2019 has been intense on many fronts, especially with political and social uproar but all through the drama, music helped us blow off steam. Nonetheless, we live in a time where our incredible access to music is both a blessing and a curse. With more than 100 million hours of music available, choosing the best of the bunch can be difficult.

BellaNaija engaged famous rapper and Your Excellency star, Ikechukwu Onunaku, to assist with this festive dilemma. Ikechukwu took us through his favourite albums released during this eventful year.
In no particular order, see all his favourites.

African Giant – Burna Boy
Ikechwukwu says, “Burna Boy served an Afro-fusion masterpiece we didn’t even know we needed. The message from Burna here is, every black person should remember that we were Africans, before we became anything else.”

A Good Time – Davido
On A Good Time, he adds, “2019 has been a really good year for Nigerian music, and Davido’s album was one of the many reasons why. His charisma and delivery was smooth from start to finish; you should listen to this.”

ZANKU – Zlatan Ibile
On Zanku, he gushed, “Zlatan has to be the best newcomer in 2019, for the back to back banger he released. His talent is definitely one to watch out for.”

Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps – Fireboy DML
The number of artists to break out this year, is beyond mind-blowing. Each with a fresh perspective on how to make good music. I particularly enjoy how Fireboy DML infuses African harmonies with bits of country and soul. You don’t see stuff like that often.

Inglewood High – D Smoke
Inglewood rapper, D. Smoke, caught my attention for the first time on Netflix’s Hip Hop Series ‘Rhythm + Flow’. He raps in Spanish but reminds me of Kendrick Lamar. His multiple flows and introspective storytelling is the future of rap.

Street Gossip – Lil Baby
If you’re a big fan of hip-hop, you must be aware the Atlanta rap scene is extremely competitive. Rapper, Lil Baby, is one of the young rapper to cement his place as an Atlanta OG in 2019. I respect his art; the album is smoking hot.

Revenge of the Dreamers III – J.Cole
Finally, on Revenge of the Dreamers III, he says, “J. Cole’s compilation album is purely fireworks. Revenge of the Dreamers III is a school lesson on collaboration, every rapper needs to take notes from J. Cole. I loved the energy involved in this album.”

BellaNaija thoroughly enjoyed the informal chat with Ikechukwu, and anticipates his on-screen role as ‘John’, in Your Excellency. Ikechukwu stars along Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, Emmanuel ‘EmmaOMG’ Edun-jobi, Alexx Ekubo, Oreka Godis, Osas Ighodaro, Mike Iheuwa, Aletile ‘Seyi Law’ Lawrence, Bim-bo Manuel, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Helen Paul and Toni Tones. Your Excellency is now out in cinemas nationwide.