African Albums on Rolling Stone’s Best 100 Albums of 2024

Another year is coming to an end and Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the Best 100 Albums of 2024 has been put out, and trust Africa to shine bright no matter what.

This years list features groundbreaking works from artists like Rema, Tems, Tyla, and Ayra Starr. These albums are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and artistry that define African music today, proving that the continent is not just a source of inspiration but a powerhouse of musical excellence.

Let’s quickly jump into these standout albums that are making waves and reshaping the global music landscape.

Tyla – Tyla

The highest-ranking African album taking up the 6th spot, Tyla came through with one of the best albums out of Africa this year with her self-titled debut album Tyla. A vibrant fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and amapiano, the Tyla album has catchy hooks and creative sound caught the attention of audiences, and earned it a spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2024 for its infectious energy and cultural significance. Tracks like Water and Truth or Dare were a global success, and showed off a fresh voice of a new generation of African artists. There’s no doubt that Tyla has the ability to blend genres while maintaining authenticity.

Rema – Heis

Rema came through with a brilliant project on the 11th of July 2024 as he dropped his second studio album, Heis. Rema marked a bold reinvention of his sound while still maintaining the foundational Afrobeats sound but mixing it up with energetic rhythms and personal storytelling. The album absolutely showed his growth as an artist, celebrating his roots while pushing musical boundaries. Rema’s reinvention was wildly praised, and got him the 11th spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Album of 2024.

Tems – Born In The Wild

Taking up the 37th spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2024 is Tems’ debut album, Born In The Wild. Released on June 7, 2024, Born In The Wild is a emotional exploration of spirituality and personal struggle. A rich fusion of Nigerian pop and heartfelt lyrics that hits deeply, Tems album earned its spot due to its authenticity and emotional depth. Tems’ unique sound and self-production showcase her artistry, making this album a significant contribution to contemporary music.

Ayra Starr – The Year I turned 21

On the 4th of October 2024, Ayra Starr’s dropped her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21. A captivating musical project which was a blend of R&B and amapiano, her steady growth as an artist was evident. She gave out deep, thoughtful lyrics and infectious beats that connected to well with music lovers. Her brilliant piece of work earned her the 53rd spot in Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of 2024 for its authentic exploration of youth, love, and self-discovery.