Nigerian stars continue to make waves on the global music scene as Rolling Stone has included albums by Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr in its 2024 list of the Top 100 Albums of the Year.
This recognition underscores the worldwide influence of Nigerian pop music and the growing presence of its artists on international platforms. The prestigious list celebrates the unique artistry and creativity of these stars, each of whom released standout projects this year.
Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS, secured an impressive number 11 spot, making it the highest-ranked Nigerian album on the list.
The album has enjoyed immense commercial success and recently earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album Performance.
Rolling Stone praised the project, highlighting its innovative fusion of genres. “Rema has taken to calling his style of Afrobeats ‘Afro-rave,’ yet there’s no single sonic signifier for it,” the review stated. “HEIS is buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that stands apart in the mainstream.
Tracks like ‘Bounce’ rage while everything else simmers, showcasing an unparalleled dynamism.”
Tems, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, claimed the 37th spot with her debut album, Born in the Wild. Following a record-breaking year, including Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best Global Album, the project solidified her status as an international icon.
Describing the album, Rolling Stone remarked, “Tems has remade Nigerian pop in her image. This album is rich, offering a listening experience that is both physical and emotional. Tracks like ‘Wickedest’ are dance-floor-ready, while ‘Love Me Jeje’ is a sun-soaked masterpiece. Tems blends stripped-down ballads, highlife, Afro-dance, and hip-hop into a timeless soundscape.”
Ayra Starr’s sophomore project, The Year I Turned 21, was celebrated for its artistic maturity and ranked among the finest Afrobeats albums of the year.
Rolling Stone praised the album for showcasing her range and ambition as a global pop star. “With this follow-up to her 2021 debut, Ayra Starr displays a musical maturity far beyond her years,” the publication wrote.
“She refreshes traditional Afrobeats elements with the kind of songwriting that appeals to SZA fans, effortlessly transitioning between Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and English with finesse and attitude.”
The inclusion of these three stars in Rolling Stone’s prestigious list underscores the continued international rise of Nigerian pop music. It is a testament to the talent, innovation, and global appeal of artists like Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr.
Their ability to blend Nigerian sounds with universal themes has captured audiences worldwide, solidifying their places as leaders in the global music industry.
In recent years, Nigerian artists have consistently made their mark on Rolling Stone’s annual lists. In 2023, albums like Asake’s Work of Art, Burna Boy’s I Told Them, Mr. Eazi’s Evil Genius, and Adekunle Gold’s Tequila Ever After were celebrated for their excellence.
The continued recognition of Nigerian projects reflects the genre’s growing dominance on the global stage.
As 2024 concludes, these achievements by Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr symbolize the global resonance of Nigerian music.
Their inclusion in Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Albums list highlights not only their individual brilliance but also the vibrant evolution of Afrobeats as a genre that transcends borders.
