By Peter Omopo
Tuesday, July 22
In a major tribute to Afrobeats’ global impact, Billboard has launched its definitive ranking of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, starting with numbers 50 through 41. The list, curated by a geographically diverse team of writers from Nigeria, the U.K., and the U.S., celebrates the genre’s evolution from Lagos dancefloors to global arenas.
This historic rollout follows a decade of remarkable expansion for Afrobeats, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido performing on the world’s biggest stages and collaborating with international icons such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Drake. Industry institutions have also taken note: Billboard launched its U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart in 2022, and The Recording Academy recently introduced a Grammy category for Best African Music Performance.
The list strictly spotlights Afrobeats—the 21st-century fusion of West African rhythms with hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and pop—not to be confused with Afrobeat, the politically charged 1960s genre pioneered by Fela Kuti.
Each song was selected based on cultural influence, commercial success, local and international popularity, and representation of the genre’s stylistic range—including street-pop and alté subgenres. To ensure diversity, no artist appears more than three times on the list.
Nos. 50–41: The Countdown Begins
50. Weird MC – “Ijoya” (2006)
A trailblazer in Nigerian music, Weird MC broke gender norms with her hip-hop bravado and Yoruba lyricism. “Ijoya,” produced by Don Jazzy and JJC Skillz, remains a dancefloor classic and featured Afrobeats’ first-ever animated music video.
49. Nonso Amadi – “Tonight” (2016)
Melding R&B with Afrobeats, “Tonight” helped pioneer Afro-R&B, showcasing male vulnerability in love songs and securing a top 10 spot on Nigeria’s Playdata chart.
48. Timaya – “Dem Mama” (2005)
This haunting track chronicled the 1999 military massacre in Timaya’s hometown of Odi, Bayelsa. A potent blend of protest music and social commentary, it became a cornerstone of conscious Afrobeats.
47. Jazzman Olofin feat. Adewale Ayuba – “Raise Da Roof” (2004)
Merging fuji and hip-hop, this OJB Jezreel-produced track bridged old and new, laying the foundation for fuji-influenced Afrobeats stars like Asake and Seyi Vibez.
46. Victony & Tempoe – “Soweto” (2022)
A viral sensation, “Soweto” soared on TikTok and global charts, thanks to its breezy guitar riff, remixes with Don Toliver, Rema, and Omah Lay, and a dominant run on the U.K. and U.S. Afrobeats charts.
45. Olu Maintain – “Yahooze” (2007)
A controversial anthem, “Yahooze” reflected a time when internet fraudsters became cultural fixtures. Its infectious beat and iconic dance cemented it as a party staple despite its disputed message.
44. Ice Prince feat. Brymo – “Oleku” (2010)
A seminal track in Nigerian hip-hop, “Oleku” fused melodic choruses and rap lyricism, becoming one of the most remixed songs in Nigerian music history.
43. Kizz Daniel feat. Tekno – “Buga” (2022)
“Buga” captured global attention, becoming the most Shazam’d song in the world two weeks after its release. Its lively rhythm and dance challenge made it an instant classic.
42. Libianca – “People” (2022)
Blending Afrobeats with R&B, Cameroonian-American singer Libianca delivered a soul-baring exploration of mental health. The song climbed to No. 1 on the U.K. Afrobeats chart and entered the Billboard Hot 100.
41. Asake – “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” (2022)
A standout in Asake’s meteoric rise, “PBUY” fuses amapiano drums with Yoruba and Pidgin lyrics. It reflects his Lagos upbringing and street-pop’s growing global reach.
The countdown continues next week with songs No. 40 through 31. Follow along as Billboard continues to spotlight the music, moments, and artists that carried Afrobeats from West Africa to the world.
Stay tuned.
