Nigerian Music Icons Shine in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums: Burna Boy, Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Ade’s Historic Entries
Nigerian music icons Burna Boy, Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Ade have made a significant mark on the global music scene by securing spots in Rolling Stone’s esteemed list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. This coveted list, originally published in 2003 and received only minor updates until 2020, underwent a comprehensive overhaul in its latest edition.
The new list was curated with inputs from over 300 artists, producers, critics, and music industry figures, reflecting a broad spectrum of musical tastes and genres.
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Burna Boy’s album ‘African Giant’, his fourth studio release, claimed the 330th spot on the list. Launched in July 2019, ‘African Giant’ showcases Burna Boy’s unique Afrofusion style, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and Nigerian music. This album not only won the ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards but also earned a nomination for the ‘Best World Music Album’ at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
JUST IN 🚨
— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) January 3, 2024
RollingStone releases fresh list of the TOP 500 GREATEST albums of all time.
3 Nigerian albums made the list.
Any surprises? pic.twitter.com/m1HmzPOqGu
Fela Kuti, a pioneering figure in Afrobeat, also features on the list with his album ‘Expensive Shit’, ranking at number 402. This 1975 release by Fela Kuti and the band African 70, is a significant work in his discography, blending African music with funk and known for its socio-political commentary. ‘Expensive Shit’ has also been recognized in other prestigious rankings, such as being listed at number 78 on Pitchfork’s “Top 100 Albums of the 1970s”.
Completing this trio of Nigerian music legends, King Sunny Ade’s ‘The Best of the Classic Years’ secured the 465th position on Rolling Stone’s list. This compilation album, released in 2003, features a selection of King Sunny Ade’s most significant works, offering a rich blend of juju music and African pop.
These achievements by Burna Boy, Fela Kuti, and King Sunny Ade not only highlight the diversity and richness of Nigerian music but also underscore its significant influence on the global music stage. Their inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums underscores the growing recognition and appreciation of African music genres in the worldwide music industry.
