501’s Top 10 Afrobeat Tapes of 2020
In 2020, Afrobeats was the soundtrack to pandemonium. Although we didn’t get to enjoy music at our favourite clubs, bars, music festivals, and parties, isolation demanded that we enjoy music for ourselves. As a result, we individually determined what music would help us survive this unbearable year. These are our top 10 albums of 2020.
10. Prettyboy D-O: Wildfire
Wildfire — much like PrettyboyDO’s persona is like a ray of light. We feel this from his sweet melodies, messages within his tracks & his powerful lyrics whether it be about a woman he’s trying to get to or about the police or anyone who has crossed paths with him DO makes his opinions well known. Personally this EP almost sort of felt like it was split down the middle in terms of the emotions DO was trying to radiate with his songs — ones like Same Energy, Wetin You Smoke & Odeshi are highly confrontational upbeat grooves that DO is engaging with someone who he might have problems doing so on beats that could easily be turned to club bangers and that’s exactly what prettyboyDO did. He showcased his versatility with his other two songs — Mentally & Reality speaking his mind on tropical dancehall beats exploring different topics such as love, women & life in general. The project as a whole feels like a breath of fresh air and shows us more in terms of what DO can do, really cementing his status within the alternative side of afrobeats.
9. Tems: For Broken Ears
Tems delivered one of the best musical performances this year dropping hit records all over not only by dropping her project “For Broken Ears” but also creating a hit on Wizkid’s album “Essence”. Tems has always been known for her unique voice and specific selection of bouncy RnB beats where she can easily ride and musically tell tales about love, heartbreak and life in general. Once again Tems is another act to look out for in 2021 with the amount of sheer versatility she has at her disposal also providing a hit on the DRB Lasgidi album “Trouble”. “For Broken Ears” has 7 ears with each song being highly relatable and causes you to think deeply about her lyrics and motivates you to do better. This is a solid project that most definitely has replay value at any given point in time.
8. DRB: Pioneers
This year the Double R Boys (DRB Lasgidi) finally gave us their first completed project in Pioneers. Really and truly they are they way makers in discovering and exploring the alternative side to afrobeats as well as infusing Hip Hop , Rap & RnB into their songs. Each single on the album puts you in a different mood and almost gives you that nostalgic feeling of when you might have first heard DRB Lasgidi with their unique sound back in 2012. The leading track “Trouble” which seeks accompaniment from soulful RnB singer Tems is an afrobeat jam that has it all — from Tems riding on the beat with her soft, unique voice to Fresh L’s versatile rapping ability and Teezee delivering as he always does and to top it all off it was fine on an Adey beat. The album is really worth the listen with multiple songs off the album having multiple replay value and longevity with them still being played on the radio and heard everywhere. The only way is up for DRB and we can’t wait to hear what’s more that they have for us in store
7. Oxlade: Oxygen
This year Oxlade gave us O2 (Oxygen) which is a play on his name and gave us reasons why he is unique in his craft and niche of music. His hit single “AWAY” is an indie infused afrobeat bop that got heads turning and wondering what the artist can also provide. With this project he did exactly that, showed his vocal range and his melodies as well as harmonic falsetto’s which he is known for on each track. Only lasting 18 minutes the project is a soft listen with Oxlade’s soothing voice riding on top of mellow, soulful beats.
6. Davido: A Better Time
Our 6th pick is A Better Time which Davido really promised us it was really and truly going to be a better everything coming along with the album, better delivery, better beat selection, and better all round songs from his previous album A Good Time. Davido while Remaining true to his Nigerian roots sought help from his international colleagues in Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Nas, Chris Brown & Sauti Sol amongst others. His self proclaimed hit single “The Best” went Number 1 within Nigeria and other countries across Africa seeking aid from his DMW key signee Mayorkun. A Better Time is really and truly a good listen with hit records being sprinkled all over the album.
5. Wizkid: Made In Lagos
Starboy fans and critics are asking themselves has Wizzy peaked or is he dropping retirement music? Wizkid’s long awaited album finally dropped this year and some may argue that it was well worth the wait. A lot of fans were waiting for 2014 Wizkid and were left disappointed as Wizkid opted for a rather more VSOP and chill vibes on this new tape. Wiz recruits fellow sensations Tay Iwar, Terri and Tems (just to mention a few) and they all do justice to their various roles. This time Wizkid decided to go in a slower direction with sensual beats with his lover being the main topic of discussion in most of his songs. Hit songs like Ginger with Burna Boy are a result of what happens when two of the best in Nigeria link up on a track. Essence with Tems & True Love with Tay Iwar are classic collaborations of various sounds merged into one. Made in Lagos overall is a masterpiece filled with multiple guitar samples, and RnB references.
4. Tiwa Savage: Celia
At Number 4 is Motown Record’s very own Tiwa Savage, with her recently signing a label deal with the international record label Tiwa Savage proudly displayed to the world where she’s from and what has gotten her to where she is in afrobeats. With only 13 songs the album feels like a quick listen with space-like feeling instrumentals , tropical harmonies and melodious samples Tiwa sang on the state of current affairs on hit song Koroba, resisting engagement with her lover with multiple award acclaimed artist Sam Smith & what seemed to be a cautious love song duet with Davido. Overall the album shows Tiwa’s vocal dexterity and proves her position as one of the front runners for women in the music industry.
3. Olamide: Carpe Diem
Olamide is an artist who is already well established within the Nigerian music industry, however “Carpe Diem” in particular really cemented his legendary status within Nigerian Music. The YBNL boss gave opportunity to multiple fast rising acts such as Bella Shmurda, Bad Boy Timz & Omah Lay who in return repayed the favour by giving “Baddo” multiple chart topping hits in Loading, Infinity & Triumphant. The project as a whole felt complete as is definitely worth the listen.
2. Omah Lay: Get Layd
Omah Lay seemed to catch everyone by surprise in 2020 by dropping a series of singles and suddenly an EP “Get Layd” which took the Nigerian music industry by storm which his powerful yet highly relatable lyrics. His hit single has gone on to receive a remix from award winning artist “6lack”. The singer was able to provide a solid project with women being the forefront topic / theme of his songs, with only 5 songs it is a quick listen and is able to get you reminiscing about someone special.
1. Burna Boy: Twice As Tall
Twice as Tall comes off the backbone of Burna Boy’s second studio album “African Giant” which some may argue introduced afrobeats on the global stage. Twice as Tall conveys typical African melodies as well as groove with Burna seeking assistance to Nigerian Producers such as Leriq, Telz & Rexxie with some accompaniment from Timbaland & Mike Dean to map the songs on a global stage. Burna Boy is one of the most versatile artists out of Nigeria and this is seen all over the albums with features from Chris Martin, Naughty by Nature & Stormzy, Burna was able to successfully market himself with an array of harmonies and hits across the album.
