2024 has been a monumental year for African music, with albums that have broken borders and cut across several amazing genres. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, Hip-Hop to R&B, and Afro-Fusion to Soul, these albums have cemented their creators as trailblazers of modern African sound. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 African albums of 2024 and what we think makes them stand out.
10. True to Self by King Promise
Starting off our top 10 African albums from 2024 is King Promise’s third studio album, True to Self. It is a deeply personal journey wrapped in harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Known for his dynamic Afropop sound, the Ghanaian artist delves into themes of love, identity, and resilience in this project.
The album had a couple of features, including artists like Fave, Ladipoe, Shallippopi, and a few others. Tracks like Permission Granted and Paris showcase his ability to balance out lyrical depth with catchy rhythms.
9. Stubborn by Victony
Victony’s Stubborn lives up to its name, with the Nigerian artist boldly experimenting with diverse sounds. From cleverly delivered samples like Everything to emotionally raw ballads such as Tiny Apartment, the album is a testament to Victony’s refusal to be boxed in.
Besides being sonically strong in itself, Stubborn also had an impressive lineup of features, with artists like SAINt JHN, Asake, Shallipopi, and Shorae Moore adding some much-needed diversity to the project.
8. Full Time Job by Phyno
Next on our top 10 African albums from 2024 is Phyno’s Full Time Job. which is an ode to his Igbo roots and an exploration of his growth as an artist. Featuring heavy-hitting collaborations with artists like Burna Boy, Johnny Drille, and Flavour, the album blends Hip-Hop, Highlife, and Afropop into one sonically sound cocktail.
7. The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 captures the excitement of self-discovery and young adulthood. With its mix of empowering anthems like “Gold Chains” and reflective tracks such as “21 Candles,” Ayra showcases her vocal range and emotional depth.
Released in May 2024, the sophomore album effortlessly covers a range of topics, from newfound love to gender positivity, growing fame, and fear of failure. On this project, she seamlessly delivers her classic R&B and Afro-Pop sound while borrowing heavily from Latin pop, Jamaican dancehall, and Nigerian Highlife.
6. Adedamola by Fireboy
Number six on our list of top 10 African albums from 2024 is Fireboy’s self-titled album, Adedamola. This is a cohesive work of art that mirrors his evolution. The Nigerian singer leans heavily into his Afrobeats roots while incorporating elements of soul, Hip-Hop, and Folk.
Standout tracks like Iseoluwa, Ecstasy, and Wande’s Bop are proof that FireBoy markedly possesses an uncanny ability to create emotive, relatable music that resonates universally. We had a blast reviewing everything about this album. Check it out here!
5. Lungu Boy by Asake
Asake delivers a tour de force with Lungu Boy, combining streetwise lyricism with his signature blend of Afro-Fuji and Amapiano. Songs like Active, Uhh Yeah, and Skating pulsate with energy, while reflective tracks such as MMS and My Heart evidently show his depth.
Asake’s artistry chiefly shines in his ability to maintain a balance between high-energy rhythms and introspection. Furthermore, he effortlessly plays around with several genre-bending sounds– a feat most artists find difficult to achieve.
4. Tyla + by Tyla
South African sensation Tyla makes her mark with Tyla +, a sonic masterpiece. Infused with Amapiano, Pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, the album features infectious tracks like Push 2 Start, Jump, and of course, her viral single, Water.
Tyla’s debut self-titled album stands out for a couple of reasons; It had a talented lineup of producers, such as Sammy Soso, Mocha, Rayo, and Sir Nolan. In addition to that, her international appeal and unique sound make this project a groundbreaking addition to African music.
3. Morayo by Wizkid
Next on Soot Africa’s picks for the top 10 African albums from 2024 is Wizkid’s Morayo. This is certainly a deeply artistic album, with themes of legacy, family, and growth. Morayo sees the Afrobeats giant at his most confident. Tracks like Kese (Dance), Troubled Mind, and Apres Minut are instant classics, while collaborations with Asake and Brent Faiyaz elevate the project to new heights.
2. HEIS by Rema
Rema’s HEIS is chiefly a futuristic, genre-defying album that sees the young superstar pushing boundaries. While it was initially met with much criticism, it defied all odds, grew on listeners, and went on to become one of the top albums to come out of Africa in 2024.
With hits like MARCH AM, OZEBA, and, AZAMA, Rema puts a twist on early 2000s African dance music. The production is equally innovative, combining Afrobeats with Electronic and Dance influences.
1. Born in the Wild by Tems
Topping our list of top 10 African albums from 2024 is Born in the Wild, by Tems, a project that certainly captures raw emotion and untamed creativity. Her sultry vocals and introspective lyrics shine on tracks like Burning, Me & U, and Free Fall. The album is a perfect blend of alternative R&B and Afrobeats, with seemingly perfect albeit few features like J.Cole and Asake.
Top 10 African Albums of 2024
From introspective ballads to dance floor tracks, these top 10 African albums from 2024 represent the best of African music in 2024. Altogether, they highlight the incredible diversity, creativity, and resilience of African artists, setting the stage for even greater global recognition.
Did any of your favourites make the cut? Leave a comment and let us know!
