10 Underrated Nigerian Albums You Should Revisit Today
Nigeria’s vibrant music scene has produced global superstars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, but beyond these household names lies a wealth of underappreciated musical gems. These 10 Nigerian albums showcase incredible artistry that deserves more recognition in the Afrobeats landscape and beyond.
1. M.I Abaga – Rendezvous (2018)
Overshadowed by M.I’s earlier classics, Rendezvous represents a sophisticated evolution of his sound. The album blends hip-hop with Afrobeats and jazz influences on standout tracks like “Playlist” and “Sunset.”
Why listen now: Its introspective lyricism and smooth production make it perfect for thoughtful listening sessions.
2. Brymo – Klĭtôrĭs (2016)
This experimental masterpiece combines folk, soul, and Yoruba musical traditions. Tracks like “Alajọ Somolu” showcase Brymo’s poetic lyricism and vocal brilliance.
Why listen now: Its raw emotion offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream Afropop.
3. Adekunle Gold – Gold (2016)
The artist’s debut album introduced his signature blend of highlife, folk, and pop. Heartfelt tracks like “Orente” demonstrate his gift for cultural storytelling.
Why listen now: It’s a masterclass in Nigerian musical storytelling with timeless melodies.
4. Falz – Moral Instruction (2019)
This socially conscious album tackles Nigerian societal issues with sharp lyricism set to Fela-inspired afrobeat rhythms.
Why listen now: Its commentary on corruption and inequality remains painfully relevant today.
5. Simi – Simisola (2017)
Simi’s sophomore effort blends Afropop and R&B beautifully, showcasing her vocal range and songwriting prowess on tracks like “Joromi.”
Why listen now: It captures the artist’s early brilliance before her mainstream breakthrough.
6. Johnny Drille – Before We Fall Asleep (2021)
A soulful mix of folk, pop, and alternative sounds featuring emotionally powerful tracks like “Loving Is Harder.”
Why listen now: Perfect for moments of reflection and emotional connection.
7. Yemi Alade – Black Magic (2017)
A vibrant celebration of African musical styles, blending highlife, soukous, and Afrobeats into an energetic package.
Why listen now: Its infectious energy and cultural pride make it perfect for uplifting moods.
8. Show Dem Camp – Palmwine Music Vol. 1 (2017)
This nostalgic project fuses hip-hop with highlife and Afrobeats, creating a relaxed, summery vibe.
Why listen now: Ideal for laid-back listening sessions with friends.
9. Niniola – This Is Me (2017)
A groundbreaking Afro-house album featuring pulsating tracks like “Maradona” that showcase Niniola’s unique vocal style.
Why listen now: It remains one of the best dance albums in Nigerian music history.
10. Odunsi (The Engine) – rare. (2018)
A futuristic blend of Afropop, R&B, and electronic music that pioneered Nigeria’s alté movement.
Why listen now: Its experimental sound feels more relevant than ever in today’s genre-fluid landscape.
The Importance of These Albums
While these albums may not have achieved massive commercial success, they represent the incredible diversity and depth of Nigerian music. From socially conscious hip-hop to experimental electronic fusions, they showcase artists pushing creative boundaries and telling authentic Nigerian stories through music.
Rediscovering these works offers music lovers a chance to appreciate the full spectrum of Nigeria’s rich musical heritage beyond the chart-topping hits.