For 25 years, Nigerian pop music—widely known today as Afrobeats—has risen from local nightclubs to the world’s grandest stages. From Lagos to London, from New York to Johannesburg, the genre has produced unforgettable songs that have defined eras, exported culture, and cemented Nigeria’s role as a global music powerhouse.
To mark 25 years of Afrobeats (1999–2024), Pulse Music Desk compiled a list of the 25 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, with input from music journalists, executives, and cultural tastemakers.
The first installment (No. 25–11) was released last week. Now, here are the Top 10 Afrobeats songs of all time—the tracks that not only shaped Nigerian pop culture but also carried it to international acclaim.
10. Jaga Jaga – Eedris Abdulkareem (2004)
Before Afrobeats became synonymous with parties and global crossover, Eedris Abdulkareem used music as resistance. Jaga Jaga was a fearless critique of corruption and inequality in Nigeria. Loved by the masses but condemned by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, it became an anthem of protest and proved Afrobeats could also be a voice of conscience.
9. Oleku – Ice Prince feat. Brymo (2010)
Ice Prince burst onto the scene with Oleku, a track that married swagger-filled rap verses with Brymo’s soulful hook. Produced by Jesse Jagz, it became one of the most covered Afrobeats songs of all time. The record gave Nigerian hip hop global mileage and cemented Ice Prince’s place as a continental star.
8. My Car – Tony Tetuila (2001)
Released at the turn of the millennium, Tony Tetuila’s My Car was one of the earliest Afrobeats records to break into mainstream consciousness. With its playful lyrics—“You don hit my car, oyinbo repete”—the track captured everyday Nigerian experiences while blending hip hop with African drums, laying the foundation for Afrobeats’ sonic identity.
7. Dami Duro – Davido (2011)
When Dami Duro dropped, it didn’t just announce Davido—it announced a new era of Afrobeats. Loud, confident, and irresistible, the track turned a teenage Davido into a superstar almost overnight. More than a decade later, Dami Duro still represents Afrobeats’ youthful spirit and party-loving energy.
6. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014)
A turning point in Afrobeats’ global journey, Wizkid’s Ojuelegba narrated his rise from the streets of Surulere to international stardom. Its soulful, mid-tempo groove attracted remixes from Skepta and Drake, catapulting Wizkid into the global spotlight and signaling Afrobeats’ arrival on the world stage.
5. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2012)
D’banj’s Oliver Twist blended Afrobeats, hip hop, and EDM into a song that made history. Peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart, it became one of the first Nigerian songs to dominate international radio. The track also caught the attention of Kanye West, leading to D’banj’s deal with G.O.O.D. Music and expanding Afrobeats’ global reach.
4. Gongo Aso – 9ice (2008)
A landmark for Nigerian street pop, Gongo Aso by 9ice fused Yoruba lyrics with hip hop flows and ID Cabasa’s vibrant production. The record not only won international awards but also legitimized street-influenced pop in the mainstream, paving the way for future stars to thrive.
3. Do Me – P-Square (2007)
P-Square’s Do Me was more than a hit—it was a spectacle. With sticky melodies, sleek choreography, and a cinematic video, the track demonstrated the power of Afrobeats superstardom. It elevated Nigerian music videos and showcased Afrobeats’ continental dominance during the 2000s.
2. Yahooze – Olu Maintain (2007)
Yahooze was as controversial as it was infectious. Its hypnotic beat, Fuji influences, and viral dance move made it an anthem of the mid-2000s. Its cultural impact went global when former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell danced to it live on stage in London, cementing its place in Afrobeats history.
1. African Queen – 2Baba (2004)
No song better embodies Afrobeats’ potential than African Queen. With its soft R&B melodies and heartfelt lyrics, 2Baba (formerly 2Face Idibia) delivered a timeless ballad that became Africa’s love anthem. Featured on MTV Base Africa’s launch and Hollywood’s Phat Girlz soundtrack, it was one of the first Afrobeats songs to cross into global consciousness—and it still resonates today.
These songs are more than hits—they are cultural milestones that document Afrobeats’ journey from Lagos backstreets to international arenas. From protest anthems to love ballads, from street pop to global chart-toppers, they embody the resilience, creativity, and global spirit of Nigerian music.
