memory of Nigerian music fans and indeed the
entire industry. With the azonto’s and etighi’s
taking over the DJ’s turntables in radio stations
and clubs, 2013 is going to be one of the most
important years in the history of Nigerian
entertainment.
A lot of focus is going to be on the Top 4 of the
Nigerian Music League (D’banj, P-Square and 2Face)
as well as EME’s star boy Wizkid. While a lot of
artistes put out albums and scored a few international
collaborations in 2012, the most anticipated materials
are definitely going to pop up in 2013.
I initially put up a list of 10 artistes albums most music
fans are anticipating, then a few other names came up
as I held the discussion in my head, eventually taking
up the number to 15. So without much ado, and in no
particular order, I have tabled down a list of 15 artistes
whose albums are anticipated in 2013.
*M.I
After bursting into the music scene in 2006 and 4 solid
materials to his name (2 albums and 2 mixtapes), the
pressure is on the self acclaimed African Rapper
Number 1 to lay claim to his throne. From the title of
the album to it’s cover art and choice of songs, M.I’s
next album with face a lot of scrutiny from the the
Nigerian public. Let’s hope he lives up to expectation.
*Jesse Jagz
Jesse Jagz was quiet for a huge part of last year, with
many rumouring a possible rift with the Chocolate City
management and some other sections suggesting it
was the label’s strategy to make him scare and sought
after. Whatever the case was/is, Jesse Jagz in 2013
faces the challenge of cementing his position an
Artiste as opposed to Jesse the producer. His Omo
Abaga mixtape and collaboration with Tiwa Savage did
not materialize in 2012, raising the thirst for a Jargo
compilation in 2013.
*Modenine – Alphabetical Order
With 5 albums to his name, the London Born rapper is
still a strong force to contend with in the rap genre. In
2013 he’s set to team up with Hip Hop producer XYZ
to release his much awaited Alphabetical Order album.
One of the very few to keep in touch with the Boom
Pap rap delivery, the Alphabetical Order album is sure
to get pundits agitated.
*Burna Boy
Unknown to many, the Aristokrat Record’s crooner and
Hip Hop Award’s Rookie of the Year did not come out
of nowhere to take the Nigerian music industry by
storm. A quick listen to his Burn Identity Mixtape
released in 2011 will give you a clue of the massive
talent the young man is. Having gained stardom and
delivering one of the Top songs of 2012, the ladies will
like to party with Burna Boy in 2013 and his numerous
fans will want him to live up to or even surpass the
debut releases of Davido and Wizkid.
*Iyanya – Iyanya Versus Desire (IVD)
The MTN project fame winner made a major leap from
R&B to the dancehall in 2012. A Range Rover and 3
Million Caller Tune downloads later, Iyanya is one of
the most sought after performers in the industry.
Having already revealed the title of his debut album:
Iyanya Versus Desire (IVD) *with a few hilarious critics
already claiming the title sounds like an STD *.
Nevertheless, the production genius of D’Tunes will be
put to test on this one.
*Dammy Krane
Hypertek Record’s comical figure Dammy Krane has a
lot of responsibility placed on his shoulders in 2013,
although his playful demeanour tends to relieve a bit of
that pressure. Nonetheless, being the prodigy of one of
africa’s greatest exports, 2face Idibia, Dammy Krane
will surely not take the expectations for his debut
release lightly. New School Fuji on it’s way.
*Tiwa Savage
The Mavin Record’s and 323 1st Lady is long overdue
for a debut album. With a Grammy-nominated song
already added to her CV for penning the lyrics, Don
Jazzy has a huge load to carry in terms of how he
plans to unleash the budding prowess on the Nigerian
an International audience in 2013.
*Wande Coal
Dust off your copy of Mushin to Mo’Hits and slot it into
you CD Player. What comes on is undoubtably a
collection of classic tunes and vocals laced by the very
talented Wande Coal. Even though we were deprived
of his unique voice in 2012, with only 3 songs and a
couple of leaked freestyles, 2013 is the year WC is set
to bounce back in full force with a very key factor, Don
Jazzy Again!
*Wizkid
It all began with that catchy hook “To ba lowo, Fast
Money Fast Cars” on M.I’s Talk About It. And since
then it’s been a meteoric rise for EME’s star boy
Wizkid. Following a solid debut album Superstar in
2011 and a BET award under his belt, the spotlight is
going to be on him in 2013, both locally and
internationally. Having scored collaborations with
rappers Young Jeezy, Game and Wale (possibly Chris
Brown too), I’m almost physically dripping saliva from
my mouth in expectation of this album.
*D’banj
Eja Nla had one of the most dramatic years in his
entire career in 2012. Landing a deal with Kanye West,
the Mo’Hits break up, setting up his own label, signing
deals upon deals upon deals, it’s even hard to imagine
that the last time he put out an album was almost 6
years ago. Yet the koko master is still arguably the
hottest African artiste in the international market right
now. Word from his camp suggests that D’banj is
going to have 2 separate albums in 2013, one
intended for the Nigerian market and another targeted
at the International scene. Fileee!
*KaySwitch
Alongside his ex-Mo’Hits counterparts, the eyes of
everyone will be beamed on Kayswitch as he breeds
under the wings of his elder brother. The DB Record’s
artiste has a lot to prove in 2013 and he has very
limited options but to deliver.
*DKM
I decided to put the DB Record’s compilation
separately because of the reputation of previous
compilation albums put together by different groups.
The Curriculum Vitae album by Mo’Hits undoubtably
set the wheel of the Mo’Hit’s cart in motion, so we wait
to see what D’banj, Kayswitch, Jay Soul, Jay Sleek
and Dee Vee have planned for us on D Kings Men.
*Banky W – R&Bw
Chairman of Emezzy has proven his versatility as a
mogul as well as an artiste in 2012. His R&Bw album
had to be put on hold for the Empire Mates State of
Mind compilation from the crew, but February 14th will
see the unleashing of his much awaited sophomore
effort.
*P-Square
Who sold out a 52,000 seater stadium and had a hit
collabo with the hottest rapper in 2012? You guessed
right, the Okoye twins. Known for keeping a tight lip on
upcoming projects, Universal Music and Konvict Africa
will definitely want to see quick returns on their
investments. The result will be another ground
breaking album from the duo, this time with notable
international features in it this 2013.
*Sasha P
The storm record’s 1st lady ventured into the fashion
business with the unveiling of her Eclectic line in 2012,
but 2013 promises to be see the ex-tribe records
femcee return to the music scene and we hope she
does justice to the state of female rappers in the
industry.
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