Five new albums are competing for space on playlists this week, according to a BellaNaija round-up. The releases are Skepta's The Fork & Knife, Phyno's Let That Sink In, Ty Bello's double project I Speak Lion and I Speak Lamb, Anendlessocean's Freedom and Tobe Nwigwe's The Bridge. Together they cover Afrobeats, UK rap, indigenous hip-hop and alternative gospel.
Skepta: The Fork & Knife
BellaNaija describes The Fork & Knife as the 44-year-old's long-awaited sixth studio album, running to 15 tracks. It says Skepta reflects on his path as grime's most influential elder statesman and as the son of Nigerian immigrants. The title comes from his mother's favourite proverb, and the record is framed as an exploration of identity and perseverance.
The guest list crosses continents. Aya Nakamura appears on the zouk-flavoured "Chippie", Asake features on the Afrobeats crossover "Aloe Vera", and Chase & Status join Suggs on the single "Innocent Smile". The album closes with "Belly", an eight-minute track featuring Boy Better Know members Jme and Frisco. The publication recalls that in 2012 Skepta clashed with a corporatised grime scene, a turning point that eventually led to his 2016 album Konnichiwa.
Phyno: Let That Sink In
Enugu-born Phyno returns with Let That Sink In, abbreviated LTSI, his sixth solo album at 15 tracks. It arrives almost a decade after his second record, The Playmaker. According to the round-up, he mixes soul, R&B and traditional Nigerian sounds to deal with faith, resilience and personal growth.
Seyi Vibez is on the opener "Ndu Ka Aku", Fireboy DML on "I Believe" and Jeriq on "Ije Enu". BellaNaija says Phyno criticises the government on "20 Years to Come" and goes uplifting on "Chukwu Okike".
Ty Bello: I Speak Lion and I Speak Lamb
Ty Bello puts out two albums as one experience. I Speak Lion is described as high-energy and aimed at stirring courage, with Sunmisola Agbebi, Greatman Takit and Limoblaze among the guests. I Speak Lamb moves to acoustic textures and quieter, devotional moods.
Anendlessocean: Freedom
Alternative Afro-gospel act Anendlessocean offers Freedom, a 14-track full-length that follows singles such as "Promises". The round-up points to R&B grooves, spiritual themes and vocal harmonies, with Ryan Ofei on "Speak On It" and Wale Adenuga on "Let the Church Say".
Tobe Nwigwe: The Bridge
Houston-born Tobe Nwigwe teams up with his wife, Fat Nwigwe, on The Bridge, a 12-track collaborative album. Raised in Alief by Igbo parents from southeastern Nigeria, he combines Texas trap basslines with Nigerian percussion and vocal samples, per BellaNaija.
