Nigerian music lovers are buzzing after Billboard released its Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time, with 2Baba’s African Queen taking the number one spot.
Wizkid’s Ojuelegba came second, while Flavour’s Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) was ranked third. Rema’s Calm Down secured fourth place, and Wizkid’s Essence featuring Tems claimed the fifth spot.
Billboard said the list was put together to “commemorate the game changers of the genre,” noting that songs were selected based on cultural impact, local popularity, global reach, and commercial success.
Reacting to the ranking, many Nigerians expressed pride in the recognition. Music critic Osagie Alonge wrote on X, “African Queen at number one is spot on. That song changed everything for Afrobeats.”
Another user, Chidi commented, “Wizkid deserves to be on this list more than once. Ojuelegba and Essence shaped the global movement.”
Amaka tweeted, “Flavour’s Nwa Baby still gives goosebumps till today. Deserves top three.”
However, some fans felt other songs should have ranked higher. A user named Kunle posted, “How can Burna Boy’s Ye be number nine? That’s a global anthem.”
Tola added, “Styl-Plus’ Olufunmi at number 11? That song should be in the top five. It was a whole era.”
The list also featured hits like CKay’s Love Nwantiti at sixth, D’banj’s Oliver Twist at seventh, Davido’s Fall at eighth, and P-Square’s Chop My Money (Remix) at tenth.
Billboard explained that the project was to celebrate Afrobeats with an “s”, not to be confused with Afrobeat pioneered by Fela Kuti in the 1960s, which blends African rhythms with jazz, funk, and political themes.
Other Nigerian classics on the list include 9ice’s Gongo Aso (12), Yemi Alade’s Johnny (15), Olamide’s Bobo (23), Tiwa Savage’s Eminado (21), and Fireboy DML’s Peru (28).
SEE FULL LIST BELOW:
1. 2Baba, “African Queen” (2004)
2. Wizkid, “Ojuelegba” (2014)
3. Flavour, “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
4. Rema, “Calm Down” (2022)
Wizkid feat. Tems,
5. “Essence” (2020)
6. CKay, “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
7. D’banj, “Oliver Twist” (2011)
8. Davido, “Fall” (2017)
9. Burna Boy, “Ye” (2018)
10. P-Square, “Chop My Money (Remix)” (2012)
11. Styl-Plus, “Olufunmi” (2003)
12. 9ice, “Gongo Aso” (2008)
13. R2Bees feat. Wande Coal, “Kiss Your Hand” (2009)
14. Davido, “Dami Duro” (2011)
15. Yemi Alade, “Johnny” (2013)
16. D’banj, “Fall in Love” (2008)
17. Wande Coal, “Bumper to Bumper” (2008)
18. Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany, “Azonto” (2013)
19. Sarkodie feat. Castro, “Adonai” (2014)
20. Phyno ft. Olamide, “Fada Fada” (2016)
21. Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)
22. Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)
23. Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)
24. Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)
25. Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)
26. Mr. Eazi & Efya, “Skin Tight” (2015)
27. Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)
28. Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)
29. Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)
30. Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)
31. Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)
32. The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)
33. Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)
34. P-Square, “Personally” (2013)
35. Tekno, “Pana” (2016)
36. Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)
37. Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)
38. Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)
39. Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)
40. Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)
41. Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)
42. Libianca, “People” (2022)
Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, 43. “Buga” (2022)
44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)
45. Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)
46. Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)
47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)
48. Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)
49. Nonso Amadi, 50. “Tonight” (2016)
Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)
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