Konbini Picks: Listen To Our Favourite Albums & EPs From May 2019

At Konbini Nigeria, we love discovering and sharing great music with each other (and jamming to our newfound favourites all day long).

But instead of just selfishly sharing these songs amongst ourselves alone, we’ve decided to create a list of all the newly released albums and EPs that have caught our attention, stolen our hearts and are constantly on repeat on our devices.

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Last month, we highlighted some great albums and EPs — from Beyoncé’s awe-inspiring HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM to Simi’s stellar Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1. Now, we are back to celebrate some May 2019 projects we think you’ll love as much as we do.

Fever by Megan Thee Stallion

On the delightfully sex-positive Fever — Megan Thee Stallion’s debut full-length release — one of hip-hop’s most exciting newcomers confidently announces herself as a brash and ballsy force to be reckoned with.

Standout Tracks: “Pimpin”, “Simon Says” and “Sex Talk”.

IGOR by Tyler, The Creator

With IGOR, Tyler’s self-produced Flower Boy follow-up, the eccentric rapper has delivered his most pointed and creatively ambitious album to date, proving that he is one of the few hip-hop stars intent on actually evolving.

Standout Tracks: “EARFQUAKE”, “RUNNING OUT OF TIME” and “A BOY IS A GUN*”.

Tradition by Runtown

Even when tackling standard-issue afropop themes – from heartbreak to the haters – Runtown remains an incredibly intuitive songwriter, and it’s that ability that makes his new EP, Tradition, so instantly memorable.

Standout Tracks: “Redemption”, “Emotions” and “Unleash”.

Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekend

Father of the Bride, Vampire Weekend’s first album in over half a decade, might not rise to the heights of their 2013 masterpiece, Modern Vampires of the City, but it’s an endlessly innovative and refreshingly relaxed effort.

Standout Tracks: “Harmony Hall”, “This Life” and “Big Blue”.

LEGACY! LEGACY! by Jamila Woods

Rich with political commentary and propped up by stunningly layered production work, Jamila Woods’ deeply introspective LEGACY! LEGACY! confirms what her debut album, HEAVN, hinted at: she is the future of r&b.

Standout Tracks: “ZORA”, “GIOVANNI” and “SONIA”.

Dedicated by Carly Rae Jepsen

While the uninitiated might still think of Carly Rae Jepsen as the “Call Me Maybe” crooner, the 33-year-old has since matured into one of pop’s most essential voices, and her latest album, Dedicated, is further proof of her gifts.

Standout Tracks: “Julien”, “Want You In My Room” and “Real Love”.

Ignorance Is Bliss by Skepta

Ignorance Is Bliss, Skepta’s follow-up to his acclaimed, career-defining Konnichiwa, finds the grime MC drawing on a number of varying sonic influences, and the result is a record that’s richer than anything he’s done before.

Standout Tracks: “Greaze Mode”, “What Do You Mean”, “Glow In The Dark”.

Mandy & The Jungle by Santi

Thanks to Santi’s singular vision, Mandy & The Jungle emerges as a slow-burn masterpiece – one that will warm its way into the hearts of anyone willing to forego preconceived notions of what a Nigerian album can and should sound like.

Standout Tracks: “RX-64 (The Jungle)”, “Murlvana” and “Maria”. 

Walk With Me by Rotimi

On Walk With Me, Rotimi’s latest effort to remind fans that he is just as strong a musician as he is an actor, the Nigerian multi-hyphenate soars by seamlessly melding his old school r&b sensibilities with the best elements of afropop.

Standout Tracks: “Legend”, “Love Riddim” and “Sip Slow”.

Wilmer by Patoranking

It’s become abundantly clear that Patoranking is no longer content with merely dominating the Nigerian airwaves, and with Wilmer – a diverse body of work with far-reaching guest acts – his quest for world domination has never seemed more feasible.

Standout Tracks: “Wilmer”, “Temperature” and “Confirm”.