The 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time (No. 50-21): Staff List

Over the last decade, Afrobeats has made significant inroads in the global music industry, from invitations to conquer the biggest stages in the world to cross-cultural collaborations with Western superstars like Beyoncé, Drake and Ed Sheeran. And it’s earned institutional recognition. Billboard launched the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart in 2022 that ranks the 50 most popular Afrobeats songs in the country every week, two years after the Official Charts Company launched the Official U.K. Afrobeats Chart that ranks the 20 most popular Afrobeats in the nation. Last year, The Recording Academy introduced the best African music performance category one year after the MTV Video Music Awards and two years after the American Music Awards presented the best Afrobeats video and favorite Afrobeats artist awards, respectively.

And to commemorate the game changers of the genre, Billboard is ranking the 50 best Afrobeats songs of all time. This list is highlighting the foundational, influential and popular songs within Afrobeats with an s, not to be confused or conflated with Afrobeat, another genre from the 1960s that Fela Kuti pioneered, which fuses West African percussive rhythms and styles like fuji and highlife with American jazz and funk as well as unabashedly political lyrics and chanted vocals.

Emerging in the 2000s, Afrobeats is a popular style of West African music that employs polyrhythms and syncopation and draws inspiration from hip-hop, R&B, dancehall and more while incorporating romantic, celebratory and sociopolitical lyrics sung in Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin and English. We didn’t include some popular songs that contain only some elements of Afrobeats, like Tyla’s “Water.” (Tyla herself has acknowledged that Afrobeats has paved the way for her international success as an African artist, but it’s not the hallmark attribute of her music). And we sprinkled in some alté to honor Nigeria’s alternative scene, as well as street-pop to represent the pivotal subgenres under the Afrobeats umbrella.

Billboard staffers and contributors agreed on the following criteria: stylistic representation of the genre, local popularity, regional expansion, cultural impact and commercial success. Given the geographical makeup of this group of journalists – ranging from the U.S. to the U.K. to Nigeria – these 50 songs represent how Afrobeats gained momentum at home before migrating and making noise in different markets, echoing the rallying cry of “Afrobeats to the world!” The making of this list did not go without a few debates about which songs stayed and which ones didn’t. And even though a few heavy-hitters like the heralded “Big 3” – Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy – have contributed numerous defining hits, the max number of songs one artist can have on the list is three, to ensure we capture the breadth of the music as best we can by making room for more artists.

We’re rolling out this list 10 songs at a time, continuing Tuesday (Aug. 5) with the reveal of No. 30-21. Read No. 50-21 below, and stay tuned next week for the unveiling of No. 20-11.

50. Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)

To put it simply, Weird MC was radical. She strode onto the scene with baggy pants, a shaved head and a hip-hop-inspired bravado – incredibly novel for women who were already the minority in Nigerian music. On the Don Jazzy and JJC Skillz-produced “Ijoya,” she proved herself to be ahead of her time not only where aesthetics were concerned, but also in craft. Her slick Yoruba lyricism and rapid-fire delivery, accentuated now and again by talking drums, make “Ijoya” an ageless dance hit, while the song’s inventive visuals made her the first-ever Afrobeats artist to release an animated music video. – BLOSSOM MADUAFOKWA
49. Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)

Soulfully tinged with R&B tendencies, Nonso Amandi’s breakout hit “Tonight” bathes in an array of genres and thus articulates the breadth and depth of Afrobeats in the middle of the 2010s. The song not only helped spearhead Afro-R&B — a pocket in which artists like Tems comfortably sit today — but also builds on the act of yearning, which Afrobeats is well known for. It adds to the canon of male Afrobeats acts shedding their ego and leaning into vulnerability. And with “Tonight,” the Nigeria-born, Canada-based singer scored a top 10 on Nigeria’s now-defunct Playdata airplay chart. – NICOLAS-TYRELL SCOTT
48. Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)

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There is no Afrobeats without the conscious music of its earliest stars like Timaya. On his 2005 breakout single “Dem Mama,” the Port Harcourt-born singer decried the heavy-handedness of the Nigerian government and its armed forces. Specifically referencing the 1999 massacre in his hometown, Odi, located in Bayelsa State, he wove a haunting tale of the military’s brutal attack that cost 30 lives. Critiquing a democracy that was in its infancy, just as Afrobeats was taking form, “Dem Mama” was both an unflinching portrait of its time and a social justice anthem to rally around. – WALE OLOWOREKENDE
47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)

