Entertainment

Here are the 7 outstanding debut albums in Afrobeats history by female artists

Published

Friday, 14 March 2025, 11:03 am

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For any artist at all, making a debut album is a decisive moment. Now for female artists who have to deal with public perception and heavy branding efforts, the stakes are even higher.7) Tems – Born in the Wild 6) Waje – W.A.J.E 5) Omawumi – Wonder Woman 4) Chidinma – Chidinma 3) Yemi Alade – King of Queens 2) Ayra Starr – 19 & Dangerous 1) Tiwa Savage – Once Upon a Time

For any artist at all, making a debut album is a decisive moment. Now for female artists who have to deal with public perception and heavy branding efforts, the stakes are even higher.

Culture observers and music veterans may not agree on whether it is difficult or not to make a debut album. But what everyone agrees on is that it is hard to build a successful career after a weak debut.

For even certified hitmakers who have a clearly traceable track record of mega-hit singles, their debut album can either become what pushes them further to the next elevated status or what eventually throws a spanner in the works.

Notable names and stars like Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Simi, and even male artists like Odumodublvck have all at some point talked about how women in the industry have to work twice as hard as their male counterparts to get the same level of recognition.

When debut albums in history are discussed, the conversation is often about the impact and legacy of the works of hip hop stars, R&B, and Afropop icons who are all, in fact, male.

In celebrating women’s month and as a prelude to International Women’s Day, we have decided to spotlight and document debut masterpieces that remain evergreen from Afrobeats female artists.

Criteria: Album quality, impact, legacy and commercial success (added advantage).

7) Tems – Born in the Wild

Year of release: 2024

Tracks/Duration: 18/54:26

Singles: ‘Love Me Jeje’, ‘Me & U’ and ‘Burning’

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Label: RCA Records

Features: Two – J. Cole and Asake

Genre: Afrobeats, R&B

Producers: Tems, GuiltyBeatz, Sarz, P2J, London, Spax, and DameDame

Thoughts: While this album was originally slated for release in 2023, it has gone on to smash records in history by peaking at fifty-six in the US which is the highest peak for an album by a Nigerian female artist.

ALSO READ: Tems’ debut album is a toast to growth and self-discovery [Review]

6) Waje – W.A.J.E

Year of release: 2013

Tracks/Duration: 14/56:15

Singles: ‘Onye’, ‘Oko Mi’, ‘I Wish’, ‘No Be You’

Label: Waje Musik Entertainment

Features: Seven – Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, M.I, Eva, Phyno, Sarkodie, J. Martins

Genre: Afrobeats, Contemporary R&B

Producers: Cobhams Asuquo, Del B, E Kelly, J Martins, M.I Abaga, SizzlePRO & Spellz

Thoughts: This album served as a crescendo of the songbird’s romance with stardom. Before jumpstarting her career on a major scale, Waje found herself cuddling fame as her vocals rocked the chorus of 2008 monster hit, ‘Do Me‘ by P-Square. A fanbase was born. And work started proper. The three-octave vocal powerhouse soon found herself rising steadily to own her place in the industry.

It was a no-brainer that she was due for a debut album to reinforce her position by 2013. And it did work. With productions from some of the industry’s finest and collaborations with A-listers, W.A.J.E is a resonating album packed with female anthems for days and evergreen love tunes.

5) Omawumi – Wonder Woman

Year of release: 2009

Tracks/Duration: 16 songs/58:58

Singles: ‘In the Music’, ‘Today Na Today’, ‘Serious Love Nwantiti’

Label: Oma Records

Features: Six – Eldee, Shank, Dr Frabz, Naeto C, Waje, Kel

Genre: Afrobeats, Contemporary R&B

Thoughts: Promoted by singles like, ‘Today Na Today,’ and ‘In The Music,’ the album excelled on structured songwriting and good storytelling when necessary on songs, and it effortlessly blended genres like R&B, pop, dance, Hip-Hop, disco and afro-fusion.

The album provided Nigeria with an ace female singer for the mainstream during a time Nigeria was short on those. Asa was a niche offering that was not about the dance music and setting dancefloors on fire. In the grand scheme of things, it was a necessary step in Omawumi’s career and it was the right one. I think the entire purpose of the album is gratitude—it was a need at the time and it served its purpose.

