Ghana’s music scene is thriving like never before. In 2024, artists across the country pushed creative boundaries, blending traditional Ghanaian sounds with global influences to craft masterpieces that resonated far beyond the borders of West Africa. From Afrobeats and Highlife to Hiplife and Gospel, these albums not only dominated the airwaves but also became the soundtrack to the lives of millions.
In this article, we celebrate the most impactful and unforgettable albums of 2024 from Ghanaian artists in no particular order. Let’s explore the albums that shaped 2024 and cemented Ghana’s place on the global music map!
Top 2024 Ghanaian Albums
📌 King Promise – True to Self
King Promise cemented his place as one of Ghana’s brightest stars with the release of his album, “True To Self.” This highly-anticipated project celebrated authenticity, growth, and the power of storytelling through music. Known for blending genres seamlessly, King Promise delivered a remarkable fusion of Ghanaian Highlife, Afrobeats, and R&B, creating a sound that felt both fresh and timeless.
“True To Self” reflected King Promise’s personal journey and artistic evolution. Each track was crafted with care, featuring his signature smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics that resonated deeply with listeners. The album’s standout feature was its diverse collaborations, which included heavyweights like Sarkodie, rising stars such as OliveTheBoy and Lasmid, and international talents like Face and Ladipoe.
📌 Stonebwoy – UP & RUNNIN6
Stonebwoy once again demonstrated why he is one of Ghana’s most celebrated global icons with the release of his sixth studio album, “UP & RUNNIN6.” Released under his Burniton Music Group (BMG) in partnership with Warner Music Group’s ADA Worldwide, the album was a bold return to Stonebwoy’s roots while simultaneously pushing sonic boundaries. The project showcased his signature Afro-Caribbean sound, blending Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, Highlife, Amapiano, and R&B across 13 masterfully curated tracks.
“UP & RUNNIN6” featured a lineup of early hits that dominated the charts and airwaves, including “JEJEREJE” featuring Amsterdam producer Ginton, “EKELEBE” with Nigerian rap sensation ODUMODUBLVCK, and the heartfelt “PRAY FOR ME” featuring multi-Grammy-winning Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean. The infectious party anthem “YOUR BODY” also racked up millions of streams, solidifying the album’s global appeal.
The album was further elevated by standout collaborations, such as “MEMORIES” featuring Ir Sais, alongside appearances from an impressive roster of artists, including Duncan Mighty, Spice, Jahmiel, Blvk H3ro, Kaylan Arnold, Amaria BB, Chi Ching Ching, and rising Ghanaian artist Larruso. These features added depth and diversity to the album, reflecting Stonebwoy’s ability to seamlessly merge cultures and genres.
Lyrically and thematically, “UP & RUNNIN6” delved into introspection, romance, spirituality, and empowerment, with tracks like “PSALM 23,” “BETTA TIN,” “SHINE,” and “LOVELY WEATHER” embodying a vibrant collage of emotions. Stonebwoy described the album as a vibrational journey, blending intensity and moments of calm, highs and lows, and everything in between.
“UP & RUNNIN6” was a defining project of 2024, reinforcing Stonebwoy’s place as a trailblazer in the global music scene. With its rich fusion of sounds, commanding vocal presence, and thought-provoking themes, this album stood as a testament to his versatility and artistic vision.
📌 Sarkodie – Championship Mixtape
In 2024, Ghanaian rap icon Sarkodie once again reminded the world why he’s a pioneer in African hip-hop with the release of his six-track mixtape, “The Championship.” Designed as a gift for his loyal hip-hop fans, the project draws inspiration from his earlier works like “Makye” and “Sarkology,” while exploring new creative horizons. The mixtape is both a reflection on Sarkodie’s incredible journey and a showcase of his lyrical evolution.
