9 UNFORGETTABLE PROJECTS THAT SOUNDTRACKED THE 2020 LOCKDOWN

As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s lockdown from late February to May 2020 became a period of intense creativity and musical output. With live performances on hold, artists turned to streaming platforms, leading to a surge in new releases. Here are nine standout projects that defined the lockdown era:

1. Barry Jhay – Barry Back Released on February 28, 2020, Barry Jhay’s debut album Barry Back featured a notable collaboration with Davido. The album quickly became a favorite, marking Barry Jhay as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
2. Odunsi The Engine – Everything You Heard Is True In May 2020, Odunsi The Engine released his EP Everything You Heard Is True. The project, which included hit singles like “Wicked Sexy” and “Body Count,” showcased his influence in Nigerian Alternative music.
3. Oxlade – Oxygene Oxlade’s EP Oxygene was a highlight of the lockdown period, featuring popular tracks like “O2” and “Away.” The project solidified Oxlade’s place in the music landscape during this challenging time.
4. A-Q – God’s Engineering A-Q’s album God’s Engineering provided a significant contribution to Nigerian hip-hop during the lockdown. The project affirmed his reputation as one of Nigeria’s premier lyricists.
5. MI & A-Q – The Live Report The collaborative project The Live Report by MI and A-Q delivered impactful rap tracks that resonated with hip-hop fans throughout the lockdown, becoming an iconic joint tape in Nigerian hip-hop history.
6. Brymo – Yellow Released on April 1, 2020, Brymo’s Yellow is often regarded as his magnum opus. The album, featuring tracks like “Rara Rira,” “Adedotun,” and “Ozymandias,” highlighted Brymo’s exceptional artistry and deep reflections.
7. Chike – Boo of the Booless Although released in early February 2020, Chike’s Boo of the Booless gained widespread acclaim during the lockdown. The R&B album, rich with Igbo cultural elements, propelled Chike to mainstream success.
8. Omah Lay – Get Layd Omah Lay’s debut EP Get Layd became a major success during the lockdown, with all five tracks becoming hits. The project marked Omah Lay as a breakout artist of the era.
9. Laycon – Who Is Laycon Before winning the Big Brother Lockdown edition, Laycon released Who Is Laycon, which gained popularity during his time on the reality show. The album became a defining project of the lockdown era.