American music magazine, Billboard, officially unveiled its list of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time, celebrating the genre’s evolution and global dominance.
The ranking has sparked conversations across the music industry, particularly because of its recognition of songs that defined different eras of Afrobeats and carried the sound beyond African borders.
At the very top of the list is 2face Idibia’s classic hit “African Queen,” which Billboard described as the quintessential Afrobeats anthem that not only defined a generation but also introduced international audiences to the richness of Nigerian music.
The timeless ballad, released in 2004, has remained a wedding staple and cultural reference point for nearly two decades, making its placement at number one widely celebrated.
Close behind is Wizkid’s groundbreaking “Ojuelegba,” which secured the number two spot. The track, which highlighted the struggles and triumphs of Lagos life, became the breakthrough moment that connected Afrobeats to a wider global audience.
Wizkid further cemented his legendary status with “Essence,” featuring Tems, at number five, making him the only artist with two entries in the top ten.
The top ten also featured Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” at number three, a song that blended highlife with contemporary Afrobeats, while Rema’s global hit “Calm Down” earned the fourth position, reflecting the genre’s recent streaming dominance.
CKay’s viral sensation “Love Nwantiti,” D’banj’s “Oliver Twist,” Davido’s “Fall,” Burna Boy’s “Ye,” and P-Square’s “Chop My Money Remix” featuring Akon rounded out the top ten.
Beyond the top ten, the list also spotlighted evergreen records that shaped the sound of Afrobeats in its formative years. Styl-Plus’ “Olufunmi” was ranked at number 11, followed by 9ice’s “Gongo Aso” at number 12, both records that resonated deeply with Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
P-Square’s “Do Me” and Davido’s early hit “Dami Duro” claimed the 13th and 14th spots respectively, while Yemi Alade’s “Johnny” stood out as the highest-ranked female-led track at number 15.
Other notable mentions in the top 20 included Wande Coal’s “Bumper to Bumper” at number 17, Ghanaian star Fuse ODG with “Azonto” at number 18, Sarkodie’s “Adonai” featuring Castro at number 19, and Phyno’s “Fada Fada” featuring Olamide at number 20.
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The Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time list has generated mixed reactions across the music community.
While many praised the recognition of African music on a global scale, some fans and critics argue that the rankings overlooked certain iconic songs and artists that shaped the genre.
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The Billboard ranking underscored Afrobeats’ global reach, with Nigerian artists dominating the list while Ghanaian acts also received recognition for their cultural contributions.
By spotlighting both classics and recent global hits, the list paints a picture of Afrobeats as a genre that continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in African identity.
