Nigerian pop artists are arguably the most talked about in sub-Saharan Africa, and have enjoyed the lion’s share of fame, streaming numbers and collaborations with international counterparts. Led by the Afrobeats rubric, the Nigerian pop sound, which is becoming more and more popular around the world with every release, is constantly expanding beyond dance-ready rhythms to include emo pulses, street vibes, amapiano and even hip hop. 

A key observation that can be made from the country’s music space is how the big stage is being shared by historical innovators and emerging pathfinders alike. 

Music In Africa’s West Africa desk brings you our annual compilation of Nigeria’s biggest tracks, which will be updated throughout the year for your listening pleasure.

Last Last by Burna Boy

Ahead of his 2022 album Love, Damini, Grammy winner Burna Boy sings of heartbreak in ‘Last Last’, a joint that samples American artist Toni Braxton’s 2000 single ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’. 

 

 

 

Buga by Kizz Daniel ft. Tekno

Kizz Daniel and Tekno, two of Afropop’s most potent hook merchants, join forces on ‘Buga’, an infectious party jam whose widespread success seems to have introduced its authors, particularly Kizz Daniel, to renewed global attention. Thematically, ‘Buga’, which currently boasts over 16 million YouTube views, invites its listeners to take time off to celebrate their milestones. 

 

 

 

Palazzo by DJ Spinall ft. Asake

Ace DJ and producer DJ Spinall enlists Asake on ‘Palazzo’, which not only perpetuates DJ Spinall’s run as a hit curator, but also Asake as a new industry staple. The record was produced by Magic Sticks.

 

 

Zazoo Zehh by Poco Lee ft. Olamide and Portable

Dancer and hype man Poco Lee’s ‘Zazoo Zehh’ is responsible for neo-Fuji singer Portable’s big break. Released to nationwide acclaim in the twilight of 2021, the track, which also guests seasoned rapper Olamide, invites vibrant dancing and honours the pulsating street vibe that has been central to Nigeria’s mainstream.

 

 

 

Overloading (Overdose) by Mavin ft. Crayon, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Magixx, and Boy Spyce.

As part of events marking Mavin Records’ 10-year anniversary, the label shares ‘Overdose’, a love-centred song that parades a number of artists on the Mavin roster, including Crayon, Ayra Starr, Ladipoe, Magixx and Boy Spyce. The song is a precursor to a compilation album due later this year. 

 

 

Follow You by Fiokee ft. Chike and Gyakie

On ‘Follow You’, veteran guitarist and producer Fiokee enlists two of Afrobeats’ favourite singers in recent years – Nigeria’s Chike and Ghana’s Gyakie. The track is off Fiokee’s long-awaited and star-studded debut LP Man, and celebrates romantic love. 

 

 

Omo Ope by Asake ft. Olamide 

This earworm is the lead single off songster Asake’s Ololade EP. The features Olamide, who also heads YBNL, the record label to which Asake is signed. 

 

 

ODG by Eltee Skhillz

These days, video-sharing platform TikTok is key to a record’s success, and Eltee Skhillz’s ‘ODG’ is the latest jam to be catapulted by video-sharing platform’s virality. ‘ODG’ is taken off the singer’s EP Body of Work EP.

 

 

Peru by Fireboy DML ft. Ed Sheeran

English singer Ed Sheeran offers a fresh verse on Fireboy DML’s smash hit ‘Peru’. The track is produced by Shizzi, who is popular for his extensive work with the likes of Davido and Wizkid. Like the original version, the latest official iteration of the song is defined by an enduring party groove invoked by spare percussion work and an ultra-fine melody.

 

 

Trouble by Basketmouth ft. 2Baba and Blaqbonez

This impressive Duktor Sett-produced song is the lead single off comedian Basketmouth’s sophomore LP Horoscopes. Released to critical and commercial acclaim, ‘Trouble’, which is humorously themed around minding one’s own business, is a great entry point into Horoscopes, which in turn highlights Basketmouth’s curatorial prowess. 

 

 

Calm Down by Rema

Rema continues his envelope-pushing experimentations, submitting a soothing vocal performance on bouncy, string-filled instrumentation. The song is expected to make it onto his 2022 album Rave and Roses. 

 

 

Mayana by A?a

Renowned French-Nigerian soul singer A?a makes her first true foray into Afrobeats on the breezy ‘Mayana’. This performance demonstrates the artist’s infinite versatility. 

 

 

Pour Me Water by Kizz Daniel

Kizz Daniel enjoys a permanent reputation as a composer of abiding love songs. ‘Pour Me Water’, which glides on highlife melody, finds its lovelorn persona bemoaning his fate with romance. 

 

 

Baddest Boy Remix by Skiibii ft. Davido

Singer Skibii enlists Afrobeats royalty in Davido for a remix of the previously released anthem ‘Baddest Boy’. The record, themed around fearless chest-thumping, nestles snugly among the most popular Nigerian songs in 2022. 

 

 

Emiliana by CKay

Propped by the international revival of his song ‘Love Nwantinti’, singer CKay submits another mellow but incisive track. ‘Emiliana’ is one of two singles the singer kicked off 2022 with. Judging by its viral success, it is going to be another good year for the Warner Music South Africa artist.

 

 

Adulthood Anthem by Ladé

Songstress Ladé finally scores her first major hit with ‘Adulthood Anthem’, a galvanising tune that rues what a tough-experience adulthood is. 

 

 

Sungba Remix by Asake ft. Burna Boy

This year is very much the year of Asake, the YBNL singer who continues to capture the streets with his witty spiels adorned with financial confidence. On the remix of his runaway hit ‘Sungba’, the musician enlists Afrobeats giant Burna Boy, who himself has refused to give up his golden touch.

 

 

Stand Strong by Davido ft. Sunday Service Choir

Davido’s ‘Stand Strong’ features Sunday Service Choir, best known for performing with Kanye West. The neo-gospel tune, which preaches resilience in the face of adversity, heralds a new Davido collection.