The year is finally off to an end and we are buzzing with the cheer of new beginnings, albeit with a little caution. We do not want to repeat the mistake of being so enthusiastic for the year just like we were for 2020 but then when it finally arrived, it shocked us all.
First, a pandemc that wiped out thousands of lives. We were locked in our homes unable to connect physically with our friends and loved ones. The pandemic not only restricted us to house arrests and lockdowns, it restructured our way of life as we knew it. There was a plummet in our frequenting of resturants, pubs, parties, clubs and many others. But in the way that humans have always been resilient, we innovated and adapted . We found new ways to retouch and rekindle with people: a rise in virtual meetings, virtual concerts, rise of new apps like Tik Tok where people with enough free time started dances and challenges that travelled wide and far.
It was definitely hard for artists to put out music at a point when we were tending to illnesses and losing loved ones. Some had it worse than others. There was the Black lives matter movement triggered by the death of George Floyd that tore our hearts and when we thought it couldn’t get worse, there was the massacre of Innocent Nigerians whose only crimes were demanding a better socio-political climate for them to thrive. They demanded to not be killed, wrongly profiled and harrassed, they demanded for justice and were met with hot water canons, tear gas and bullets. In all this, we sought succour in one of the universal languages known to man; Music.
Somehow African music still managed to shine, we had an array of singers, writers, producers, curators etc that offered us an eclectic mix of sounds varying in styles and genres. There were a couple of projects put out by the veterans and experimental futurist sounds from the newcomers. We mourned with music, held steadfast and protested with music, celebrated and rejoiced with music the only way we knew how. In this light, we at PGM bring to you the top 50 albums and extended plays this year that made it just a little bearable maybe even enjoyable. Songs that dulled the ache for a little bit and even made us dance. In no particular order, here is our top 50 albums for 2020;
- Pioneers – DRB Lasgidi
- Boo of the booless – Chike
- Empress – Yemi Alade
- Colours & Sounds – Niniola
- My side of the story – Busiswa
- Nudes – Moonchild Sanelly
- Gratitude – Timaya
- Kpanlogo – Darkovibes
- For broken ears – Tems
- Made in Lagos- Wizkid
- Cult – Paybac Iboro
- Flavour of Africa – Flavor
- Grace – DJ Spinall
- African Time Deluxe version – Krizbeatz
- Three – Patoranking
- Apollo – Fireboy DML
- Celia – Tiwa Savage
- Twice as Tall – Burna boy
- Anloga Junction – Stonebwoy
- Carpe Diem – Olamide
- Jiggy pack – Kida Kudz
- Everything you heard is true – Odunsi the Engine
- Oxygen – Oxlade
- Off the record – Reekado Banks
- Mirage – Mannywellz
- National Anthem – Psycho YP
- Lava feels – Joey B
- Original Copy – Cuppy
- I am the King of Amapiano – Kabza de Small
- Yabasi- Basketmouth
- Afropop vol 1 – Adekunle Gold
- Restless II – Simi
- Get layd – Omah lay
- See the Queue – CDQ
- Wildfire – Prettyboy D.O
- Zaza Vibes – LAX
- Afrosoul deluxe – Wurld
- King of Love – Kizz Daniels
- To the world and beyond – Sun El-musician
- Blackstar – Kelvyn Boy
- Send them to the Conventry – Pa Salieu
- Any minute now – Cassper Nyovest
- Zulu man with power – Nasty C
- Small world – Ricky Tyler
- Midnight Train – Sauti sol
- Pianochella – Major league DJz
- SG hubuses Excellent – Focalist
- National Anthem – Psycho YP
- Yellow – Brymo
- The Angel you don’t know – Amaarae
Remember to wash your hands regularly, wear your mask and maintain social distancing. Cheers to the new year. Happy 2021.
