Billboard has officially released its list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, highlighting some of the most iconic and groundbreaking tracks that have shaped the genre. Afrobeats, which has its roots in Nigeria and Ghana, has now become a global sound influencing artists worldwide. The list features a mix of legendary classics and recent international smashes that propelled the genre beyond Africa.
Spotlight on the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time
1. African Queen – 2Face Idibia (2004)
This timeless love ballad remains one of the most iconic songs in African music. 2Face’s “African Queen” put Nigerian music on the global map and is celebrated as a masterpiece that helped pave the way for Afrobeats’ worldwide success.
2. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” tells the story of struggle and triumph, capturing the spirit of Lagos. The remix featuring Drake and Skepta further expanded its global reach, solidifying Wizkid as one of the biggest Afrobeats stars.
3. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) – Flavour (2005)
Flavour’s highlife-infused anthem became a cultural staple, known for its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics. It cemented Flavour’s place as a household name in African music.
4. Calm Down – Rema (2022)
Rema’s “Calm Down” took the world by storm, especially with the Selena Gomez remix. It became one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs globally, highlighting the new wave of Nigerian artists pushing Afrobeats into the mainstream.
5. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems (2021)
Dubbed the “song of the summer,” “Essence” is the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ soulful delivery and Wizkid’s smooth style created a masterpiece that captured hearts worldwide.
6. Love Nwantiti – CKay (2019)Initially a slow-burn hit, “Love Nwantiti” exploded through TikTok, becoming one of the most remixed and viral Afrobeats songs of all time. It solidified CKay’s place in the global music scene.
7. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2012)
A song that marked Afrobeats’ breakthrough into the UK charts, D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” was a game-changer. It proved Afrobeats could thrive on the international stage.
8. Fall – Davido (2017)
“Fall” became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs on Billboard. Its fusion of Afrobeats and international pop influences helped Davido gain worldwide recognition.
9. Ye – Burna Boy (2018)
“Ye” is widely regarded as Burna Boy’s breakthrough international hit. With its catchy hook and relatable themes, it became an anthem that transcended borders and genres.
10. Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square ft. Akon (2012)
This collaboration between Nigerian duo P-Square and Akon showcased Afrobeats’ crossover appeal. The track gained massive popularity and became a fan favorite across Africa and beyond.
Full Ranking: Positions 11–50 (with Release Dates)
| 11 | Olufunmi | Styl-Plus | 2003 |
| 12 | Gongo Aso | 9ice | 2008 |
| 13 | Do Me | P-Square | 2007 |
| 14 | Dami Duro | Davido | 2011 |
| 15 | Johnny | Yemi Alade | 2013 |
| 16 | Fall in Love | D’banj | 2008 |
| 17 | Bumper to Bumper | Wande Coal | 2008 |
| 18 | Adonai | Sarkodie ft. Castro | 2014 |
| 19 | Azonto | Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany | 2012 |
| 20 | Fada Fada | Phyno ft. Olamide | 2016 |
| 21 | Eminado | Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy | 2013 |
| 22 | Last Last | Burna Boy | 2022 |
| 23 | Bobo | Olamide | 2015 |
| 24 | Drogba (Joanna) | Afro B | 2018 |
| 25 | Pakurumo | Wizkid | 2011 |
| 26 | Skin Tight | Mr Eazi ft. Efya | 2015 |
| 27 | Iskaba | Wande Coal & DJ Tunez | 2016 |
| 28 | Peru | Fireboy DML | 2021 |
| 29 | Sad Girlz Luv Money | Amaarae & Moliy | 2020 |
| 30 | Killin Dem | Burna Boy & Zlatan | 2018 |
| 31 | Rush | Ayra Starr | 2022 |
| 32 | Dorobucci | Mavins | 2014 |
| 33 | Mad Over You | Runtown | 2016 |
| 34 | Personally | P-Square | 2013 |
| 35 | Pana | Tekno | 2016 |
| 36 | Kontrol | Maleek Berry | 2016 |
| 37 | Ku Lo Sa | Oxlade | 2022 |
| 38 | Monalisa | Lojay & Sarz | 2021 |
| 39 | Shake Body | Skales | 2014 |
| 40 | UNAVAILABLE | Davido ft. Musa Keys | 2023 |
| 41 | Peace Be Unto You | Asake | 2022 |
| 42 | People | Libianca | 2022 |
| 43 | Buga | Kizz Daniel & Tekno | 2022 |
| 44 | Oleku | Ice Prince ft. Brymo | 2010 |
| 45 | Yahooze | Olu Maintain | 2007 |
| 46 | Soweto | Victony & Tempoe | 2022 |
| 47 | Raise Da Roof | Jazzman Olofin & Adewale Ayuba | 2004 |
| 48 | Dem Mama | Timaya | 2005 |
| 49 | Tonight | Nonso Amadi | 2016 |
| 50 | Ijoya | Weird MC |
Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time is more than a ranking—it’s a history of Afrobeats itself. From 2Face Idibia’s classic African Queen to Rema’s global smash Calm Down, it captures how a genre rooted in African rhythms has become a universal language.
The diversity of the list, spanning pioneers like Weird MC and contemporary stars like Ayra Starr and Asake, proves that Afrobeats is not only here to stay but also destined to keep evolving as one of the world’s dominant genres.
Personally I will make some few changes to this List. Will you? Drop a comment