Category: Music

Veteran Nigerian folk musician Beautiful Nubia (Segun Akinlolu) has publicly accused prominent gospel artists Yinka Ayefele and BBO of lifting the melody of his 2001 classic track “Seven Lifes” without credit.

In a post on X on February 19, 2026, the Roots Renaissance Band founder wrote:

“There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012 and now someone called BBO with ‘Amin’ this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes’. When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?”

The post quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of likes, reposts, and dozens of comments in a matter of hours.

“Seven Lifes”, released on the album What a Feeling! in the early 2000s, is one of Beautiful Nubia’s most enduring works. The song blends Yoruba lyrics with rich instrumentation and philosophical undertones, celebrating African resilience, survival, and spiritual strength. Its folk-infused style has influenced generations of Nigerian musicians.

The current controversy focuses on two gospel tracks. Yinka Ayefele’s “Igbagbo Ireti” (My Faith in God, 2012) has long drawn attention for melodic similarities to “Seven Lifes,” with many describing it as a gospel reinterpretation of Nubia’s classic. The more recent BBO release, “Amin” (2026), sparked Nubia’s public statement. X users highlighted what they called a “glaring” resemblance, with some joking that they could almost sing Nubia’s lyrics over BBO’s track. Streaming algorithms even queue the two songs together in certain searches, amplifying the perceived connection.

Fans on X have rallied behind Beautiful Nubia, expressing frustration over uncredited borrowing in Nigerian music. Many urged legal action, praising Nubia as a legend whose work should not be disrespected. Others referenced Ayefele’s past controversies, including alleged heavy sampling of late highlife legend Orlando Owoh across an entire album. A minority of commenters argued that the similarities are exaggerated or fall under artistic inspiration, noting that musical ideas are often recycled.

This incident underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s music industry, including weak protection for older compositions, the fine line between homage, interpolation, sampling, and plagiarism; especially in gospel music borrowing folk melodies and social media’s growing role in giving veteran artists a direct platform to call out perceived theft.

Ironically, “Seven Lifes” is now experiencing renewed attention in 2026, thanks to the tracks accused of borrowing from it. Whether this dispute leads to legal action, public apologies, or sparks broader industry reform remains to be seen.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has released its 2025 Global Recording Artist Chart, spotlighting the biggest names in music worldwide based on streaming, physical sales, downloads, and overall consumption. The chart, officially released in early 2026, confirms Taylor Swift as the most dominant global artist for the sixth time in her career, solidifying her status at the top of the music industry.

Taylor Swift’s continued dominance, reportedly her fourth consecutive year at #1, is a testament to her unmatched global reach and loyal fanbase. Her performance across albums, singles, and streaming platforms ensured she outpaced both established and rising artists on the global stage.

K-pop group Stray Kids made a significant leap in 2025, earning the #2 spot on the IFPI chart. This marks a historic achievement for the group, highlighting the growing global influence of K-pop outside South Korea. Stray Kids’ dynamic releases, international streaming numbers, and worldwide fan engagement contributed to their record-breaking year.

Other Highlights from the Top 20

• Drake and The Weeknd continue to dominate, taking #3 and #4 respectively.
• Bad Bunny holds strong at #5, maintaining his position as one of Latin music’s most influential global artists.
• Legendary and re-emerging artists like Lady Gaga (#10), Ed Sheeran (#18), SZA (#19), and Justin Bieber (#20) return to the chart, showing the staying power of established acts.
• New entrants include Mrs. Green Apple (#13), a sign of rising international talent making a mark globally.

Top 20 IFPI Global Recording Artists 2025

1. Taylor Swift
2. Stray Kids
3. Drake
4. The Weeknd
5. Bad Bunny
6. Kendrick Lamar
7. Morgan Wallen
8. Sabrina Carpenter
9. Billie Eilish
10. Lady Gaga
11. Ariana Grande
12. Tyler, The Creator
13. Mrs. Green Apple
14. SEVENTEEN
15. Eminem
16. Linkin Park
17. Zach Bryan
18. Ed Sheeran
19. SZA
20. Justin Bieber

The IFPI Global Recording Artist Chart measures total global consumption, including streaming, downloads, and physical album sales. It reflects not just commercial success but also the artists’ global cultural influence.

