Yo! The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind, but one thing’s for sure: Naija music scene is on a whole other level! From the streets to the clubs, our artists have been dropping bangers that hit differently. We’re talking albums that make you feel things, albums that make you move, albums that just get you. So, before we dive deeper into the year, let’s run down the top 5 albums that have been ruling our playlists.
Quick Highlights:
- Davido – 5ive: OBO’s rawest, most honest work yet.
- Olamide – Olamidé: The king shows how it’s done, smooth and steady.
- Mayorkun – Still The Mayor: Reflective vibes from the Mayor of Lagos.
- Falz – The Feast: Truth bombs and fire beats for the people.
- Ric Hassani – Lagos Lover Boy: Love, heartbreak, and Lagos feels all in one.
Davido – 5ive: The OBO Unfiltered
Davido’s 5ive is like a sonic rollercoaster. This album is HUGE – 17 tracks of pure Davido exploring everything from the high life to the low moments. Tracks like “Awuke” (featuring YG Marley) will get you hyped, while “Funds” (with Odumodublvck and Chike) hits you right in the feels. And don’t even get us started on “Offa Me” with Victoria Monét – pure vulnerability right there!
Davido isn’t afraid to experiment here, mixing reggae, amapiano, and his signature sound. It’s not all perfect, but that’s the beauty of it. 5ive is Davido keeping it real, showing us the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s easily one of his most human projects to date. Word on the street is that he worked on this album for over two years, making it his most personal work yet!
Olamide – Olamidé: The King’s Quiet Reign
Olamide doesn’t need to shout to get your attention. On Olamidé, the YBNL boss is all about that smooth, calm energy. This 17-track album feels like a celebration of his legacy, not a desperate attempt to stay relevant. From the jazzy vibes of “Hasibunallah” to the Boj-inspired “Stronger”, Olamide shows his range. He even links up with Wizkid on “Kai!” and gives shine to rising stars like Seyi Vibez and Asake.
Olamidé is a masterclass in longevity. After a decade in the game, Olamide is still dropping hits and paving the way for the next generation. He doesn’t need to prove anything – he just reminds us that greatness never fades. Fun Fact: Olamide is known for discovering some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, including Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold.
Mayorkun – Still The Mayor: Vibes After the Victory
Mayorkun came back strong with Still The Mayor. This album isn’t about chasing the next big hit – it’s about reflecting on the journey. With 12 tracks, Mayorkun focuses on the feels, swapping catchy hooks for meaningful verses. The collaborations are on point, with Davido, Fireboy DML, King Promise, and Rotimi adding their own flavor to the mix.
“Diamonds” and “3:45” are like unsent letters, while “Innocent” and “Reason 2 Japa” capture the frustrations and longings of many Nigerians. Still The Mayor isn’t trying to be a moment – it’s capturing one. And in doing so, it creates something that lasts. Did you know that Mayorkun started his career by posting covers on social media before getting signed by Davido?
Falz – The Feast: Truth and Fire
Falz’s The Feast is a wake-up call. This 12-track project is for the everyday Nigerian, the ones dealing with the chaos of politics, the pain of the past, and the hope for a better future. “Round of Applause” hits like a gavel in a courtroom, while “Old Soja” moves with the slow, steady steps of a soldier who’s been through it all.
Falz doesn’t hold back on this album. He speaks truth to power, calling out the BS and standing up for the people. The Feast is for those who need to be heard, not those who want to escape reality. Falz is not only a talented musician, but also a trained lawyer. He uses his music to address social and political issues in Nigeria.
Ric Hassani – Lagos Lover Boy: A Love Letter to the City
Ric Hassani gets deep on Lagos Lover Boy. This album isn’t just about love – it’s about vulnerability and nostalgia for the city of Lagos. With 21 tracks, Hassani pours his heart out, from the sweet ballads like “Love of My Life” to the fierce energy of “Adamma, Asanwa, Asampete.” The collaborations with Phyno, Portable, Nonso Amadi, and Ne-Yo feel natural, not forced.
What makes this album special is its honesty. It’s like listening to a man map out his own journey of heartbreak and growth. By the time the album closes with “Tuale”, you realize this wasn’t just about music – it was therapy, worship, and a love letter to Lagos and the women who shaped him. Ric Hassani is known for his unique blend of soul, R&B, and African sounds, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
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