Brook Belt/Redferns
Parna Bhai gets his first hit England ranking crown – and a piece of history – with his latest album I told them…(via The Atlantic).
The Nigerian-born artiste (real name: Tamini Ebunoluwa Ogulu) topped the latest Official UK Albums Chart released on September 1, becoming the first international Afrobeats artiste to hold the title.
Leader at midweek stage, Barna Boy’s seventh and latest LP is better than 2022 Love, DaminiRanked 2nd.
„Barna Boy has become a global superstar and this No.1 album reflects his growth over the past few years,” said Austin Dabo, vice president of Atlantic Records UK, in a statement. „The album’s success is a combination of world-class music, a cohesive strategy grounded in culture, and the unmatched passion, energy, and commitment of his vast team and Atlantic Records.”
This wasn’t his first taste of the high life. Barna Boy topped the UK Singles Chart in 2019 with “Own It” featuring Stormzy and Ed Sheeran. Records are rolling in. Earlier this summer, he became the first African artist to headline an arena concert in England. Love, Damini While the tour dates are full 60,000 capacity London Stadium, and he has a 2020 Grammy Award to his name Twice the height (Best Universal Music Album).
Meanwhile, Claire Richards was on a solo career high with her second studio album pleasure (Edsel), new in 2nd place. The Steps star now has two solo top 10s in 2019 My Wildest Dreams Ranked 9th. As a member of Steps, Richards has an additional 11 Top 10 albums, including four at Leaders: 1999’s Hierarchyof 2001 Gold: Great hitsof 2011 The Ultimate Collection and 2022s Platinum Collection.
London rapper Tikka D (real name: Rhys Herbert) scores third UK top 10 hit Back to the beginning (Black Money Records). Tikka D scored his first and only No. 1 in 2022 Mischievous by nature composition.
American alternative-pop artist Ashnico makes her first UK top 10 appearance weed killer (Parlophone), debuting at number 7, is Alice Cooper’s 22nd solo studio album Road (Ear Music), which is no. Starting at 8. It was the veteran shock-rock artist’s sixth Top 10 LP as a solo artist.
Finally, American country artist Zach Bryan enjoyed his first UK Top 40 with his self-titled fourth studio album. Zach Bryan (via Warner Records) No. New in 22.