

So chances are, whatever your taste in music, you will likely find a project that aligns with your soul. While several albums have been released so far this year, we are not focused on all. One post can’t possibly interrogate all of them.

On that count, we will be limiting ourselves to just a few of the released albums. So tag along with us as we share what we consider the best 20 Nigerian music albums released between January and May 2023.

The list is given in no particular order.

1. Davido – Timeless

David Adedeji Adeleke, the Nigerian singer who goes by the stage name Davido, released the album in March after letting fans know the project was on the way. It was a long wait for that “Blessing,” but when it dropped, fans were more than excited to embrace it.

The project came soon after the songster must have partially recovered from the sudden death by drowning of his son Ifeanyi. It was a tragedy that reverberated across Nigeria, and the singer himself had to take a break.

Partially recovered, he had informed fans that there was time for everything, from mourning to what say you. It was the time for “Timeless,” and he released the project, featuring several notable international figures. He didn’t have to spend much on the album but has made so much from it already, according to him.

2. WaleRey – Walk With Me

Wale Rey’s “Walk With Me” EP, released February 3, is an unapologetic, emotionally energising compilation that should make the playlist of music lovers out there, whatever their genre of devotion. It’s got enough relatable numbers to have you coming to it over and over.

3. Rexxie – Big Time

Rexxie is more of a producer who has worked with some industry notables, including Zlatan Ibile and Naira Marley. But as he showed in his “Big Time” offering, he is equally good when delivering his own numbers.

His “Big Time” EP, released on March 9, shows a musician at ease with himself and eager to entertain his listeners while giving them peeks into the good life without the boring breaks. This compilation is good for the weekend – something to have a blast with.

4. Tim Godfrey – Greater

Here comes something for the Christians. Popular gospel artist Tim Godfrey, famous for his focus on spiritual things, illuminates the path of faith with this soul-lifting compilation. As you probably already know, in the world today, there are powers.

But then, as it is often said, “power pass power,” indicating there is a superior being. Here, Tim lavished his devotion on God, taking with him those desirous of a similar experience. This compilation will edify the body of Christ and should make the playlist of any Christian contending with challenges – anyone whose faith is weak.

5. Zlatan – Omo Ologo EP

He might be described as an example of the saying that those who persist will most likely get to where they envision themselves. Years ago, Zlatan Ibile was an obscure voice popping in the DMs of some notable figures, including Olamide, hoping to be given a platform, a voice to showcase himself.

He was mostly ignored for a long time, but things began to change. Those who had previously ignored him began to give him what he asked for. A lot has changed since then, and what we have now, partly encapsulated in “Omo Ologo,” is the story of a man who would not give up.

6. Mercy Chinwo – Elevated

Another one for lovers of gospel music out there. Celebrated singer Mercy Chinwo brings the spirit of the believer out of the pits of uncertainty and fear with this edifying collection of songs that’s resonant on many levels.

“Elevated” is soul-lifting and a win for the body of Christ. The songstress appeared to have taken her time creating this because there is no number out of place in this collection. Each song speaks to the soul in a way you might not understand. Just listen and see the Spirit in action. Be “Elevated”!

7. L.A.X – No Bad Vibes

With L.A.X, there is clearly “No Bad Vibes.” At least the songster makes this apparent with this compilation. From the very first track, you know that you are in for something grand, which is precisely what you get from this complication.

Contrary to what the songster’s adopted stage name might suggest, the songster is not a profile in laxity, nor are the songs in his latest body of work recipes for wild yawns. On the contrary, you have an energising collection that will ignite any party anywhere.

8. Ajebutter22 – Soundtrack To The Good Life

Released January 20 this year, Ajebutter22’s “Soundtrack To The Good Life” is exactly what it claims it is – a compilation that pays allegiance to a good time and the good life, a compilation that you listen to and what to hear a second time. It is that engaging.

9. Spinall – Top Boy

You might disagree with him, but Spinall, a celebrated DJ, surely knows his place in the Nigerian music universe. He illuminates his reality with this cool collection released on February 17. The months may have passed, but the appeal of this compilation remains. Meet the “Top Boy,” peeps.

10. Pheelz – Pheelz Good

It is not beyond Pheelz to play on his adopted stage name, which is why you have the “Pheelz Good” EP. The title of the compilation can be read two ways, though – a play on the adopted stage name, as well as the ability of the singer himself. There are just no boring breaks with this compilation released on February 10.

11. Samsong – Master of the World

It is not beyond gospel artists to glorify God with their songs. In fact, as they say down here, that is the koko – the real thing. Samsong does that splendidly with his “Master of the World.” That master is no other than God, to whom the singer lavishes his devotion.

12. IBK – A New Thing

Old things are passed away, and all things have become new. That is the Scripture, which IBK amplified beautifully in this album which should easily pass for an anthem of redemption. It was released on March 31.

13. Nathaniel Bassey – Hallelujah Live

This is not exactly your hallelujah challenge, but Nathaniel will still get your attention with this gospel offering dubbed “Hallelujah Live.” Released on March 24, this compilation comprises several spirit-lifting numbers that stand as blessings to the body of Christ.

The sheer energy of this compilation will keep the soul of the listener warm for a very long time. And for those thirsting for the waters of salvation, chances are, they would see what they seek in this body of work. Say, Hallelujah!

14. Onyinye – Stay Gone

The vehemence of this title is not something anyone can easily shrug off. But the force goes beyond the title, however. This EP, released on January 17, makes for an engaging musical experience. Its inclusion here is earned.

15. Lyta – Stranger EP

He is no stranger to adversity. In fact, it might be said that trouble made him. And Lyta has continued to show that he has excellent staying power. “Stranger” EP, released February 10, shows the songster in the middle of a creative, lyrical baptism. Allow this project to light up your day.

16. Ice Prince – To Be Continued

As a title, “To Be Continued” rings so facetious, but there is nothing really flippant about this latest offering from Ice Prince. If nothing else, with this compilation, the songster shows that he remains a prince in the universe of Nigerian music. The project was released on February 17. Well, “To be Continued.”

17. Kel-P – Bully Season Vol.1′

February 24 came, and the Nigerian music scene had the opportunity to embrace a new compilation dubbed “Bully Season Vol.1” EP, an offering from Kel-P.

A lot comes to mind from the title, but here is the thing: This body of work is a bully. It bullies boredom out of your day, your life. Now, who wouldn’t want that? It’s a bully season, mate.

18. Lindsey Abudei – Kaleidoscope

The name of this millennial might not be buzzi g all over the place, but she has released a memorable project so far this year. Her “Kaleidoscope” project is as much a testament of faith as it is of audacity.

Released on February 10, this project is a fine addition to the body of Nigerian music. It’s worth the playtime.

19. King Perry – Continental Playlist

He first erupted in the consciousness of many via his links with Timaya, who signed him to his record label. But King is still very much his own man — a musician able to snag attention with his lyrics.

He did that magically with his “Continental Playlist” EP, released on February 10 this year.

20. Blaq Jerzee – Lost Flies

The lost files are here recovered, and they make for great entertainment — only if you would take the trouble to listen to them. This compilation was released on March 10, and it shows the songster wearing his musical gifts like a sleeve.

It is hard not to fall in love with what the songster has put together — a compilation that illuminates several aspects of his life and story and might be a mirror of someone’s out there as well. Definitely worth checking out.