Billboard’s long-awaited list celebrating the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time has finally been revealed. The ranking, curated by a diverse panel of music journalists from the U.S., U.K., and Nigeria, weighs cultural impact, stylistic breadth, regional popularity, and commercial success. To ensure diversity, no artist appears more than three times on the list.
Full List: Top 50 Songs
2. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
3. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) – Flavour (2011)
4. Calm Down – Rema (2022)
5. Essence (feat. Tems) – Wizkid (2020)
6. Love Nwantiti – CKay (2019)
7. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2011)
8. Fall – Davido (2017)
9. Ye – Burna Boy (2018)
10. Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square feat. Akon (2012)
11. Olufunmi – Styl-Plus (2003)
12. Gongo Aso – 9ice (2008)
13. Kiss Your Hand – R2Bees feat. Wande Coal (2009)
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. Azonto – Fuse ODG feat. Itz Tiffany (2013)
19. Adonai – Sarkodie feat. Castro (2014)
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 & 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 (2019)
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 feat. Musa Keys (2023)
41. Peace Be Unto You (PBUY) – Asake (2022)
42. People – Libianca (2022)
43. Buga – Kizz Daniel & Tekno (2022)
44. Oleku – Ice Prince feat. 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 (2006)
Spotlight: Key Artists and Moments
– Trailblazers: Pioneers like Weird MC, Styl-Plus, D’Banj, 2Baba, and Olamide set the tone for Afrobeats’ rise.
– Global Breakouts: Songs like “Ojuelegba” (Wizkid) and “Love Nwantiti” (CKay) broke cultural and geographic barriers internationally.
– Genre-Defining Anthems: Hits like “Essence” (Wizkid & Tems) and “Fall” (Davido) reshaped perceptions of African music globally.
– Modern Icons: Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, and Libianca represent the genre’s modern vibrancy and continued evolution.
Fan Buzz on X – Where the Favorites Stand
Fans on X have been passionately reacting to the rankings with plenty of applauding favorites and playful frustrations:
– #AfricanQueenTops: Many celebrate 2Baba’s “African Queen” at No. 1 as a timeless classic that launched a generation.
– Wizkid Fandom: While “Essence” made the Top 5, some fans debate whether “Ojuelegba” at No. 2 should’ve been ranked higher — citing its role in introducing Wizkid globally.
– CKay Love: “Love Nwantiti” at No. 6 sparked praise for its cross-border appeal, but fans argue it should be higher, citing its viral dominance on TikTok and worldwide certifications.
– Burna Boy Support: Fans of “Ye” (No. 9) and “Last Last” (No. 22) reminisced about how these tracks grounded Afrobeats’ international takeover.
– Rema & TikTok Era: “Calm Down” (No. 4) received shout-outs for modern crossover power, with some fans calling it the “new anthem of Afrobeats global reign.”
– Love for Early Magic: Supporters of acts like Weird MC, Timaya, and Styl-Plus expressed joy seeing early 2000s gems hold their place in history.
