Billboard has officially released its first-ever list of the 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time, and it’s already sparking conversations among music lovers. The top three spots went to Nigerian legends: 2Baba’s “African Queen”, Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba”, and Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)”.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This list highlights tracks that shaped Afrobeats, spread the sound worldwide, and stood the test of time. Here’s everything you need to know.
Which song ranked number one on Billboard’s Afrobeats list?
2Baba’s “African Queen” claimed the number one position. Released in 2004, the track became an anthem of love and African pride. It was one of the first Afrobeats songs to break into international recognition, especially after being featured in the Hollywood movie Phat Girlz.
Where did Wizkid rank on the list?
Wizkid secured two major spots in the top five:
“Ojuelegba” at number 2 “Essence” ft. Tems at number 5
“Ojuelegba” is often described as the track that introduced Wizkid to a global audience, while “Essence” made waves internationally and even got a remix with Justin Bieber.
Which Flavour song made the top three?
Flavour’s “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” landed at number 3. The song is still a party favorite across Africa and among Afrobeats fans in the diaspora. Its catchy rhythm and sing-along chorus made it a timeless hit.
Full List of Billboard’s 50 Greatest Afrobeats Songs of All Time
Here’s the complete list as published by Billboard:
Top 10:
1. 2Baba – African Queen (2004)
2. Wizkid – Ojuelegba (2014)
3. Flavour – Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) (2011)
4. Rema – Calm Down (2022)
5.Wizkid ft. Tems – Essence (2020)
6.Davido – Fall (2017)
7.Burna Boy – Ye (2018)
8.P-Square – Chop My Money Remix ft. Akon & May D (2012)
9.D’banj – Oliver Twist (2012)
10.CKay – Love Nwantiti (2019)
11–20:
11. Olamide – Eni Duro (2010)
12. Fireboy DML – Peru (2021)
13. Tekno – Pana (2016)
14. Mr Eazi – Skin Tight ft. Efya (2015)
15. Tiwa Savage – All Over (2017)
16. Wizkid – Holla at Your Boy (2010)
17. Korede Bello – Godwin (2015)
18. Naira Marley – Soapy (2019)
19. Asake – Sungba Remix ft. Burna Boy (2022)
20. Ice Prince – Oleku ft. Brymo (2010)
21–30:
21. Yemi Alade – Johnny (2013)
22. Wizkid – Caro ft. L.A.X (2013)
23. Omah Lay – Understand (2021)
24. Davido – If (2017)
25. Kizz Daniel – Woju (2014)
26. Phyno – Fada Fada ft. Olamide (2016)
27. Seyi Vibez – Chance (Na Ham) (2022)
28. Ayra Starr – Rush (2022)
29. Duncan Mighty – Port Harcourt First Son (2008)
30. Runtown – Mad Over You (2016)
31–40:
31. Wande Coal – You Bad ft. D’banj (2009)
32. Wizkid – Joro (2019)
33. Joeboy – Baby (2019)
34. Burna Boy – Last Last (2022)
35. 9ice – Gongo Aso (2008)
36. Asa – Jailer (2007)
37. Flavour – Ada Ada (2012)
38. Zlatan – Zanku (Legwork) (2018)
39. Davido – Dami Duro (2011)
40. Bella Shmurda – Cash App ft. Zlatan & Lincoln (2020)
41–50:
41. Ruger – Bounce (2021)
42. Adekunle Gold – Orente (2015)
43. Mayorkun – Mama (2017)
44. Rema – Dumebi (2019)
45. Falz – This is Nigeria (2018)
46. Burna Boy – Gbona (2018)
47. Skales – Shake Body (2014)
48. Patoranking – Girlie O Remix ft. Tiwa Savage (2014)
49. Wizkid – Don’t Dull (2010)
50. Brymo – Ara (2011)
How did Billboard select these songs?
Billboard considered factors like:
Cultural influence: songs that defined Afrobeats for different generations. International reach: tracks that introduced Afrobeats to global audiences. Staying power: songs that still get airplay years after release. Commercial success: streams, sales, and chart performance.
Why does this list matter?
This ranking is a recognition of how far Afrobeats has come. It honors legends who built the sound from Nigeria and across Africa, while also celebrating the new wave of artists taking Afrobeats worldwide.
The presence of 2Baba, Wizkid, Flavour, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, and others shows how the genre bridges generations.
