TurnTable Staffers' Picks: Favourite Albums and Songs of 2023 So Far
2023 has been an amazing year for Nigerian music so far. We have seen a resurgence of Street Hop music on the charts; Davido made a groundbreaking comeback with "Timeless"; and Burna Boy thrilled the sporting world at the Champions League final. The quality of material released in the first half of the year has also been quite remarkable. The staff of TurnTable disclosed their best albums and songs of the year so far; and why they love them.
Asake — Work of Art
Asake is undoubtedly the best artiste in Afrobeats at the moment, and he delivered a sophomore album that might not have the shock value of his first, but has the level of quality and some of Mr Money With The Vibe.
Asake - Basquiat (Official Video)
Adekunle Gold, Zinoleesky — Party No Dey Stop
The song perfectly describes my vibe for this year— and the current atmosphere around Afrobeats in general.
Adekunle Gold - Party No Dey Stop ft. Zinoleesky (Official Visualizer)
Ayomide
Davido — Timeless
Timeless is an absolute gem that takes Davido’s music to new heights, surpassing even his previous album, “A Better Time,”. Every single track on this album is enjoyable, leaving you with no desire to hit that skip button. It’s got that special something that keeps you coming back for more, making it perfect for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Despite the enormous pressure and sky-high expectations surrounding its release, “Timeless” effortlessly rises above, proving that Davido has truly outdone himself. Prepare to be blown away by this remarkable piece of art that’ll leave you craving more with each listen.
Davido - KANTE (Official Audio) ft. Fave
Charm — Rema
That’s magic.
Rema - Charm live performance in India (official vidéo)
Fortune
Davido — Timeless
The album shows that Davido is still a hit maker. It gives us a glimpse that he is taking his music to another level. Every song on the album could be related to him, and that itself shows how he connects with his music, and I love that in an artiste.
Davido & Musa Keys Bring The Flavor To Their Performance Of "Unavailable!" | BET Awards '23
Adekunle Gold, Zinoleesky — Party No Dey Stop
I connected to the lyrics
BiBi
Seyi Vibez — Billion Dollar Baby 2.0
Since it dropped, it has been the most replayed album bar TIMELESS of course.The quality is staggering, and I don’t think I’ve heard an album in the last 12 months that has more replay value (Omo Boy Alone though)
Seyi Vibez is versatile and confident, and so creative with the way he talks about his struggles, and obvious breakthrough in life. He raps, sings, and just diversifies. He’s got R&B, traditional, pop, alternative, of course street records and he makes it look too easy.
Seyi Vibez - Billion Dollar (Official Video)
Asake — 2:30
Too Clear!! I don’t think you can listen to that song and not move a limb.
Kayode
Davido — Timeless
Obviously the best album album released this year followed by Work of Art.
Davido - UNAVAILABLE (Official Video) ft. Musa Keys
Rema — Charm
It’s a jam, and also the second most streamed song this year just behind ‘Unavailable’.
Rema - Charm (Official Music Video)
Roviel
Rema — Raves and Roses (original)
I like it better than the deluxe and it gives me good vibes.
Rema - Dirty (Official Music Video)
Omah Lay — Soso
It balances out the good vibes from Raves and Roses 🌚🌚🌚
Aeesha
Asake — Work of Art
I’m at my fucking happiest when I’m jamming to it.
Asake & Olamide - Amapiano (Official Video)
Seyi Vibez — Man of the Year
‘Cos this year na my year.
Seyi Vibez - Man of The Year (Lyric Video)
Bosun
Nonso Amadi — When It Blooms
After his two year hiatus, it was thrilling to see Nonso Amadi deliver on his promise with his debut album. The fine blend of RnB and Afrobeats with impressive lyricism makes it my top pick.
Nonso Amadi - Eye to Eye (Visualizer)
Rexxie ft Lojay — Asiko (Big Time)
It's an absolute earworm. Lojay's penmanship, impeccable flow and ability to find the best pockets on a beat, were all on full display.
Rexxie & Lojay - Asiko (Big Time) (Official Music Video)
Taiwo
Joeboy — Body and Soul
The collaborations were good, songwriting and delivery were also great. Maybe not as popular as your faves, but it’s a great album.
Joeboy - Normally (feat. BNXN & Odumodublvck) [Official Visualizer]
Omah Lay — Reason
Afro-depression that makes me want to sing and dance.
Omah Lay - reason (Official Music Video)
Toyosi
Omah Lay — Boy Alone Deluxe
It is exceptional like every Omah Lay project and the fact that it has 5 new songs (minus soso remix) makes its replay value top notch.
Omah Lay - it's yours (Official Visualizer)
Asake — Sunshine
Song of the year so far is Unavailable but my personal favorite so far is Asake’s Sunshine.
