Ghanaians have consumed hundreds of albums in the last decade. But eight of them will never be forgotten – no matter what.
You can serve hits after hits, but you will be remembered with your body-of-work. This is why albums or musical collections matter.
We share with you eight Ghanaian music albums which defined the last decade.
As usual, the list is in no order.
1. “Mary” by Sarkodie
The 11-track classic highlife masterpiece redefined Sarkodie’s brand when it was released in 2015. The live studio album which is Sarkodie’s 4th project features top Ghanaian vocalists including Pat Thomas, Efya, Mugeez and Akwaboah. The album had at least nine hit singles and earned multiple award nominations.
2. “I Believe” by Diana Hamilton
The 2019 VGMA “Gospel Artiste of the Year” winner has what it takes to hold that crown. Her project “I Believe”, released in 2018 is an instance. Containing eight powerful sounds, the album dominated the airwaves last year. Songs like “Mo Ne Yo”, “Lord of Hosts”, “Nsenkyerene Nyankopon” and the title track, “I Believe” did the magic. You can’t have enough of the album.
3. “Epistles of Mama” by Stonebwoy
Stonebwoy’s biggest album yet, the two-in-one masterpiece released in 2017 took the afro-dancehall star a step further in his career. The enchanting reggae and afro-dancehall collection has a bunch of hit singles including “Baawasaba”, “Dede”, “Pepper Dem”, “Tia Tia”, and “Mane Me”.
4. “Books and Rhymes” by Edem
This is Edem’s best work so far. The 25-studio project captured the hearts of Ghanaians when it dropped in 2014. Featuring some top local and international musicians including Akwaboah, Raquel, Obrafour, Samini, Stonebwoy, Black Prophet, Jupitar, Cassper Nyovest, and Ice Queen, the afrobeats, hiplife and highlife masterpiece is packed with a bunch of hit singles.
5. “Matters of the Heart” by Akwaboah
He might not be everywhere, but Akwaboah made a great impact when he released his debut highlife album in 2018. The 12-track impressive masterpiece features only five important artistes; Sarkodie, Strongman, Seyi Shay, Efya and TXT. Songs like “Number One”, Obiba”, “Forget”, “Hye Me Bo” and “Hold Me Down” are huge on the airwaves.
6. “After the Storm” by Shatta Wale
Shatta Wale might have made some impacts with “Reign” and “Wonder Boy” albums but none matches “After The Storm”. The 24-track featureless afro-pop, dancehall and afro-dancehall collection has countless hits including “Bie Gya”, “Chop Kiss”, “Hol’It”, “Too Much Chemical”, “Kakai”, “If I Collect” and “Dancehall King”.
7. “Breakthrough” by Bisa Kdei
It was actually a breakthrough for the record producer cum singer. He infused some energy into the then flapping highlife music fraternity in 2016. The award-winning album is made up of 10 sweet sounds with hit singles like “Mansa”, “Samina” and “Brother Brother”.
8. “Nowhere Cool” by M.anifest
A blend of hip-hop, afrobeats and highlife, M.anifest swayed the industry when he dropped “Nowhere Cool” – his 5th studio project. The controversial 14-track album features some top local and international artistes including Worlasi, Dex Kwesi, and Brymo. “B.E.A.R”, “Hand Dey Go, Hand Dey Come”, “Sugar”, “Simple Love” and “Time No Dey” are some of the hit singles off the album.