Nigerian Stars Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr Shine on RollingStone’s 2024 Albums of the Year List
Nigerian music continues to make waves on the global stage, and 2024 has been no exception. Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr have all earned spots on RollingStone’s prestigious list of the top 100 albums of the year, solidifying their status as international stars and marking another milestone for Nigerian pop music.
Rema’s sophomore album HEIS leads the Nigerian charge, landing at an impressive number 11 spot. The album’s success has been capped by a recent Grammy nomination for Best Global Album Performance. Described by RollingStone as “buzzing, visceral, sweat-it-out music,” HEIS is a reflection of Rema’s unique style, which he calls “Afro-rave.” The album seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop, house, R&B, and dancehall, creating a sound that stands apart from mainstream Afrobeats. According to RollingStone, HEIS is a rave-like experience, full of energy and fresh intensity, with tracks like “Bounce” highlighting Rema’s ability to keep things both exciting and innovative.
Tems’ highly anticipated debut album Born In The Wild takes the number 37 spot on the list. Following a successful tour and record-breaking Grammy nominations, Born In The Wild has earned praise for its rich, immersive sound. RollingStone describes the album as “physical” in its listening experience, blending emotional depth with sonic comfort. Tems, already a major force in Nigerian pop, combines stripped-down ballads with Afro-dance music and elements of 1990s R&B, creating a timeless sound. Singles like “Wickedest” and “Love Me Jeje” showcase her unique blend of soulful expression and danceable rhythms.
Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 was also celebrated, receiving recognition as one of the finest Afrobeats projects of 2024. RollingStone lauds the album for demonstrating Starr’s musical maturity and her growth as a global pop star. The album blends Afrobeats with influences from SZA and highlife, showcasing Starr’s lyrical finesse in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba. With emotional depth and ambition, the album highlights her ability to capture complex feelings and express them with effortless attitude and passion.
The inclusion of Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr in RollingStone’s 2024 albums of the year list underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian music and its rising influence on the international music scene. Their success joins a growing list of Nigerian artists who have made waves worldwide, including Asake, Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, and Adekunle Gold, all of whom appeared on the 2023 list. As the popularity of Nigerian pop music continues to soar, these three stars exemplify the country’s impact on global music culture.