Taylor Swift’s continued reign and Stray Kids’ meteoric rise demonstrate the blending of Western and K-pop markets, while the mix of veterans and new entrants in the top 20 highlights the diversity of global music consumption today.

For six straight years, Burna Boy has found his way onto one of music’s most competitive charts. Now, the Nigerian global star has officially made history.

The Grammy-winning artist has become the first African musician to have at least one song appear on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years; spanning from 2021 to 2026. The milestone reinforces not just his dominance, but the sustained global expansion of Afrobeats.

According to chart data published by Billboard, Burna Boy’s streak began in 2021 and has continued every year since, without interruption.

The run started in 2021 with Loved By You. In 2022, Last Last became his biggest solo crossover hit to date, earning massive global streaming numbers and radio rotation in multiple territories.

In 2023, he returned with Sittin’ On Top Of The World and the remix of Talibans II, further strengthening his presence on the chart.

The momentum carried into 2024 with Just Like Me and We Pray, proving that his chart appearances were not accidental spikes but part of a sustained international run.

By 2025, WGFT kept the streak alive, and now in 2026, his new entry Only You officially extends the record to a sixth consecutive year.

While African artists have appeared on the Hot 100 before, maintaining entries across six straight calendar years is a different level of consistency. It signals not just viral success, but long-term global positioning.

Burna Boy’s achievement also reflects a wider shift in the music industry. Afrobeats is no longer treated as a regional sound breaking through occasionally. It is now a recurring presence in mainstream global charts, festivals, and award conversations. However, this particular milestone belongs solely to him.

What makes the feat even more impressive is that the entries span different eras of his sound, from emotionally reflective records to club-ready anthems and international collaborations. The consistency suggests a strategic evolution rather than repetition.

For Nigerian music and African pop culture at large, the moment feels symbolic. A decade ago, charting on the Hot 100 was rare. Today, one artist has turned it into an annual expectation.

With Only You now on the chart in 2026, the question shifts from whether Burna Boy can sustain global visibility to how long this historic streak can continue.

Afrobeats is often celebrated for its infectious rhythms and dancefloor hits, but at its core, it’s also a genre of love and romance. From timeless classics to modern chart-toppers, Afrobeats love songs capture devotion, longing, and passion in uniquely African ways. Here’s our definitive list of the Top 20 Afrobeats love songs of all time, spanning decades of music history.

1. African Queen – 2Baba

Arguably the most iconic love song in African music, African Queen celebrates African beauty and devotion. Its smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics made 2Baba an international superstar and set the standard for romantic Afrobeats tracks.

2. Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah) – CKay

A modern classic, Love Nwantiti blends soft Afrobeats instrumentation with tender lyrics. Its global reach, boosted by TikTok virality, makes it a love anthem for the digital age.

3. If – Davido

A romantic favorite, If expresses love with sincerity and charm. Its catchy hook has made it a staple on love playlists across Africa and beyond.

4. Aye – Davido

In Aye, Davido combines poetic storytelling with romantic devotion, celebrating love in both lyrics and melody. It’s soulful yet catchy; an Afrobeats ballad that resonates with listeners worldwide.

5. Ololufe – Wande Coal

Wande Coal’s smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics in Ololufe make it a timeless love song. It’s the kind of track that lingers in your heart long after the music ends.

6. True Love – 2Baba

Another classic from 2Baba, True Love celebrates enduring affection and commitment, making it perfect for weddings or intimate moments.

7. Yes/No – Banky W

An Afrobeats-R&B blend, Yes/No is a declaration of love and a plea for affirmation, showcasing Banky W’s signature romantic style.

8. Iyawo Mi – Timi Dakolo

A powerful love ballad, Iyawo Mi is dedicated to Timi Dakolo’s wife and has become a go-to wedding song across Nigeria for its emotional resonance.

9. Fall in Love – D’banj

An early 2010s hit, Fall in Love captures the thrill and excitement of romance with D’banj’s signature playful energy.

10. Love Don’t Care – Simi

A gentle song about love prevailing despite obstacles, Love Don’t Care combines Simi’s soft vocals with lyrics that feel both personal and universal.

11. Olufunmi – Styl-Plus

A classic Nigerian love song, Olufunmi is cherished for its smooth R&B influence and timeless romantic lyrics.

