The noteworthy albums released in December included Medikal’s ‘Society’ EP ”, Runtown’s long-length studio project “Signs”, Zinoleesky’s amazing ‘Grit and Lust’ body of work, and more. The frenzy that surrounded each of these albums was a clear indication that they were among the most anticipated musical releases of the year.

The albums that we at DC Leakers selected for this month’s top five are only a handful of them.

Medikal has been quiet for a while after his account on Twitter, where he was most active, was suspended. Despite being off the platform, he still communicates with and engages with his fans on other platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, which somehow finds its way to his Twitter followers.

A week ago, Medikal’s camp released the tracklist and album cover for an EP online. Given that Medikal has a history of delaying releases, many people were dubious about whether the project would ever be delivered.

The award-winning Ghanaian rapper has finally delivered on his promise by releasing the project as promised. He calls this new extended play “Society,” a 10-track body of work with just Shatta Wale as a featured artist.

This arrives as he prepares for the second edition of his joint concert with Shatta Wale, dubbed ‘The Freedom Wave Concert.’ Even though Medikal has been away from social media for some time, the project is a blatant evidence that he has been working behind the scenes.

Runtown’s strength as an artist has always been rooted in his solid understanding of prevalent mainstream pop sensibilities. It does not change as he returns to the music scene with Signs following 2021’s Soundgod Fest Reloaded. The 13-track project assumes a gentle, pensive and introspective mood. He trades the high-energy moments that outlined earlier projects like his debut Ghetto University for midtempo production and lax delivery, which sit faultlessly within Afropop’s current soundscape. “For many people, it might feel like their first time hearing me on songs like these,” Runtown tells Apple Music. “It might even seem like they’re listening to a new artist. But it’s mostly me going back to the basics with a fresh spin.”

Signs spares no feelings as it floats between themes of love, faith and growth while delving into genres like sultry ’80s pop, Afropop and reggae and showcasing a wiser, more grown-up version of Runtown. Intentionality, depth and refinement are the leading markers of this. On “Sinnerman”, he recognises the imperfections in his actions and calls for understanding stating that “at the end of the day, I am only a man”. The project’s lead single, “Things I Know”, is characterised by its smooth synths reminiscent of his 2016 megahit, “Mad Over You”. “Dangerous Hearts” samples Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” while the singer calls on his love interest with melodies spruced up by Mr Hudson.

It has been a tremendously successful year for Zinoleesky in 2022. The talented vocalist has been on fire all year, releasing major hits one after another. Songs like Personal, Loving You, Rocking, and even Call of Duty are appropriate testaments. Zinoleesky has chosen to end the year with a body of work since he isn’t yet content.

The eagerly anticipated “Grit N Lust” EP by singer-songwriter Zinoleesky, signed has been made available. The album “Grit N Lust,” which has eight songs overall, features guest performances from some of Nigeria’s best performers, including Omah Lay and Ayra Starr.

Rapper Pappy Kojo from Ghana is back to capture the attention of music fans. The entertaining rapper is making a comeback before the year ends after being absent from the music scene for about nine months following the release of the six-track EP “Logos Hope.”

Nothing Matters, Pappy Kojo’s most recent studio project of the year, is an extended play with four exquisite songs. The project’s only acts are Larruso and Kwawkese, who appear on Tracks 2 and 4, respectively.

‘Nothing Matters’ is a fantastic body of work, with an emphasis on song arrangement, production, and songwriting qualities.

The end of the year is quickly approaching, and renowned Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has released a new project. The latest work by M.anifest is a follow-up to his fourth studio album, “Madina To The Universe,” which featured artists like M3nsa, Ladipoe, Vic Mensa, Adekunle Gold, and others.

M.anifest follows up on his previous studio effort with ‘Madina To The Universe (The Epilogue),’ featuring contributions from Wavypae, Alee, Anik Khan, and M.I. Abaga.

Taking into account the reviews, the production, the arrangement, and everything else that goes into a decent record, the entire “Madina To The Universe” effort has been a success.