Nigerian artists Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr have secured places on Rolling Stone Magazine’s “The Best 100 Albums of 2024” list, highlighting the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global music scene.
The list, which spans various genres, celebrates albums that excelled in sales, streams, innovation, sonic quality, and cultural significance. Among this year’s selections, Rema’s Grammy-nominated sophomore album “HEIS” stands out at Number 11. Known for its energetic Afro-rave sound, the album has been lauded for delivering “buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making.”
Tems’ debut album”Born in the Wild,” occupies the Number 37 spot. Transitioning from softer tones to bolder themes, the album retains her R&B roots while incorporating elements of highlife, amapiano, and hip-hop. Rolling Stone described it as “a seamless blend of stripped-down ballads, the cool of 1990s R&B with flecks of SWV and Sade, joyous highlife, Afro-dance music like amapiano, and rugged hip-hop.”
Further down the list, Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” comes in at Number 53. With lyrics exploring themes of growth and vulnerability, the album offers a fresh take on Afrobeats while resonating with younger audiences. Rolling Stone noted that Starr “refreshes tried and true Afrobeats elements with the type of songwriting that SZA fans flock to.”
South African artist Tyla achieved the highest placement for an Afrobeats album with her self-titled debut, “Tyla”, landing at Number 6. The project, which blends amapiano, pop, and R&B, highlights her versatility and reinforces her status as more than a one-hit wonder.
This recognition comes on the heels of Tyla’s historic eight nominations at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, showcasing the growing global appreciation for African artists.
Topping the Rolling Stone list is Charli XCX’s “BRAT”, an electro-pop project that beat out tough competition from Sabrina Carpenter “Short ‘n’ Sweet,” , Beyoncé “Cowboy Carter,” and Billie Eilish “Hit Me Hard and Soft” to claim the Number 1 spot.
View the list here.