Tyla, Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr Make RollingStone’s Best Album Of The Year List

Chinalurumogu EzeDecember 3, 20241 Mins read1.2k

Four African artists – Tyla, Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr, have secured spots on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2024 list, showcasing their growing global influence.

South African singer Tyla ranked highest among them, earning the sixth spot with her self-titled debut album, Tyla. Known for her hit song “Water,” Rolling Stone praised her as a global ambassador for South Africa’s amapiano genre. The publication highlighted her collaboration with Nigerian star Tems on “No. 1,” posing as a standout moment for Afrobeat and amapiano.

Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS, claimed the 11th position, making it the highest-ranking Nigerian album. Rolling Stone lauded his innovative “Afro-rave” style, blending Afrobeats with hip-hop, house, R&B, and dancehall. The album’s commercial success has also earned Rema a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album.

Tems debuted on the list at number 37 with Born in the Wild, her first full-length album. Rolling Stone described it as emotionally and physically impactful, with standout tracks like “Wickedest” and the sun-soaked single “Love Me Jeje.” The album follows a record-breaking year for Tems, marked by Grammy nominations and a successful tour.

Nigeria’s Ayra Starr made the list with The Year I Turned 21, her second album, celebrated for its maturity and artistry. Ranked among the finest Afrobeats projects of 2024, the album blends elements of Afrobeats with relatable songwriting reminiscent of global stars like SZA. Starr effortlessly switches between English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin, demonstrating her linguistic finesse.

Including these four African artists on Rolling Stone’s prestigious list underscores their global impact and positions them as trailblazers for African music on the world stage.

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