World Music – Afrobeats has exploded onto the world stage over the past two decades, evolving from a regional sound rooted in West Africa to a global cultural force. From sold-out stadium tours to chart-topping collaborations with Beyoncé, Drake, and Ed Sheeran, the genre has reshaped international pop music while remaining deeply connected to its African identity.
To honor the artists and songs that shaped this movement, Billboard Magazine has compiled its definitive list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats tracks of all time. The ranking highlights songs that are not only commercially successful but also foundational, influential, and representative of the sound’s diverse subgenres, from street-pop and alté to Afrofusion.
Afrobeats vs. Afrobeat: A Vital Distinction
As Billboard notes, it’s important to distinguish Afrobeats (plural) from Afrobeat, the politically charged, jazz- and funk-infused style pioneered in the 1960s by Nigerian legend Fela Kuti. Emerging in the 2000s, Afrobeats blends polyrhythms, syncopation, and elements of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall with lyrics sung in Yoruba, Nigerian Pidgin, and English. Its themes often celebrate love, joy, and social commentary, giving it a universal appeal.
A Sound on the Rise
The recognition of Afrobeats in major institutions underscores its global impact. Billboard launched its U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart in 2022, following the Official U.K. Afrobeats Chart’s debut two years earlier. Soon after, the American Music Awards, MTV VMAs, and The Recording Academy all introduced categories dedicated to Afrobeats, solidifying its place in mainstream music culture.
The Selection Process
Billboard’s editors and contributors, working across the U.S., U.K., and Nigeria, crafted the list using criteria that included local and global popularity, cultural influence, stylistic significance, and commercial success. To ensure balance, no artist was allowed more than three songs on the list, even superstars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, often referred to as the genre’s “Big 3.”
A Global Rollout
The list, released in stages leading up to the top 10, spans groundbreaking hits like Weird MC’s “Ijoya” (2006), Davido’s “Fall” (2017), CKay’s “Love Nwantiti” (2019), Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” (2020), and Burna Boy’s “Last Last” (2022). At No. 1 stands 2Baba’s timeless ballad “African Queen” (2004)—a song that not only redefined Afrobeats but also cemented itself as an enduring anthem of African beauty and identity.
“Afrobeats to the World”
From Lagos to London to Los Angeles, the list reflects the rallying cry of “Afrobeats to the world.” What began as a local sound in Nigeria and Ghana has grown into a genre shaping global pop trends, inspiring TikTok dance crazes, and dominating festivals from Coachella to Afro Nation.
As Billboard Magazine writes, these 50 songs are not just hits; they are the building blocks of a movement that continues to expand, innovate, and celebrate African creativity on the world stage.
Midtown Times spotlight on the Top 10 Afrobeats songs of all time, Credit to Billboard Magazine:
The Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time
Billboard’s ranking of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs highlights the genre’s remarkable growth and cultural influence. Here, we break down the top 10 tracks, which capture Afrobeats’ journey from a local phenomenon to a global powerhouse.
10. P-Square – “Chop My Money (Remix)” feat. Akon (2012)
At the height of their career, Nigerian duo P-Square delivered one of Afrobeats’ most iconic cross-regional collaborations. With Akon joining the remix, the track became a global milestone, symbolizing Afrobeats’ early push into international markets and cementing P-Square’s legacy as trailblazers.
9. Burna Boy – “Ye” (2018)
A defiant anthem from Burna Boy’s Outside album, “Ye” resonated as both a street hit and a global smash. Its mix of resilience, swagger, and relatable lyricism turned it into an instant classic, earning platinum certifications across multiple countries and solidifying Burna Boy as a world star.
8. Davido – “Fall” (2017)
One of Davido’s most enduring hits, “Fall” combines Afrobeats rhythms with highlife-inspired guitar melodies and modern synths. It became the first Afrobeats single certified gold in the U.S. and helped propel Davido into international superstardom.
7. D’banj – “Oliver Twist” (2011)
Before Afrobeats’ mainstream explosion, D’banj’s playful and witty “Oliver Twist” proved the genre’s crossover potential. The track climbed into the U.K. Top 10, an early sign that West African music was primed for global success.
6. CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (2019)
Perhaps the most viral Afrobeats hit of the digital age, “Love Nwantiti” swept across TikTok and earned multi-platinum certifications worldwide, including diamond status in France and 20x platinum in India. Its remixes only added to its universal appeal.
5. Wizkid feat. Tems – “Essence” (2020)
Dubbed the “song of the summer” in 2021, “Essence” elevated both Wizkid and Tems to new heights. Its remix with Justin Bieber expanded its reach, but the original’s sultry mix of Afrobeats and R&B already secured it as one of the genre’s most celebrated songs.
4. Rema – “Calm Down” (2022)
A global blockbuster, Rema’s “Calm Down” became one of Afrobeats’ biggest crossover records, especially after the Selena Gomez remix. It broke streaming records, reaching over a billion streams on Spotify, and became a staple in international pop culture.
3. Flavour – “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” (2011)
Drawing from traditional highlife and reinventing it with modern Afrobeats and dancehall elements, Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” remains a cultural touchstone. Its infectious rhythm makes it a must-play at weddings, parties, and festivals worldwide.
2. Wizkid – “Ojuelegba” (2014)
This heartfelt track from Wizkid’s album Ayo is a love letter to his Lagos roots and became a global gateway into Afrobeats. A remix with Drake and Skepta amplified its reach, but its original form already cemented Wizkid as one of the genre’s defining stars.
1. 2Baba – “African Queen” (2004)
At the top of Billboard’s list is 2Baba’s timeless ballad, “African Queen.” The song revolutionized Afrobeats with its romantic simplicity and heartfelt homage to African women. Featured in the 2006 film Phat Girlz, it remains one of the most important love songs in African music history.
A Global Legacy
From 2Baba’s classic ballad to Rema’s streaming juggernaut, the top 10 reflect Afrobeats’ journey across eras: from grassroots Nigerian parties to the world’s biggest stages. As Billboard emphasizes, these songs are more than hits—they are cultural markers of Africa’s growing influence in global music.
By Midtown Times Staff — adapted from reporting by Billboard Magazine