– Culled from Pulse Nigeria

4) Chidinma – Chidinma

Year of release: 2012

Tracks/Duration: 11 songs/44:50

Singles: ‘Jankoliko’, ‘Carry You Go’, ‘Kedike’, ‘Run Dia Mouth’

Label: Ultima Limited

Features: Olamide, Suspect, Sound Sultan

Genre: Afrobeats, Contemporary R&B

Producers: Cobhams Asuquo, Tee-Y Mix, WazBeat and Oscar Heman Ackah

Thoughts: Fresh on the scene on the heels of winning the third edition of Project Fame West Africa, Chidinma’s debut studio album was highly-anticipated—it only made sense; the crowning of a new star was televised.

As her first offering, it was important that she did something to quickly remind people why she won. In no time, she scored a mega hit record, ‘Kedike‘ off the album. And the rest, as they say, is history. The success her career would go on to enjoy from 2013 was because of this album.

3) Yemi Alade – King of Queens

Year of release: 2014

Tracks/Duration: 29 songs/60:19

Singles: ‘Johnny’, ‘Tangerine’, ‘Kissing’, ‘Taking Over Me’, ‘Temperature’, ‘Duro Timi’

Label: Effyzzie Music

Features: R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, dil, Selebobo, Diamond Platnumz

Genre: Afrobeats, R&B, Reggae

Producers: Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, and OJB Jezreel

Thoughts: This album was bound to happen at some point. Yemi Alade had beaten Michael Ogah, Yahil, comedian Fine Boy, and dancer Joshua Ekeledo to win the maiden edition of the Peak Talent Hunt Show in 2009. But it was not until 2013 that the terrific run of Mama Africa herself kicked off in full motion.

After ‘Johnny‘, there was no going back. This album houses the continent-wide monster hit and other sleeper hits that helped her break into global and yet-to-be-covered (at the time) African markets.

2) Ayra Starr – 19 & Dangerous

Year of release: 2021

Tracks/Duration: 11 songs/33:14

Lead Single: ‘Bloody Samaritan’

Label: Mavin Records

Features: Fousheé, CKay

Genre: Afrobeats, Afropop, Alte

Producers: Louddaaa, London, Don Jazzy, Andre Vibez

ALSO READ: Ayra Starr’s ‘19 and Dangerous’ is a diary of ‘growing’ themes [Pulse Album Review]

1) Tiwa Savage – Once Upon a Time

Year of release: 2013

Tracks/Duration: 21 songs/77:00

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Entertainment

Priscilla Ojo's husband, Juma Jux pens heartfelt message on her birthday

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Julie

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Tanzanian singer Juma Jux has taken to social media to celebrate his wife, Priscilla’s 24th birthday.

On March 13, 2025, he posted a video sharing bits from their ongoing holiday in Saudi Arabia, doting on her and expressing his love for her.

Ever since you came into my life everything started making sense, you colored my life in ways I can’t put into words having to spend this birthday as your husband is a gift I can never trade for anything I pray to God for many years ahead of laughter, good health, love, peace and everything good I LOVE YOU ❤️ my beautiful wife @its.priscy HAPPY BIRTHDAY #JP2025

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Iyabo Ojo’s post at the time came amid confusion on social media after Priscilla posted the pictures from her and her man’s traditional photoshoot without announcing her engagement. While some social media users thought it to just be a photoshoot, others assumed the pictures were a form of wedding announcement.

An excited Iyabo Ojo announced that the couple’s white and traditional weddings will hold in April in Lagos State, while the grand finale party will be held in Tanzania in May.

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Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Returns for 11th Edition: Here’s what to expect

Published

5 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Julie

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The countdown has officially begun for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television excellence. A new decade, a new chapter Bigger, better, and more inclusive Get ready to join the conversation

The countdown has officially begun for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Africa’s biggest celebration of film and television excellence.

At a press conference held at the Africa Magic Studios in Lagos, key dates and exciting updates were unveiled, setting the stage for another spectacular showcase of African storytelling.

A new decade, a new chapter

After 10 years of recognising outstanding talent in African cinema, the AMVCAs are gearing up for a milestone year.

