The best Ghanaian albums of the year 2018

Aside from a few disappointments – in terms of low release number – it’s safe to say the year has been impressive.

From blazing sounds from the African roots to western influenced rhythms, 2018 has witnessed some of the best collections produced by Ghanaian artistes in the history of African music.

Below are the top 5 albums released in 2018.

“3NITY” by Epixode

The debate about what a real reggae and dancehall record sounds like has been going on for some time now but it seems Epixode had the answer.

His “3NITY” album embodies all elements of the reggae and dancehall genre and enlightens fans on what the records should sound like.

Even though he didn’t get the maximum hype, the 21 track reggae/dancehall project which features top artistes including Stonebwoy, Medikal, Yung L, and Kurl Songx, breathes fresh, undiluted and unpolluted sounds into every ear that listens.

“Highlife Konnect” by Bisa Kdei

Ghana has been named the originator of highlife music but since the absence of contemporary highlife legends like Rex Omar, Amakye Dede, Daasebre Gyamenah, Kojo Antwi and others, the industry has lost its title to Nigerian counterparts.

But thanks to Bisa Kdei, Ghana is back on track. If the saying ‘music unites’ is true, Bisa Kdei proved with his third studio album “Highlife Konnect”.

The 15-track album features Sarkodie, Kumi Guitar, Akwaboah and Yaa Yaa from Ghana, Patoranking, Reekado Banks and Mayorkun from Nigerian, Mic Flammez from Togo, and OC Osilliation from Zambia.

“Matters of the Heart” by Akwaboah

One of the geniuses who is helping to reshape modern highlife in the era of hip-hop and dancehall dominance is Akwaboah.

The SarkCess Music record label artiste brought the life in highlife back to the scene with Bisa Kdei, KiDi and Kuami Eugene.

His sumptuous 12-track debut highlife collection titled “Matters of the Heart” delves deep into the hearts, dissects and tries to find answers to the complex issues regarding relationships and anything that has to do with the heart.

The album which features Sarkodie, Strongman, Efya, Txt and Seyi Shay from Nigeria is brewed from the depository of rich Ghanaian traditional sounds.

“Reign” by Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale has come a long way in the Ghanaian dancehall game – and “Reign” album encapsulates why he is still on top of the game.

The 17-track album which features only one artiste, Olamide from Nigeria, summarises Shatta Wale’s struggles through the non-paying and hatred-filled industry as he claims the dancehall throne.

He fired shots at haters throughout the album while delivering some classic dance and summer jams.

“Journey of Judah” by Guru

If Guru should be crucified for lagging behind in the hiplife/afrobeats fraternity, then it shouldn’t happen now. They should hold on a bit.

Despite the struggles, the NKZ Music label owner pulled one of the best albums this year.

His star-studded 35-track album proves his worth and why he is a tough competition to beat.

Featuring Sarkodie, Efya, Ofori Amponsah, Kofi B, KK Fosu, King Paluta, Medikal, Shaker, Harrysong from Nigeria and other top acts, the album drives listening through a painful yet entertaining nearly 2-hour journey of classic hiplife and afrobeats sounds.

"BVR" by E.L

E.L concluded his “B.A.R” (Best African Rapper) mixtape series this year with the ultimate “BVR”. For those who don’t know the meaning of “BVR”, it means “B.A.R 5”.

For the past 5 years, E.L has proven on several occasions that singing doesn’t define his craft – delivery of hot bars does. Hence, the introduction of “B.A.R” series.

This year, he hooked up with some hottest new artistes including Bryan the Mensah, Akan, Nana Grenade, Kev, Recognise Ali, Stargo and others to deliver their best bars.

Honestly, the entire album worth the hype, and I hope it won’t stop this year.

“I Believe” by Diana Hamilton

Diana Hamilton has been a believer from day-one so her latest album “I Believe” doesn’t define her but rather defines her arts.

Combining contemporary afrobeats and highlife sounds to produce an atypical afro-gospel is phenomenal – and that’s what defines her.

The 8-track album aims at uplifting every ‘hopeless’ soul and gives major praise to God Almighty.

“Rockstar” by Kuami Eugene

Kuami Eugene hit the nail right on the head this year with his debut album “Rockstar”.

For someone who has dominated the industry for nearly two years, it was right for him to give his fans a valuable collection to hold onto, hence, the “Rockstar”.

The album features Sarkodie, DJ Vyrusky and Mayorkun, and also features his debut hit single, “Angela”, as well as his latest hits, “Confusion”, “Never Carry Last”, “Wish Me Well”, and “Walaahi”.

The synth-laced 13-track album features contemporary highlife sounds and mostly made of dance records.

“Africa Rise” by AJ Nelson

One of the best things that happened to 2018 is hip-hop/afrobeats artiste AJ Nelson. He came from nowhere, burst into the scene with a classic and ingenious collection named, “Africa Rise”.

The 16-track album features Cabum, Ayat, Worlasi, Cheche, Ohene Savant, De-Lion, Suzz Blaq, Cliff Wonder, Dee Tutu and J Smalls, and introducing La La and Miking.

“Africa Rise” cuts through all walks of life, from outdated cultural practices to racism to politics to religion to drugs to global warming to societal issues.