The year 2024 may not have been a standout year for music overall, especially compared to last year when numerous summer hits topped the charts. Despite the continued popularity of Afrobeats and amapiano, the African music scene has not seen the emergence of major new talent this year, leaving fans yearning for the fresh sounds that characterized the previous year.
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However, several remarkable albums released in the first half of 2024 have managed to capture the audience’s attention, offering a captivating experience with their melodies, tracklists, and instrumentals.
The 10 Best African Albums of 2024 So Far
In this article, we explore ten of the most outstanding African albums of 2024 so far, showcasing the diversity and talent within Africa’s music scene, despite a quieter year for some of the biggest names.
Here are the 10 best African albums of 2024 so far:
10. King Promise – True to Self
Currently at No. 57 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Charts and topping Ghana’s Apple Music album charts, King Promise’s “True to Self” is one of the best African albums of 2024.
Released on June 14, 2024, under 5K Records Ltd and Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd, this 12-track album includes singles like “Perfect Combi” with Gabzy, “Terminator,” “Favourite Story” featuring Olivetheboy and Sarkodie, and “Continental” featuring Shallipopi. The album blends highlife, Afrobeats, dancehall, and more, showcasing King Promise’s evolution as an artist.
9. Vibez INC – VICM Vol 1
Vibez Incorporation Mixtape Vol. 1, led by Seyi Vibez, is another standout release of 2024. Released on May 10, 2024, this 10-song project features British rapper Tion Wayne and Nigerian artists Bloody Civilian, Dwillsharmony, and Balloranking. It blends street-pop, afro-adura, Afrobeats, and hip-hop, with its relatable lyrics and amapiano-infused sound. This album spent seven weeks on Nigeria’s TurnTable Chart, peaking at No. 1.
8. Ruger x BNXN – R&B
Ruger and BNXN’s joint extended play “R&B” is one of the best African albums of 2024. Released on April 17, 2024, this project features singles like “Romeo Must Die (RMD)” and has spent 10 weeks on TurnTable Charts. Despite the former rivalry between the two artists, standout tracks like “Ilashe,” “POE,” and “Bae Bae” showcase their exceptional vocal talents and songwriting skills, enhanced by top-tier producers like Sarz, Blaisebeatz, and Kukbeatz.
7. Young Jonn – Jiggy Forever
Young Jonn’s debut album “Jiggy Forever,” featuring artists like Don Jazzy, Zlatan, Sean Paul, Blaqbonez, Kizz Daniel, and Seyi Vibez, is a notable release of 2024. This 16-track album includes hit singles such as “Aquafina,” “Big Big Things,” “Sharpally,” and “Go Hard.” Peaking at No. 2 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Charts, “Jiggy Forever” stands out for its impressive talent and creativity.
6. Illbliss – Sideh Kai
“Sideh Kai” by Illbliss is the only hip-hop album on our list. This 16-track album features collaborations with artists like Umu Obiligbo, ODUMODUBLVCK, Vector, Ladé, FAVE, and Mádé Kuti. With hard-hitting punchlines and groovy instrumentals, “Sideh Kai” is a masterclass in hip-hop and Afrobeats, making it one of the best African albums of 2024.
5. Tems – Born in the Wild
Tems’ debut album “Born in the Wild” was released on June 6, 2024, featuring standout tracks like “Get It Right” with Asake, “Wickedest,” “Gangsta,” “Boy O Boy,” and “Free Fall” with J. Cole. With production credits from Tems, Spax, Sarz, and others, this 18-track LP showcases her unique sound and exceptional talent, solidifying her place in the African music scene.
4. Victony – Stubborn
Victony’s debut album “Stubborn,” released on June 21, 2024, features collaborations with Teezo Touchdown, Saint JHN, Asake, and others. With a blend of contemporary melodies and futuristic sounds, this 14-track album is charting in over 14 countries’ Apple Music album charts, showcasing Victony’s daring innovation and musical prowess.
3. Kizz Daniel – TZA
Kizz Daniel’s EP “TZA” features recent hits “Twe Twe” and “Too Busy to be Bae,” peaking at number one on the TurnTable album chart. Released on March 11, 2024, this 4-song extended play includes hit tracks “Sooner,” “Showa,” and “Twe Twe,” with production credits from Reward Beatz, AyZed, P. Prime, and Killertunes.
2. Tyla – TYLA
Tyla’s debut album “Tyla,” released on March 22, 2024, features guest appearances from Kelvin Momo, Tems, Gunna, Skillibeng, Becky G, and Travis Scott. Blending amapiano, pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, this album has charted in 30 countries on Spotify and 64 countries on Apple Music. Tyla’s debut marks a significant triumph for African pop music.
1. Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
Ayra Starr’s second LP “The Year I Turned 21” captures her growth as an artist. Featuring collaborations with Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, Seyi Vibez, and others, this album showcases her exceptional talent and solidifies her status in the music industry. Peaking at number 1 on the TurnTable Charts, this album is a milestone in Ayra Starr’s career.
These albums are proof that Africa’s music scene remains vibrant and full of talent, even in a year where some of the biggest names released fewer songs than usual.
