Rolling Stone has ranked Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, and Tems among the greatest albums of the 21st century. Albums African Giant, Made in Lagos, Mr Money With the Vibe, and For Broken Ears represent Nigeria’s global music influence on the list of the 250 greatest albums from 2000 to 2024.
Four Nigerian artists have been recognized on Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 greatest albums of the 21st century, showcasing the growing global impact of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. The list covers albums released between 2000 and 2024 and highlights the cultural and artistic influence of these works.
Burna Boy’s African Giant ranks highest among the Nigerian entries, celebrated for its fusion of Afrobeat, reggae, and pop. Released in 2019, the album earned international acclaim and solidified Burna Boy’s place in global music. Asake’s Mr Money With the Vibe, a 2022 release, also made the list, lauded for its unique blend of street-pop and vibrant energy.
Tems’ debut EP, For Broken Ears (2020), earned recognition for its soulful and introspective tracks, while Wizkid’s Made in Lagos (2020) was praised for its smooth rhythms and widespread appeal, particularly for its global hit, Essence.
The list crowned Beyoncé’s Lemonade as the greatest album of the 21st century, with Radiohead’s Kid A in second place. Rolling Stone emphasized its goal to reflect the diversity and ambition of modern music, selecting albums that brought fresh perspectives to the industry.