Long before Afrobeats fully emerged in the early 2000s, indigenous genres like fuji, apala and highlife inspired Nigerian music. “Raise Da Roof” paid homage to that sonic lineage by melding hip-hop and fuji for a futuristic take on Afrobeats, crafting a seminal hit that’s still a party favorite to this day. OJB Jezreel’s skittering production and the synergy between Jazzman Olofin and fuji icon Adewale Ayuba gives the song a playful edge that has provided a template for the future takeover of the genre by fuji-adjacent stars like Asake and Seyi Vibez. – W. OLOWOREKENDE
46. Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)

“Soweto” emerged as a semi-sleeper hit from Victony’s 2022 EP Outlaw. Masterminded by the ever-talented Tempoe, “Soweto” is led by an addictive guitar riff and Victony’s suggestive pen. The song eventually blew up on social media with smooth TikTok dance challenges and resulted in a four-week No. 1 stint on the UK Afrobeats chart, and a top 10 entry on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs and TurnTable Top 50 (which has since rebranded as the Official Nigeria Top 100), thanks to remixes with Don Toliver and Rema as well as Omah Lay. – B.M.
45. Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)

With minimal institutional support accessible in the early days of Afrobeats, fraudsters – or “yahoo boys,” as Nigerians affectionately call them – were a critical source of much-needed cash. While Olu “maintains” that the song is simply about a young talent coming into money after securing a lucrative music deal, its lyrics – and Afrobeats history – suggest a naughtier reality. Even as the track’s true meaning remains a matter of debate, its impact doesn’t: “Yahooze” and its corresponding dance craze are just as capable of turning any Afrobeats party on its head as they did in their glory days. – B.M.
44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)

Hip-hop is undoubtedly an integral part of Afrobeats’ DNA, and no label underscored its importance better than Chocolate City. Following the early-2000s success of brothers M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince was touted as a star-in-waiting after a series of features and singles as part of the label’s much-vaunted supergroup, The Choc Boiz. Released in June 2010, “Oleku” was the coronation of a new rap monarch: Featuring an all-timer chorus from fellow Choc City star Brymo and lithe bars from Ice Prince, “Oleku” exploded across Nigeria and became one of the country’s most remixed songs. – W. OLOWOREKENDE
43. Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)

Since breaking into the Afrobeats scene in 2014 with “Woju,” Kizz Daniel has proven his talents pass the tests of time on multiple occasions. Nearly a decade after “Woju,” Kizz Daniel came roaring back with the Tekno-assisted “Buga,” making Afrobeats lovers around the world get up on their feet and dance the day and night away. It became the most Shazam’d song in the world two weeks after its release in 2022 and took over social media with a dance challenge, while later establishing itself as a top contender for that year’s Afrobeats song of the summer. – WONGO OKON
42. Libianca, “People” (2022)

The Cameroonian American singer-songwriter pours her raw melancholy and a stirring melodic blend of Afrobeats and R&B into her sobering breakout hit “People.” The forthright opening lines serve as a wake-up call for those who can’t see what their friends are really facing, as Libianca’s lithe vocals shed light on the effects of mental health on personal relationships. With remixes featuring Ayra Starr and Omah Lay, Becky G and Cian Ducrot, “People” hit No. 1 on the UK Afrobeats chart and reached No. 80 on the Hot 100. – HERAN MAMO
41. Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)

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By the time Asake released “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” in June 2022, he had completed a brazen takeover of Afrobeats, sealing the most unprecedented breakout year in the genre’s history. Built around his signature fusion of amapiano log drums and stacked vocals, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” signaled the rising appeal of the Afrobeats subgenre, street-pop, as a global force to be reckoned with. Performed in a spirited blend of Yoruba, English and Pidgin, the song draws inspiration from Asake’s experiences growing up on Lagos Island, while paying homage to the religious undertones that shaped the origin of Afrobeats. – W. OLOWOREKENDE
40. Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)