“The Championship” delves into profound themes, including trauma, survival, success, loyalty, and longevity. These themes serve as a compelling narrative thread that ties the project together, giving fans an intimate glimpse into Sarkodie’s experiences and artistic growth. The mixtape’s raw and authentic storytelling resonates deeply, reaffirming Sarkodie’s ability to craft music that transcends time and trends.
The project featured contributions from longtime collaborator Joey B and rising stars Xlimkid and Beeztrap KOTM. Their dynamic features add a fresh dimension to the mixtape, blending seamlessly with Sarkodie’s commanding delivery. On the production side, the mixtape boasts an impressive lineup, with Fortune Dane, Altra Nova, and M.O.G Beatz lending their expertise to create a sonically rich and immersive experience.
“The Championship” is more than just a mixtape—it’s a statement of Sarkodie’s enduring legacy. The project is a testament to his ability to innovate while staying true to his roots, delivering exceptional music that resonates with fans across generations. With its captivating blend of lyrical brilliance, diverse collaborations, and thematic depth, “The Championship” reaffirmed Sarkodie’s status as one of Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists.
📌 Kweku Smoke – Kweku Jesus
Kweku Smoke delivered one of the most thought-provoking Ghanaian hip-hop projects last year with the release of his album, “Kweku Jesus.” This well-executed body of work combined introspection with vivid street chronicles, taking listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of life as a young person navigating societal pressure, ambition, and survival. With its engaging lyricism and polished production, the album stood out as a testament to Kweku Smoke’s artistry.
“Kweku Jesus” tackled relatable themes, including societal pressures, disappointment, and the determination to succeed. The charm of “Kweku Jesus” lay not only in its compelling storytelling but also in its production. Producers Ipapi, SCA, and Kayomi crafted beats ranging from soulful to up-tempo, laced with alluring basslines that complemented Kweku Smoke’s delivery. Notably, the album avoided the trending drill sound that had defined his previous work, opting instead for a more classic hip-hop vibe. This choice raised an interesting question: Could the album title, “Kweku Jesus,” symbolize Kweku Smoke as the “saviour” of Ghanaian hip hop or a survivor spreading a message of hope through his music?
“Kweku Jesus” was a standout project in Ghanaian hip hop in 2024, reinforcing the genre’s relevance even in an era dominated by Afrobeats. With its sharp lyricism, immersive storytelling, and polished production, Kweku Smoke delivered a project that resonated deeply with fans.
📌 E.L – BAR 7
E.L made a triumphant return with “BAR 7,” the latest installment of his iconic Best African Rapper (BAR) mixtape series. After a three-year hiatus, this seventh chapter marked a decade of excellence for the BAR series, solidifying its legacy as Ghana’s longest-running rap franchise. Known for pushing creative boundaries, E.L delivered yet another reminder of why he has long claimed the title of the Best African Rapper.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since the original “BAR” mixtape dropped, featuring memorable tracks like “American Passport” and “Borle.” Over the years, the series has evolved without losing its authenticity or becoming a caricature of itself. After the release of “BAR 6” in 2021 and a subsequent three-year break, fans eagerly anticipated the next chapter. Finally, “BAR 7” delivered on that anticipation, emerging as a refined product of countless studio sessions and rigorous quality control.
“BAR 7” not only celebrates the journey but elevates it to new heights. Each installment of the series has demonstrated E.L’s growth as an artist, and this latest offering is no exception. It combines the sharp lyricism, dynamic flows, and masterful production that have defined the BAR series, with a fresh perspective earned over the last decade. It’s a testament to E.L’s ability to stay at the forefront of Ghanaian rap while maintaining the authenticity that made fans fall in love with the series in the first place.
With “BAR 7,” E.L proved that greatness takes time. This project brought the saga full circle, honoring everything the series has achieved over the past ten years while setting the stage for the future. For fans of Ghanaian hip hop, “BAR 7” was well worth the wait and a defining moment in E.L’s career.