12. Love Me Jeje – Seyi Sodimu (feat. Shafy Bello)

From the ’90s, this track remains a foundational Afrobeats love song, influencing modern artists and resonating with new generations.

13. Baby – Joeboy

A modern romantic hit, Baby features sweet lyrics and a breezy Afrobeats rhythm, perfect for young love playlists.

14. Joromi – Simi

Simi’s playful yet heartfelt track tells a romantic story with melodic charm, making it an enduring favorite.

15. Mad Over You – Runtown

With soft beats and catchy melodies, Mad Over You became an international hit and a modern Afrobeats love anthem.

16. Call My Name – Styl-Plus

A heartfelt R&B-infused track that has stood the test of time, blending Afrobeats energy with romantic storytelling.

17. Like I Do – Fireboy DML

Fireboy DML delivers a smooth love song with emotional depth and reflective lyrics, cementing his place as a modern Afrobeats romance artist.

18. On Top Your Matter – Wizkid

A sensual and romantic track, Wizkid’s On Top Your Matter blends melody and intimacy, showcasing his versatility in love-themed Afrobeats.

19. Ifunanya – P-Square

A classic duo delivering smooth vocals and emotional lyrics about unwavering love, making it a must-listen for couples and romantics.

20. Olo Mi – Tosin Martins

A soulful love song that emphasizes everlasting affection, rounding out our list with a modern yet heartfelt contribution to Afrobeats romance.

These tracks represent the evolution of Afrobeats love songs from romantic classics of the ’90s to contemporary global hits. Each song is recognized for its emotional depth, lyrical romance, and lasting cultural impact, making them essential for any Afrobeats or love music playlist.

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ruger has reached another major career milestone as his hit single Girlfriend surpasses 100 million streams on Spotify. The achievement marks his second song to cross the landmark on the platform, further reinforcing his growing influence within the global Afrobeats movement.

Originally released during Ruger’s breakout phase, “Girlfriend” quickly became a fan favourite thanks to its infectious melody, confident vocal delivery, and strong replay value. Over time, the record moved beyond viral success to become a staple on international Afrobeats playlists, contributing to its steady climb toward the 100 million milestone.

Before “Girlfriend,” Ruger had already achieved the same feat with Dior, one of the biggest records of his early career. “Dior” played a significant role in introducing the singer to global audiences and remains one of his most commercially successful songs. With two tracks now surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify, Ruger joins a growing group of Nigerian artists demonstrating strong catalogue performance on international streaming platforms.

The milestone also reflects the broader expansion of Afrobeats worldwide. Nigerian artists continue to reach major digital benchmarks, and Ruger’s consistent streaming numbers highlight how emerging stars are turning early buzz into sustained global recognition.

As his catalogue grows and his international fanbase expands, achievements like this position Ruger as one of the most consistent young voices in contemporary Afrobeats. For now, “Girlfriend” crossing 100 million streams stands as another significant chapter in a career that continues to build momentum.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Llona has officially hit a major career milestone as his debut album Homeless surpasses 150 million streams on Spotify, his first project to reach this landmark. The achievement highlights the rising star’s growing influence in Nigeria’s music scene and the global appeal of his sound.

Born Michael Ajuma Attah, Llona blends Afro-fusion, street-pop, and introspective songwriting to create music that resonates with listeners across Nigeria and beyond. Raised between Kogi and Kano States, he draws inspiration from his roots, crafting songs that are both personal and universally relatable. Known for his emotive vocals and authentic storytelling, Llona has quickly built a loyal fanbase.

Released on 25 July 2024, Homeless is a 12-track debut album that blends heartfelt lyricism with infectious Afro-pop melodies. The project features collaborations with Bella Shmurda, Fave, and Wizard Chan, adding depth and variety. With themes of resilience, self-discovery, and hope, the album connects deeply with fans and has sustained high streaming numbers since release.

Tracklist for Homeless by Llona:

1. Still Scared
2. Commander (with Wizard Chan)
3. Can’t Breathe
4. Another Day
5. HBP Remix (with Bella Shmurda)
6. Stranger
7. Gangsta Love Letter
8. Cold War (with FAVE)
9. Comforter
10. Billion Paper
11. Rollercoaster
12. Forgive Me  

Surpassing 150 million streams on Spotify underscores Llona’s growing global presence and the power of authentic storytelling in music today. For a debut project, it marks a significant commercial and cultural achievement, cementing Llona as a rising force in contemporary Nigerian music.