Davido taps South African musician Musa Keys to get the party started with his “Unavailable” hit from the former’s remarkable album Timeless. Davido declares a chant-worthy hook about living rent free in his detractors’ minds, while producers Magicsticks and Rage concoct a top-notch, cross-continental fusion of Afrobeats and amapiano. And its viral TikTok dance craze, which Rihanna, Quavo, Chris Brown and more have contributed to, boosted the song’s global acclaim. “Unavailable” earned Davido his first No. 1 on the U.K. Afrobeats chart and a Grammy nomination in the best African music performance category. – H.M.
39. Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Skales’ dance hit “Shake Body” found its way back into the mainstream earlier this year, all thanks to Spanish football player Lamine Yamal and his fateful post-match TikTok dance video. While Yamal’s dance challenge certainly breathed new life into the hit – and even prompted a new Spanish remix – “Shake Body” lived quite a robust life upon its release 10 years ago. With unrelenting drums, addictive dance breaks and boastful lyrics, the track was an electric breakout that will undoubtedly continue to prove its timelessness. – B.M.
38. Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)

Lojay cranks up his charm and Sarz turns up the vibes on the swoon-worthy “Monalisa.” The Afrofusion sensation sings the praises of a woman he refers to as “omalicha” and “orekelewa” (meaning “beauty” in Igbo and Yoruba, respectively), while the Afrobeats superproducer paints “Monalisa” with amapiano’s rollicking log drums and sizzling shakers. And the seamless remix with Afrobeats crossover connoisseur Chris Brown boosted the song’s international profile, dominating airwaves at home and overseas. “Monalisa” earned nominations for song of the year, best Afrobeats single of the year and Headies’ viewer’s choice at The Headies in 2022. – H.M.
37. Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)

Arriving near the end of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Oxlade’s “Ku Lo Sa” provided the balm needed for a healing generation in search of intimacy and meaning with its endearing and soulful calls for affection. The track garnered international acclaim (particularly in America, following its viral COLORS performance) and eventually scored a Camila Cabello remix. Though the original solo version unequivocally remains the superior of the two, the remix — much like the Selena Gomez-added version of Rema’s “Calm Down” that same year — articulated just how far Afrobeats had grown in consumption beyond the West African diaspora in the U.S. – N.S.
36. Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)

Maleek Berry had the summer of 2016 on lock with his balmy dancefloor filler “Kontrol.” The British Nigerian vocalist/producer flits between Jamaican patois, Yoruba, Ghanaian twi and Pidgin when recalling a headstrong girl who wants to take the lead. But he later summons all the African, London and Caribbean girls to whine their waists to the track’s irresistible Afropop production that’ll make “you wan’ make love to the bassline,” Berry sings on the BRIT silver-certified smash. – H.M.
35. Tekno, “Pana” (2016)

Tekno’s sound was inescapable between 2016 and 2017. The Nigerian singer/producer was behind the boards on Davido’s 2017 smash “If,” but Tekno had a hit of his own the year prior with “Pana.” The song’s success earned Tekno a record deal with Columbia, further proof of Afrobeats’ growing presence in the American music industry. Tekno wasn’t to be mistaken as a one-hit wonder, since he’d already made a splash with 2015’s “Duro,” and was later featured on “Don’t Jealous Me” (from Beyoncé’s 2019 The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack) as well as the aforementioned “Buga” with Kizz Daniel in 2022. – W. OKON
34. P-Square, “Personally” (2013)

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You could spend all day arguing what P-Square’s best record is, and you’d be lost somewhere between an argument of popularity and commercial success vs. one of quality and artistic strength. A record that sits comfortably on both sides of that argument is “Personally,” from the group’s sixth album Double Trouble. Released as a single in 2013, “Personally” extended a decade-long run from the duo — who played a huge part in introducing the U.S., the U.K. and other markets to the beauty of African music. So let the arguments continue, but what’s indisputable is the group’s impact. – W. OKON
33. Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)

Initially recorded against the backdrop of a bitter contractual dispute with Runtown’s former record label, Eric Manny Entertainment, “Mad Over You” went on to become the biggest song of his career. Built around beguiling guitar riffs and an unassuming percussive base, the singer delivers a classic Afrobeats love anthem that unabashedly reiterates his dedication to a romantic interest. The release of “Mad Over You” also coincided with a sonic revolution in Afrobeats, as elements of Ghanaian highlife became an integral part of the genre, providing thematic and sonic inspiration for the song. – W. OLOWOREKENDE
32. The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)

Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records plays a huge role in today’s Afrobeats scene, as it’s home to stars like Rema and Ayra Starr. But before its current era, Mavin was home to the likes of Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks and Kordello Bello — who, along with fellow labelmates Dr SID, Di’Ja and D’Prince (as well as Don Jazzy himself), joined forces for “Dorobucci.” The song was an instant success, winning best pop single at The Headies in 2014 and song of the year at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards, while helping establish Mavin as a force to be reckoned with. – W. OKON
31. Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)

Ayra Starr asserts she’s destined for star(r)dom, and validates it with “Rush.” Following her bold Afropop hit “Bloody Samaritan” – which became the first solo song by a female artist to hit No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100 – the Sabi Girl confidently sings about being unstoppable due to her hustle and divine source, with the memorable “E dey rush” hook (meaning her “cup runneth over”) confirming her journey to the top is just beginning. And the anthemic production complements the song’s powerful message. “Rush” earned Starr her first-ever Grammy nomination for best African music performance in 2024. – H.M.
30. Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)

Nothing invokes nostalgia for early modern Afrobeats quite like the Zanku era. Defined by legs levitating mid-gbese (meaning “move your legs” in Yoruba) and handkerchiefs waving in the air, it marked what was arguably the last great moment in mainstream Nigerian dance culture. And “Killin Dem,” released as a single from Burna Boy’s 2019 album African Giant, punctuated this epoch perfectly. Nigeria’s then-street-hop prince Zlatan, equipped with his viral Zanku dance (an acronym for Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us), and leading Afro-fusion figure Burna Boy formed a duo that united all sides of the scene behind this indisputable street anthem. – B.M.
29. Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)

No one is stopping these Ghanaian genre-bending artists from getting the bag on the slinky Afropop anthem for independent women, “Sad Girlz Luv Money.” Amaarae’s subdued, siren-like vocals emphasize her pursuit, while MOLIY gingerly demands “Get the f—k out of my way” as she makes her way to the dance floor and lets the song’s whimsical synths take over her. Colombian American singer Kali Uchis’ aphrodisiacal verse is the cherry on top of the viral remix that crossed linguistic and cultural borders and catapulted the song into the global spotlight and onto the Global 200, peaking at No. 26. – H.M.
28. Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)

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Fireboy DML touts his new adventures on the carefree, percussive earworm “Peru.” He references fellow Nigerian singer Peruzzi, not the South American country. But “Peru” found Fireboy in different parts of the world he’d never explored before, like San Francisco, where he was “jamming” during his first-ever U.S. trip. And the mellifluous, Yoruba-infused assist from Ed Sheeran on the remix stamped it as a global smash, reaching No. 53 on the Hot 100 and spending 22 consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the UK Singles chart, tying Sheeran’s solo hits “Bad Habits” and “Shape of You.” – H.M.
27. Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)

Afrobeats as a whole — and more specifically, Afropop — is a great driver for party music. It’s what helped the genre become beloved worldwide. Wande Coal and DJ Tunez’s “Iskaba” couldn’t be a better example of not just a party anthem, but a record known by people who are relatively unfamiliar with Afrobeats. Language barriers be damned, Africans and non-Africans alike will shout “Oh, my darling!” before chanting “Iskaba, Iskele bete, Iskolo boto” in the chorus, without knowing its meaning. But as Wande Coal says, “We just wanna party.” And with a song like this, that’s all that matters. – W. OKON
26. Mr. Eazi & Ifya, “Skin Tight” (2015)

Mr. Eazi’s “Skin Tight” presided over every rave, hall and house party following its release in 2015 and played a quintessential role in the genre’s growth and eventual dominance in the 2010s. It’s laced with intimacy, the pulse of its opening keyboard sequence indicative of the gravitas behind his and Ifya’s proclamations. And he embodies the lover boy brand similar to that of his close collaborator Wizkid. Helmed by the now juggernaut producer Juls, the midtempo track perfectly represents the sultry, romantic side of Afrobeats, evoking similar emotions to that of R&B. – N.S.
25. Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)