📌 Kwesi Arthur – This Is Not The Tape
Kwesi Arthur wrapped up his celebrated “This Is Not The Tape” trilogy in 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of Ghana’s most versatile and introspective rappers. Known to his die-hard fans as an artistic deep-dive into his life and experiences, the final installment of the series further highlighted Kwesi Arthur’s audacious range and creative brilliance.
The trilogy explored themes that resonated with listeners on a deeply personal level. From love and endurance to the struggles of being misunderstood, Kwesi Arthur brought raw emotion and authenticity to the forefront. His ability to weave these themes into his music while maintaining his signature blend of rap and melodic delivery made the project stand out as one of his finest works.
With each installment, Kwesi Arthur showcased his artistic growth, proving his ability to navigate a variety of sounds and moods. Whether he was delivering heartfelt lyrics or hard-hitting street anthems, the trilogy underscored his versatility and cemented his place as a storyteller who connects with audiences on an intimate level.
“This Is Not The Tape” trilogy is a testament to Kwesi Arthur’s enduring artistry and his commitment to pushing boundaries. It captured the essence of his journey as an artist, while giving fans a project they could relate to, celebrate, and cherish. This trilogy wasn’t just music; it was a mirror of Kwesi Arthur’s life and a reflection of the stories of countless others.
📌 Shatta Wale – Safa Album
Ghanaian dancehall powerhouse Shatta Wale thrilled his fanbase with the release of his highly anticipated album, “SAFA,” an acronym for ‘Shatta and Fans Album.’ Designed as a heartfelt tribute to his devoted followers, the project emphasizes Shatta Wale’s unwavering connection to his audience—a bond that has been central to his success over the years.
“SAFA” featured standout tracks like “Killa Ji Mi” and “Minamino Sin,” which already garnered widespread recognition and set the tone for the album’s release. Known for his ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his roots, Shatta Wale blended familiar dancehall energy with refreshed styles, creating a sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
📌 La Même Gang – True Colors
Ghanaian music collective, La Même Gang made a triumphant return with their new album, “True Colors.” This 8-track masterpiece did not only reunite all the original members—DarkoVibes, $pacely, RJZ, KiddBlack, and Nxwrth—but it also brought in notable guest appearances from artists like King Promise and Oxlade, elevating the project to new heights.
More than just an album, “True Colors” was a symbol of La Même Gang’s evolution over the years. After a period of individual exploration and solo projects, the group has come back together to showcase their growth as artists while maintaining the chemistry that made them a force in Ghana’s music scene. Drawing from their unique experiences and artistic journeys, the album blends their varied styles into a cohesive and electrifying project.
📌 AratheJay – Finding Nimo Series: The Capsule
AratheJay, one of Ghana’s rising stars unveiled his latest project, “The Capsule,” the first installment of his “Finding Nimo” series. With this EP, he solidifies his position as a key figure in contemporary African music, blending tradition and innovation to create an irresistible auditory experience. Poised to be a defining “album” of the summer, “The Capsule” sets the stage for AratheJay’s evolution as a leading talent from Ghana.
“The Capsule” highlights AratheJay’s versatile artistry, weaving together mid-tempo rhythms, enchanting melodies, and vibrant grooves. Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s rich Highlife traditions, the EP pays homage to its cultural roots while incorporating modern Afropop elements, creating a fresh and captivating sound. AratheJay’s lyrical prowess shines throughout the project as he effortlessly integrates rap into his music, blending styles to craft a cohesive and compelling narrative.
The EP is elevated by top-tier production credits from a diverse team of producers, including DJ Breezy, Signal (Nigeria), RankingMadeIt, JoeyOntheTrack, Nvrhcos, Afrolektra, and BillyDray. The mixing and mastering, handled by RankingMadeIt and 7th Romahn, ensure a polished final product that highlights every intricate detail of the music. The EP’s executive production, managed by Almighty Entertainment, reflects a thoughtful and meticulous effort to deliver a standout project.