We’re three-quarters into 2022 and the year has been unfolding quite nicely for Nigerian artistes and our ever-thriving music scene. We’ve enjoyed a plethora of hit singles, fresh new videos and sterling performances. Plus, a good number of artists have actually delivered on their promises to release projects this year. So far, we’ve gotten highly anticipated albums from Asa, Adekunle Gold, Burna Boy, Rema, BOJ, Cruel Santino, Obongjayar, Simi, Falz and Omah Lay, amongst others.
Now while we enjoy and give thanks for these releases, we haven’t quite forgotten the other albums we have yet to receive. Just like the infamous Oliver Twist, music lovers are always hungry for more: ears pressed to the ground, waiting for news of good music. Some albums have been confirmed by the artists, be it in title and/or date or through circulated social media rumors and hints, while for others, we (the fans) can only cross our fingers and hope for a speedy release.
Here are some albums we’re still hoping to enjoy before the year runs out:
Wizkid (More Love, Less Ego)
After an outstanding 2021, Wizkid is poised to release his much anticipated fifth studio album titled More Love, Less Ego. To celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Made in Lagos, Wizkid took to Instagram to remind fans that he promised not to make us wait too long for the next one. “‘More Love Less Ego’ dropping on the last day of tour!”, he wrote.
In the last few months, we’ve watched snippets of him working in the studio, and there have been hints about which artists will appear on the album (possibly BNXN, TY Dolla Sign, Ayra Starr, Skepta, and Naira Marley). Although there had been speculation about a possible August drop, the exact release date of the album is still not clear, with fans now looking hopefully to the last quarter of the year.
CKay (Sad Romance)
Talented Nigerian singer-songwriter, Ckay has been dropping hints about his forthcoming album, even going as far as saying it would make history. And now, the star is set to shake the music scene up as he has taken to social media to announce that the debut album, Sad Romance, is on the way, sharing the news with a heartwarming video compilation of footage of himself making music as well as his live performances in different locations around the world.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChkjEPhgTi3/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
According to the video, Sad Romance was inspired by happiness, pain, and depression, and while Ckay did not mention a specific release date, we can only hope that “soon” means any day now.
Runtown (SIGNS)
Runtown has been in hermit mode for quite some time but appears to be ready to make a comeback with his forthcoming album titled Signs. The Nigerian musician has been rather tight-lipped, offering very little information about the album besides the tracklist he shared since July last year. At this point, fans seem ready to throw hands. And who can blame them?
Following his long absence from the music business, fans are not entirely sure what to expect. Still, he has dubbed the album his “favorite work of art yet”, and with multiple quality singles under his belt, it will be interesting to see what he has in store for us.
Olamide
Olamide caused a bit of a commotion on the timeline earlier this year when he announced that he would be dropping a new album titled Unruly, which, according to him, may be the last album of his career. At the time of the announcement, he said that the album was 95 percent ready, but that the release date was yet to be announced. Almost seven months later, we’re still waiting.
https://twitter.com/olamide/status/1489975261676421134?s=21&t=bEYja9WX-ug-m0ejfka-RQ
In his defense though, Olamide has spent the year overseeing the success of his YBNL signee Asake who has emerged as a standout afrobeat artiste in 2022 and has been giving us back-to-back bangers. Furthermore, he has given fire verses on both M.I. and BNXN’s recent albums, so we can’t even be mad. Olamide has also teased his latest single We Outside, to whet our appetites as we await the arrival of the album.
Davido (Untitled)
Award-winning Nigerian singer, Davido has revealed that his forthcoming studio album is already in the works. Earlier in the year, while enjoying the gains of his sold-out concert at the popular 02 Arena in London, he took to Twitter to announce that he was putting final touches to the album:
“Gang touch down qatar 🇶🇦Finishing my album out here.. pure vibes,” he tweeted.
Though Davido is yet to reveal concrete details about the now-anticipated body of work, only alluding to it now and then… We’re still keeping our ears and eyes open.
I shall love long Amen! To receive all the blessings God has in store for me ! And you already know my blessing nah OUR BLESSING! 001!! Album on the way ! I’m inspired!! ❤️
— Davido (@davido) August 13, 2022
Mr Eazi (Untitled)
Nigerian singer-songwriter Mr. Eazi announced his upcoming debut album by sharing the lead single Legalize back in June. Referring to his previous full-length projects, Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1: From Accra to Lagos (2017) and Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2: From Lagos to London (2018), as mixtapes, Eazi’s long-awaited debut LP has been ten years in the making.
Thus, fans were excited to hear that the star has commissioned various African contemporary artists to create unique pieces during live, intimate performances that will serve as the cover artwork for each single. The pieces will then be tokenized and shared with the public through specifically curated metaverse and physical events. Talk about an artistic rollout.
Although the album is still untitled, Eazi has opened up a little about it:
“What this album means to me is a journey into new territory,” said Eazi. “It’s supposed to be an immersive experience where when you look at this album, you say ‘oh wow, Eazi’s album was a beautiful exhibition.’”