Nigerian music fans are celebrating as Billboard unveils its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time. At the very top is 2Baba’s timeless classic, African Queen, which clinched the number one spot.
Wizkid’s global hit Ojuelegba followed closely at number two, while Flavour’s evergreen Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) secured third place. Rema’s record-breaking Calm Down landed at number four, with Wizkid’s Essence featuring Tems rounding out the top five.
”And to commemorate the game changers of the genre, Billboard is ranking the 50 best Afrobeats songs of all time.
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.
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.”
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).
FULL LIST
- 2Baba, “African Queen” (2004)
- Wizkid, “Ojuelegba” (2014)
- Flavour, “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
- Rema, “Calm Down” (2022)
- Wizkid feat. Tems, “Essence” (2020)
- CKay, “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
- D’banj, “Oliver Twist” (2011)
- Davido, “Fall” (2017)
- Burna Boy, “Ye” (2018)
- P-Square, “Chop My Money (Remix)” (2012)
- Styl-Plus, “Olufunmi” (2003)
- 9ice, “Gongo Aso” (2008)
- R2Bees feat. Wande Coal, “Kiss Your Hand” (2009)
- Davido, “Dami Duro” (2011)
- Yemi Alade, “Johnny” (2013)
- D’banj, “Fall in Love” (2008)
- Wande Coal, “Bumper to Bumper” (2008)
- Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany, “Azonto” (2013)
- Sarkodie feat. Castro, “Adonai” (2014)
- Phyno ft. Olamide, “Fada Fada” (2016)
- Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)
- Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)
- Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)
- Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)
- Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)
- Mr. Eazi & Efya, “Skin Tight” (2015)
- Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)
- Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)
- Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)
- Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)
- 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 feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)
- Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)
- Libianca, “People” (2022)
- Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)
- Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)
- Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)
- Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)
- Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)
- Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)
- Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)
- Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)
