Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013. Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and yielded the singles "Down" and "Eko".
Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu, popularly known as Tekno, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His song “Enjoy” was the closing song in an episode of the Emmy-winning TV series Ted Lasso.
Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, better known by her stage name Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. She started her career as a gospel singer, releasing her debut studio album in 2008, titled Ogaju. She also played as one of the top judges in season 7 of the Nigerian idol TV show in 2022. She gained public recognition in 2014 after releasing "Tiff", a song that was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015. Simi signed a record deal with X3M Music in 2014, but left the label in May 2019 following the expiration of her contract. She released her second studio album Simisola on September 8, 2017. Her third studio album Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1 was released to coincide with her thirty-first birthday on April 19, 2019. She launched her record label Studio Brat in June 2019.
A Good Time is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Davido. It was released on November 22, 2019, through Davido Music Worldwide, RCA Records and Sony Music. The album features guest appearances from Chris Brown, Summer Walker, Gunna, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dremo, Peruzzi, Popcaan, Zlatan, Yonda, Wurld and Naira Marley. Its production was handled by Speroach Beatz, Tekno, Shizzi, Kiddominant, P2J, London on da Track, and Fresh VDM, among others. In December 2019, Davido announced a North American tour in support of the album; the tour was scheduled to begin in the winter and end in spring 2020. In March 2020, Davido postponed the tour due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2018, he signed a record deal with YBNL Nation, a record label founded by rapper Olamide. His debut studio album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, was released in 2019. He won Listener's Choice and was nominated for Song of the Year for "Jealous" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His third studio album, Playboy, entered the Billboard 200 at number 123. His latest album, Adedamola, was released in 2024.
The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2020 in African music.
Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Fireboy DML. It was released by YBNL Nation on November 29, 2019. The album comprises thirteen tracks and doesn't feature any guest artist. It was primarily produced by Pheelz, along with production from Cracker Mallo, Echo the Guru, IamBeatz and P.Prime. LTG was supported by the previously released singles "Jealous", "What If I Say" and "King". It received generally positive reviews from music critics, but was criticized for being labeled an "Afro-Life" record instead of an R&B album.
Yellow is the seventh studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo, independently released on 1 April 2020. The album explores hedonistic viewpoints and is a departure from the dark themes of his sixth studio album Oṣó. Brymo described Yellow as an album about "love and survival", and said it is an alternative pop and electronic record. The album is a mixture of sentimental ballad, trap, sophisti-pop, shoegaze, rock, synth-pop and folk. Nigerian singer Lindsey Abudei is the only artist to be featured on the album. Yellow was initially intended to have 17 songs but due to technical issues, two songs were omitted from the project. The album was supported by the single "Strippers + White Lines", and was nominated for Best Alternative Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2020.
Lucid is the fourth studio album by French-Nigerian singer Aṣa, released on October 11, 2019, via Chapter Two Records and Wagram Music. Labeled a soul, folk, and rock album, Lucid incorporates elements of funk, folk rock, jazz, reggae and neo-soul. It is more personal and less political compared to her previous albums. Drummer Marlon B was largely in charge of the production; the album's title depicts the place where Aṣa was at the time of the album's release.
ThankGod Omori Jesam known professionally as TG Omori or Boy Director, is a Nigerian music video director and cinematographer.
Carpe Diem is the eleventh studio album by Nigerian rapper Olamide and his first body of work under American label and distribution company, Empire Distribution. According to The Olamide Music Chart on X formerly (Twitter), Carpe Diem crossed the 500 million stream mark across all dsps on June 1, 2021.
Boo of the Booless is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Chike. It was released on February 14, 2020. Chike enlisted Ogaga Sakpaide to A&R the album.
Ayra Starr is the eponymous debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr. It was released on 22 January 2021 through Mavin Records.
The Prodigal is the debut album of Nigerian singer Mr. P as a solo artist. It was released on April 2, 2021.
Flavour of Africa is the seventh studio album of Nigerian singer Flavour. It was released on December 4, 2020.
Akinbi Bamidele Brett, known professionally as Cheque, is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He rose to mainstream fame for his 2020 single "Zoom". In 2021, he won an award for Best Duo African HipHop at the All Africa Music Awards alongside Fireboy DML. He is currently signed to Phyno's Penthauze imprint.
Daniel Etiese Benson, known professionally as Bnxn and formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter and record producer.
Libel is the debut extended play by Nigerian singer Brymo, released independently on November 5, 2020. A follow-up to his seventh studio album Yellow, the EP comprises five tracks and features guest vocals by Deborah Prest. All of the songs on Libel were produced and mastered entirely by Bigfoot. The EP's lyrics address the rape accusations leveled against Brymo by a woman on social media. Libel was supported by the single "Messiah Complexes".
Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Joeboy. It was released on 3 February 2021, through Banku Music and emPawa Africa, and features no guest appearances besides Kwesi Arthur on track 13. The album featured production from E Kelly, Tempoe, Killertunes, Bigfish, Dëra, Mex Flairz, Semzi, Type A, BeatsByKO and M.O.G Beatz. The album serves as a follow-up to his EP Love & Light (2019).
One Day You Will Understand is the first EP by Nigerian singer Mr Eazi. Instead of being credited as a Mr Eazi release, it is credited to Mr Eazi and music company emPawa Africa. Released exclusively through emPawa Africa, the project features guest appearances from King Promise and C Natty. Production was handled by GuiltyBeatz, Blaq Jerzee, Nonso Amadi and Legendury Beatz. One Day You Will Understand serves as the follow-up to Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London (2018).
