50 Best Nigerian Songs of the Last Decade (2015–2025)
Nigerian music has been on a global takeover for over a decade. Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, Afro-house, and street pop have evolved into world-class genres, shaping global playlists, inspiring dances, and dominating streaming charts. In this blog, we highlight 50 of the best Nigerian songs from the last decade—the tracks that broke barriers, started movements, and defined a generation.
1. Highlights From the 2010s
- “Johnny” – Yemi Alade (2013)
A breakthrough female anthem that put Yemi Alade on the international stage. - “Ojuelegba” – Wizkid (2014)
Wizkid’s breakout hit, later remixed by Drake & Skepta, cementing Afrobeats as a global sound. - “Pana” – Tekno (2016)
A smooth, addictive track that became a continental smash. - “Mad Over You” – Runtown (2016)
Romantic Afropop with Ghanaian influences that became a staple across Africa. - “If” – Davido (2017)
Revived Davido’s career with its heartfelt lyrics and infectious beat. - “Maradona” – Niniola (2017)
A pioneering Afro-house anthem that caught global attention. - “Ye” – Burna Boy (2018)
Widely seen as Nigeria’s unofficial national anthem of the late 2010s. - “Dumebi” – Rema (2019)
A playful debut single that introduced Rema’s unique sound to the world.
2. Global Phenoms and Record-Breakers
- “Fall” – Davido (2017)
Broke records as one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs in the US and became a streaming giant. - “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” – CKay ft. Joeboy & Kuami Eugene (2019/2020)
Went viral globally, topping charts across continents and exploding on TikTok. - “Essence” – Wizkid ft. Tems (2021)
Dubbed “the song of the summer” worldwide, it opened Afrobeats fully to mainstream Western audiences.
3. Street Anthems & Viral Bangers
- “Penalty” – Small Doctor (2016)
A street hop anthem that won the Headies and energized grassroots Lagos nightlife. - “Legbegbe” – Mr Real (2018)
A Shaku Shaku-era hit that influenced dance culture across Nigeria. - “Soapy” – Naira Marley (2019)
Controversial but undeniable, paired with its viral dance step. - “KPK” – Rexxie ft. Mohbad (2021)
A high-energy, Amapiano-influenced street anthem. - “Fada Fada” – Phyno ft. Olamide (2016)
A collaboration blending Igbo and Yoruba vibes, celebrating resilience. - “Tesojue” – Reminisce (2014)
A gritty street rap hit with memorable quotables. - “Efejoku” – Lil Kesh ft. Viktoh (2016)
A fun party starter, driven by Lil Kesh’s energetic delivery. - “Wetin We Gain” – Victor AD (2018)
A prayer-like anthem that connected deeply with Nigerians seeking hope. - “Bobo” – Olamide (2015)
Birthed the famous “shakiti bobo” dance trend. - “Able God” – Chinko Ekun ft. Lil Kesh & Zlatan Ibile (2018)
A viral motivational jam, especially known for the “no more insufficient funds” line.
4. Gen 2020+ Chart-Toppers & Modern Giants
- “Feeling” – Ladipoe & Buju (2021)
A feel-good hit that topped Nigerian charts for weeks. - “Buga” – Kizz Daniel & Tekno (2022)
The ultimate anthem of celebration and hard work, dominating across Africa. - “Baby (Is it a Crime)” – Rema (2025)
A bold, genre-bending track showcasing Rema’s global star power. - “Laho” – Shallipopi (2025)
A street-inspired anthem with viral appeal. - “With You” – Davido & Omah Lay (2025)
A smooth collaboration blending Afropop and soulful vocals. - “My Darling” – Chella (2025)
A rising hit highlighting Nigeria’s new generation of Afrobeats stars. - “Update” – Burna Boy (2025)
A socially conscious yet danceable jam proving Burna’s consistency. - “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr & Wizkid (2025)
A high-profile collaboration merging sultry vocals and star power. - Tracks from Afro-Adura movement (2023–2025)
Songs from artists like M3lon (Nepa), Seyi Vibez, Diamond Jimma, and Bhadboi OML, rooted in spirituality and street realities.
Why These 50 Tracks Matter
- Cultural Benchmarks: Ojuelegba, Essence, Ye, and Fall shaped Afrobeats’ journey onto global stages.
- Street Energy: Tracks like Penalty, Bobo, and Soapy show the unfiltered voice of Nigerian youth.
- Viral Power: Love Nwantiti and Buga proved the internet’s role in exporting Nigerian music.
- Genre Evolution: From Afropop to Afro-house, Amapiano, and Afro-Adura, these songs highlight innovation.
Recap: 50 Songs Across Eras
- Mid-2010s Classics: Johnny, Ojuelegba, Pana, Mad Over You, If, Maradona, Ye, Dumebi, Fall
- Global Hits: Love Nwantiti, Essence
- Street Anthems: Penalty, Legbegbe, Soapy, KPK, Fada Fada, Tesojue, Efejoku, Wetin We Gain, Bobo, Able God
- Modern Era (2020–2025): Feeling, Buga, Baby (Is it a Crime), Laho, With You, My Darling, Update, Gimme Dat, Afro-Adura tracks
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Final Thoughts
The last decade has been a golden era for Nigerian music. From the streets of Lagos to global stadiums, Nigerian artists have crafted anthems that speak to joy, struggle, resilience, and celebration. These 50 songs capture the heartbeat of a nation that turned rhythm into revolution—and Afrobeats into a worldwide language.
