Afrobeats has exploded from a vibrant regional sound into a global musical powerhouse, dominating airwaves and streaming platforms worldwide. This genre, rich with rhythm, melody, and cultural significance, has given us anthems that define generations. Billboard’s authoritative list of the 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time captures this incredible journey. Here, we break down this iconic ranking, celebrating the artists and tracks that have shaped the sound of a continent and beyond.
The Crown Jewels: Top 10 Afrobeats Anthems
These songs are more than just hits; they are cultural landmarks that have left an indelible mark on music history.
1. 2Baba – African Queen (2004)
Widely regarded as the cornerstone of modern Afrobeats, “African Queen” is a timeless classic. Its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics transcended borders, becoming the first major Afrobeats hit to achieve international recognition and paving the way for everyone who followed.
2. Wizkid – Ojuelegba (2014)
This introspective track told a gritty story of life in the Lagos neighborhood of Ojuelegba. Its raw authenticity resonated globally, catching the attention of international superstars and catapulting Wizkid to a new level of stardom. It is a masterclass in storytelling through music.
3. Flavour – Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011)
Flavour’s impeccable highlife-influenced sound found its peak with this remix. Fusing traditional Igbo rhythms with modern production, “Nwa Baby” became an irresistible dance anthem across Africa and remains a staple at parties to this day.
4. Rema – Calm Down (2022)
The biggest global commercial hit on the list, “Calm Down” and its remix with Selena Gomez shattered records. It became the first Afrobeats song to top the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for a full year and achieved massive worldwide success, proving the genre’s undeniable commercial appeal.
5. Wizkid & Tems – Essence (2020)
A smooth, sensual, and instantly iconic summer anthem. “Essence” captured the world’s attention with its laid-back vibe and Tems’ captivating hook. It became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and later cracked the Top 10, a historic moment for the genre.
6. CKay – Love Nwantiti (2019)
This song demonstrated the power of viral social media trends in the new music landscape. A slow-burn hit that exploded on TikTok, “Love Nwantiti” became a global phenomenon, making CKay one of the most streamed African artists in the world and introducing his sound to millions.
7. D’Banj – Oliver Twist (2012)
“D’Banj” brought Afrobeats to the forefront of the UK scene with this infectious and quirky hit. Its catchy refrain and memorable dance moves made it an undeniable party starter and a key track in the genre’s early foray into European mainstream music.
8. Davido – Fall (2017)
A prime example of Afrobeats’ emotional range, “Fall” is a melancholic yet beautiful love song. Its longevity is astonishing; it became the longest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, cementing Davido’s status as a global superstar.
9. Burna Boy – Ye (2018)
The lead single from his groundbreaking album “Outside,” “Ye” was a cultural reset. Its gritty production and confident宣言 (declaration) established Burna Boy’s “African Giant” persona and is often credited as the track that fully announced his arrival to a global audience.
10. P-Square ft. Akon – Chop My Money Remix (2012)
The legendary duo P-Square teamed up with international heavyweight Akon for this massive remix. It showcased Afrobeats’ ability to seamlessly blend with stateside R&B and pop, creating a crossover hit that dominated charts across Africa.
The Essential Classics: Ranks 11-50
This section of the list honors the anthems that defined eras, sparked dances, and showcased the incredible diversity within Afrobeats.
- Foundational Sounds (2000s): Tracks like Styl-Plus’s “Olufunmi” (11), Timaya’s “Dem Mama” (48), and Weird MC’s “Ijoya” (50) represent the genre’s early pioneers who laid the groundwork for its future success.
- Street Anthems & Cultural Moments: Songs like Olamide’s “Bobo” (23), Phyno & Olamide’s “Fada Fada” (20), and The Mavins’ “Dorobucci” (32) became more than just music; they were cultural movements that dictated fashion, slang, and dance across Nigeria.
- Global Breakthroughs: Mr Eazi’s “Skintight” (12), Fireboy DML’s “Peru” (28), and Kizz Daniel’s “Buga” (43) represent different waves of artists who successfully translated the Afrobeats sound for international audiences, each with their unique flavor.
- Modern Viral Smashes: The list rightly acknowledges the new era of hits driven by digital platforms, including Ayra Starr’s “Rush” (31), Libianca’s “People” (42), and Victony’s “Soweto” (46).
- Artist Dominance: The list reflects the impact of key artists with multiple entries, including Burna Boy (“Last Last” at 22, “Killin Dem” at 30), Wizkid (“Pakurumo” at 25), and Tiwa Savage (“All Over” at 17, “Eminado” at 21).
The Full Ranking: 1-50
- 2Baba – African Queen (2004)
- Wizkid – Ojuelegba (2014)
- Flavour – Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011)
- Rema – Calm Down (2022)
- Wizkid & Tems – Essence (2020)
- CKay – Love Nwantiti (2019)
- D’Banj – Oliver Twist (2012)
- Davido – Fall (2017)
- Burna Boy – Ye (2018)
- P-Square ft. Akon – Chop My Money Remix (2012)
- Styl-Plus – Olufunmi (2003)
- Mr Eazi & Efya – Skintight (2016)
- Ice Prince – Oleku ft. Brymo (2011)
- Wande Coal – Iskaba ft. DJ Tunez (2017)
- Yemi Alade – Johnny (2014)
- D’Banj – Fall In Love (2008)
- Tiwa Savage – All Over (2017)
- Fuse ODG – Azonto (2013)
- Kizz Daniel – Woju (2014)
- Phyno & Olamide – Fada Fada (2016)
- Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy – Eminado
- Burna Boy – Last Last
- Olamide – Bobo
- Afro B – Drogba (Joanna)
- Wizkid – Pakurumo
- Mr Eazi & Efya – Skin Tight
- Wande Coal & DJ Tunez – Iskaba
- Fireboy DML – Peru
- Amaarae & Moliy – Sad Girlz Luv Money
- Burna Boy ft. Zlatan – Killin Dem
- Ayra Starr – Rush (2022)
- The Mavins – Dorobucci (2014)
- Runtown – Mad Over You (2016)
- P-Square – Personally (2013)
- Tekno – Pana (2016)
- Maleek Berry – Kontrol (2016)
- Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa (2022)
- Lojay & Sarz – Monalisa (2021)
- Skales – Shake Body (2014)
- Davido ft. Musa Keys – Unavailable (2023)
- Asake – Peace Be Unto You (PBUY) (2022)
- Libianca – People (2022)
- Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno – Buga (2022)
- Ice Prince ft. Brymo – Oleku (2010)
- Olu Maintain – Yahooze (2007)
- Victony & Tempoe – Soweto (2022)
- Jazzman Olofin ft. Adewale Ayuba – Raise Da Roof (2004)
- Timaya – Dem Mama (2005)
- Nonso Amadi – Tonight (2016)
- Weird MC – Ijoya (2006)
This list is a testament to the power, evolution, and incredible talent within the Afrobeats genre. From foundational classics to modern viral smashes, these 50 songs provide the ultimate soundtrack to a musical revolution.
