The year 2023 is a continued evolution of last year’s success from streaming and the ‘Afrobeats to the world’ movement. Yearly, gigantic streaming powerhouse, Spotify, rounds up in an iconic fashion known as Wrapped.
Spotify Wrapped or Wrapped helps shed light on the highs achieved during the year. Statistical analysis and beautifully designed infographics spotlight numbers, fandom, and discoveries in a never-seen fashion.
This year, 2023, birthed Nigerian albums in the hundreds. But Spotify have painstakingly taken their time to generate the top ten (10) most-streamed albums of 2023.
In descending order, they are:
- Timeless by Davido;
- Work of Art by Asake;
- Boy Alone by Omah Lay;
- EZIOKWU by ODUMODUBLVCK;
- I Told Them… by Burna Boy;
- Rave & Roses (Ultra) by Rema;
- Mr Money With The Vibe by Asake;
- Sincerely, Benson by Bnxn;
- Love, Damini by Burna Boy, and
- Unruly by Olamide.
Brief On the Albums
1. Timeless (2023) by Davido:
An Afrobeats powerhouse album showcasing Davido’s evolution as a superstar. Features stand-out hits like UNAVAILABLE and KANTE, with collaborations from Musa Keys and Fave respectively.
2. Work of Art (2023) by Asake:
Asake’s sophomore album blends infectious Afrobeat grooves with introspective lyricism. Standouts include Basquiat and the anthemic Lonely At The Top.
3. Boy Alone (2022) by Omah Lay:
A deeply personal album exploring themes of heartbreak and solitude. Omah Lay’s unique vocals shine through tracks like Understand and Soso.
4. EZIOKWU (2023) by ODUMODUBLVCK:
A raw and unapologetic exploration of Hip-Hop, Afropop, and Igbo Highlife sounds. Tracks like DECLAN RICE and BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR deliver hard-hitting lyrics and heavy bass beats.
5. I Told Them… (2023) by Burna Boy:
Burna Boy’s signature swagger shines through on this album, celebrating his global success and African roots. City Boys and Big 7 are instant party anthems.
6. Rave & Roses (Ultra) [2023] by Rema:
This extended version of Rema’s debut album pushes his genre-bending sound further, fusing Afrobeats with electronica and R&B. Highlights include Holiday and Charm.
7. Mr Money With The Vibe (2022) by Asake:
Asake’s debut album is a dancefloor-ready collection of energetic Afropop tracks. “Terminator” and “Peace Be Unto You” showcase his versatility and artistic spirit.
8. Sincerely, Benson (2023) by Bnxn:
Formerly Buju, Bnxn delivers a smooth and soulful blend of Afrobeat and R&B on this debut album. Pidgin & English and Sweet Tea (Aduke) are smooth-talking love songs.
9. Love, Damini (2022) by Burna Boy:
Burna Boy takes a more introspective turn on this album, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Common Person and For My Hand offer tender vulnerability alongside his usual braggadocio.
10. Unruly (2023) by Olamide:
Olamide celebrates his decade-plus reign as a rap king on this energetic album. Jinja and New Religion are infectious bangers showcasing his signature rhythmic flow.
Now that you have read this piece, what was your most-streamed album on the list?