As the second half of
the year 2016 rolls on, we took a look back on some top Nigerian musicians who released albums so far which include:
1. M.I- Illegal Mixtape 3: The Finale
Before the shenanigans of artistes leaving chocolate city, the label’s president M.I . had a lot to get off his chest. The short Black Boy took listeners back to his mixtape roots with the third and final instalment of his illegal mixtape series.  Though a mixtape, the 45-min long offering mostly had M.I. reflecting on the state of the music industry, while the track, “Not Just Ok/Savage” was aimed at his critics.
2. Lil Kesh – Y.A.G. I. (Young And Getting It)
Fresh from a supposed slight from the organizers of the Headies last year, the YBNL soldier had a lot to prove.  Lil Kesh made a decent effort with his debut release, crafting an album worthy of commendation.  The hustle – themed narrative of the project sat well with critics, who lauded the 19-track long project as a ‘Victory For The Streets’.
Showing a somewhat rare lyrical dexterity on the opening track ‘Fuck Shit Up’ other tracks such as ‘Ibile’ and ‘Igba Iponju’ made the album tick.
3. J-Martins – Authentic (The African Edition)
J-Martins returned with his fourth studio offering, an album that heavlily embodied a vast diversity of African Sounds.  Featuring notable acts across the Continent such as DJ Arafat from Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda’s Jose Chameleon and Koffi Olomide the album’s preceding single, “Touching Body” led a dance carnival of some sort on the project.
4. YEMI ALADE -Mama Africa (Diary of an African Woman)
Yemi Alade’s second studio release aimed to celebrate her exploits as Africa’s leading female act but falls flat somewhat in its execution, with the continent’s rich culture and its women’s values barely highlighted.
The album’s title put enthusiastis in expectation of some African consciousness on the 15 – track long offering, but it found the ‘Johnny’ hit makers majorly catering to mainstream pop success.  She however still managed to churn out hits like Ferrari and ‘Nakupenda’.
5. JAYWON – Oba Orin
Jaywon commendably and expertly handled his narrative on Oba Orin, digging deep and showcasing his impressive writing abilities.
Themed towards a narrative of his consciousness, love and life lessons, the former Kennis Music act made a worthy impression.  ‘Back to Sender’ ‘My Way’ and ‘Banuso’ are some of the gems on the 21-track album.
6. BRYMO –Klitoris
Brymo’s genius in crafting thought-provoking imagery with his music has already been established, and the singer further solidified his status with his fifth studio project.  The album from the father of one mostly caters to a love theme, while the usual dose of conscious reflection was on full display.
‘Happy memories’, ‘Billion Naira Dream’ and ‘Dem Dey Go’ are just some of the gems from this masterpiece.
7. KISS DANIEL – New Era
In years to come, history would look back on Kiss Daniel’s debut album and really appreciate its essence.  The singer masterfully overcame a possible cold feet and rose above his disappointment of last year’s Headies ‘Next Rated snub.  Safe to say he has so far shone more brightly than his contemporaries in the same category earlier in the year.
‘Mama’.  God Time, ‘Gobe’ and New King’ are just few of the several gems from the highly impressive debut from the Abeukuta-bred singer.
8. SO JAY –SO Far (EP)
An associate of rapper Reminisce, Edge Records’s Sojay is one to watch out for.  The budding singer possesses one of the finest voices in the music industry at the moment, and only just needs a major break to harness his talent.  Already with high-profile features on the Nigerian music scene, singles such as ‘Holiday’ Fook You’ and Everything make his EP a worthy release.
9. YUNGBIX – Billionaire Ambitions (EP)
Yungbix continues to seek the public acceptance that has somehow eluded his music with the release of an ambitious EP, Billionaire Ambitions.  Despite his obvious talent and having previously released his debut album, 6’oclock to critical acclaim, the budding rapper did little to accentuate his status as a rape elite with the new EP.