By Esther Alexander –
Highly anticipated All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is less than two weeks away, and the battle for the coveted Album of the Year’ category is already on, with 11 superstars from around the continent vying for the title.
The votes have already begun to pour in at AFRIMA’s voting site with hearts throbbing from fans across the continent. The winning slot for any of the eleven icons would be determined by the total number of votes cast by the finalists.
Previous winners in this category includes the like of Olamide (Nigeria, 2014), Charlottee Dipanda (Cameroon, 2015), Ahmed Soultan (Morocco, 2016), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda, 2017), Betty G (Ethiopia, 2018), and Sauti Sol (Kenya, 2019).
With strong-packed albums up for the win, here are the top artistes in the contest for AFRIMA 2021 ‘Album of the Year.’
Iba One (MON EMPIRE, Mali)
Within the Malian rap scene, Iba One stands tall as a maverick for miles. His latest work dubbed, ‘Mon Empire Vol. 2’ is a 17-track soundpiece that solidifies his position as a musical force out of Africa.
Wizkid (MADE IN LAGOS, Nigeria)
Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ is not just a special album for Nigerians; but it is one for the whole of Africa. The 14-track album has become one of the most internationally acclaimed projects, peaking on Billboard World Music Album chart, as well as producing platinum-certified records and has also been submitted for possible consideration for the 2022 Grammy awards.
Aya Nakamura (AYA, Mali)
Since her 2017 debut dubbed, ‘Journal Intime’, Aya Nakamura has been a regular chart-topper within the French music scene. With her 2020 self-titled album, heavily stewed in love, life and self-liberation, the singer packs melodious groove, emotive lyricism, stellar features (including collaborations with Stormzy and Ms. Banks), to stand out as both a fan-favourite and an exceptional project.
Davido (A BETTER TIME, Nigeria)
Another critically acclaimed project from 2020 is Davido’s ‘A Better Time’. The 17-tracker sophomore project from the award-winning singer is a powerful upbeat groovy soundpiece that flusters with heavy international collaborations from artistes like Lil Baby, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, among others.
Fally Ipupa (TOOKOOS II, DRC)
Fally Ipupa’s latest album dubbed, ‘Tookoos II’, is arsenal of beautiful melodies. Across the African scene, the Kinshasha-born’s rumba rhythms have traversed diverse ears, even those of non-Congolese origins.
Tiwa Savage (CELIA, Nigeria)
Apart from being one of the leading ladies of Afrobeats music, Tiwa Savage is an artiste par excellence. Her last album dubbed, ‘Celia’ was one standout piece that showcased her strength as a musician and music A&R. The 13-track record is woven with themes that encourage the feminine folk, as well as serving some heart-stirring love anthems, with a sprinkle of upbeat groove.
MHD (MANSA, Guinea)
Mohamed Sylla has carved a legacy for himself as one of Africa’s most vivacious rappers, under the moniker MHD. The French artiste of Guinean-Senegalese origins is best known for pioneering the Afro-Trap legacy, with his continentally-smashing hits. ‘Mansa’ effortlessly blends West African pop and dance music with western rap.
Olamide (CARPE DIEM, Nigeria)
Popular rapper and music label executive, Olamide, came out in the middle of last year with an unforgettable album that heat up the African music scene for many months. The 12-track soundpiece, which is also his 11th studio album, is dubbed ‘Carpe Diem’.
Tayc (FLEUR FROIDE, Cameroon)
Cameroonian RnB superstar, Tayc, shook the African music scene, last year, with the release of his avant-garde album dubbed, ‘Fleur Froide’, which also translates to ‘Cold Flower.’ The 18-track album has been certified Platinum by the French-based Syndicat national de l’édition phonographique (SNEP).
Burna Boy (TWICE AS TALL, Nigeria)
Self-acclaimed Giant of Africa, Burna Boy, is an artiste with one of the most enigmatic discographies on the continent. His Afro-fusion album dubbed, ‘Twice as Tall’ is not just a Grammy-winning project; it is also one of the most exciting releases that sound-tracked the COVID-19 pandemic year.
Maitre Gims (LE FLEAU, DRC)
After the Congolese heavyweight, Gims, released Le Fleau, aka, The Scourge, last year, he went Platinum in record time. This indicates the vocal prowess of the young rap maverick, who blends French into one of the deepest Hip-Hop lyricism available in the entire DRC.
AFRIMA 2021 will hold at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, Nigeria from Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21, 2021, also the AFRIMA website is still accepting votes and selling tickets.
Since 2014, AFRIMA has been considered as the greatest global celebration and acknowledgement of African talents and creatives.