We Asked seven Nigerians for Their Most Underrated Albums of 2025, Here’s What They Said
Back in October, we ran a piece on the best new music you probably missed. A direct result of the flood of releases that hit between September and October, and the sheer volume of music competing for attention across every corner of Nigerian music. But even beyond that chaotic window, 2025 moved pretty fast. So fast that a lot of truly great albums slipped through the cracks.
And because music lovers never forgets what actually moved them even when the industry does, we went back to the people. We asked fans across the country to name the albums they believe were slept on this year. The people have spoken, and their picks might surprise you. Here’s what they said.
HAMID
Magixx’s I Dream In Color was one of the most underrated albums of 2025 for me. All the songs on the album were beautiful, but listening to “With You,” “Consistency,” “Konibaje,” “Sexy Lady,” and “Vibration” made the project stand out even more. Whenever I tell people about it, I just say they should check it out because it’s a beautiful album filled with pure vibes.
FELIX
For me, it’s TMZY x YIIZI’s Money Over Love. A lot of people might point to “Ayawa” because it trended a bit, but the project had really good songs ranging from “Somadina,” “Omalicha,” “Mind,” to “Alicia.” It was probably the first Nigerian drill/trap album I genuinely fucked with hard — the melodies and flows combined with the lyrics were quite good. Honestly, I just tell people to listen because it’s for them to enjoy good music. The major reason I recommend it is the melodies and vibe, and the way they delivered on each song felt unique compared to traditional Nigerian drill and hip-hop.
JOHN
I think people slept on Tim Lyre’s SPIRAL. Tim Lyre is a niche artist, so this was almost bound to happen, but I also think the timing of the release smack bang in the middle of the year played a role. Then there’s the album length: just 7 minutes short of an hour, in an era of non-existent attention spans. There’s a three-track run on SPIRAL that really shows top-notch sequencing: “SKI” into “Villagio” featuring MOJO AF, and then “NYE (Everywhere)” featuring Joyce Olong. The last two are instant classics, and in an ideal world should be in Recording of the Year conversations. For anyone who hasn’t listened, I always point to the full spectrum songwriting.
DOLAPO
For me, I think it’s Wizard Chan’s Healers Chapel. The album felt like something you play when life is heavy and you need calm. I love how he blends his Ijaw with different genres. It just feels different. The whole project touches on what people are going through in society, but in a way that still brings comfort. Honestly, Healers Chapel is an album that brings healing and I wish more people tapped into it.
ALEX
Honestly, I think Paradise Now by Obongjayar is one of the best releases of the year, and I’m surprised more people didn’t catch onto it. The album has this energy and urgency that pulls you in, you keep discovering new things every time you listen. He talks about everything from personal struggles to bigger issues in society. It’s one of those albums that makes strong statements without trying too hard.
LIGHT
Man, I feel like Falz’s The Feast didn’t get enough love. This album is just fun and smart at the same time. Honestly, it’s the kind of album you can play any time and still enjoy, people slept on this one for sure. I just kept going back to it because some songs hit you in different ways. I also love how he switches languages and just does his thing, it all feels really effortless. Definitely one of my favorites from this year. It’s clear he’s capable of quality across different sounds. It’s an album that’s really fun, and I honestly wish more people had tuned in.
