Nigerian hitmaker and legendary party-starter DJ Neptune proves once again why he’s a game-changer in the Afrobeats scene with his third album, Greatness III.
The 14-track offering is a sonic journey through genres, moods and continents, featuring an eclectic mix of fresh and familiar voices. With a features list that includes emerging stars like Qing Madi, Joshua Baraka and Olivetheboy alongside veterans like Ice Prince, Joeboy, LAX and Ruger, Neptune takes listeners on a tour of Africa’s evolving soundscape.
Before the set dropped, DJ Neptune gave fans a taste with the single “Honest”, a smooth collaboration with 18-year-old star-in-waiting Qing Madi. That teaser set the tone for what’s now confirmed: Greatness III is not just a showcase of Neptune’s production chops, but a celebration of young African talent. “There are lots of young, amazing talents on this project,” says Neptune of the intentionality behind the album. “I know these guys are the future leaders when it comes to controlling the African sound.”
The project kicks off with the hip-hop-infused “Normal Day”, easing listeners into a genre-blending experience featuring African rap heavyweights Ice Prince, Khaligraph Jones and more. It’s a perfect entry point for what unfolds next: a tapestry of R&B, dancehall, Afrobeats and more. Whether you’re in the mood to vibe to something chill like “Wait For You” or hit the dancefloor with Olivetheboy on “Emmanuella”, there’s something here for every musical palette.
For the dancehall heads, Neptune teamed up with Uganda’s Joshua Baraka on “Tonight”, delivering a track that’s as infectious as it is smooth. Elsewhere, collaborations with LAX and Ajebo Hustlers bring a deeper, more laid-back groove, rounding out the project with a bit of everything. Neptune’s genius lies not only in the diverse roster of features but in how seamlessly he fuses these different sounds into a cohesive whole.
Production on Greatness III is just as star-studded as the features: with beats from heavy-hitters like Reward Beatz, Timbun, Og Sterling, and Kukbeatz, the album flows effortlessly, ensuring each track leaves its mark without overstaying its welcome.
Born Imohosien Patrick in Edo State but raised in Lagos, DJ Neptune’s journey into music started early. By age 10, he was spinning tracks at neighbourhood parties, and by the late ’90s, Lagos nightlife was already buzzing with Neptune’s sound. Fast forward to today, and he is now a household name, revered not just for his DJing skills but for his ability to forecast the next wave of African music.
Greatness III solidifies DJ Neptune’s place at the forefront of the continent’s sound evolution—stream the album in full below.
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