The noteworthy albums released in August included Fireboy DML’s “Playboy” LP, BNXN fka Buju’s “Bad Since ’97” sophomore studio project, and Chike’s “The Brother’s Keeper” masterpiece. The frenzy that surrounded each of these albums was a clear indication that they were among the most anticipated musical releases of the year.
The albums that we at DC Leakers selected for this month’s top five are only a handful of them.
Have A Look Below.
Fireboy DML – Playboy
Fireboy DML has achieved incredible success and established himself as one of the major forces in the music industry since Olamide initially introduced him in 2019. After roughly three years in the music business, Fireboy DML has released three bodies of work: the critically acclaimed debut “Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps,” the follow-up “Apollo,” and the most recent “Playboy.”
The third studio album by Fireboy DML, “Playboy,” has finally been released to the public. It is the follow-up to his eclectic albums “Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps” and “Apollo.” Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown, Rema, Euro, Asake, and Shenseea all make guest appearances on the album’s 14 tracks. His previously released song “Peru,” which debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a gold certification in the United States, is also included on the project.
Fireboy DML’s “Playboy” album solidifies the foundation he has been building ever since his inception into the music space.
Juls – Sounds Of My World (Deluxe Edition)
On his debut album Sounds of My World, the UK-based Ghanaian producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist recruits a fresh, colorful batch of rising artists and trusted collaborators (including Wizkid, Sauti Sol, Jaz Karis, Fireboy DML, and Niniola).
The album forms a dazzling love letter to traditional sounds from Africa—from Ghanaian highlife to South African amapiano via silky-smooth Afrobeat—all filtered though innovative global lenses.
The deluxe edition adds five new tracks, including a “Summer in the Ends” remix with Zikomo and Jaz karis, and new collabs with Projexx and Sevana.
BNXN (Buju) – Bad Since ’97
After coming of age on 2021’s Sorry I’m Late—released on the back of an unprecedented run of hitmaking features and inescapable singles that established him as one of Afropop’s most talented singer-songwriters—BNXN fka Buju is enjoying bringing his music to people across the world.
Pieced together on many stops along his unending journeys crisscrossing the globe, BNXN’s sophomore project, Bad Since ’97, is an audacious attempt to situate himself among the greats of Afropop. If Sorry I’m Late was a long-winded apology to fans for a quiet 2020, Bad Since ’97 veers into self-mythology, positioning Buju as a peerless act operating at the zenith of his powers.
From the neo-soul leanings of the title track to the amapiano and fuji-influenced delivery patterns of “Loose Emotions”, BNXN delicately considers destiny and reflects on soured romance at different turns, creating a body of work that’s just as braggadocious as it is pithy.
In recognition of his status as one of Afropop’s most prodigious collaborators, BNXN’s coronation is annotated with contributions from Afropop royalty like Wizkid, Wande Coal and Olamide, while the singer’s dulcet vocals and immersive sonics proffer ample proof of his unrelenting genius.
M.I. Abaga – The Guy
Jude Abaga, aka M.I. Abaga, must be included as a key player in order for the discussion regarding the origins, ascent, and apex of hip-hop in Nigeria and Africa to make sense. He is one of the greatest rappers to come out of Africa, having released six excellent studio albums.
M.I. Abaga releases his sixth studio album today, completing his sextuple. His first solo effort since 2019 is called “The Guy,” and it is his debut album.
The Guy LP features 12 songs in total and features cameos from American veteran rapper Nas, Duncan Mighty, Wande Coal, Olamide, Phyno, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, BNXN, The Cavemen, Chillz, Lord Vino, Tomi Owo, and Jesse Jagz.
Chike – The Brother’s Keeper
The Brother’s Keeper, Chike’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut album Boo of the Booless and the single “Running (To You),” is a reflection of life following such achievements.
After his debut, the singer is regarded as a ray of hope, a lover, a caretaker, a provider, a friend, and a brother by those who support him and by those in his immediate vicinity.
He thinks back on the adventure so far, enjoys the present and glides through it, but he is weary of the unknown future. Speaking of being a “Brother Keeper,” Chike cited occasions in which fellow musicians Simi and Mayorkun came through for him and the album’s collaboration with African music icon Flavour. He urged everyone to aspire to be a “Brother Keeper,” regardless of gender.