If you want to understand how and why Wizkid became the superstar he is today, you have to start with his 2011 debut album, coincidentally titled Superstar. The project established him as an undeniable hitmaker, thanks to records like “Don’t Dull,” “Holla at Your Boy,” and, of course, “Pakurumo.” The lattermost record became the most recognizable hit from Superstar, as Wizkid crafted a wonderful Afropop record backed by fuji’s talking drum. It’s no surprise that Wizkid grew to become one of Afrobeats’ best artists, as he’s proved time and time again over the decade that followed. – W. OKON
24. Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)

Having already made inroads with a late millennial audience with songs like 2015’s “Bae,” British Ivorian DJ/artist Afro B doubled down on his growing momentum and crafted this instantly warm and evocative smash that figuratively honors his native football idol Didier Drogba in his proclamations of love. After initially finding success on his home turf, the song hit a cross-pollination of demographics Stateside via the viral Drogba Challenge. “Drogba” represents the migration of Afrobeats at the turn of a decade and the rise of Afrowave, a U.K. derivate of the genre that fuses Afrobeats with hip-hop, dancehall and more. – N.S.
23. Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)

Although he started as a rapper, Olamide became one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars by the mid-2010s thanks to an oeuvre stacked with genre-resetting pop hits that distilled the style, perspectives and culture of inner-city Lagos into unavoidable bangers. In 2015, only one objective remained seemingly out of reach: scoring a hit with a popular dance routine. He effortlessly achieved that with “Bobo,” the supercharged, Young Jonn-produced track that referenced his drive while reinforcing the international reach of his sound. The song also introduced the Shakiti Bobo dance that took over Afrobeats for the better part of the following year. – W. OLOWOREKENDE
22. Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)

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Burna Boy served the 2022 song of the summer and an international breakup anthem on a silver platter with “Last Last.” He chases the pain away with the intoxicating, belt-able hook “I need Igbo and Shayo” (meaning “weed and liquor” in Yoruba), while the sample of Toni Braxton’s 2000 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough” (courtesy of producer Chopstix) adds a dash of nostalgia to the instant party starter and festival favorite. “Last Last” is the longest-charting No. 1 on the UK Afrobeats chart with 13 consecutive weeks, and it earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. – H.M.
21. Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)

Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy’s “Eminando,” from her 2013 debut album Once Upon a Time, featured an enigmatic meld of traditional production and a then-contemporary sass. Fearlessly infatuated, Savage is every bit the leading lady, while Don Jazzy anchors the single with a familiar brand of camaraderie, offering up typical gestures of money and lifestyle advancements. Savage performed “Eminado” at the Music Around the Globe event during the 2014 BET Experience, further proof that the track helped propel Afrobeats to global dominance at a time when the genre was still emerging to many Western eyes and ears. – N.S.

Link to the source article – https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-afrobeats-songs/

Recommended for you

50. Weird MC, “Ijoya” (2006)

49. Nonso Amadi, “Tonight” (2016)

48. Timaya, “Dem Mama” (2005)

47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba, “Raise Da Roof” (2004)

46. Victony & Tempoe, “Soweto” (2022)

45. Olu Maintain, “Yahooze” (2007)

44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo, “Oleku” (2010)

43. Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno, “Buga” (2022)

42. Libianca, “People” (2022)

41. Asake, “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)

40. Davido feat. Musa Keys, “Unavailable” (2023)

39. Skales, “Shake Body” (2014)

38. Lojay & Sarz, “Monalisa” (2021)

37. Oxlade, “Ku Lo Sa” (2022)

36. Maleek Berry, “Kontrol” (2016)

35. Tekno, “Pana” (2016)

34. P-Square, “Personally” (2013)

33. Runtown, “Mad Over You” (2016)

32. The Mavins, “Dorobucci” (2014)

31. Ayra Starr, “Rush” (2022)

30. Burna Boy feat. Zlatan, “Killin Dem” (2019)

29. Amaarae & MOLIY, “Sad Girlz Luv Money” (2020)

28. Fireboy DML, “Peru” (2021)

27. Wande Coal & DJ Tunez, “Iskaba” (2016)

26. Mr. Eazi & Ifya, “Skin Tight” (2015)

25. Wizkid, “Pakurumo” (2011)

24. Afro B, “Drogba (Joanna)” (2018)

23. Olamide, “Bobo” (2015)

22. Burna Boy, “Last Last” (2022)

21. Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy, “Eminado” (2013)

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