The best albums in Nigeria 2023 came with an explosion of vibrant diversity, defying easy categorization. Afrobeats remained king, evolving into Afrobeats Fusion, blending in elements of amapiano, R&B, and even traditional sounds.
Rising stars like Asake and Omah Lay pushed boundaries with genre-bending tracks, while veterans like Burna Boy and Wizkid stayed relevant with mature, introspective albums. This diversity inspired the production and subsequent release of the best albums in Nigeria 2023.
Further, hip-hop saw a resurgence with conscious lyricism and soulful beats, led by Blaqbonez and MI Abaga. From gospel influences in Adeyemi’s gospel-infused pop to the political commentary of Falz, Nigerian music pulsed with a cultural heartbeat, reflecting the nation’s joys and struggles.
Table of Contents
Best Albums in Nigeria 2023
Naija music wasn’t just entertainment in 2023; it was a conversation, a celebration, and a powerful expression of identity. Dedication by Nigerian artists delivered beyond expectation. Generally, it was a successful year for Nigerian music industry. Below are the best albums in Nigeria 2023.
1. Work of Art – Asake
Asake, a Nigeiran fusion artist. Photo/The Guardian Nigeria
Asake, the undisputed “Mr. Money” himself, paints a vibrant canvas with “Work of Art.” His signature playful flow rides over infectious Afrobeats rhythms, while the album dips into amapiano territory with tracks like “Joha.” Witty lyrics, catchy hooks, and undeniable dancefloor grooves solidify Asake’s position as a leading voice in the new generation of Nigerian music.
2. Timeless – Davido
Nigerian artist Davido. Photo/The Whistler NG
The Afrobeat kingpin reigns supreme once again with “Timeless.” Davido showcases his musical maturity, effortlessly switching between party anthems like “Stand Strong” and introspective ballads like “No Wahala.” He collaborates with international stars like Chris Brown and Akon, while maintaining his signature Nigerian sound. It’s a confident and diverse offering, proving Davido’s staying power in the ever-evolving Afrobeats world. ‘Timeless’ is one of the best albums in Nigeria 2023.
3. Unruly – Olamide
Street anthems meet introspective bars on Olamide’s “Unruly.” The YBNL boss pours his heart out on tracks like “Pawon” and “Eleda,” while keeping the party going with club-bangers like “Kolokolo.” Olamide’s ability to seamlessly blend his raw street energy with emotional vulnerability makes this album a testament to his versatility and depth as an artist.
4. Pheelz Good – Pheelz
The production mastermind steps into the spotlight with “Pheelz Good,” and the result is pure sonic magic. From the Afro-soulful “Pheelz Like” to the infectious amapiano groove of “Ballin,” Pheelz showcases his genre-bending prowess. It’s a smooth, sultry journey through his musical playground, showcasing the hitmaker’s talent as both producer and artist.
5. Top Boy – DJ Spinall
DJ Spinall takes the role of curator on “Top Boy,” bringing together a star-studded lineup for a pan-African musical feast. Burna Boy delivers a fiery verse on “Gba Gbe,” while Wizkid and Olamide link up for the smooth “Kpom.” Spinall’s masterful mixing and blending of diverse styles make this album a vibrant celebration of African talent.
6. I Told Them – Burna Boy
Burna Boy. Photo/Daily Post Nigeria
The Grammy-winning giant returns with “I Told Them,” which without dispute among the best albums in Nigeria 2023. Burna Boy showcases his unwavering confidence and artistic evolution. Tracks like “Whiskey” and “23” showcase his introspective side.
7. The More, The Better – Tekno
Tekno’s long-awaited comeback album, “The More, The Better,” is a genre-bending masterpiece. Slinky dancehall rhythms mingle with Afrobeat grooves and soulful melodies, showcasing Tekno’s versatility and production prowess. Songs like “Jinmi Abduls” and “Enjoy” are instant earworms, proving that Tekno’s musical magic hasn’t diminished with time.
8. Body & Soul – Joeboy
Joeboy delivers a smooth and sensual serenade with “Body & Soul.” His signature velvety vocals glide over R&B-infused Afrobeats rhythms, creating an intimate atmosphere on tracks like “Spiritual” and “Oshe.” This album showcases Joeboy’s ability to express vulnerability and desire, solidifying his status as a romantic hitmaker.
9. Thy Kingdom Come – Seyi Vibez
Seyi Vibez carves his own niche in the Afrobeats landscape with “Thy Kingdom Come.” His raw, street-infused lyrics paint vivid pictures of Nigerian life, while his melodic delivery adds a layer of introspection. Tracks like “Chance (Gambling)” and “Bad Man” offer a gritty and honest take on Nigerian realities, earning Seyi Vibez a loyal following among Gen Z listeners.
10. Tequila Ever After – Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold takes listeners on a soulful journey with “Tequila Ever After.” His trademark highlife influences marry with contemporary pop sensibilities, creating a unique and mesmerizing sound. Tracks like “Mercy” and “Sinner” showcase Adekunle Gold’s emotional depth and storytelling prowess, while “High” offers a light-hearted counterpoint.
11. Legend or No Legend – Wande Coal
Wande Coal has revitalized his musical allure with the launch of his third album, “Legend or No Legend.” In January, Coal unveiled the initial trio of singles from the album, namely “Let Them Know,” “Come My Way,” and “Kpe Paso” featuring Olamide.
In this latest album, Coal’s performance goes beyond excellence; it is truly spectacular, featuring a contagious dance anthem. He seamlessly blends South African amapiano with various West African musical genres making it to the list of the best albums in Nigeria 2023.
What is the Most Streamed Album in Nigeria 2023?
Timeless by Davido holds the top spot on Spotify with over 241 million on-demand streams (excluding prior release streams). This album is also the most streamed album in Nigeria this year.
