The 10 Afrobeats albums you should expect in 2024

As Afrobeats continues to command the global stage, we take a look at the afrobeats albums you should expect in 2024

Building on the remarkable releases of 2023, including Burna Boy's I Told Them, Asake's Work of Art, and Odumodublvck's Eziokwu, the coming year is poised to deliver a rich tapestry of musical experiences. Here, we shine a spotlight on ten eagerly awaited Afrobeats albums slated for 2024, presented in no particular order:

1. Tems’ Debut Album 

The enchanting Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Tems, has been dropping hints about her highly anticipated debut album. With the triumphant impact of Wizkid's Made in Lagos resonating through her career and the well-received project For Broken Ears, this Afro-R&B powerhouse has achieved remarkable milestones. The imminent release of her debut album is poised to solidify her extraordinary journey, especially considering her noteworthy collaborations with the likes of Drake and Future in the Western music landscape. Tems' musical odyssey is set to reach new heights, and her debut album promises to be a significant chapter in her artistic narrative.

The unveiling of Tems' forthcoming album gained momentum last year, marked by a notable interview hosted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. While the discussion primarily delved into Tems' mental landscape and her sonic essence, it also definitively confirmed the imminent arrival of her debut album. Wrapping up 2023 in style, Tems treated fans to the mesmerising singles Me & U and Not An Angel, both undoubtedly serving as enticing previews from her highly anticipated debut album. 

2. Fireboy DML’s Fourth Album

Following the established tradition of Empire Africa, characterised by a prolific output of albums, all signs are pointing towards a forthcoming release from the Nigerian superstar. The quick succession of his debut and sophomore albums, a mere eight months apart, exemplifies this pattern, with the former dropping in November 2019 and the latter in August 2020. Building on this momentum, the artist's third studio album, Playboy, saw the light of day in 2022. Now, with the unveiling of five compelling singles—Someone, Yawa, Oh My, Outside, and Obaa Sima—in the aftermath of the Playboy album, it becomes increasingly evident that another musical masterpiece is in the works, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this artist's discography.

ALSO READ: The 20 best Afrobeats albums of 2023

 3. Omah Lay’s Sophomore Album

Hailing from Port Harcourt, the Afrobeats luminary Omah Lay finds himself in a sweet spot—his distinctive talent is now receiving the recognition it truly deserves. His inaugural album, Boy Alone, is steadily gaining acclaim as a contemporary classic, resonating not only with casual listeners but also earning respect from avid music enthusiasts. The deluxe edition of the album has proven to be a game-changer, catapulting Omah Lay into the spotlight with smash hits such as Reason, Soso, Woman, and Understand. The artist's trajectory is undoubtedly marked by both critical and popular success, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeats.

In a tweet, Omah Lay not only confirmed the impending arrival of his sophomore album but also hinted at a shift in tone, expressing his increased happiness with this upcoming project. This revelation aligns seamlessly with the sentiment captured in Holy Ghost, a track that leans more towards a jubilant celebration of love than dwelling on the sombre lows of heartbreak.

 4. Ayra Starr’s Sophomore Album

Mavin Records' rising star, Ayra Starr, has seamlessly capitalised on the triumph of her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, which remarkably surfaced a mere 8 months after her initial introduction to the music scene. The critically lauded project followed her eponymous debut release in 2021, showcasing the artist's rapid evolution and artistic prowess.

In a tweet from last year, Ayra Starr disclosed that the album was approximately 83% complete as of July, creating heightened anticipation among her dedicated fan base.

The forthcoming album is poised to feature her recent chart-topping singles, Sability and Rhythm and Blues, which are expected to add a compelling dimension to the overall musical narrative. Ayra Starr's trajectory in the music industry continues to ascend, and her upcoming album is poised to solidify her status as a formidable force in the industry.

 5. Lojay’s Debut Album

Lojay's meteoric rise has been a captivating journey, witnessed by fans worldwide. The breakthrough collaboration with Sarz on Monalisa in 2021 propelled him into the musical stratosphere, setting the stage for his continued ascent to superstardom. Lojay's vocal versatility and adept songwriting skills have opened doors to unprecedented opportunities, as exemplified by his notable collaboration with global icons Chris Brown and Davido on the track Sensational, released towards the close of 2023.