The nominee announcement is scheduled to air across all Africa Magic channels on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7 PM WAT, with the grand awards night set for May 10, 2025, in Lagos.

Since its inception, the AMVCAs, in partnership with MultiChoice, have honoured 267 exceptional creatives across various categories, invested over ₦10 billion in award production, and contributed to the creation of more than 30,000 jobs within the entertainment industry.

The impact has been undeniable; over 60% of industry professionals acknowledge the AMVCAs as a driving force behind the growth of African cinema, with 76% crediting it for bringing international recognition to African films.

READ ALSO: Are sex scenes necessary in movies?

Bigger, better, and more inclusive

John Ugbe, CEO of West Africa, MultiChoice, emphasised the awards’ evolving role in spotlighting African storytelling on a global scale.

“For over a decade, the AMVCAs have been at the forefront of showcasing African talent. As we step into a new decade, MultiChoice remains dedicated to taking the awards to new heights, fostering global partnerships, and ensuring African cinema gets the recognition it deserves,” he said.

To make this year’s edition even more special, organisers have introduced several exciting updates:

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A New Category for Music & Sound in Film: Recognising the vital role of music and sound design in storytelling.

A Global Lens on African Talent: The AMVCAs will introduce international collaborations to bring Black and Diasporan talent into the fold.

Honouring Nollywood’s Pioneers: A new initiative will pay tribute to the early contributors who helped shape the industry.

An Enhanced Jury System: A refined approach to ensure a fair balance between expert critique and audience appreciation.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, shared her excitement about the AMVCAs’ next phase.

“We’re stepping into a brand-new decade of the AMVCAs. Over the past 10 years, we have recognized, rewarded, and celebrated the very best in African film and television, and we’re just getting started. This isn’t just an awards show; it’s a movement that keeps pushing African storytelling to new heights,” she said.

Get ready to join the conversation

With these thrilling announcements, anticipation for the 11th AMVCAs is at an all-time high. As Africa’s biggest film and television stars prepare for the night of glitz and glamour, the AMVCAs promise not just to celebrate excellence, but to continue shaping the future of African entertainment.

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Entertainment

Rising Afrobeats star Rybeena explains why he named himself after popular soft drink

Published

14 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Julie

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Rybeena is one of the rising stars whose music is adding much-needed diversity to Nigerian street pop.

The singer first made waves from his hit record ‘Id.Me’ which earned him attention of fans and notable stars like Nigerian hip hop icon Olamide Baddo.

Since breaking into the mainstream, the singer has become one of the exciting Street hop stars whose music is documenting the realities of life in the inner cities.

Rybeena recently released a new project titled ‘Virtuoso’ which holds the viral songs ‘World Best’ and ‘Agba Singing’.

In a recent interview with Apple Music, the singer shares insights into the creative process and thoughts behind some of the songs on the project. He also revealed the meaning behind his stagename.

On the creative process behind the album, Rybeena revealed that he wanted to make an album with multiple sounds.

“I just wanted to make something that musically had everything, but [was] still totally original. I just want my fans to feel love, stay connected, stay true to yourself, stay yourself. Positive energy, always.”

On the track ‘1999,’ Rybeena calls it a Reggae fusion song that tells a personal story.

“This track has a reggae fusion feel to it, and the song is actually talking about me, how I [was] brought up, my background, and kind of all I came from. It’s about my true self, so the song actually means a lot to me—a lot!”

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The singer’s stage name carries similarities with a popular Nigerian beverage. According to him, the inspiration came from a desire to be unique.

“I was recording my first-ever track, and the funniest thing is, the producer liked what he was drinking. I was thinking of a new name, because I was new to the music. I was just like, “What can I do?” Then I saw the Ribena! It’s unique, and I can attach it to many things.”

Rybeena is signed to Nigerian music label Dapper Music, which he described as a great union.

“It feels great to be among one of the best record labels in Africa. It’s been a great relationship between us, and everything is working—and it will only get better!”

In the interview, the singer describes his song ‘Id.Me’ as the most emotional he ever made as the recording process drove him to tears.

His latest album ‘Virtuoso’ is another landmark stride for the singer who will be aiming to further position himself as a defining voice in Nigerian street music.