A Decade On: 10 Nigerian Albums Turning 10 in 2026

The year 2016 was a high point in Nigerian music — a time when many artists moved beyond singles to release full-length albums that defined careers and influenced the industry. From debut albums that introduced new stars to deeply personal projects from rising voices, this list reflects ten works that continue to resonate with fans and shape Nigerian pop culture.

1. Y.A.G.I (Young and Getting It) — Lil Kesh

Released: March 17, 2016
Lil Kesh’s debut studio album mixes hustle anthems with club bangers and street vibes. Y.A.G.I helped solidify his place in Afrobeats, featuring collaborations with heavyweights like Olamide, Patoranking, and Davido.

2. Mama Africa: The Diary of an African Woman — Yemi Alade

Released: March 25, 2016
Yemi Alade’s second album is an ambitious, pan-African Afropop project, blending R&B, highlife, and pop. It includes hit singles like “Ferrari” and “Kom Kom,” and showcases her aim to celebrate African womanhood and unity.

3. New Era — Kiss Daniel

Released: May 14, 2016
Kiss Daniel’s debut album was a mainstream smash, powered by hits such as “Woju,” “Laye,” and “Good Times.” The project’s polished production and relatable lyrics made it one of 2016’s most celebrated releases.

4. Gold — Adekunle Gold

Released: July 28, 2016
Adekunle Gold’s first full-length project introduced his signature blend of Afro-soul and neo-soul. It’s a deeply lyrical album with standout tracks like “Sade” and “Orente,” showcasing an artist with a distinct voice and musical identity.

5. God Over Everything (G.O.E) — Patoranking

Released: August 1, 2016
Patoranking’s debut studio album fuses reggae, Afrobeat, and dancehall influences. Featuring guest appearances from Wizkid, Olamide, and Phyno, G.O.E celebrates faith, gratitude, and triumph over adversity.

6. Spotlight — Reekado Banks

Released: September 1, 2016
Reekado Banks’ debut LP put his vocal range and versatility on full display. With production from Don Jazzy and others, Spotlight helped elevate him from rising act to established mainstream artist.

7. The Glory — Olamide

Released: December 26, 2016
Hip-hop titan Olamide closed the year with The Glory, a gritty, rap-forward album featuring collaborations with Burna Boy, Phyno, and Wande Coal. The project underscored his influence on Nigerian hip-hop and street culture.

8. Klitoris — Brymo

Released: May 9, 2016
Brymo’s Klitoris (also sometimes noted among 2016 albums) showcased his experimental approach, fusing lyrical depth with genre-blending arrangements. Though less commercial, it’s often cited for its artistic ambition.

9. …And the Bass Is Queen — Lindsey Abudei (Artistic Favorite)

Released: July 5, 2016
Lindsey Abudei’s debut album is revered for its delicate songwriting and intricate vocal delivery. While niche compared to mainstream releases, it stands out for its artistry and contribution to alt-R&B/Afropop fusion in Nigerian music.

10. Authentic (The African Edition) — J Martins

Released: March 18, 2016
Veteran artist J Martins’ Authentic celebrated Pan-African rhythms and collaborations across the continent. It’s a testament to Nigeria’s musical reach and the connections between West African pop scenes.