Nigerian street-pop sensation Seyi Vibez has officially crossed a huge streaming milestone, as his project FUJI MOTO surpasses 200 million streams on Spotify. This marks his first project to hit this landmark, solidifying his status as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing music stars.

Released to critical and fan acclaim, FUJI MOTO has resonated deeply with listeners, blending fuji-inspired rhythms, street-rooted storytelling, and contemporary Afrobeats vibes. Tracks from the project continue to dominate playlists and capture global attention, driving sustained streaming growth long after the album’s release.

Seyi Vibez, born Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, hails from Lagos and has quickly become a leading voice in Nigeria’s street-pop scene. Known for his raw energy, relatable lyrics, and unique fusion of street sounds with mainstream Afrobeats, he has steadily built a loyal fanbase across Nigeria and beyond.

Surpassing 200 million Spotify streams is more than just a number; it reflects Seyi Vibez’s growing global reach, the power of street-pop in contemporary music, and the impact of authentic storytelling on streaming audiences. FUJI MOTO now stands as a defining project in his career, proving his music resonates deeply with fans worldwide.

This new milestone highlights Seyi Vibez’s expanding global reach, especially as Afrobeats continues to attract international listeners at record levels. The achievement also reflects the growing power of Nigerian street-pop artists on global streaming platforms, where audience demand increasingly shapes success.

The U.S. Billboard Hot 100 remains the most competitive singles chart in global music; blending streaming numbers, radio airplay, and sales across the United States. For Nigerian artists, landing on the chart is more than just a milestone; it’s proof of Afrobeats’ growing mainstream power.

Over the last few years, Nigerian stars have moved from occasional breakthroughs to consistent chart presence with multiple artists now logging repeat entries on the Hot 100.

Here’s a breakdown of the Nigerian artists with the most confirmed Billboard Hot 100 entries based on widely reported chart data and recent releases as of early 2026.

Nigerian Artists With the Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries

Burna Boy: 7 Entries

Burna Boy currently holds the record among Nigerian artists for the most Billboard Hot 100 appearances. His chart presence has grown through a mix of solo hits and major international collaborations, reflecting his crossover appeal across Afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop audiences.

His growing list of Hot 100 entries highlights how he has transitioned from global festival favorite to a consistent chart contender.

Tems: 7 Entries

Tems remains one of the most impactful Nigerian voices on the U.S. charts. Her Billboard Hot 100 history includes high-profile collaborations and standout solo performances, most notably Wait For U (with Future & Drake), which debuted at No. 1. A historic moment for African artists on the chart.

Her steady run of entries positions her as one of Nigeria’s strongest international chart forces.

Tems has officially reached seven career entries on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 following the debut of “What You Need,” making her the first African female artist to achieve the milestone.

Wizkid: 5 Entries 

Wizkid’s influence on the Billboard Hot 100 era of Afrobeats cannot be overstated. From Drake’s One Dance to the global smash Essence, he helped define Afrobeats’ breakthrough into mainstream American pop culture.

His Hot 100 run reflects both early global collaborations and the international expansion of Nigerian pop music.

Rema: 2 Entries 

Rema has officially entered the multi-entry category following a new chart appearance, bringing his total Billboard Hot 100 entries to two: Calm Down (Remix) with Selena Gomez: peaked at No. 3 and became one of the highest-charting Afrobeats songs ever. A recent feature appearance that marked his second Hot 100 entry.

Davido: 1 Entry

Davido secured his first Billboard Hot 100 appearance through Sensational (with Chris Brown & Lojay), marking a major milestone after years of international touring and global collaborations.

Fireboy DML: 1 Entry

Fireboy DML earned his Billboard Hot 100 debut with the global remix of Peru featuring Ed Sheeran; a crossover record that expanded his reach beyond Afrobeats audiences.

Lojay: 1 Entry

Lojay’s first Hot 100 entry also came via Sensational, placing him among the new generation of Nigerian artists making their first U.S. chart appearances.

