Billboard’s editorial team has just dropped a powerful list celebrating the greatest Nigerian Afrobeats songs ever. Here are their picks, in an order that sums up the heart and soul of the genre:

1. “African Queen” – 2Baba

A landmark ballad that spoke to Africa’s beauty in 2004. It wasn’t just a song, it was a gentle introduction to Nigerian sound on the world stage. 

2. “Ojuelegba” – Wizkid

A raw, emotional tribute to grit in Lagos. When Drake and Skepta hopped on the remix, it pushed Afrobeats into global orbit. 

3. “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” – Flavour

A highlife gem reviving Cardinal Rex’s “Sawale” and lighting up every party in 2011. This re‑imagined classic earned its #3 spot on Billboard’s all‑time list. 

4. “Calm Down” – Rema

This tune owns records—longest run atop Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats chart, biggest crossover to Pop Airplay, one billion streams on Spotify, plus a Hot 100 peak at No. 3. It's a global smash. 

5. “Essence” – Wizkid ft. Tems

Pure magic. Glyphically bridging continents, this one became the first Nigerian song to crack the US Hot 100’s top 10—and everyone’s still vibing to it. 

6. “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” – CKay

A TikTok sensation turned Afrobeats stronghold. Billboard coined it the first No. 1 on its U.S. Afrobeats chart when it launched, with stays that broke records. 

7. “Oliver Twist” – D'banj

This 2012 track cracked the UK charts and opened doors for Nigerian artists in Europe. It was the kind of beat that made Afrobeats dance into global consciousness. 

8. “Fall” – Davido

A slow‑burn hit that turned into a worldwide earworm in 2017. Davido rode this one all the way to global recognition. 

9. “Ye” – Burna Boy

A personal anthem for many, this 2018 release resonated deeply beyond Nigeria, especially when “Ye” became synonymous with introspective Afrofusion. 

10. “Chop My Money (Remix)” – P‑Square ft. Akon & May D

An electrifying collaboration that sent P‑Square’s magic worldwide. The remix was a defining Afrobeats moment of its era.