5 Nigerian albums that turned 10 in 2023

By Jimmy

The Nigerian music industry has experienced tremendous growth in the last couple of years, thanks to the hard work of teams and talents. Most of the artistes who are on a path of global domination today did not just start; they have been working on their craft, bidding time and sharing good music.

The early 2010s was a period of musical expansion that saw a lot of artistes rise. And while most have fallen into the cracks of history to be forgotten, a few of them remain evergreen, as they were pivotal in the success that the artistes enjoy today.

Hence, Ikejabird is looking at five Nigerian albums that turned 10 in 2023, highlighting the artiste and the album itself.

Five Nigerian albums that turned 10 in 2023

D’banj – D’Kings Men

D’Kings Men was D’banj’s way of saying “Old does not mean dead”; a bold statement on his lingering relevance in the music industry. Released on June 24, 2023, under DB Records and Sony Music, the album was produced by Don Jazzy, Jay Sleek, and Dee Vee.

D’Kings Men received mixed reviews from music critics and entertainment enthusiasts with some applauding the work done on it while others felt it was an average album. Nevertheless, it had several hit songs like ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense,’ ‘Oliver Twist,’ ‘Sister Caro,’ and ‘Scape Goat – The Fix.’

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Tiwa Savage – Once Upon A Time

Released on July 3, 2013, under Mavin Records, ‘Once Upon A Time’ is Tiwa Savage’s debut album with a robust feature of great artistes on it.

The album received several positive reviews from fans as well as entertainment enthusiasts. It was nominated as Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards as well as Best R&B/Pop Album at the Headies Awards in 2014.

Some of the hit songs on the 21-track album are ‘Eminado,’ ‘Ife Wa Gbona,’ ‘Kele Kele Love,’ and ‘Wanted.’

Burna Boy – L.I.F.E

Released on August 12, 2013, under Aristokrat Records, ‘L.I.F.E’ is Burna Boy’s debut studio album, and an acronym for Leaving an Impact for Eternity. This album served as a follow-up to his second mixtape, ‘Burn Identity’ which was released in 2011.

On the first day of its release, L.I.F.E sold 40,000 copies, and Aristokrat Records then sold the album’s marketing rights to Uba Pacific for N10 million.

Some of the hit songs on the 15-track album are ‘Like To Party,’ ‘Yawa Dey,’ and ‘Run My Race’.

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Reminisce – Alaga Ibile

Released on November 7, 2013, Alaga Ibile is Reminisce’s second studio album with high-profile features like Eleniyan with Wizkid, and Daddy featuring Davido. Other features include those with Naeto C, and Olamide.

According to reports, Alaga Ibile had an estimated million copies sold. Also, Reminisce was named one of the seven ‘Global Rappers You Should Meet’ by Time Magazine in 2014.

Some of the hit songs on the 16-track album are ‘Sunkere,’ ‘Fantasi,’ ‘Eleniyan,’ and ‘Daddy Mi.’

Olamide – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth

If there is one artiste who had the early 2010s in a chokehold, it was the Baddoo himself, who had so much inspiration, he was releasing albums back-to-back years. And all were hits.

‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth’ is Olamide’s third studio album following ‘Rapsodi’ and ‘YBNL.’ Released on November 7, 2013, under YBNL, it won Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Award and won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at the 2014 Headies Awards.

Some of the hit songs on the 21-track album are ‘Durosoke,’ ‘Anifowose,’ ‘Turn Up,’ ‘Dope Money,’ and ‘Rayban Abacha.’

The Nigerian music industry has grown and the list of Nigerian albums that turned 10 in 2023 is proof of that. The albums themselves still feel like they were released just yesterday and all have songs that are sure to make crowds go wild when they come.