NazB’s Ikenna: The Underrated Afrobeats Album Everyone Should Hear
In a year where Afrobeats and Amapiano continue to dominate global playlists, with household names like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, and Omah Lay grabbing the spotlight, a hidden gem has quietly entered the scene. Zurich-based Nigerian artist NazB released his 21-track project Ikenna on August 17, 2025, and it might just be one of the most criminally underrated albums of the year.
A Bold 21-Track Journey
The first thing that stands out about Ikenna is its scope. With twenty-one songs, it could have easily become bloated. Instead, the album feels like a carefully crafted journey that shifts between moods without losing its thread. Every track is energetic, emotional, and danceable, making the project an album you can listen to from start to finish without skipping.
The title Ikenna is personal. It comes from NazB’s own Igbo first name, meaning “father’s strength.” It signals both a return to his cultural roots and a declaration of identity. You can hear that pride woven throughout the music. The album blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, pop, and Afro-hip hop into a sound that is vibrant, global, and unmistakably unique.
Songs That Stand Out
Although the entire record is strong, several songs jump out immediately:
- “Feelin Myself” (feat. Iyke De Don) — a club-ready Afrobeats anthem.
- “Million Years” (feat. Shedea Dona) — a tender Afro-fusion ballad that feels timeless.
- “Show Me Your Real Face” (feat. Ray & Frank J) — an uptempo Afrohouse cut with amapiano undertones.
- “When Can I See You Again” (feat. Nicky B Fly) — a smooth crossover blending Afrobeat with R&B warmth.
- “Easily” (feat. Dee-Queen) — a joyful and uplifting dance track.
The album also features contributions from Esekahh, Shedea Dona, Ray & Frank J, and more. Production credits include NazB, Dr Ray, Ansestorh, Executive, Fizzybeat, and Wonder Soundz — a roster that explains the album’s sonic richness.
Afrobeat Meets Amapiano
By now, the fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano is a global phenomenon. Yet what NazB achieves here feels different. Rather than hopping on trends, he makes the genres speak to each other. The thumping basslines of Amapiano, the pulsating percussion of Afrobeats, the hypnotic repetition of Afrohouse, and the melodic hooks of pop all come together in a way that is seamless. It’s crazy how NazB blends all these styles without losing his own identity.
This versatility means Ikenna can sit comfortably next to the latest Burna Boy album, a Wizkid summer single, or a Rema hit — but it doesn’t sound like an imitation. It feels fresh, distinctive, and globally appealing.
Why Ikenna Deserves More Attention
Afrobeats has officially gone worldwide. The genre sells out arenas, tops charts, and dominates TikTok trends. But in a landscape crowded with A-list names, it’s easy for equally talented artists to be overlooked. That’s what makes Ikenna such a discovery. It offers everything fans want — dancefloor energy, heartfelt lyrics, cross-genre experimentation — but with a personality and authenticity that sets it apart.
In fact, many listeners might find this album more satisfying than some high-profile releases in 2025. While others recycle formulas, NazB takes risks and delivers songs that are memorable. His mix of club bangers, love songs, and motivational tracks means there’s something for everyone.
Where to Listen
The album is available everywhere. You can stream it now on all platforms via nazb.hearnow.com or dive into the full 21-track experience on YouTube NazB — Ikenna Playlist.
Final Thoughts
Ikenna is more than just another Afrobeat album. It’s a global Afro-fusion statement that connects Zurich to Lagos, Europe to Africa, tradition to modernity. It’s a record that proves great music doesn’t always come from the most famous names. Sometimes, it comes from artists working just outside the mainstream spotlight, creating projects that are braver, more experimental, and ultimately more rewarding.
NazB may not yet have the same name recognition as Wizkid or Davido, but with Ikenna, he has delivered an album that can sit proudly alongside theirs. The question is: will the world pay attention?
If you’re a fan of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, or world music in general, this is your invitation: don’t sleep on Ikenna. It’s a standout project of 2025 — maybe the most underrated album of the year — and it deserves to be heard.
About Myvipmodels