Undoubtedly, Lojay's sophomore EP, Gangster Romantic, served as a testament to his exceptional talent, showcasing a finely honed artistry at its pinnacle.

However, the artist is not resting on his laurels, as he surprised fans on the first day of 2024 with the revelation of his intent to drop his debut LP album later in the year. With Lojay's track record of growth and artistic excellence, expectations are high for what promises to be a landmark debut album in his burgeoning career.

6. Oxlade’s Debut Album

The anticipation for Oxlade's debut album, aptly titled Oxlade From Africa, has been mounting for quite some time. The singer, known for hits like Ku Lo Sa, has been dropping hints about the album since 2022. In a tweet from September 2022, Oxlade shared the excitement of playing tracks from the album for his family and friends, leaving him speechless at their reactions.

Given the teasers from previous singles like Ovami, Intoxycated featuring Dave, Katigori, and Piano with P. Priime, it appears that Oxlade is poised to explore the realm of mid-tempo pop and R&B. This choice of musical terrain sets the stage for a showcase of his vocal prowess, suggesting that the album will be a platform for Oxlade's distinctive voice to take centre stage.

As the countdown to the release continues, fans can expect an immersive journey into Oxlade's musical world, with "Oxlade From Africa" likely to be a standout debut in his blossoming career.

7. Davido's Timeless Deluxe

David Adeleke, Nigeria's Afrobeats powerhouse, is set to continue his musical dominance with the highly anticipated Timeless Deluxe album in 2024. Making a resounding comeback in 2023 with his fourth studio album, Timeless, Davido not only met but exceeded expectations. The afrobeats album delivered a multitude of chart-topping hits, shattered streaming records, and garnered acclaim in revered music circles.

The prospect of a deluxe edition has been tantalizingly teased by Davido since as early as May 2023 through a series of tweets, building anticipation among his vast fanbase. In a further tease, he hinted at what seems to be a single from the upcoming deluxe album. As the excitement continues to build, it's evident that Timeless Deluxe is poised to further solidify Davido's position as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats genre, promising an expanded musical experience for fans and adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career.

8.Magixx's Debut Album

Mavin Records' Magixx is gearing up for a significant milestone in his musical journey, as he plans to unveil his debut album in 2024. The Afrobeats sensation, who introduced himself with the self-titled debut project Magixx in 2021 and followed up with Atom in 2022, is now poised for the grand debut of his LP.

In a revealing interview with Naija FM in 2023, Magixx provided insights into the thematic core of his upcoming album. He expressed that the album would centre around the notion that many individuals find themselves in a perpetual state of anticipation, offering a thoughtful perspective on life's journey.

Building up the anticipation further, Magixx took to Instagram on January 18, 2024, to declare that his soon-to-be-released debut album is set to "change everything."

9. Boy Spyce’s debut album 

Boy Spyce is poised to join the league of Mavin Records' stars making waves in 2024 as he teases the release of his debut album. The exceptionally talented vocalist has gained recognition in the Afrobeats scene, capturing the hearts of music enthusiasts in recent months.

Adding to the excitement, Boy Spyce hinted at the debut album's release on January 13, 2024. This revelation comes after he confirmed that some of his hit singles, including Folake, Carry Me Go, Relationship, So Bad, and Pepe, will be featured on the highly anticipated project. With a collection of standout tracks already in his discography, Boy Spyce's debut album is poised to showcase his vocal prowess and further solidify his position in the game.

10. Young Jonn's Debut Album

Young Jonn, the multi-talented artist and producer from Chocolate City, is gearing up for a significant milestone in his career with the release of his debut album in 2024. His journey from being a behind-the-scenes producer to a front-and-centre artist is truly inspiring, and his evolution has been marked by a series of back-to-back hit songs since joining the Chocolate City label, which is in partnership with Warner Records.

In 2022, Young Jonn released the project Love is Not Enough Vol 1 & 2, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. Following these projects, he continued to make waves with hit songs like Currency featuring Olamide, Aquafina, Sharpally, Disconnect, and Go Hard. These tracks are strong indicators of what fans can expect from his upcoming debut album, aptly titled Jiggy Forever, as confirmed in his tweet from October 2023.