A few years ago, a single Nigerian entry on the Billboard Hot 100 was headline-worthy. Today, multiple artists are building repeat chart runs; proving that Afrobeats is no longer a niche global genre but a sustained presence in mainstream music.

From Wizkid’s early crossover success to Burna Boy’s consistent entries and Rema’s rising global momentum, Nigerian artists are shaping the sound and direction of global pop culture.

Over the last few years, Nigerian artists have shattered streaming records on Spotify, proving their worldwide reach through massive single-day listening numbers. From major album drops to viral global hits, these peak-day streaming figures reflect the moments when Nigerian music captured global attention at scale.

While Spotify does not publicly release official daily peak records for artists, industry trackers and chart monitoring platforms have consistently highlighted several Nigerian acts whose biggest streaming days stand far above the rest. Here’s a ranked look at the Top 10 Nigerian artists with the highest reported single-day Spotify streams.

Wizkid sits firmly at No. 1 with a reported 21.6 million streams in a single day; a milestone that underscores his enduring global dominance and massive streaming pull during major releases and peak cultural moments. Davido follows at No. 2 with approximately 17.3 million streams, reflecting his ability to generate huge international traffic whenever he drops new projects or headline collaborations.

Burna Boy claims the No. 3 position with around 14.3 million daily streams at peak, a testament to his crossover success and Grammy-winning global presence. Close behind is Asake at No. 4 with roughly 13 million streams, highlighting how quickly his energetic street-pop sound translated into worldwide streaming numbers during his breakout era.

Tems ranks No. 5 with about 8.7 million streams in a single day, showing the impact of her international collaborations and solo breakthroughs. CKay comes in at No. 6 with around 8.2 million streams, largely driven by the viral global success of his music catalog and streaming longevity.

Ayra Starr secures the No. 7 spot with roughly 7.8 million streams, marking her rise as one of Afropop’s most influential young stars. ODUMODUBLVCK follows at No. 8 with approximately 7.5 million streams, representing the growing mainstream reach of Nigerian hip-hop and alternative sounds.

Veteran hitmaker Olamide lands at No. 9 with about 7.4 million streams in a single day, showing his continued relevance across generations of listeners. Rema completes the Top 10 with roughly 7.2 million streams, reflecting the massive global success of his crossover hits and Gen-Z fanbase.

These figures highlight a major shift: Nigerian artists are no longer just regional successes, they are global streaming heavyweights capable of rivaling international acts on major digital platforms. As streaming continues to shape music consumption, peak daily numbers offer a glimpse into the scale of fan engagement and the global demand for Afrobeats and Nigerian music culture.

However, it’s important to note that most daily peak streaming data comes from industry tracking estimates and fan-compiled chart analytics rather than official Spotify publications. This means numbers may vary slightly depending on the tracking source, but the ranking consistently reflects the artists who have delivered the biggest single-day streaming moments in Nigerian music history.

With new releases and global collaborations arriving every year, the leaderboard is likely to keep shifting but for now, these ten artists represent the peak streaming power of Nigerian music on the world stage.

Taylor Swift has officially made Spotify history, becoming the first female artist to surpass 120 billion total streams across all credits. The milestone, confirmed today via Chart Data on X and reflected in live Spotify analytics, cements Swift’s place as one of the most influential and enduring artists of the streaming era. 

This and many other achievements serve as proof of the artist’s unmatched global reach, loyal fanbase, and cultural impact over nearly two decades in music.

According to live streaming charts:

• Total Spotify streams: ~120.23 billion across all credits (lead and features).
• Tracks contributing: 650+ songs, from early hits like Love Story and You Belong With Me to recent chart-toppers like Anti-Hero, Cruel Summer, and Cardigan.
• Chart performance: Swift’s music consistently appears on global playlists and daily streaming charts, ensuring her catalogue grows steadily over time. 

This milestone places Swift not only as the most-streamed female artist on Spotify, but also among the elite group of artists globally who have reached 120 billion streams joining ranks with Drake, and other streaming legends.

Tours like the Eras Tour, viral social media moments, and new album releases keep her connected to both longtime fans and new listeners.

With new releases, deluxe editions, and ongoing playlist presence, Swift’s streams are expected to continue climbing well beyond 120 billion. Each milestone reinforces her status as one of the defining artists of the 21st century, with influence measured not only in numbers but in cultural resonance.